Mount Abu (popular hill station in the Aravalli Range)

 Mount Abu

(popular hill station in the Aravalli Range)

About Mount Abu:- 

Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India near the border with Gujarat. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m (5,650 ft) above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert' as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. Nearest Railway station is Abu Road railway station which is 27 km away 

Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 mtr's above sea level is the oasis in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India, The world famous tourist destination is known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty 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.  Every year more then three million national and international tourists visit mount abu enjoying its scenic beauty, rich flora & fauna as well as the marble art of delwara jain temples.

In shape, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau, which is about 19 km in length and 5-8 km in breadth. Once home to the meditating rishi and munis, the 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"), deriving its name from Arbuada - the powerful serpent, which rescued Nandi the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Mount Abu has been home, to many rishis and munis, including the famous Rishi Vashishtha, who is believed to have created four Agnikul Rajput clans, from a fire- pit, by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.

History:-
The conquest of Mount Abu in 1311 CE by Rao Lumba of Deora-Chauhan dynasty brought to an end the reign of the Parmars and also marked the decline of Mount Abu. He shifted the capital city to Chandravati in the plains. After the destruction of Chandravati in 1405, Rao Shasmal made Sirohi his headquarters. 

Later it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbudaanchal. In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya ("forest of Arbhuda") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. 

It is believed that sage Vashistha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu following his differences with sage Vishvamitra. 

There is another mythology according to which a serpent named "Arbuda" saved the life of Nandi - Lord Shiva's bull. The incident happened on the mountain which is currently known as Mount Abu and so the mountain is named "Arbudaranya" after that incident which gradually became Abu

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN MOUNT ABU:-

DILWARA JAIN TEMPLES:-

Famous for: Architecture, History, Photography, Pilgrimage.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Opening Timings: Open all days (12pm – 5pm).

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Located at a distance of just 2.5 kilometers from mount Abu, the Dilwara Jain temples were built between the 11th and the 13th century. The feature that makes it a must visit is the amazing and brilliant use of marble in the architecture. The ornamental carvings and the flawless stone laying technique make it one among the most beautiful pilgrimage spots in the world. The temple complex consists of 5 temples which are unique to the Jain culture in India namely Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Parshvanath and Mahavir Swami. The lotus like engravings on the ceilings and the different scenes from the Jain and Hindu mythology represented through carved marble sculptures are sure to leave you awestruck.

GURU SHIKHAR:-

Famous for: Photography, Nature, Viewpoint, Trekking.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Opening Timings: Open all days (8am – 6:30 pm).

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Guru Shikar is the highest point in mount Abu and forms the highest point in the Aravalli mountain range. The place is perfect to get a panoramic view of the whole region and is famous for its temple of Guru Dattatreya an incarnation of the Hindu Deities ‘Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva’ in one. While many wouldn’t find much in this place apart from the various temples and the amazing views, it was quiet natural to me to take out my trusty paperback and get lost in the enticing plot amidst the enchanting surroundings. Do not forget to pack food and beverages but preferably not any alcohol as the place is considered as sacred.

ACHALGARH:-

Famous for: History, Viewpoints, Ruins.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Opening Timings: Open all days (5am – 7pm).

Duration: 45 min.

The name refers to a fort and an ancient kingdom, which was originally built by the Paramara Dynasty rulers. The fort was reconstructed in 1452 by Maharana Kumbha the ruler of the Mewar kingdom and was renamed as ‘Achalgarh’ or the immovable. The fort however stands in ruins to this day, leaving behind many remnants which make this place a tourist attraction. The main entrances are characterized by two towers carved out of grey granite, which still stand as a memorial of this once pompous and majestic fort. The fort walls and the amazing location give an amazing panoramic view of the surroundings.

NAKKI LAKE:-

Famous for: Nature, Photography, Relaxation.

Tickets: No entry fee. Boating charges applicable.

Opening Timings: Open all days with boating timings (09:30 am – 06:00 pm).

Duration: 1-2 hours.

One of the most popular attractions in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is an ancient and sacred lake. According to Hindu mythology the lake was dug out by the Gods by simply using their nails to gain shelter from the Demon Banshkhali, however many such mythological stories exist leading to the creation of this lake. Nevertheless, the place is a great spot for picnic with friends and family alike. The lake is also famous as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here leading to the construction of Gandhi Ghat, which is also a popular monument located here. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and eateries located near the lake which offer some great local food at really cheap prices. The fountains in the lake add to its natural beauty.

SUNSET POINT :-

Famous for: Viewpoint, Photography.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.

Duration: 45 to 60 mins.

The sunset view on Aravali Range is best viewed from Sunset Point. This is one of the most visited place for all the tourists coming to Mount Abu. The sunset view here was even featured in the bollywood movie, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. The pleasant climate and the relaxing atmosphere around here would woo anyone.

ACHALESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE :-

Famous for: Architecture, Pilgrimage.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Opening Timings: Open all days.

Duration: 60 mins.

Famous for its natural occurring shiva linga, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Rajasthan. A subject of many legends and tales, this fort is situated near Achal Fort and was built around second century. Recent restoration works have restored this architectural marvel into its former glory. The temple is said to have a foot impression of Lord Shiva himself and also has a brass Nandi and 3 sculptures of buffalos near the pond.


Others Tourism Attractions:-

• Honeymoon Point
• Brahma Kumari's Universal Peace Hall And University
• Adhar Devi Temple
• Toadrock
• Shri Raghunathji Temple
• Shanker Math
• Gyan Sarovar
• Gaumukh
• Trevors Tank:- Trevor’s Tank is a picturesque location just 5 kilometers from the main town of Mount Abu, and one of the Mount Abu region’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a nature lover’s paradise that is named after the British engineer who built it.
• Peace Park
• Maa Ambika Temple:- 45 km from Abu Road. shakti pith in between 51 shakti piths 
• Abu Road:- It is Famous City to visit is near of this Place

HOTELS IN MOUNT ABU:-

Following Hotels in Mount Abu

1.  Kesar Bhawan Palace, Mount Abu

2.  Mount View, Mount Abu

3.  Palanpur Palace   

4.  The Colonial Manek Manor

5.  Cama Rajputana Club Resort

6.  Hotel Vishram

7.  Hotel Ashoka

8.  Hotel Sai  

Climate:-

Summer:- 

Summer season prevails from mid-April to mid-June, when the average maximum temperature remains around 36 °C. Therefore, it will be better if you bring light cotton clothes. These clothes are fit for the summers of Mount Abu.

Monsoon:- 

Due to its relief and geographical conditions, it rains well in Mount Abu during the monsoons. During the rainy season even the temperature falls down. Normal summer clothing will do. It is wiser to carry an umbrella in order to avoid being caught at the wrong side of monsoon.

Winter:- 

Winters are cool in Mount Abu, with mercury hovering around 16 °C to 22 °C. Nights are really chilly, and the average night temperature is around 4 to 12 °C. Nevertheless, there have been instances when the temperature dipped to as low as −2 to −3 °C. Heavy winter clothing is preferable. You can include long coats and outsiders in your luggage. In daytime, light pullovers are sufficient.

HOW TO REACH MOUNT ABU

By Rail:

Abu Road is the nearest railway station just 28 KM from the main city, Which is very well connected by rail routes to New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Mumbai. From Abu Road you can opt for state transport service (usually every hour) or Taxis on both sharing and private basis.

By Air: 

The nearest airport is Udaipur at a distance of 185 km, But Ahmedabad is having better connectivity and daily flights with other parts of the country and is just 221 KM from Mount Abu, from Ahmedabad or Udaipur you can book Taxi in advance.

By Road: 

Mount Abu is well connected by road with major cities of the country, nearest national highway no. 14 is just 24 KM's.