Mount Abu at an elevation of 1,220 mtrs is the only hill station of Rajasthan. Nestled in the Aravalli Range in Pindwara, Sirohi district, near the border with Gujarat, the famous hill station forms a rocky plateau that is 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m above sea level. Sometimes also referred to as ‘an oasis in the desert’, Mount Abu is home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests.
Originally called is Arbudaranya or Arbudaanchal in ancient times, Mount Abu as per ancient text was the home of a serpent named “Arbuda” who saved the life of Nandi, Shiva’s bull, and so the mountain got this name. Mount Abu is said to be the abode of sages like Atri and Vashisth, and as such is also referred to as Gurdhara or land of gurus sometimes.
Mount Abu town for centuries has been a popular retreat for people of Rajasthan and Gujarat seeking respite from the scorching heat. The hill station is open for tourist throughout the year and best time to visit Rajasthan is from July to February, however the winters are the peak season that draws the maximum crowds.
Mount Abu is known for its several exquisite Jain and Hindu temples famed for their intricate design on marble and architecture. These include Hindu temples like Adhar Devi Temple also known as Arbuda Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Dattatreya temple, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, and Durga Ambika Mata Temple that attract huge number of devotees especially during festivals. Most of these temples were built between 9th and 15th century.
Jain temples of Mount Abu that are frequented for pilgrimage by Jain devotees include Achal Fort Jain Temple, Kantinath Jain Temple, Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples. Most of these temples were built between the 11th and 16th centuries. The five Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples, are in particular most popular attraction among tourist. Each of these temples are known or their unique identity.
Enclosed within a single high walled compound, these temples are Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to first Jain Tirthankara, Shri Rishabhadev; Luna Vasahi, dedicated to 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Neminatha; Pittalhar, dedicated to first Jain Tirthankar, Shri Rishabhadev; Parshvanath, dedicated to 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Parshvanatha; Mahavir Swami, dedicated to last Jain Tirthankara, Shri Mahaviraswami. The temples are open throughout the year from 12 pm to 5 pm for devotees.
Mount Abu is also famous for its Achalgarh Fort, originally built by Parmar rulers, it was rebuilt in the 14th century by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The fort is a popular centre of tourist attraction along with Nakki Lake. The area is also famous for the Toad Rock which is ingle rock on a hill near the lake that is shaped like a large sitting toad. Mount Abu, is also the spiritual head office of Brahma Kumari sect. Every year millions of visitors visit the sprawling campus of Brahma Kumari.
Located on a high rocky plateau, Mount Abu is also a nature lovers delight with Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary being the centre of attraction. Established in 1960 Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 290 km² and encircles the town. Once home to tigers and lions it is now famous for leopards, sambhar, langur, wild boar, bear, pangolin, mongoose, jungle cat, wolf, hyena, jackal, Indian fox, Indian hare, porcupine and hedgehog. The sanctuary, a great place to see animals in their natural habitat; is a birdwatcher’s paradise and is home to over 250 bird species including grey jungle fowl.
Well connected to other parts of India by road, rail and air, the nearest train station is Abu Road railway station located 28 kms away and the nearest airport being Udaipur. Besides the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, there are other places worth visiting in and around the town including Peace Park, Guru Shikhar Peak, Sunset Point, Mount Abu Road, Trevour’s Tank or Trevor’s Crocodile Park, Gaumukh Temple, Toad Rock and many more. A haven for adrenaline junkies, Mount Abu has a plethora of adventure opportunities such as hiking, camping, trekking, boating and much more.
Especially worth mentioning is the Nakki lake or Nakh lake, it is the highest artificial lake in India at 1200 metres and one of the top sightseeing places here. According to legend the original lake was dug out by gods by simply using their nails or nakh to gain shelter from Demon Banshkhali. Considered sacred by local tribes who perform rituals here, the lake freezes sometimes during winter season, thanks to cold wave conditions and near zero temperature. A great picnic spot Trevor’s crocodile park was created by a British engineer, Trevor who built a huge tank for breeding crocodiles.
Once leased by British colonisers from the Maharaja of Sirohi as a place to escape the summer heat of Rajasthan, there are numerous hotels, lodges and resorts in the area that offer luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation to tourist. The restaurants serve delicious Rajasthani veg and non veg thali as well as other Indian, Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Mount Abu is also a great shopping destination with the shops in local market selling all types handicrafts, including wooden artifacts, metal works, ornaments and more.
A great picnic spot for locals, and holiday escape and honeymoon attraction for tourist, Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a mesmerizing destination for an extended weekend visit.
