Population
: 18,000
Languages : Rajasthani,
Hindi
Best Time to Visit :
Throughout Year
Std : 02974
Mount
Abu(Introduction)
Mount
Abu is a picturesque hill-station which green oasis in the barren
desertscape thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the
Aravali range 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. This is also the highest point between
the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north.
The
only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer
retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating
back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre.
‘Abu’ according to a legend.stands for the son of Himalayan,
deriving its name from Arbuada,the powerful serpent who rescued
Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.
There are various interesting treks
and picnic spots close to Mount Abu.
Mount Abu
(Places To see)
Gaumukh Temple:
A
natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives
the shrine its name. The famous ‘yagna’ of sage Vashishtha
was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the
mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is
the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued
by Arbuada.
Delwara Jain Temple:
These
beautifully carved temples built 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 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant
and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example
of temple architecture.The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev
and large courtyard with 52 small shrines,each housing a beautiful
statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the
entrance to the courtyard.The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the
22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal
and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging
to the Porwal Jain community.With door casings, pillars,architraves,and
sculptures on porticos,the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship
Adhar Devi Temple :
The
temple is chiselled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360
stairs. A favourite tourist spot.
Sunset Point:
Spectacular
sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in
the golden glow can be viewed from here.
Honeymoon Point:
Also
known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant
plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk
hours.
Shri Raghunathji Temple:
Situated
near the ‘Nakki’ lake is the temple dedicated to Shri
Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed
here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.
Gardens and Parks:
Beautifully
laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise.
Ashok Vatika,Gandhi park, Municipal Park,Shaitan Singh Park and
Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.
Museum and Art Gallery:
Located
at the Raj Bhawan, it was a collection of archaeological excavations
dating back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze carvings,brassworks
etc. for viewing.
Guru Shikhar(Highest
peak)
Guru
Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu, is also perhaps the most
beautiful. There is certain serenity about the temple built atop
this peak. The temple might just have stepped out of a fairy tale,
with only a small portion in pink jutting out of an otherwise plain
white chalk building.
Nakki(the
lake)
In
the heart of the town, at one end of the Mall is Nakki Lake, which
has an interesting history. It is said that it was drawn by the
finger nails (nakk) of a sage, Balam Rasia, in response to the demands
of the stepmother of the girl he wished to marry. The girl, a princess,
and a daughter of the then King of Abu, was also in love with the
sage, but because of the evil stepmother the affair ended in tragedy,
and has been immortalized in a temple of the Kunwari Kanya, alongside
which stands a statue of her lover.
The
lake too, has survived to tell the tale. Picturesquely set, with
the hills rising all around it, the lake has several islets to which
you can hire boats. An interesting facet is the many rock formations
around the lake. They have been named Toad Rock, Nun Rock, Nandi
Rock and Camel Rock because of their resemblance to these figures.
The road appears to be looking broodingly down towards the lake,
as if contemplating jumping in. Nun Rock is a large smooth rock,
as it supposedly looks a woman with a veil. The climb up to these
rocks, through the wooded forests is a beautiful one, with each
of the rocks on the way making unique formations, fissures and shapes.
There
are rumors that you might run into a bear on your way up, but the
climb is well worth the risk! And one can take courage from the
fact that none of the travelers in the last few years have encountered
the animal.
Mount Abu(Location)
Mount
Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is 187 km away from Ahmedabad
in Gujarat.
Mount Abu (How
To Get There)
By Rail:
There are direct trains to Abu Road Station (27 km away from Mount
Abu) from Delhi, Jodhpur and Agra. A fast train takes four hours
between Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Abu Road.
By Road: Regular buses
connect Abu Road to Mount Abu. The journey takes about an hour.
Taxis and jeeps are also available to take you to Mount Abu. Direct
buses also connect Mount Abu with Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
Where to stay
A
number of options, according to the budget allocation of the tourists,
are available in Abu. The accommodation level ranges from a highly
luxurious hotel to a dormitory. But rooms should be booked well
in advance if willing to visit this exotic hill station during summer.
Where to eat
Number
of eateries and restaurant are available serving different delicacies
and cuisine.
Tourist Information
Tourist
office under the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation is available
at the city area from where one can easily get the information easily
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