| Mount Abu |
| Population 22,045 (in 2001) Altitude 1220 meters Area 25 square km Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu and English |
| The only hill station in Rajasthan, is Mount Abu has been place to escape the heat of Rajasthan and Gujarat for centuries. The area is known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty the world over, situated amidst lush green forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range is also the summer capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan, home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests. The hill retreat has a very cool and soothing climate thanks to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. Mount Abu was declared a closed area in 1965. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers 328 square km of the mountain. Legend has it that Mount Abu is home to 33 crore Gods and Goddess. According to the legend the name Abu means son of Himalayas (or Ar-Booda, "the hill of wisdom"). The name derives from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Mount Abu has been home, to many rishis and munis (sages and saints). These include the famous Rishi Vashishtha, who is believed to have created the four Agnikul Rajput clans from a fire- pit by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. Sights The most famous tourist attraction in Mount Abu, the Dilwara Jain temples were constructed between thr 11th and 13th Centuries. Sacred to Jains, they are considered masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest temple in the complex. It took about 14 years to complete and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankaras. The temples are carved in white marble and are dedicated to different tirthankaras. Nakki Lake is a beautiful picnic spot in Mount Abu. According to the legend, the lake was created by a Hindu God using his nails, and so derives its name Nakki (nail) Lake. The lake offers a breathtaking view of surrounding hills and is an ideal spot for boating. The mountain is also home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock, and a shrine and temple to Dattatreya built atop the Guru Shikhar peak. There is also believed to be a footprint of Vishnu on top of Mount Abu. Guru Shikar, the highest peak of the Aravalli range about 15 km northeast of Mount Abu, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Other famous attractions in Mount Abu include the Gaumukh Temple, which derives its name from a sculpted cow situated in the temple compound, Adhar Devi Temple and Shri Raghunathji Temple. Accommodation Mount Abu has a huge amount of hotels and guesthouses. The high seasons are from April to June, October to November and around Christmas and New Year. During these times the town can get very crowded and it is advisable to book your room in advance. Shri Ganesh Hotel Dormitory: Rs 100 Room: Rs 200-400 (shared bathroom) Room: Rs 300-1000 (private bathroom) Banks and Internet There are facilities to change money and travelers cheques at Mount Abu. There is also an ATM and several internet cafes. |
Trains The nearest train station to Mount Abu is at Abu Road, 27 km away. Buses leave every half hour from the bus stand at Mount Abu (1 hour, Rs 25) Abu Road (ABR) to Jaipur (JP) Train numbers 2915, 2957, 9105, 9707 Abu Road to Jodhpur (JU) Train numbers 2480, 4708, 9223 Abu Road to Delhi (DLI) Train numbers 2915, 2957, 9105 Buses Mount Abu to Jaipur Rs 300, 505 km Departs twice daily Journey time 12 hours Mount Abu to Jodhpur Rs 150, 336 km Departs once daily Journey time 7 hours Mount Abu to Udaipur Rs 100, 185 km Departs several times daily Journey time 5 hours Mount Abu to Jaisalmer Rs 250, 572 km Deoarts onces daily Journey time 11 hours |