A
pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills,
Mt. Abu is an oasis in the barren desertscape that's
Rajasthan. This Holy mountain lies at the
southern extremity of the Aravali range.
Surrounded by fine forests rich in flora and fauna, the town
appears an oasis. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks
of rocks in weird shapes, like an array of coniferous trees,
flowering, shrubs, lovely lakes and cool climate much in contrast
to the arid environs of the state.
The altitude of this plateau, 1220 m and abundant vegetation,
have endowed Abu with pleasant climate. It
is a resort as well as a celebrated place of Rajput
and jain pilgrimage.
The origin of Mount Abu goes back to several
centuries. The Padam Puran relates the story of how this holy
city came into existence. Once, Nandini, the cow belonging
to the venerable sage Vashishta was trapped in a deep chasm
and could not get herself free. When all efforts failed, the
sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. Saraswati, the
divine stream, flooded the pit and the cow floated up. Once
his cow was free, Vashishta approached the great Himalaya
and asked him to fill the gorge permanently to avoid further
mishaps. The youngest son of Himalaya, with the assistance
of Arbuda, the mighty snakes filled the chasm. The place came
to be called Mount Arbuda and was later reduced
to its present name.
Mount Abu has been home to many saints and sages.
Due to the presence of these sages and seers, this place became
a holy retreat. For most visitors however, Mount Abu
today, is a hill station with all the delightful
spots necessary to make their trip interesting.
PLACES
OF TOURIST INTEREST
DILWARA TEMPLE (3KMS)
Mount
Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim centre
up to the 11th Century. Today, it is recognised the world
over for its magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can
be complete without a trip to the DILWARA TEMPLE. These temples
are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious climate.
Half hidden by mango groves, the temple's sober exterior belies
the wealth of its interior ornamentation. The DILWARA TEMPLE
enshrine the images of various Jain "Tirthankaras"
or saints. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these
temples are famous for their superb carvings in marble.
Vimal Vasahi, the oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah,
Minister of the Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. It is
dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras.
Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji,
23 kms from Abu Road, it is an outstanding example of Jain
temple architecture.
The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev surrounded by
a large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful
statue of a Tirthankara, alongwith 48 elegantly carved pillars
from the entrance to the courtyard.
The Luna Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara,
Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal
and Tejpal, Ministers of Raja Virdhavala, a ruler of Gujarat
belonging to the Porwal Jain community.
Timings
:1200 to 1800 hrs for Tourists
Entry : Free
Photography : Not allowed
NAKKI
LAKE (1KM)
The
lake is picturesquely set amidst hills, 1200 meters. above
sea level and is believed to have been carved out by the Gods
with their nails. It is popular spot for boating. The surrounding
hills have several areas of interest.
TOAD
ROCK
Overhanging
the Nakki lake, it is so called because of its resemblance
to a gigantic toad about to leap into the water.
ADHAR
DEVI TEMPLE (2KMS)
This
is a beautiful temple chiselled out of a huge rock, formed
by a natural cleft. It is also known as the Arbuda Devi Temple.
A climb of 360 steps up the hill, leads to the place where
homage to the Goddess can be paid. It is believed that the
image of the Goddess was originally hanging in mid air, hence
the name Adhar Devi.
GAUMUKH
TEMPLE (Vashishta Ashram)
Many
sages and seers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous
being sage Vashishta. To regenerate the human race, he performed
a 'yagya' or magic fire from which were born the agnikula
clans of Chauhans, Solankis, Parmars and Pratihars. A natural
spring that flows through a sculpted cow's head, gives the
shrine its name. It is accessible by car or jeep up to 3 km
from where a descent of 750 steps has to be covered by foot.
SUNSET
POINT
It
is a beautiful site which provides a lovely view of the setting
Sun. South West of Nakki Lake, one can see the Sun gradually
drown itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks.
Steps lead up to a high terrace which offers an awe inspiring
view of the setting Sun.
HONEY
MOON POINT
Until
recently known as the Anadra Point, this place provides a
pleasant view of the verdant valley and plains. It looks especially
beautiful at sunset hour, when it acquires a serene aura.
OM
SHANTI BHAWAN
Also
known as the Universal Peace Hall, it is the World Spiritual
University of the Brahma Kumaris. It has a big hall without
any pillars, which can accommodate up to 3500 people.
TREVOR'S
TANK
Named
after the British engineer, Trevor's tank is a delight for
bird watchers with densely wooded hills that are a heaven
to Pigeons. Peacocks, Partridges, Barbets, Bee-eaters, Cuckoos,
Bulbuls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Quails, Robin, Sunbird,
Grey Jungle fowl and Red spur fowl, which are found abundantly
in this sanctuary.
Timings : Sunrise to Sunset.
ACHALGARH
This
majestic fort, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar in the 14th century,
houses some magnificent temples. The important ones are -
the temple of Achaleswar Mahadev (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath
Jain temple (1513 A.D.), having a gold plated image. Mandakini
Kund near Achaleswar temple and the sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh
are of special interest.
GURU
SHIKHAR (18KMS)
Known
as the saint's pinnacle, it is the highest peak of Aravalis
rising up to 1772 meters. above sea level. It affords a panoramic
view of the adjoining areas and has a small Shaivite shrine
and temple of Dattatreya, a saint whose footprints are carved
within. Similar footprints of Ramananda, the great Vaishnavite
preacher, can be seen a little further on, and a little distance
down below, at the base of the rock, is a great bell suspended
by a wooden frame, which has Gujarati inscription dating back
to 1411 A.D.
FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS
SUMMER
FESTIVAL
A
special occasion in the hill resort, as the people throng
from all parts of the country to escape the sizzling heat
of the plains, and rejuvenate their sapping energies. They
are treated to one of the most exotic festivals which lingers
in their minds for long.
WINTER
FESTIVAL
The
Winter Festival is held every year during the last week of
December. The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness
of the people of hill station, who welcome the tourist from
the depth of their hearts. This three days colorful festival
is organised by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board,
Mt. Abu. The hospitality of the people, their colorful culture
and exotic location make this festival a never to be forgotten
experience. The festival begins with a ceremonial procession,
which start from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar. The procession gathers
at the Nakki Lake Chowk followed by folk performances of Rajasthan,
Gujarat, Punjab & Haryana's folk artists. The grand finale
of the festival is made brighter by a display of dazzling
fire works all three days.
TRAVEL
AND COMMUNICATION
AIR
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur lie on the Airlines route that
links Delhi and Mumbai.
RAILWAY
Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network of Train services.
The Shatabdi Express is an excellent connection to Ajmer via
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi. The trains offer
vestibule, chair-seating rail service. Other places too are
linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journeys
are usually long because of the distances involved, it is
advisable to carry light snacks and water bottles as most
stations enroute do not serve much by way of food.
Railway's
computerized reservation center (PRS) is located in TRC premises.
Tel. No. 235081
Road
The state Roadways coaches link most tourist places and business
centres in and around the state. Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned
cars can be hired through the State Tourist Offices and other
approved operators.
