MOUNT ABU
Tourist Attractions: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Talav
Best Time To Visit: April To June And October To November
THE VERDANT OASIS
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
TEMPLES
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 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.
LAKES
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.
OTHERS
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
FORTS
Achalgarh (8-km): 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.
TEMPLES
Adhar Devi Temple (2-km North Of Town): 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.
OTHERS
Trevor’s Tank (5-km): Named after the British engineer, who
constructed it, Trevor’s tank is a delight for birdwatchers with
densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Mandakini Kund: The watersupply for Achalgarh fort and a sculpture
of Parmar Daravarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev temple.
Guru Shikhar (15-km): 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.
HOW TO GET THERE
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.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis are available for local
transportation within the city.
PLACES TO STAY
There are many budget hotels to suit every pocket including
paying guesthouse the list of which can be obtained from the tourist
reception centre Mt. Abu, opposite the bus stand.
SHOPPING
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.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Information Office: The tourist information bureau
is opposite the bus stand 43151. Guides may also be hired through the
tourist information bureau.
Banks: With exchange facilities, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of
India, Union Bank of India.
Hospitals: Government hospital, opp. Government school and Global
hospital.
Chemist: Mount Medical, near Government Hospital, Sonal Medical.
Post Office: Opp. Government Museum on Raj Bhawan Road.
Railway Reservation: Out agency, opp. Police station.
NEARBY CITIES
Udaipur: 156-km (approx.)
Jodhpur: 235-km (approx.)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 25-sq-kms
Population: 18,000
Altitude: 1,219 metres
Rainfall: 60-70 inches
Festival: Summer festival (1st-3rd June).
| Climate: | Max | Min | Winter | Summer |
| 25.4 °C | 7.3 °C | 32.8 °C | 16.8 °C |
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