When monsoon clouds roll over the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan's Sirohi district, a handful of otherwise quiet spots turn into some of the district's biggest crowd-pullers. Waterfalls that stay dry through most of the year come alive with the first heavy showers, drawing not just residents of Sirohi but visitors from far outside the district as well. These locations work almost entirely as monsoon picnic spots, and anyone planning to climb down into the falls is advised to be careful, since slippery rocks and a strong current can make the experience risky.
The waterfall by Gangajaliya Mahadev Temple
Near Kachholi village in Pindwara tehsil, tucked into the Aravalli valleys, stands the Gangajaliya Mahadev Temple. Right beside it flows a scenic waterfall that turns into a major attraction once the rains set in. People from the surrounding villages visit through the year, but during the monsoon, travellers from much further away also make the trip just to see this waterfall and take in the surrounding views.
A trail of waterfalls on the way to Pushkar Raj Temple
Also in Pindwara tehsil, near Phulabai Ka Kheda village, the Pushkar Raj Temple sits in a hard-to-reach spot deep in the Aravalli hills. Along the path leading to the temple, and around the temple itself, several beautiful waterfalls flow. The biggest crowds show up during the rainy season, when these falls run at full force. Heavy rain, though, often blocks the route, making the temple and its waterfalls difficult to reach at times.
The waterfall near Sadka Bhavani Temple on the Mount Abu route
In the wildlife zone on the way from Mount Abu, the ancient Sadka Bhavani Temple also gets its own monsoon waterfall. Visitors can reach the spot by climbing a flight of stairs on foot, or by taking the road route via Mount Abu. Large numbers of people head here during the rains to enjoy both the waterfall and the greenery around it.
The trek past Badrinath-Kedarnath temple near Guru Shikhar
Close to the walking trail that runs from Guru Shikhar, Rajasthan's highest peak, down toward Utaregi, stand the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. The route to these temples is dotted with several waterfalls and scenic views. During the monsoon, people combine trekking with temple visits, stopping along the way to enjoy the waterfalls before reaching the shrines.
Hathi Kund and its waterfall near Abu Road
About 5 kilometres from Abu Road town, near the Rishikesh temple inside a forest, lies Hathi Kund. A pretty waterfall flows right next to this pond, pulling in large crowds during the rainy season. Through the monsoon months, the entire area starts to look like a proper picnic spot, with families and groups of friends showing up to spend time together.
