Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state, in western India. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters above sea level. It is verily 'an oasis in the desert'. It is a nice place to break the sandy monotony of Rajasthan. It has all such things which you cannot ever imagine in a desert land - rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is full of aesthetic and spiritual essence. Mount Abu is the highest peak in the vicinity, and is a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and nearby Gujarat for centuries.

Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples. The Dilwara Temples are a complex of temples, carved of white marble, that were built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest, built in 1031 by Vimal Shah, and dedicated to the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The Lun Vasahi Temple, built in 1231 by the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, who were ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a local ruler of Gujarat who belonged to the Porwal Jain community. Nearby Achalgarh is a fort, built in the fourteenth century by Rana Kumbha, which encloses several beautiful Jain temples, including the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412) and the Kantinath Temple (1513). The Mountain is also home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock, the Shri Raghunathji Temple, and a Shaivite shrine and temple to Dattatreya atop Guru Shikhar.

MUST SEE:
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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunset point: It provides a lovely view of the setting sun, South-West of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks, steps lead up to high terrace which offers an awe inspiring view of the setting sun

Honeymoon Point: A rather secluded spot, which looks beautiful at sunset hour. It also presents a pleasant view of the Abu Valley and the green fields on the other side of the mountains. Its older name was Anadra Point.

Achalgarh Fort: 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.

NEAR BY DESTINATIONS:
Udaipur: 156-km
Jodhpur: 235-km

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April To June and resumes from October To November

THE WAY TO MOUNT ABU:
By Air: The nearest airport is Udaipur, 185 Kms.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.

By Rail: Nearest station is Abu Road, from here trains to Bombay, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad. 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.

By Road: Udaipur 185 Kms, Ahmedabad 222 Kms, Jodhpur 326 Kms 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.

Unmetered taxis are available for local transportation within the city.