Archive for the ‘Mount Abu’ Category
November 1st, 2011 | 
Author: 
Population 18,000
Languages Rajasthani, Hindi
Best time to visit all through the year, especially during summer
STD Code 02974
Mount Abu is one of the famous hill destinations in the desert state of Rajasthan in the western part of India. It is located in the Sihori district, and is 58 km from Palanpur. Known earlier as Arbudaanchal, Mount Abu has its throne fixed as the highest peak in Aravali Range of Rajasthan.
There is quite a bit of history associated with Mount Abu. Historians believe that the original residents of Mount Abu were Gurjars. The association of Gurjars with Arbuda mountain (Mt Abu) dates back in many inscriptions and epigraphs found from this region. As early as sixth century A.D, Gurjars located themselves in Arbuda Mountain and many parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. In mythology it is said that Saint Vasistha performed his final recites and retired to the hills of Mount Abu due to his differences with sage Vishvamitra.
Located at a height of 1220 meters from sea level, Mount Abu definitely gets an extra advantage as a tourist spot because this is the only single hill station in Rajasthan. Visitors come here from nearby parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat to get away from the summer heat and relax and unwind in the pleasant weather and comfortable climate of the place. The greenery all around adds to the beauty of the hill town.
Places To Visit
Dilwara Jain Temple
Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD, The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling.
Achalgarh Fort
AchalGarh, sometimes spelt Achalgadh, is one of the many beautiful medieval monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, located in the desert in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the esteemed designer who was responsible for many huge fortresses in Southern Rajasthan. Achalgarh is just 8 Kilometers from the main Mount Abu town and is well connected by road.
The fortress AchalGarh is surrounded by massive battlement walls. It is situated at the top of a mountain peak and offers picturesque views all year round. AchalGarh is found at the top of a steep winding path, whereby the 15th century fortresses and the temples are enclosed within the fortified walls. These fortified walls provide scenic lookouts onto the countryside.A 10 minute climb from AchalGarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples. These temples are a must visit for more great views and the beautiful sculpture.
Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake the mythological lake with a very interesting story behind its creation is the heart of Mount Abu, the legend has it that this lake was dugg by Gods or Devtas using their nails or nakh that’s why the name Nakki Lake – few sections of local tribes also consider Nakki Lake as a holy lake and worship it, Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 Mtr’s above sea level. Recently in 2006-2007 Nakki lake was granted a huge financial boost for its protection amongst eight other lakes in India.
Situated within walking distance from the main market and almost 80% of Hotel’s and restaurent’s of Mount Abu, Nakki lake posses the crown of being the heart of Mount Abu. The hub of evening activity and boating – Nakki Lake is the perfect place to spent your evening with your partner, friends and family.
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Mount Abu, which is set amidst lush surroundings of Aravali hills at an altitude of 1,220 m above the sea level, is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. It enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all round the year with temperatures hovering between 21 degrees to 33 degrees celcius during summer and between 11 degrees to 28 degrees celcius during winter, offering much-needed relief from the heat and dust of Rajasthan. Besides its exceptional scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also famous for its 11-13th century Hindu and Jain temples.
The physiography of Mt Abu bears quite a distinction from the rest of the state. The places features productive lands and a pleasant climate. The place lies, comparatively, at a higher altitude and is the is the lone hill station in the region around. The place is what can best be described as Cool. The road that leads to the place is rocky and arid. One finds a lot of odd shaped rocks piled along the roadside. Mt Abu is a very famous pilgrimage centre in the state. The place is believed to have been blessed by the sages and saints that travelled to this part of the country. Located here are some important shrines and temples of Jains and Hindus.
Guru Shikhar Mount Abu
A much revered Hindu pilgrimage site, the Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravali range situated at 15km northeast of the hill town.
Dilwara Jain Temples Mount Abu
One of the renowned Jain pilgrimage, the Dilwara Jain Temples constructed between 11th and 13th century are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple complex comprising of five marble temples out of which the oldest temple is the Vimal Vasahi Temple is one of the exquisite specimen of Jain architectural splendour.
Sunset Point Mount Abu
3km away from the town to the west, within a walkable distance, where the valley ends, there is the Sunset Point.At the foothills down below is a deep gorge or pit.It looks as if the setting sun has just fallen or dissapeared from the sky into the mountains. This point offers one of the breathtaking mountain view from this point.
Honeymoon Point Mount Abu
Another popular spot to enjoy the scenic beauty especially the magical moment when the setting sun spreads its orange wings, the heavenly view of the Abu Valley and acres of lush greenary.
Trevor’s Tank Mount Abu
Situated just 5kms from the hill town, the Trevor’s Tank derived its name from the British engineer who built it is a well known hang out spot for those who want to enjoy several moods of nature where thick wooded hills provide the perfect abode for the different varieties of birds like peacocks and pigeons.
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that’s 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. 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.
Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.
The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cows head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.
What to see
Gaumukh Temple: A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cows 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.
Dilwara 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.
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.
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.
Dilwara Temple
The Dilwara Jain temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD.
The Dilwara temples have been described as a dream in marble. According to the inscription, Mount Abu was basically a seat of Saivism and Jainism made its appearance only in 11th century. The first Jain temple of Dilwara, the Vimala Vasahi was built in 1032 A D by Vimala Shah.
Vimala Vashi Temple
The Vimal Vashi temple is the earliest and most important temple among various temples situated here. The Vimal Vashi temple was built in 1032 AD and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. The temple was constructed by Vimal Shah, minister of a local Rajput ruler, Raja Bim Deo. It stands in an open courtyard surrounded by 58 cells or kulikas, which contain small icons of the image in the main shrine. In the main shrine is the gold-brass caste image of Adinath placed in the Gudh Mandap. The main shrine and the front of the cells are surrounded by elaborate columns. The temple is carved out of white marble. The ceiling is decorated with engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.
Nakki Lake
The Nakki Lake is a major attraction of Mount Abu. It is a pretty lake which is surrounded by the wooded hills. Nakki Lake is the focal point of the town of Mount Abu. Nakki means Fingernails. According to legend, this lake was clawed out of the earth by the fingernails of the Gods. Boating is a popular pastime here, and a walk along the bank is quite pleasant.
Todd’s Rock
From Nakki Lake one can see the strange rock formation called “Todd’s Rock”. This rock formation is sculpted by the forces of nature.
Sunset Point
There are many view points around the town. The most famous view point is the Sunset Point. Sunset point is situated on the banks of the Nakki Lake in the southwestern part. From here one can view the sunset spectacularly between two rocky peaks with the lovely view of the surrounding hills. There is a spectacular sight at the time of sunset when all the hills shine with the golden glow. Sunset point is the right place to view the spectacular sunset
Hotel Hilltone Ltd
Address: Post Box-18, Mount Abu 307501
Phone: 02974- 32391- 94 ,Fax: 38395
Specialities:
Chinese, French, 24 hr Coffee shops
Hotel Hillock Mount Abu:
This is an eminent eco friendly hotel located at a distance of 185 km.The hotel has an outstretched scenic view facing the Nakki Lake.
The hotel has a marvelous arrangement of lodging like it possesses 29 deluxe rooms, 9 standard rooms, 3 super deluxe rooms and a single suite.
Room amenities include well furnished AC rooms with attached bath. All rooms have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain & landscaped gardens. The rooms have a mini bar, 21`colour flat screen TV, running hot & cold water in showers.
The exquisite Restaurant serves Multicuisine food items thus impressing the visitors to the fullest and attracts them to come back over and over again.
Connaught House
Connaught house is a charming English cottage set in shady gardens within walking distance of the town of Mount Abu and famous Nakki Lake. This property was the official summer residence of the chief minister of the princely state of Marwar.
There are comfortable rooms in the charming old building as well as charming new wing of airy rooms. It is an ideal place to just relax and enjoy.
AMENITIES :
Restaurant serving Continental, Indian, Regional cuisines, 24 hours room service, Major credit cards are accepted.
General Information
Mt. Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station. It is around 180 km away from Jodhpur, the second biggest city of Rajasthan, and 509 km away from Jaipur, the state capital. It is also one of the major pilgrimage sites of India for both Hindu as well as Jain religions. Besides the temples and sites of historical importance, Mt. Abu is also rich in natural scenic beauties.
Mt. Abu is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayas in the north.
Mount Abu has market having variety of shops with variety of rajasthani and gujrati articles from handicrafts of different categories, textile, Jewellery articles, wooden, marble and metal, Rajasthani paintings, Leather articles and stone crafts etc.
Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that’s Rajasthan. Accomodation in mount Abu will never be a problem as it is very popular as a hill station in India and holds excellent capacity to hold its tourists with all the glory.