ABOUT MOUNT ABU:

• Nestled amidst lush forested hills of Aravalli’s is the only hill station of Rajasthan.
• Equally important for pleasure seekers and devoted pilgrims.
• Named after serpent Arbuda (Abu in short), the son of Himalayas, who come here to rescue Nandi, the wahan (Mount) of Lord Shiva.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR), 185 kms away from Mount Abu.
• Rail: Abu Road Railway Station, Abu Road, 28 kms away from Mount Abu.
• Road: Well connected by road. 222 kms from Ahmedabad and 490 kms from Jaipur.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT & MONUMENTS	Om Shanti Bhawan or Universal Peace Hall   Achalgarh
PILGRIM CENTRE	Dilwara Jain Temple   Temple of Raghunathji   Gau Mukh Temple   Adhar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple   Achalgarh   Guru Shikar
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM	Government Museum & Art Gallery
WILD LIFE	Mount Abu Sanctuary
LAKE	Nakki Lake
HILLY AREA	Guru Shikar
OTHERS	Toad Rock   Sunset Point   Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point)   Trevor’s Tank   Abu Road
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Summer Festival Winter Festival

For more information visit https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/mount-abu.html

ATTRACTIONS OF MOUNT ABU

 

Dilwara Jain Temple:

• Delightful Dilwara (Devalwara) or the ‘Palace of Temples’ is the major attraction of Mount Abu.
• World renowned temples are noted for excellent architecture and exquisite carvings.
• Main group consists of five temples, which were built between 11^th and 12^th centuries.
• Pure white marble temple of Vimal Sah or Vimal Vasahi was built in 1031 and is the oldest of the temple group.
• Dedicated to Adinath or Rishabdeo, the first Jain tirthankara.
• Its impressive 48 pillared mandapa (portico) in front of the main sanctum.
• Eight central pillars of the mandapa forms an octagon, which holds up a dome with circular rims and ornately carved pendant like roof.

 

Nakki Lake:

• This shinning ‘jewel’ of the Abu hills is believed to be dug out by the god’s with their nails (nakh) and thus the name Nakki.
• Perhaps the only artificial lake in the country.
• An altitude of 1200 mts. above sea level.
• Boating facilities are available and one may choose motor boats, ordinary boats, shikaras and paddle boats to explore the serene waters of Nakki.
• Embankments of the lake are dotted with magnificent summer villas of various erstwhile princely states of the country.
• Most of them have been converted into guest houses and hotels.

 

Toad Rock:

• Magnificent rocky out crop resembling a ‘Toad’ overlooks the placid waters of the Nakki Lake.

 

Temple of Raghunathji:

• Sacred shrine near the Nakki Lake is associated with the great preacher Ramanandji.
• Installed an image of Shri Raghunathji (Lord Rama), at the temple in 14^th century.

 

Gau Mukh Temple:

• Ancient site near the Nakki Lake is of immense religious importance.
• An old tank which is filled by a natural spring, flowing a spout, shaped like a cow’s head, hence the name Gau (cow) Mukh (mouth).
• Splendidly sculpted hill temple of Arbuda, the mighty serpent is located nearby, amid scenic surrounding.
• There is also a marble statue of Nandi, who was rescued by Arbuda from a chasm.

 

Sunset Point:

• Splendid sunset point lies to the south-west of Nakki Lake.

 

Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point):

• It affords great views of the verdant valley.
• Superb plains, especially during the sunset time.

 

Om Shanti Bhawan or Universal Peace Hall:

• Impressive building houses the famous Brahma Kumari’s World Spiritual University.
• It has a big hall devoid of any pillars and can accommodate a gathering of 3,500 people.

 

Adhar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple:

• The temple beautifully carved out of a huge rock can be reached by a flight of 360 steps.

 

Government Museum & Art Gallery:

• It was set up in 1962, within the premises of Raj Bhawan.
• A rich collection of archaeological finds dating back to 8^th – 12^th century, weapons, musical instruments, ornaments and garments, miniature paintings, sculptures and specimens of wood carving etc. are exhibited here.

 

Mount Abu Sanctuary:

• Sprawls over a lush area of 288 sq. km., comprising of sub-tropical evergreen forests.
• Jasmine sweeps through the sanctuary making it a paradise for nature lovers.
• It is home to animal species like leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur.
• There are also more than 250 species of exotic birds.

 

Trevor’s Tank:

• Tank amidst densely wooded hills teems with rich variety of beautiful birds.
• Most commonly seen birds are, pheasants, peacocks and partridges.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND MOUNT ABU

 

Achalgarh:

• 10 kms away from Mount Abu city.
• 14^th century fort built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
• Famous for the temples of Achaleswar Mahadev and the Kantinath Jain.

 

Guru Shikar:

• 15 kms away from Mount Abu city centre.
• Guru Shikhar or the saint’s pinnacle rises to a height of 1772 mts.
• The highest peak of the Aravalli’s.
• It has a small Shaivite shrine and temple of Dattatreya.
• A bird’s eye view of the sylvan surroundings can be enjoyed from here.

 

Abu Road:

• Medieval town set at the foot 28 kms away from Mount Abu city.
• One can buy pure vermilion (sindhoor or kum kum), incense, oil lamps, beautiful marble images and fragrant flowers here.
• Polished stones of jasper, agate, cornelian, amethyst and necklaces or bracelets of semi-precious stones are available.
• Exquisitely carved ivory or bone statues, bowls and ornaments, scarves and skirts, printed or embroidered with mirror work are other worth purchasing articles.