Mount Abu Travel Guide
Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu
The
only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among the rocks on a 1,220-m
granite table mountain at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. It
is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to a legend,
the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot
to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a pleasant
hill resort,
Significance - Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples
and many more archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic
spots, romantic royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone
Rajputana and some relics of the Raj period. The scenic landscapes include
gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering
shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs
of the state.
CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO VISIT
Mount Abu has a very comfortable climate throughout the year, and because
of this fact, one can visit Mount Abu throughout the year.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
TEMPLES
Dilwara Temples - This complex consisting of five marble Jain temples is one
of the finest in Rajasthan, worth braving the queues and ferocious guards.
These beautifully carved temples built between 11th & 13th century AD
are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal
Vasahi Temple is the oldest of these, dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
Built in 1031 AD (by Vimal Shah- a merchant and representative of the then
Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.
Gaumukh
Temple - Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow’s mouth) is centred
on a spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu creation myth,
the world is formed by a cow, licking salt; the source of the Ganges has the
same name. This is said to be the site of the ancient 'agnikund' fire rituals.
It is 4kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very steep steps.
LAKES
Nakki Talav - This holiday centre of Mount Abu, is virtually in the heart
of the town. This sparkling blue artificial lake is said to have been gauged
from the earth by the gods, using their fingernails ('nakh' means nail). Nearby
is the 14th century Raghunath Temple.On the western edge of the town centre,
Nakki Lake Road circles the entire lake. Rowing boats are available for hire
from the jetty by Gandhi Park.
OTHERS
View Points - Several points around the edge of the plateau offer spectacular
views across the plains. The best are Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) and Sunset
Point, where hundred of people gather to watch the sunset every evening in
a carnival atmosphere of pony rides and souvenir sellers. Baylay’s Walk
is a pleasant 5kms route from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point. Honeymoon Point,
2.5kms northwest on Ganesh Road; Sunset Point, 2kms southwest on Sunset Point
Road. Open, free access.
EXCURSIONS
FORTS
Achalgarh (8kms) - An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed
within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple (1412 AD)
and Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated image. The
fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by
a motorable road.
Mount Abu TEMPLES
Adhar
Devi Temple (2kms North Of Town) - This ancient temple dedicated to the serpent
goddess, Arbuda, is carved out of a huge rock.. Arbuda is the patron of the
town, who formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi from drowning
in an abyss. The black-painted marble idol, riding a solid gold tiger, is claimed
to be about 5,000 years old. Open and free access during daylight hours.
OTHERS
Trevor’s Tank (5km) - Named after the British engineer, who constructed
it, Trevor’s tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills
that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Mandakini Kund - The watersupply for Achalgarh fort and a sculpture of Parmar
Daravarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev temple.
Guru Shikhar (15kms) - The highest peak on the Mount Abu (1722 mts above
the sea level) allows a bird’s eye view of the idyllic surroundings of
Mt. Abu. A small shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the
Shikhar are worth a visit.
SHOPPING
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from the shops around
Nakki Lake. Kota saris, bangles and linen with Sanganeri prints are also available.
For Rajasthani Handicrafts there is Rajasthali, Rajasthan Government Handicrafts
Emporium and Khadi Bhandar.
TRANSPORTATION
GETTING THERE
Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport,
Dabok (Udaipur) 207kms. One can hire a taxi to get to Mount Abu.
Rail:The nearest railway station is Abu Road (29kms) situated on Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur-Delhi
route. From Abu Road one can take a taxi, jeep or bus to Mount Abu.
Road: Ahmedabad is 222kms via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 235kms via Sirohi and
Pali. Udaipur is 156kms via Pidwara. (Journey on this route is advisable only
during the day). Jaipur is 509kms via Pali-Ajmer. It is connected to all the
major towns in northern and western India.
GETTING AROUND
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis are available for local transportation within
the city.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many budget hotels to suit every pocket including paying guesthouse
the list of which can be obtained from the tourist reception centre Mt. Abu,
opposite the bus stand.
Mount Abu MAJOR DISTANCES
Udaipur: 156kms
Jodhpur: 235kms
USEFUL INFORMATION
STD/ISD CODES
STD Code - 02974
ISD Code - +91-2974
Mount Abu Travel Guide Reservation Form
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