Mount Abu Tourism |Hotels in Mount Abu

About Mount Abu :

Mount Abu About is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. Mount Abu is 58 km from Palanpur (Gujarat). The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal"

History of Mount Abu :

The Gurjars and Arbuda Mountain:

The Arbuda Mountains (Mount Abu) region is said to be original abode of the famous Gurjaras.The association of the Gurjars with the mountain is noticed in many inscriptions and epigraphs including Tilakamanjari of Dhanpala.These Gurjars (Gujars or Gujjars) migrated from Arbuda mountain region and as early as sixth century A.D, they set up one or more principalities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Almost all or a larger part of Rajasthan and Gujarat had been known as Gurjaratra (country ruled or protected by the Gurjars) or Gurjarabhumi (land of the Gurjars) for centuries prior to Mughal period.

Mythology:

In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya,("forest of Arbhu") and 'Abu' is a dimunitive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage Vasishtha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu following his differences with sage Vishvamitra.

Climate of Mount Abu :

Mount Abu's has a pleasent climate thanks to its rich dense green forest cover, In summers when typical temperature of desertious Rajasthan is around 44°C , Mount Abu's temperature is 31°C to 34°C. In winters the temperature ranges from 10°C to -8°C (in Night) , Mount Abu receives the highest amount of rainfall in Rajasthan, average Rainfall during monsoon is 70-180 cm, It is advised to visit Mount Abu during rainy season in August-September to enjoy the monsoon and nature at its best to enjoy waterfalls, lush green mountains and the romantic mist.

Weather of Mount Abu :

In Summer: 33.8 C (Max) - 23.3 C (Min)
In winter: 20.3 C (Max) - 0 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)

Places to Visit in Mount Abu:

Dilwara Temples:

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples built by Chalukya between the 11th and 13th centuries AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan, some believe that none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous.

For the people who come to perform puja here, there are facilities to bathe and get ready. The facilities use passive solar power to heat up the water for bathing and other things. Guided tour hours for tourists are posted outside the temple. You might see occasional monkeys looking for food outside the temple area.

Achalgarh Fort:

Achalgarh is a fort situated eleven kilometers north of Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and later reconstructed, renovated and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE,one of the several forts built during his reign.

The fort is not in good condition now. The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. It comprises two towers built of large blocks of grey granite. After some ascent, stands Champapol, the second gate of the fort, which served as the entrance to the inner fort.

There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort. Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. There are Jain temples in the fort. These were built in 1513 CE.

Nakki Lake:

Nakki Lake is an Artificial lake situated in the Indian hill station of Mount Abu in Aravalli range.

It is a very ancient sacred Lake, according to the Hindu legend. It is called by this name because it was dug out from Nails (Nakh). One story is of dug by Gods to live in, for protection against the Bashkali rakshash (a wicked demon). While other is of Rasiya Balam (a sculpture of Dilwara Jain temple) , who dug the lake, as the king told that whoever will dug the lake within one night I will marry my daughter to him. But later king's wife refused and he couldn't marry the king's daughter. Temple of Rasiya Balam and Kunwari Kanya (king's daughter)'s is located behind the Dilwara Jain temple.

The lake is in length of about a half mile and in width about of a quarter of mile and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards the dam on the west. It is an important tourist attraction of Mount Abu. There is the Toad Rock on a hill near the lake. Toad rock is so called as it looks like a toad about to jump into the lake, from the side of the rock facing the lake. There are two ways to go up and down the rock; to climb the rocky hill side or to use the steps leading down to Nakki Lake. By the side of the lake there is a path leading to Sunset Point. It is forbidden to climb to Sunset Point due to dangerous bandits living around the path to Sunset Point. Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are also on hills near the Lake.

Boating in the lake and horse rides around the lake are available.

Guru Shikhar:

Guru Shikhar, a peak at an altitude of 5,676 feet (1722 meters), is the highest point in Rajasthan. It is located at a distance of 15 km from Mount Abu. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings.

This peak is the home to the temple of Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There is a huge brass bell outside the shrine, which overlooks the lush greenery of Mount Abu.

Adjacent to the temple is the Mt Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several aeronomy experiments.

Adhar Devi:

Situated in a cave, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in the Mount Abu region. It is situated three kilometers north of the main town of Mount Abu. The Adhar Devi Temple is reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple itself is located inside a rocky cleave and is reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave.

The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It got its name because the legend has it that "Adhar" of the Mataji (Goddess deity) fell here also it was believed that the image of the goddess could be found there hanging in mid air. As well as being a popular tourist destination, the Adhar Devi Temple is also a common destination for many religion pilgrimages The Adhar Devi temple receives most pilgrims during the 9 days of the holy Navratri season.

The Adhar Devi temple contains many beautiful statues, and those that make the effort to climb the stairs are rewarded with many picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The climb up to the Adhar Devi temple can be a difficult one so it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You should not be turned off by this walk as the scenic views surrounding the temple and the wondrous beauty inside make this climb worth the effort.

Sunset Point:

Of the various points around the town, Sunset Point, 1.5 km from the tourist office of Mount Abu, is the most popular. Hoards stroll out here every evening to catch the setting sun, the food stalls and all the usual entertainment. Is is a one kilometer walk from the road to the viewpoint or you can hire a horse.

Honeymoon Point:

Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road, also known as Andra Point, offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours. The route to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.

Brahma Kumaris Museum:

Located south of the Nakki Lake you could spend some time partaking spiritual knowledge and understanding the tenets of the Brahma Kumaris. Also enjoy a laser show which helps in the methods of meditations.

How to Reach :

By Air:

Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.

By Bus:

Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.

By Train:

Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.

Best Time to Visit:

The natural beauty and the lovely landscapes of mount Abu invite tourists throughout the year. Though Mount Abu is the perfect retreat in the summer months for the people from the plains and the deserts. This leads to increase in tariffs in all the hotels, restaurants and transportation charges. All hotels in Mount Abu are available at half rates and the best of rooms can be yours for a rate that suits your budget during winters though.