Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill resort and is very popular locally. The hill station stretches along a 22 km long and 6 km wide plateau. It is situated at an altitude of 1,720 m. The population size of Mount Abu is 15,600. Mount Abu benefits from lower temperatures and cooling breezes. During summer maximum temperature varies between 27-28 degree Celsius, while in winter maximum temperature stays around 22 degree and minimum dips to 10 degree. The main part of the town is around Nakki Talao. The shops and restaurants are clustered in a compact centre. There is attractive countryside to explore as it is well wooded with flowering trees with numerous orchids during the monsoon and a good variety of bird-life.

How to reach there:
Mount Abu is 185 km from Udaipur, 221 km from Ahmedabad, 770 km from Delhi, 766 km from Mumbai, 326 km from Jodhpur, 505 km from Jaipur, 572 km from Jaisalmer and 737 km from Agra.

Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur, which is 185 km away.

Rail: Abu Road is the nearest railhead, 27 km away and there are many direct buses to Mount Abu from here. Abu Road is connected with Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad by rail services.

Road: Extensive bus services are available from Mount Abu. It is often quicker to take a bus rather than go to Abu Road and then take a train. Private bus companies runs daily services to Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

What to see:
Dilwara Temples Dazzling Wealth: 5 km from town centre and set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills, the temples are renowned for superb marble carvings. The whole temple is unalloyed,uncompromising pure,white marble-floors,columns,traceried ceiling walls,sculptures.

Observing the statutory eulogy to the Vimala family (the finaciers of the temple) you are ushered into mandapa where you see nothing but marble,more marble and even more pristine marble.Eight ornamentally carved pillars hokd up a cel\iling which does not seem to need them,as it appears to be like a finely meshed network of milk-white stone suspended in the air. Temples are open from 12 pm to 6 pm. The complex of 5 principal temples is surrounded by a high wall. There is rest-house for pilgrims on the approach road. The temple complex comprises of Adinatha temple, Risah Deo temple, Luna Vasihi or Neminatha temple and the fifth temple is for Digambar Jains.

Adhar Devi: This temple, 3 km from town, is a 15th century Durga temple carved out of a rock and approached by 220 steps. There are good views from here.

Art Museum and Gallery: It has small collection which includes some textiles and stone sculptures (9-10th centuries). It is closed on Fridays and entry is free.

Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University & Museum: The institute runs yoga and meditation courses with the Spiritual Museum near the horse stand. It's open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Nakki Lake: The main part of the town is situated around Nakki Talao (lake). It is sacred to Hindus, which was, in legend, scooped out by fingernails (nakki) by gods attempting to escape the wrath of a demon. There are boats for hire and a pleasant walk around the lake past the Raghunath temple. The Toad Rock is here too. The other rock formations are known as Nandi and Camel rock respectively.

Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point: Sunset point and Honeymoon point give superb views across the plains to the west. They both can be reached by a pleasant walk from bus stand, about 2 km away. The route to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.

Around the City

Aravallis Hills: Part one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, it is possible to make day treks to nearby spots from Mount Abu.

Achalgarh: 11 km from Mount Abu has superb views. The Achaleshwar Temple (9th century) is believed to have Siva's toe-print, a brass Nandi and a deep hole claimed to reach into the netherworld. A path leads up to a group of carved Jain temples. The whole site is quite picturesque.

Guru Shikhar: It is situated at an altitude of 1,720 m and is 15 km from Mount Abu. It is the highest peak in the area and there is a road almost to the top. To get to the small Vishnu temple, one need to climb 300 steps or hire a palanquin. Good views especially at dawn. Taxis are available from Mount Abu.

Gaumukh: 8 km south-east, on the Mount Abu - Abu Road. A small stream flows from the mouth of a marble cow. There is also a Nandi bull, and the tank is believed to be the site of Vasishtha's fire from which the 4 great Rajput clans were created. An image of the sage is flanked by ones of Rama and Krishna.

What to shop