A pleasant retreat set amidst lush, forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the desert of Rajasthan. Located at 4000 ft above sea level, this hill station owes its cool climate to the rich flora covering the entire hillside. A 24 KM drive up from Abu Road, it is strewn with fruit trees, rare orchids and quaintly-shaped rocky boulders on hilltops, each bearing legend derived from its shape. Cool through the year, the rains give it an added charm. And there's quite a downpour - an average of 64-177 cm during the season. This place is also very popular retreat from the heat to the people of Rajasthan and the neighboring state of Gujarat over some centuries.
Mt. Abu also has a stunning array of exquisite temples, making it a popular pilgrimage centre. Abu according to a legend stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a gorge. Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.
Places to visit
Goumukh Temple - A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow's head, gives the shrine its name. The beautifully-sculpted hill temple of Arbuada stands against the backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi.
Dilwara Jain Temple - Dilwara temples, dating back to the 11th and 13th AD, are famous for their architectural genius. The intricate carvings on the marble are simply mesmerising. Vimal Vashi, the oldest temple, is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble, it is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and a large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of the tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. The Vashi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd tirthankara - Neminath, has beautiful door casings, friezes, pillars and sculptures. The most striking feature here is the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. It drops from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses.
Achalgarh -This is an impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy are Achaleswar Mahadev Temple and Kantinath Jain Temple. The Fort was built in the 14th century A.D. by Rana Kumbha.
Trevor Tank - Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor Tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Guru Shikar - At a distance of 15 km, this highest peak shows a bird's eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt. Abu. Other attractions of the peak include a small shrine and a temple of Dattatreya.
Nakki Lake - The low-lying Aravils from a necklace around the tiny hill station with the beautiful Nakki lake like a pendant in the centre. The lake is believed to have been carved by the gods with their nails. It is a popular spot for boating and only artificial lake in India at this height.
Sunset Point - It provides a lovely view of the setting sun, south-west view of Nakki Lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks.
Wildlife Sanctuary - The forests are rich and green. Grey jungle fowl scuttle across the road, red spur fowls peep from among bushes, a crested serpent eagle swoops down to grab its prey...The south-west part of the sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests.
Getting there:
By Air - Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur is the nearest airports.
By Train - The railway station at Abu Road is a two-hour drive away. There is a railway station at Mt. Abu too, which is easily accessible from Abu Road station
By Bus - Rajasthan Roadways runs comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mt. Abu
By Road - Mount Abu is also connected by road to Ahmedabad 214 kms, Bombay 835 kms, Delhi 768 kms, Jaipur 515 kms, Udaipur 182 kms, Jodhpur 291 kms, Ranakpur 168 kms.
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