MOUNT ABU

Location :
Rajasthan
Attractions : Dilwara temples, Nakki Talav, Gaumukh Temple.
Best season : April to June and October to November.
Languages : Rajasthani, English, HIndi


Description:
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 archeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, the 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 climes much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.

PRIME SITES
DILWARA TEMPLES: This complex 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 A.D. 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 A.D. (by Vimal Shah- a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.
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 gouged from the earth by the gods, using their fingernails (nakh means nail). Near by 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.
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 km northwest on Ganesh Road; sunset point, 2 km southwest on sunset point road. Open, free access.
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 km south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very steep steps.

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 264 km via Sirohi and Pali. Udaipur is 185 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 transport.

WHERE 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.