HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

The only hill resort of Rajasthan Mount Abu is not only rated among the best hill stations of the country but is also an important Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre. The town forms an amphitheatre around Nakki Lake, which is believed to be dug out by the gods with their nail. The Dilwara Jain temples built between 11th and 13th centuries are the major attraction of Mount Abu.

A pleasant retreat, set amidst lush forested hills, Mt.Abu is an oasis in the barren deserts cape of Rajasthan. This holy mountain lies at the southern extremity of the Aravalli range of hills. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs and lovely lakes much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.

ORIENTATION

Mount Abu is situated on the Aravalli Hills near South Western border of Gujarat and the altitude of this place is about 1220mts.

HISTORY

Mount Abu in Rajasthan was under the reign of the Chauhan kingdom. Mount Abu was not only the summer resort for the Rajput kings but also for the British as a destination place for the summer from the burning sun of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is also considered to be sacred and a pilgrimage spot for the Jains for history says that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar visited Mount Abu and blessed the city. In olden days many sages and saints who wanted a peaceful and serene environment choosed this place.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

It is comfortable to visit this place all throughout the year especially in the months of summer.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

SUMMER FESTIVAL

This festival is celebrated for three days and it falls in the month of June. The summer festival mainly highlights the culture, traditions and the tribal life of Rajasthan. The venue for this festival is rocky terrain and serene lakes of Mount Abu. The other added attraction of this festival is the cultural events which include Sham-e-Qawwali, a musical extravaganza where qawwals from all over the country perform and delight the audience. On the last day of the festival splendid and enthralling display of impressive fireworks can be witnessed.

MAHAVIRA JAYANTI

This is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira,the founder of Jain religion.Jains celebrate it at their sacred places by offering prayers and Jain pilgrims from all over the country converge at the Dilwara temples on this day.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

DILWARA JAIN TEMPLES

Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim centre up to the 11th century. Today it is recognized all over the world for its magnificent Jain temples. These temples are known for their superb carvings in marble and they were brought all the way from Makrana and the best workmen and craftsmen were employed to ensure the finest quality of sculpture. A trip to Mount Abu is incomplete without a visit to the Dilwara Jain temples. This is at a distance of about 3kms from the town.

NAKKI LAKE

The lake is picturesquely set amidst hills, 1200 mts above sea level and is believed to have been carved out by the Gods with their nails. It is a popular spot for boating and is situated in the heart of the town. There is a legend about this lake which states that it was drawn by the finger nails (nakk) of a sage, Balam Rasia, in response to the demands of the stepmother of the girl he wished to marry.

The girl was the then daughter of the King of Abu, was also in love with the sage, but because of the evil stepmother the affair ended in tragedy, and has been immortalized in a temple of the Kunwari Kanya, alongside which stands a statue of her lover.

TOAD ROCK

This enormous rock carved by nature overhangs the Nakki Lake and appears like a road ready to drive into the lake.

ADHAR DEVI

This beautiful temple at a distance of about 2km is chiselled out of a huge rock, formed by a natural cleft. It is also known as the Arbudha Devi temple. A climb of 360 steps up the hill, that leads to the place. The Adhar Devi temple is, about 3km north of the town. The goddess Arbuda Devi lends her name to the hill resort of Mount Abu. Apart from the statue of the goddess there are three other statues also who were the attendants of the goddess.

GAUMUKH TEMPLE

Many sages and seers had their retreat on Mt.Abu, the most famous sage being sage Vashistha.A natural spring that flows out through a sculpted cows head, gives the shrine its name. Nearby is the marble image of the Nandhi-the bull. It is accessible by car or jeep upto 3kms.from where 750 steps have to be covered on foot.

ACHALGARH

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The interesting features of this temple include the toe of Shiva, as well as a brass Nandi and where the Siva Lingum would normally be, there is a deep hole that is said to extend all the way down to the underworld. Outside the temple there are statues of three stone buffaloes and a figure of a King shoots at them with his bows and arrows. Close to this temple on the hillside there are group of Jain temples.  

SUNSET POINT

It is a beautiful site that provides a lovely view of the setting sun. Southwest of Nakki lake, one can see the sun gradually drown itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks. Steps lead upto a high terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.

HONEYMOON POINT

Until recently known as the Anadra point, this place provides a pleasant view of the verdant valley and the palins.It looks especially beautiful at the sunset hour, when it acquires a serene aura.

RAGUNATHJI TEMPLE

Situated near Nakki lake the temple is dedicated to Shri Ragunathji or Lord Rama.

OM SHANTHI BHAWAN

This place is also known as the Universal Peace Hall, it is the World Spiritual University of the Brahma Kumaris.It has a big hall without any pillars, which can accommodate upto 3,500 people.

PEACE PARK

This park is on the way to Gurushikar and is considered to be one among the most beautiful gardens in the country, developed by Brahma Kumaris.The Peace Park is nestled between two famous peaks of the Aravalli hills - the well known spiritual pilgrimage destinations of Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh.The other noteworthy parks and gardens in Mount Abu includes Ashok Vatika, Gandhi park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden.

GURU SHIKHAR

Guru Shikhar is supposed to be the highest peak of Mount Abu which houses a beautiful temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Datta-traya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

In Guru Sridhar you can rent out the local or the traditional costume of this area and pose for a snap shot. From the temple you may enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Abu.

SHOPPING

Shopping is another attraction at Mount Abu. The main items in your list should include Jewelry,Fabrics,Wooden articles,Gemstones,Metal crafts, Leather ware,Kota saris and apparels,Rajasthani bangles,Sanganeri prints in linen, Curios made from marble, sandalwood and sandstone. The main shopping area is market around Nakki Lake, called Nakki Maal.Apart from this for Rajasthani Handicrafts there is Rajasthali, Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium and Khadi Bhandar,Fair Price Rajasthan Emporium, Piccadilly Plaza, Chacha Museum, Kashmir Cottage Emporium and M/S Bansilal Bhurmal. 

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.

By Trains

Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.

By Road

Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.