Aravalli Hills

A range of hills running diagonally from
the southwestern to the northeastern
corner of Rajasthan. They are important
for their physical characteristics, which
have a profound effect on the environment. On the northern side of the hills,
the land slopes gently into the Thar
desert and is arid and thinly settled. On
the southern side, the hills provide
more protection. As a result the land is
greener and comparatively richer than
on the northern side.
Sacred sites (tirthas) in the Aravallis
include the town of Pushkar, with its
holy lake, as well as the temple devoted
to Balaji, which is located in the village
of Mehndipur.