MOUNT ABU
Location: 156-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Talav
Best Time To Visit: April To June And October To November
THE VERDANT OASIS: 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, 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
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 is 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 centered on a spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu creation myth, a cow, licking forms the world 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 4 kms 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 5 km route from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point. Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road; Sunset Point, 2 km southwest on Sunset Point Road. Open, free access.
EXCURSIONS
Achalgarh (8-km): 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.
TEMPLES
Adhar Devi Temple (2-km 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 (5-km): 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 (15-km): 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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) 207-km. One can hire a taxi to get to Mount Abu.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Abu Road (29-km) 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 222-km via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 235-km via Sirohi and Pali. Udaipur is 156-km via Pidwara. (Journey on this route is advisable only during the day). Jaipur is 509-km via Pali-Ajmer. It is connected to all the major towns in northern and western India.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis are available for local transportation within the city.
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PLACES 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.
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.
NEARBY CITIES
Udaipur:156-km (approx.)
Jodhpur:235-km (approx.)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:25-sq-kms
Population:18,000
Altitude:1,219 metres
Rainfall:60-70 inches
Festival:Summer festival (1st-3rd June).
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