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 Shivas 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.
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Major Attractions of Mount Abu |
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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 cows 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 4 kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very
steep steps.
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.
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. Baylays 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.
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Shopping in Mount Abu |
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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.
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How to Get there |
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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.