Mt.Abu - The Regal Summer Retreat

An Oasis In The Desert !!!
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, nestling in the south of Sirohi district in Rajasthan. The giant mountain forms a distinct rocky elevation of 22 km long by 9 km wide. The nearest city to Mount Abu is Udaipur, which is lying 185 km far.

Mount Abu is renowned as the "oasis in the desert" as its tallness are abode to shallow rivers, blue lakes, gurgling waterfalls and green vegetation. The antiquity of Mount Abu is as diverse as its soothing city. Its a vague haze, as no body knows that, when this alluring destination came into existence. But according to myth, Mount Abu is as old as the Himalaya. It was named after Arbuda, a mighty serpent, who saved Lord Shiva's revered bull, Nandi, from plunging into an abyss. Whereas the legends relates that the Mount Abu, the four fire clans, the Chauhans, Solankis, Pramaras and Pratiharas, were created by a fire pit by Brahmin priests. This captivating temptation served many kingdom as an important post as a summer resort. After which, it was leased by the British bureaucrats from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use, as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana. Mount Abu is popular spot for newlyweds and nature lovers. One can feel the air packed atmosphere on its streets and the famous places of attractions.

Summer Retreat of British Empire
During the British rule in India, it once again rewarded as the favorite leisure destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the desert. Mount Abu is noted as the only hill station in solid gold of Rajasthan, its a popular summer temptation for millions of tourists to escape heat and dust of Rajasthan. The Sierras of Mount Abu allows a cool climate due to its rich flora vegetation, covering the entire hill station with 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 sizes with high velocity winds that holds the freshness of this beautiful city. Apart from its history and time, Mount Abu has a number of noteworthy temples, which has placed this bewitching hill station as a very important pilgrimage centre for Jains and Hindus. One can soothe his weary eyes with the superb carvings and architectural wonders, after witnessing the temples of Mount Abu, which are amongst the best in Rajasthan.

Summer Festival Celebrations!!!
Mount Abu is known for its precipitous rocks, serene lakes, picturesque locations and lovely climate. The three day Summer Festival features ballads, Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances, which enchant the spectators with their grace and variety. This Festival is a window to the tribal life and varied cultures that floats in the soil of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad, which is followed by folk dances, where you can see colourful Rajasthani dresses wore by women and men, which sets the mood of visitors for their outstanding performances. This pomp and show festivals include other events like the boat races, which are organized on Nakki Lake.

Getting There !!!
Airways : Udaipur "Maharana Pratap Airport" is the nearest airport to Mount Abu. Tourists can easily opt for various road transport facilities available at the airport for reaching Mount Abu. A number of domestic and international airlines connect Udaipur with the major cities of Rajasthan and India

Railways : Mount Abu Railway Station is located at Abu Road, which is 20 km away and nearly takes two hours drive from Mount Abu. The rail treks are well connected to major cities like Ahemadabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai by number of trains. It is a major stoppage for several long distance trains of the Western and Northern Railways. Gujarat Jain Circuit train connects Mount Abu, Bhavnagar and Mehsana.

Roadways : Mount Abu is well connected by roads and is slightly close to the National Highway No 8 and 14, which connects Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi and other major cities of India. Some of the major distance from Mount Abu are Udaipur is 185 km, Ahemadabad is 214 km, Agra is 737 km and Delhi is 768 km, Mumbai - 835 km, Delhi 768 km.

Local Transport : The most convenient mode of transportation inside the mountain valley are royal tongas, horse safaris, bicycles, auto-rickshaws and local city buses. One can easily choice transport of his own choice, which is simply available throughout the valley. Even the Tourist buses are organized here for sightseeing.

Mount Abu Attraction !!!
The Dilwara Temple - Prime Attraction
The Dilwara Temple of Mount Abu is a stunning example of ancient divine. It is one of the popular pilgrimage spot for Jains. This holiest shrine of Jainism is amongst the finest illustration of Jain architecture in India. It is a cluster of temple, which include two main shrines, superbly curved in a white Marble, which was built around 11th to 13th century A.D.

Amongst which, the most oldest temple is Vimal Vasahi, constructed around 1031 A.D dedicated to the first Tirthankar "Adinath".

As you start exploring the religious grounds, you will first see a long courtyard around which 52 identical cells are located, each with Buddha cross legged image and 48 beautifully carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. Whereas, other shrine belong to Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara "Neminath", which was constructed by two brothers "Vastupal" and "Tejpal" around 1231 A.D. The most notable feature of this temple is its intricacy and delicacy of marble carving. Whereas the carving on the stones and marbles of the temple are regularly stored and maintained by employing several stone carvers.


Adhar Devi Temple
Other attraction include Adhar Devi Temple, which is located 3 km in the north of town. This ancient Durga temple is chiselled out of a huge rock, which is reached by a flight of 365 stairs. It is one of the most believed holiest grounds for tourists and pilgrims across India. The temple allows panoramic views over the old mountain valley of Mount Abu.

Nakki Lake
Another most interesting sight to visit in Mount Abu is Nakki Lake. This mesmerizing lake is located in the heart of the valley and according to legends, the moral philosophy says that it was scooped by god by only using his nail. Some of Hindu patrons believe that its a holy lake, hence most of the pilgrims pay a holy dip into the water. This splendid lake is surrounded by rugged hills, green gardens and solid rocks. Tourist visiting this lake also pay homage to the religious grounds of Raghunath Temple, that stands beside the Lake. Number of palaces and lavish mansions are build around the lake, which were once used by the royal families as a summer palace. Beside lake there are scores of comforts like the bustling small shops, coffee day, bars, tea shops, balloon vendors, ice cream palours and lot more to quench. One can also take the charm of horse safaris around the lake, which is available since from the morning to late evening.

Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum The university's stated aim is the establishment of universal peace through the impartation of spiritual knowledge and training of easy raja yoga meditation. To attend one of these residential courses, contact your local branch and arrange things in advance. There is no charge- the organization is entirely supported by donations, as is the accommodation.


Around Mount Abu !!!
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: - 8 km.
One of the most enthralling attraction in the heart of mountains is This heart throbbing sanctuary is 290 sq km long and is home to many animals and colour feathered birds. The tourist can spot panthers, bears, foxes, wild boars and migratory birds inside the park. Another fascinating attraction inside Sanctuary is Trevor's Tank, which was named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor's Tank allows delightful views to birdwatchers.

Guru Shikhar: - 15 km
Beside this, a tourist must visit Guru Shikhar, it is one of the highest peak in the Sirohi District, stretched out to be 1722 m high. At the top you can see Atri Rishi Temple, from where a bird eye view of the mountain valley can be seen.

Another attraction is Achalgarh: - 11 km,
Another attraction is Achalgarh in the north of Mount Abu is a cluster of temples, Amongst which Achaleswar Mahadev Temple is noteworthy, build around 1412 A.D and the Kantinath Jain Temple, build around 1513 A.D. This alluring complex was build around 14 century by great warrior Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Beside this, a tourist must visit Gaumukh Temple. According to legends, Sage Vasishta performed "Yagna" here, from which four Rajput clans were born. Here one can also see marble cow, figure of Nandi " Shiva Vehicle" and Agni Kund. These are some of the thrilling experience you are going see before your eyes, once you are in the mountain valley of "Mount Abu".