|
Verdant Oasis in the Hills
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested
hills, Mt.Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape
thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali
range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora
covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees
and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved
one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird
shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan,
Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array
of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries,
make it a popular pilgrimage centre. Abu according
to a legend.stands for the son of Himalaya, deriving its name
from Arbuada,the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred
bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.
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.
The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below
Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cows head and
hence the site was called Gaumukh.
Accommodation
Cama
Rajputana Resort
| Palace Hotel | Palanpur
Palace
More
Hotels & Resort in Mountabu
Places
to Visit
|
Dilwara
Jain Temple:
These beautifully
carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D.
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 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative
of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple
architecture.
The
central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large
courtyard with 52 small shrines,each housing a beautiful
statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars
form the entrance to the courtyard.The Lun Vasahi Temple,
dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built
in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers
of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to
the Porwal Jain community.With door casings, pillars,
architraves and sculptures on porticos,the temple
is a fine specimen of craftsmanship
Museum
and Art Gallery: Located at the Raj Bhawan,
it was a collection of archaeological excavations dating
back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze
carvings,brassworks etc. for viewing.
Gaumukh
Temple: A natural spring flowing through a
sculpted cows head gives the shrine its name.The
famous yagna of sage Vashishtha was performed
here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the
mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop.
Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the
celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.
|
Adhar
Devi Temple :
The temple is chiselled out of a huge rock reached by a flight
of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.
Sunset
Point: Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the
hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.
Honeymoon Point: Also known as Andra Point,
it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys.
The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Shri Raghunathji Temple: Situated near the
Nakki lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji
with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in
14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.
Gardens and Parks: Beautifully laid parks and
gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok
Vatika,Gandhi park, Municipal Park,Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace
Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.
Excursions
Trevors
Tank (5 km): Named
after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevors
Tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills
that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Achalgarh (8 km): An impressive fort with some
beautiful jain temples enclosed within. Among the
noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.)
and Kantinath Jain Temple (1513A.D.) . The latter has gold plated
image. Mandakini Kund and a sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh are
situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple. The Fort was
built in the 14th century A.D. by Rana Kumbha and is approachable
by a motorable road.
Guru Shikhar (15 km): The highest peak on the
mount (1722 mts. Above the sea level) allows a birds eye
view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt. Abu.
A small Shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing
on the shikhar are worth a visit.

Access
Air
: Nearest
airport is Udaipur, 185 kms.
Rail
: Abu Road is the closest railhead linked with Ahmedabad,
Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur
Road
:Good network of bus services connect Mount Abu to
major cities of Rajasthan and India.
Best
Time To Visit
Any time from the autumn
months to the end of the winter season. Though it is a hill
resort, Mt Abu can be very hot in summers.
Climate
Conditions
| Area
|
25
sq. km
|
| Climate |
Mean
Max. |
Mean
Min. |
| Summer |
33,8
degree C |
23.3
degree C |
| Winter |
28.3
degree C |
11.6
degree C |
| Rainfall |
62
cms.
|
| Best
Season |
Feb-June
, Sept. Dec |
|
| Clothing |
Summer
Light Tropical
|
| Winter |
Light
wollen
|
| Languages |
Rajasthani,
Hindi, English
|
| Altitude |
1219
metres
|
| Rainfall |
65-177
cms.
|
|