One of the oldest mountain ranges in India, the Aravalli, meaning ‘line of peaks’, stretches through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, and reaches an impressive height of 1.722 metres at the summit of Guru Shikhar. Several rivers, such as the Banas, Luni, Sakhi and Sabarmati, as well as some enthralling lakes, are nestled within the range. Although the south is heavily forested, generally the area consists of large areas of stone, and an abundance of rose-coloured quartzite. The mountains are inhabited by blue bull, fox, leopard, Indian pangolin, Indian civet, porcupine, sloth bear, star tortoise, striped hyena, and many species of reptiles, both venomous and non-venomous. Birdlife includes black vultures, white-backed vultures, storks, spoonbills, and osprey. The range is also known for its abundance of medicinal plants. Visit the Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan for some glorious views of the peaks.