Mount Abu
An oasis in the desert, Mount Abu is the only hill-station in Rajasthan. Situated very close to the Rajasthan-Gujarat border on the highest peak in the Aravali ranges, Mount Abu is one of the important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Jains.
Home to many saints and sages in ancient times, Mount Abu is also believed to have been visited by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara and hence held in reverence by Jains.
Known for its 11th century Dilwara Jain temples, Mount Abu also has a no. of Hindu temples, historical monuments and archaeological remains which speak about the royal heritage and culture of the historical Mount Abu.
Mount Abu was earlier ruled by the Rajputs who were taken by its natural beauty and pleasant weather and set it up as their summer resort. Later, it was given on lease to the British who established their headquarters here and developed Mount Abu as a summer retreat to escape the dry and dusty heat of the plains.
A beautiful combination of lakes, evergreen forests, shallow rivers and gurgling waterfalls, Mount Abu offers fascinating treks, delightful walks, a no. of picnic spots and alluring romantic retreats.
Legend
As the legend goes, ‘Arbuda’, the mythological serpent rescued Sage Vashishtha’s wish-fulfilling divine cow Kamdhenu when it fell in a deep gorge here. The place was thus named after him as ‘Arbuda’ and later re-christened by the British as Mount Abu.
As per another legend, it was here that Sage Vashishtha had performed a huge yagna and created the four ‘agnikuls’ – the Rajput fire-born dynasties to save the world from the wrath and menace of the demons. The rest of the clans are said to have descended from sun and moon.
Places to Visit
Dilwara Temples
Reverred by Jains as a pilgrimage, this is a complex of elegant and beautifully carved marble temples constructed between 11th and 13th century.
Nakki Lake
Believed to have been carved out by the Gods with their nails, Nakki lake is now popular for boating. Set amidst the hills, Nakki lake offers a fascinating view and lets you spot various tourist points around, like Toad rock, Nun rock, Nandi rock, Camel rock.
An early morning boat ride will allow you a binocular view of various uncommon birds by the shoreline.
Trevor’s Tank
A man-made tank used to breed crocodiles, Trevor’s tank is named after the British engineer who built it and attracts lot of tourists.
Toad rock
A huge rock named so because of its likeness to a gigantic toad which seems ready to leap into the lake.
Adhar Devi Temple
A temple carved out of rock, dedicated to the serpent Goddess ‘Arbuda’, Adhar devi temple is reached by a flight of whopping 360 stairs.
Gaumukh
Close to Adhar Devi temple, is a natural spring rushing through a sculpted cow’s head which is believed to be the exact spot where Sage Vashishtha is said to have performed the ‘agnikul yagna’.
Achalgarh Fort
A fort built in 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (8km)
Situated in the oldest mountain ranges, The Aravalis, Mount Abu was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1960. A popular destination for eco-tourism, it is spread over 288 sqkm and houses a large no. of plant, animals and birds species.
Another feather in the cap of Mount Abu is the fact that this is the only place in Rajasthan where you get to see a variety of orchids.
Also check out
Shankar math
Sri Raghunath Ji Temple
Madhuban – Headqarters of Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University
Shrine dedicated to Dattatreya, Vishnu’s incarnation, atop Guru Shikhar peak
Fast Facts
Best Time to Visit : All year round
Distance : 767 km from Delhi
Altitude : 4000 ft above sea level
