The Aravalli Hills: India’s Ancient Backbone That Still Holds the Land Together
The Aravalli Hills are among the world’s oldest mountains. Discover their geology, wildlife, history, rivers, threats, and why they matter today.
Introduction: India’s Quiet Geological Giant
The Aravalli Hills don’t dominate postcards like the Himalayas or thrill travelers with dramatic peaks. Instead, they stand quietly — ancient, worn, and patient — as one of the oldest mountain systems on Earth.
Formed more than 2 billion years ago during the Proterozoic era, the Aravallis have survived unimaginable geological change. What we see today is not a towering range, but the deeply eroded remains of a once-mighty backbone of the Indian subcontinent.
Geography and Extent
The Aravalli Range stretches roughly 700 kilometers in a southwest-to-northeast direction. It begins near Delhi, runs through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ends in Gujarat near Ahmedabad.
- Length: ~670–800 km
- Width: 10 km (narrow) to 100 km (broad)
- Average elevation: 600–900 meters
- Highest peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m), Mount Abu
Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, rises like an island of green in an otherwise arid landscape.
Geological Formation: Older Than the Himalayas
Unlike the Himalayas, which are still rising, the Aravallis are ancient fold mountains formed long before India collided with Asia.
Over billions of years, wind, rain, and tectonic calm eroded the peaks into the rugged ridges seen today. The rocks — mainly quartzite, granite, and gneiss — are rich in minerals such as copper, zinc, marble, and iron.
Evidence of copper mining here dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE, linking the Aravallis to early Indus Valley settlements.
Rivers and Climate Role
Several important rivers originate in the Aravalli Hills, making them crucial for water security in northwestern India.
- Banas
- Luni
- Sahibi
- Sabarmati
The range also acts as a natural barrier, slowing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert and influencing monsoon behavior by trapping moisture and moderating temperatures.
Ecology and Biodiversity
Despite their dry appearance, the Aravallis support surprising biodiversity.
- Southern sections (Mount Abu) feature evergreen forests
- Northern sections are dominated by scrubland and dry deciduous forests
- Common vegetation includes acacia, dhok trees, and grasslands
Wildlife
The hills are home to a wide range of animals:
- Leopards
- Striped hyenas
- Nilgai
- Sambar deer
- Wild boar
- Jackals
Birdlife is equally rich, with species such as grey junglefowl, painted spurfowl, and many migratory birds.
Major Protected Areas
- Sariska Tiger Reserve – Tigers, leopards, ancient temples
- Ranthambore National Park – Tiger habitat at the Aravalli-Vindhya junction
- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary – Sloth bears, pangolins, birds
- Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Wolves, four-horned antelope
- Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary – Delhi’s green lungs
These regions are vital for wildlife corridors and groundwater recharge.
Cultural and Historical Importance
The Aravallis have shaped Indian history for thousands of years.
- Ancient mining sites reveal early human settlement
- Forts like Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore reflect Rajput valor
- Dilwara Jain Temples in Mount Abu display world-class marble craftsmanship
The range has long been home to tribes, pilgrims, warriors, and traders — woven deeply into India’s cultural memory.
Threats and Conservation Challenges
Today, the Aravalli Hills face serious threats.
- Illegal mining
- Deforestation
- Urban expansion
- Groundwater depletion
In regions like Haryana and Delhi-NCR, quarrying has caused dust pollution and habitat destruction. Although the Supreme Court has banned mining in sensitive zones, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Recent conservation efforts include proposals like the Great Green Wall of Aravalli, a massive afforestation project aimed at restoring degraded land and fighting desertification.
Best Places to Visit in the Aravallis
- Mount Abu – Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Dilwara Temples
- Sariska & Ranthambore – Wildlife safaris
- Kumbhalgarh Fort – Panoramic views and historic walls
- Udaipur Hills – Sajjangarh Palace
- Delhi Ridge – Urban nature escapes
Conclusion
The Aravalli Hills may not tower dramatically, but their importance is immeasurable. They hold back deserts, recharge aquifers, shelter wildlife, and carry the geological memory of Earth itself.
In an age of rapid development, protecting these ancient hills is not just environmental responsibility — it is preservation of India’s deepest past. Walk their trails, and you don’t just see hills — you feel time.