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| Area |
25-sq-kms |
| Altitude |
1,219 metres |
| Climate |
Summer: Max. - 32.8°C
Min. -16.8°C, Winter:
Max. 25.4°C Min. - 7.3°C, Rainfall:
60-70 inches |
| Population |
18,000 |
| Languages |
Rajasthani, Hindi & English. |
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| NEARBY
CITIES |
Udaipur:
156-km (approx.)
Jodhpur: 235-km (approx.)
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| FESTIVAL
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Summer
festival (1st-3rd June). |
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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.
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| 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 centered 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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