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Overview
Mount Abu, literally ‘Hill of Wisdom’, is Rajasthan’s only hill station. Sprawling along a 2 km long plateau, it is at an altitude of 1220 m and is the highest point on the Aravalli ranges. Abu was the summer resort for the Maharajas to escape the sweltering desert heat.
The gigantic blocks of rock, towering along the crest of the hill, the lush green trees and the colourful birds and animals make Abu one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Mount Abu is also a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre. It houses the famous Dilwara group of Jain temples, one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Right in the centre of the town is the immensely popular Nakki Lake. Many foreigners visit Abu to study at the Brahma Kumari Spiritual University.
According to legend, four agnikula or fire born Rajput clans, the Chauhans, Parmars, Solankis and Pratiharas were created out of a sacrificial fire at Mount Abu.
IN ABU:
Nakki Lake: The Nakki lake is right in the center of Mount Abu. It is believed that gods dug out the lake with their nails. Captivated by the beauty of this lake, many Maharajas built their summerhouses around it. Boats, shikaras and paddleboats are available at the lake.
Viewpoints: There are various viewpoints around Mount Abu with the Sunset Point being the most famous. Other popular spots include Honeymoon Point, The Crags and Robert’s Spur.
Adhar Devi Temple: Only 3 km north of the town, this ancient Durga temple is built in a natural cleft in a rock. The place affords excellent views of Mount Abu.
Dilwara Jain Temples: Dilwara (from Devalwara, the place of temples) Jain temples rank amongst the finest specimens of Jain architecture in India. The façade the temples are quite ordinary and one is quite unprepared for the splendour of the interiors. These temples date back to the 11th and 13th century. Made of white marble, they are intricately carved and sculpted.
Two temples – the Vimal Vasahi and Tejpal, are the most notable.
Vimal Vasahi is the older of the two, dating back to the 11th century AD. The temple was built by Vimal Sah and is dedicated to the first Tirthankar, Adinath or Rishabdeo. The Tejpal Temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankar and was built in 1230 by two brothers, Tejpal and Vastupal, both ministers of the ruler of Gujarat.
Brahma Kumaris Spritual University & Museum: It attracts hordes of visitors from India and abroad. The Brahma Kumaris hold that all religions lead to God and are therefore equally valid. They accordingly put emphasis on studying principles of all religions. The University’s stated aim is the establishment of universal peace through spiritual knowledge and training of yoga and meditation.
AROUND ABU:
There are several places around Abu that are worth visiting. The shiva temple of Achaleshwar Mahandeva at Achalgarh lies 11 km north of Mt Abu and offers good views of the plains. Guru Shikhar, 15 km from Abu is the highest point in Rajasthan at 1721 m. Eight km from the town, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary harbours panthers, sambhars, wildboars and birds.
Shopping
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone are available at shops around Nakki Lake. Kota saris, lac bangles and linen with Sanganeri prints can also be purchased here.
Cultural Calendar
Summer Festival (June)
General Information
- Best time to visit – Sept-June
- Area 25 sq. km.
- Altitude 1220 metres
- Climate Summer 33.8 degree C 23.3 degree C
- Winter 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C (Min)
- Rainfall 65-177 cms.
- Clothing Summer light tropical
- Winter light woollen
- Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English.
Getting There
By Air: The nearest airfield is Udaipur (185 km), from where one can hire a taxi or travel by bus to get to Mount Abu. Udaipur is well connected by air to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to Mount Abu is Abu Road, 29 km away. Abu Road is connected to both Ahmedabad and Jodhpur by train. Facility for hiring taxies or travelling by bus is available at the station to get to Mount Abu.
By Road: Mount Abu is 264 km from Jodhpur and is connected to all the major cities in Rajasthan by road. Regular buses and taxis ply on this road. TOP^
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