Best Tourist Season (March – June & September – March)
Airport: Nearest Airport is Udaipur 243 km.
Railway: Abu Road, just 29 km, is the closest railhead linked with Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur
Road: Ajmer 275 km, Ahmedabad 220 km, Devgarh 240 km, Jaipur 495 km, Jodhpur 264 km, Kumbhalgarh 240 km, Ranakpur 181 km, Rohet 214 km, Sardarsamand 220 km, Udaipur 225 km
Mount Abu – the highest peak in the Aravali Range of Rajasthan State. Located in Sirohi District. Surrounded by forests rich in flora and fauna, the town appears as an oasis in the desert.
Abu, according to legend, stands for the son of Himalaya, deriving its name from Arbuda, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.
Mount Abu – the only hill station of Rajasthan stands at a height of 1722 metres above sea level. Studded with a colourful mix of rustic abodes of tribal communities and posh houses including British style bungalows and royal holiday lodges, Mount Abu appears to be no less than a wonder in this desert state Rajasthan.
Besides its scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also popular as a seat of religious importance for Jains.
Myths and Legends – The history of Mount Abu can be traced back to the Puranas. Known as “Arbudaranya” or “the forest of Arbhuda” in the Puranic Age, Mount Abu is described to have served as a retreat for Sage Vashistha, following his spur with Sage Vishwamitra.
A popular mythology, associated with Mount Abu, mentions a serpent named Arbhuda, who had saved the life of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount) here. The name “Mount Abu” is a diminutive of its original name which was kept after Arbhuda.
Another legend – Sage Vashistha had performed a Sajna at the peak of this Aravali mountain range, seeking provision for the defence of righteousness on earth, from the Gods. Prayer of Sage Vashistha was answered by a youth who sprang out of the Yajna fire, known to be the first of the Agnivamsha Rajputs.
Arbhuda Mountains or Mount Abu is also popular for having been home of Gurjaras. Multiple inscriptions including Dhanpala’s “Tilakmanajari” lay stress on the association of this place with that of Gurjaras.
Geography
Mount Abu located at 28.01° N 73.19 ° E
Average elevation 1219 mtrs
Area
Mount Abu is 25 sq km
Climate
Summer maximum of 34°C and minimum 23°C
Winters maximum 28°C and minimum 12°C
Railfall 153-177 cm
Demographics
Population 22,045 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 58%
Females 42%
Mount Abu has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.
Male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 55%.
In Mount Abu, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Sightseeing in Mount Abu
Dilwara Jain Temples: The Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain Temple known in the world for its extraordinary architecture and marvellous marble stone carvings. Some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal, Agra. It seems basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best.
These Jain Temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. A complex of five temple structures, this Dilwara Jain Temples are located about 2.5 km from Mount Abu. Carved out of white marble, the Dilwara Jain Temples features interiors that have intricate designs spreading everywhere from doorways to ceilings and main attraction of Mount Abu.
Dilwara Jain Temple complex consist of give major sections or temples devoted to five jain tirthankars (Saints):
The Dilwara Jain Temples are open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm for tourists and entry is free. NO photography is allowed inside Dilwara Temples.
Contact No. of Dilwara Jain Temple : +91 2974 235151
Adhar Devi Temple: The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in Mount Abu, situated in a cave. Just 3 km north of Mount Abu, the Adhar Devi Temple is reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple is located inside a rocky cleave and reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave. This Adhar Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and got its name because of the legend has it that “Adhar” of the Mataji (Goddess Deity) fell here, also it was believed that the image of the goddess could be found there hanging in mid air. Most pilgrims visit Adhar Devi Temple during the 9 days of the holy Navratri season.
Nakki Lake: Nakki Lake is recognised as the first ever manmade lake in India situated in hill station Mount Abu of Rajasthan in Aravali range. Nakki lake is an important tourist attraction of Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Tourist can choose to take a boat ride in Nakki Lake and witness beautiful sunset.
Sunset Point: just relax and watch the beautiful sun setting in the Aravali Hills.
Gaumukh Temple: The Gaumukh Temple was built to dedicate to Saint Vashishth. Saint Vashishth performed a yagna here that created the four major Rajput clans. There is a tank that tourist should visit – the Agni Kund. It is believed to be the site of the sacrificial fire which Saint Vashishth used to perform the yagni from which the four clans were born.
Honeymoon Point: Very close to the serene Nakki Lake, Honeymoon Point is one of the romantic places in Mount Abu. At an elevation of 4000 ft, it offers a scintillating panorama of the setting sun and is a must visit for tourists.
Live through a fairytale romance with your partner and chase a beautiful sunset view.
Shri Raghunathji Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shri Raghunathji – an avatar of Lord Vishnu and also the residing deity over here, this temple is known for its interesting history. The legend – once upon a time, a beautiful princess resided in this region. Her stepmother was not agree of her love affair with the rulling King’s son in Mount Abu. It is believed that since she could not marry her lover, she died young and a temple was constructed next to the lake, to honour her memory. However, as per another legend, it is believed that the temple was constructed during 14th century AD by a well known Hindu scholar – Shri Ramanand, who was considered a great preacher during that time.
Peace Park Mount Abu: The Peace Park of Mount Abu is a part of the Brahma Kumari’s establishment, nestled in between two famous Aravali mountain peaks, The Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh. This Peace Park offers a beautiful backdrop for silence and peaceful recreation. At the Peace Park, tourist can visit the rock garden that houses a wide variety of Cactaceae, the orchard, citrus corner, and view the numerous floral displays that include coleus, shrubs, hibiscus, creepers and climbers, and an exquisitely beautiful rose garden. The park also has many areas like a stone cave and huts, where people can meditate in a tranquil environment. The Brahma Kumaris also provide a guided tour of the Peace Park, and tourist can also watch a short video film that explains interesting meditation concepts.
Lal Mandir Mount Abu: Lal Mandir is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Dilwara Jain Temple. This Lal Temple offers a very peaceful ambience and is considered as one of the most ancient holy places located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This Lal Mandir is popular among the religious tourists as well as others and one of the must visit spots in Mount Abu. The temple is quite well known for being a Swayambhu ‘Shiva Temple’, so named because the idol placed inside the Lal Mandir can be seen wearing a ‘Jenau’
Excursions:
Toad Rock View Point: One of the most popular destinations near Nakki Lake, Mount Abu is Toad Rock View Point and has often been referred to as the mascot of Mount Abu. This lofty rock resembles the shape of a toad, thus the name is “Toad Rock’. Its easy to climb Toad Rock and the views it offers of the Nakki Lake and the surrounding greenery are unparalleled.
Trevors Tank Mount Abu: Trevor’s Tank is a crocodile park, a manmade crocodile breeding spot which is located just 5 km from Mount Abu. This Trevor’s Tank offers amazing scenic beauty and a great spot for crocodile, bird, and other wildlife (like the black bear) sightings. This is a small pristine ecosystem for crocodiles, and natural environment. Trevor’s Tank can be visited throughout the year, being located in a hill station. However, its better to avoid the monsoon season, as that may hinder your explorations slightly.
Achalgarh Fort: Achalgarh Fort is one of the most visited places in Mount Abu, located about 26 km north of the city. Achalgarh Fort originally built by the Paramara dynasty, later the fort been renovated and renamed as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumba in 1452 C.E. Another popular place to visit near Achalgarh Fort is Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Achleshwar Mahadev Temple: The Achleshwar Mahadev Temple of Mount Abu is dedicated to Lord Shiva and according to local legends, this temple is built around the toe print of Lord Shiva. Like in most temples of Lord Shiva, Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shiva-Lingam, but what makes Achleshwar interesting is the fact that the Shiva-Lingam here is a naturally occurring structure. This Achleshwar temple is well known for its ambiance, beautiful filigree work, and the numerous bull statues that represent Nandi, the noble carrier of Lord Shiva. Within the temple, there is also a pit that is said to be the entryway of narak, the netherworld.
Guru Shikhar: Guru Shikhar is recognised as the highest point on this mountain rage and an exquisite place for sightseeing in Mount Abu. There are around 300 steps up to Guru Shikhar and you reach the temple Guru Dattatreya – an incarnation of Divine Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). People visit this place both for its religious aspects and the panoramic views.
Wildlife around Mount Abu
Mount Abu Sanctuary: Covering 288 square kilometres of area, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the subtropical forest of this region. This Mount Abu Sanctuary containing rich flora and fauna and allows tourist to come close to some rare and exotic species of wild animals including the Indian Fox, pangolin, grey jungle fowl, striped hyena and also Indian leopard, the apex predator here.
