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
Shiva¿s 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.
Prime Attractions of Mount Abu
Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of
Aashadh
(June). The steep rocks, tranquil lakes,
picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount
Abu make it an ideal location for the festival.
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.
Shillong
Perched at an altitude of 1,496 m, this lesser known
hill station is also called the "Scotland of the east".
What exactly it has in common with Scotland maybe a
matter of discussion but the majority of the population
- the Khasis and the Jaintias - boats of a clan system
that would any day outrival the Scottish clans!
Gaumukh Temple
Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow¿s 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.
Govt. Museum - Mount Abu
The museum was set up in 1962 within the premises of Raj
Bhawan to preserve the archaeological wealth of the
region.
Mandakini Kund
The watersupply for Achalgarh fort and a sculpture of
Parmar Daravarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar
Mahadev temple.
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. Baylay¿s 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.
Excursions from Mount Abu
Achalgarh (8Km.)
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. 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. 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.
Adhar Devi Temple (2Km.)
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 (15Km.)
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.
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