How To ? When ? Why? Where

Situated in Southwest end of Rajasthan, Mount. Abu is the only hill station in the state. This hill station is famous for the marvelous Dilwara temples and many more archaeological remains. Here you can enjoy the treks and picnic spots, the beautiful landscapes which includes gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate.

Mount Abu is one of the major pilgrimage sites for both Hindu as well as Jain religions. Nakki Lake is a favorite spot for boating.

 HISTORY

Mount Abu was once ruled by the Chauhan dynasty and it was a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. It was also used to be the favorite summer destination of the British. This place has also religious importance for the Jains since they believe that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.

CLIMATE

The climate of Mount Abu is pleasant all through the year. The maximum temperature in summer is 33.8ºC and 23.3ºC and in winter maximum is 28.3ºC and minimum is 11.6ºC. As the climate is good all through the year, Mount Abu can be visited at any time.

HOW TO REACH

Sky Way: Nearest airport is Udaipur. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.

Trackway: Nearest railway station is Abu Road and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. It is well connected by Ahemdabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.

Expressway: It is well connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.

PLACES OF INTEREST

DILWARA TEMPLE

Mount Abu is recognized in the world over for its magnificent Jain temples. If you have not visited to Dilwara Temple, then you trip to Abu is incomplete. It is half hidden by mango groves, which increases its beauty. Built between the 11th and 13th century, this temple has been wondrously carved in marble.

Vimal Vasahi the oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah, is dedicated to Adinath who was the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Superbly carved out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, this temple is worth visiting. In the central shrine there is an image of Rishabhdev.It has a large courtyard with 52 small shrines with beautiful statue of thirthankaras. It also has 48 beautifully carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard.

Built in 1231 AD by Vastupal and Tejpal, Vasahi Temple is dedicated to Neminath who was the 22nd trithankara.This temple has beautiful door casings, friezes, architraves, superbly carved pillars, and the amazing sculptures of porticos. This Jain temple is built in the Solanki style of architecture and it has the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. The most astonishing thing about this marble pendant is that it drops from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses with cups so finely carved that they appear to be transparent.

Timing: 1200 to 1500 hrs. Entry free.

NAKKI LAKE [1 km]

The lake is believed to has been carved out by the Gods with their nails. Here you can enjoy boating. This lake is the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. above sea level. The surrounding hills, beautifully laid parks and unique rock formations add beauty to this lake.

GURU SHIKHAR

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of Mount Abu. There is a temple on the top of the hill. This temple is dedicated to Datta-traya who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. From the top of the hill, you may enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Abu. You may even pose clad in a local dress here.

SUNSET POINT

Here you can get a lovely view of the setting sun. It is located at the South-West of Nakki lake. The sun gradually drowns in the sky between two mountain peaks. This beautiful view of the setting sun is worth watching.

GAUMUKH TEMPLE (Vashistha Ashram)

A natural spring flows through a sculpted headoif cow, which gave the shrine its name. Nearby is the marble image of Nandi. The hill temple of Arbuda, which is carved out of roack lies against a picturesque backdrop. You can reach here by car or jeep up to 3 km, from where a descent of 750 steps has to be covered on foot.

SHRI RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Shri Raghunathji and is situated near Nikki Lake. This temple is also worth watching.

MUSEUM

This museum is located at the Raj Bhawan, has a huge collection of archaeological excavations, which belongs to 8th-12th century A.D. It also exhibits Jain bronze carvings, brass works etc.

The lake is surrounded by scenic hills, beautifully laid parks and unique rock formations

FAIR AND FESTIVAL

The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of June. In this three-day festival you can enjoy the typical folk dance and classical music of Rajasthan. Here you can experience the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. At the third day of the festival you can enjoy the display of dazzling fireworks, which is worth watching.

Mahavira Jayanti: Being the most important festival of Jain, the Jain pilgrims from all over the country gather at the Dilwara temples.

SHOPPING

You can enjoy shopping at Nakki Maal. This market is is famous for arts and crafts of Rajasthan, which includes beautiful Jewelry, fabrics, classic wooden articles, gemstones, metal crafts, leather ware etc.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Mount Abu this summer.

Enjoy the coolness in the hot desert!