Guide to Uncovering Ancient Treasures on the Kot Village Heritage Trail
Date: 8 February 2026
Location: Kot Village
Walk leaders: Shalaish and Tejveer
Walk Theme: The Kot Village Aravalli Expedition
Walk Coordinator: Salil Dutta
Number of Participants: 16
North India has been the amalgamation of culture, heritage, and history for ages. Much before it was chosen by the Aryans for settlement, the Indo-Gangetic plains had a long history of rich prehistoric and historic connections. To uncover these very linkages in Haryana, Asian Adventures, in collaboration with Global Wildlife Fair and Vanyaravalli, organised an Earth Walk in Kot Village. An enthusiastic crowd gathered at around 8:00 am at the designated location, and the walk began with the walk leaders explaining how the capital city has geographic remnants and was once a prominent part of the famous Aravalli range.
As the walk proceeded, the group came across a significant structure that intrigued everyone’s interest. The Jharna Temple is not just another temple of Shiva; it is a reminder of the potent influence of Hinduism and the bhakti movement as a way of life during the mighty Gupta empire. The Ek Mukhi Shivling is the highlight of the temple. Situated within a natural spring complex, it is a monolithic lingam with a single face. Participants observed the spiritual and ecological brilliance utilised in choosing the site for the establishment of the temple. The architectural motifs present around the temple act as insights into the early Nagara influence. The place holds high reverence among the locals, but lacks a formal structure of protection.
The second major sighting during this trail became the Silakhari Rock Shelters. These structures, which depict symbolic patterns in the formation of animals and anthropomorphic figures, are also found in rock paintings. Made from ochre and white pigment, these date back to the Mesolithic Age.
People had to look closely to trace these paintings because of exposure or evolving biological elements; these structures are fading. It was then told how these images serve as historical records. The layered art forms surpassed the divisions of time, revealing the microlith debitage and providing glimpses of the sustained human activities in that specific era. As the walk proceeded, the group next came across the petroglyphs in Kot Village. These beautiful structures are one of the most significant petroglyph structures that are present in the country. These extensive rock canvases exist as cupules, hand and foot prints, engraved board games like chaupar, and figurative engravings.
People noticed the different depictions that were present in these motifs, ranging from possible astronomical markers to ritualistic symbols. These, too, are dwindling in existence because of vandalism, quarrying, and erosion.
The purpose of this walk was to highlight the past links that still exist between the present and the bygone. The location was also chosen to highlight the need to preserve these structures and to make people aware of the glorious past we have emerged . Our past acts as the driving force to accomplish greater heights in the present, and hence, the conservation of these historical relics is of utmost importance. The walk ended on a high note, with participants looking forward to more such historical walks being organised in the future. In completing this walk, we achieved a milestone ourselves; it was the longest Walk in the history of Earth Walks.
Add value to your Sundays. Discover something new and become a part of the larger community whose ideas resonate with you. If an explorer lives within you, your Sundays need Earth Walks to make them meaningful. To be a part,
click here https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725/