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Mount Abu is a green paradise situated
amidst the Aravali ranges in Rajasthan. The hill retreat
owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire
hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering
shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one
characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird
shapes and high velocity winds.
Mount Abu is the
only hill station in the desert state. Getting to Mount Abu is
easier from Gujarat, since it is to the south of the state in
the Aravalli mountains. The closest city, though, is Udaipur.
The Dilwara Jain temples have often been compared to the Taj
Mahal. There are a few interesting places to grab a bite around
the lake, a lot like the Mahabaleshwar lake in Makarashtra, only
a lot more picturesque. Mount Abu is especially known for its
picturesque sunsets, which are seen best past the hills from the
Lake.
Getting there
Fly Away : Nearest airports are Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
On Tracks : Nearest railhead is Abu Road (27 kms).
On Wheels : By road Mount Abu to Ahmedabad 214 kms, Bombay
835 kms, Delhi 768
kms, Jaipur 515 kms, Udaipur 182 kms, Jodhpur 291 kms,
Ranakpur 168 kms.
Sightseeing Overview of Mount Abu
Delwara Jain Temple
These are intricately carved temples constructed between
11th and 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 AD, it is a superb example of temple
architecture
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
Nakki Lake is sacred to Hindus with a legendary tale
attached to it. It is believed that the lake was scooped out
by fingernails (nakki) by gods attempting to escape the
wrath of a demon. There are boats for hire and a pleasant
walk around the lake past the Raghunath temple. The Toad
Rock is here too. The other rock formations are known as
Nandi and Camel rock respectively.
Sunset Point, Mount Abu
This place offer an panaromic view of the sunset.
Trevor's Tank
Trevor's Tank is a bird-watcher's paradise. The thickly
wooded hills around it are teeming with pheasants, peacocks
and partridges.
EXCURSIONS
Trevor’s Tank
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.
Achalgarh
It is an impressive fort with some beautiful jain temples
enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar
Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath Jain Temple (1513
A.D.). The latter has gold plated image. Mandakini Kund and a
sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh are situated close to the
Achaleswar Mahadev Temple. The Fort was built in the 14th
century A.D. by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable
road.
The Shiva Temple of Achaleshwar Mahandeva, 11km north, of Mt.
Abu has a number of interesting features, including a toe of
Shiva, a brass Nandi, and where the Siva Lingam would normally
be a deep hole said to extend all the way to the underworld.
Outside by the car park is a tank beside which stand 3 stone
buffaloes and the figure of king shooting them with a bow and
arrows. A legend state that the tank was once filled with Ghee
but demons in the form of buffaloes came down and drank each
night- until king shot them. A path leads up the hillside to a
group of colorful Jain temples with fine views out over the
plains.
Guru Shikhar
At the end of the plateau and 15 km from Mt Abu is Guru Shikhar
the highest point in Rajasthan at 1721 meters that offers a
bird's eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt Abu. A road
goes almost all the way to the summit.
At the top is the Aarti Rishi Temple, complete with a priest and
good views all around. Below the temple is a cafe selling soft
drinks and snacks. A small Shaivite shrine and a temple of
Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit.
Quick Facts about Mount Abu
Best season : March to June and September to October.
Area : 25 sq kms
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 22.8 degree C, 23.3 degree C
Winter : 28.5 degree C 11.6 degree C
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
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