Location
Between the Himalayas and the Nilgiri mountain ranges, the highest
place (about 1700 MSL) is Mt. Abu is a fascinating hill station of
Rajasthan. It is a living example of an inextricable mix of religion and
tourism. Located in the southern end of Aravalli mountains, Mount Abu is a
summer retreat. It is well-known for its Dilwara Jain temples of the 11th
century, and it is also a pilgrim centre. Sages like Vasishta lived here.
About the origin of Mount Abu there is a mythological story. The story is
that Abu rescued the sacred bull Nandi here and therefore the place got its
name.
A verdant oasis in the desert!
Mount Abu is one of the popular jain pilgrimage sites. The road to paradise
has never been easy and this one is no exception. Bumping along an uneven
road, hitting your head against the smooth roof of a deluxe bus you need to
close your eyes and revive the temptations of your destination. Conjure up
the lushness of Mount Abu, which all tourist guides announce is 'the
paradise of Rajasthan'.
Indeed
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan that offers the best of all
possible worlds, with more scenic beauty, more architecture and archaeology
in the form of the famous Dilwara caves, the chief center for the
Brahmakumaris and a generous peppering of temples which shows that the place
has beenexceptionally favored by the gods. Abu has been an important place
of penance for the sages.
Tourist Spots
» Dilwara Jain Temples : These temples were built
during 11th to 13th centuries. They are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.
Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest, built in 1031 AD. Another is Lun Vasahi
temple. The Adhar Devi temple with its many stairs is a tourist
attraction.Panchakalyanak-Scenesauspicious events from a Jain Tirthankar's
life, LunaVasahi Temple Delwara
» Nakki Lake : The islets in the artificial lake and
the rock formations on the sides are of interest. According to a legend, the
Gods carved out the lake with their nails, nakki meaning nail.
» Gaumukh Temple : This site got this name because a
spring is flowing from a sculpted cow's head. There is also a marble
structure of Nandi.
» Raghunathji Temple : Dedicated to Raghunathji, the
temple is situated near Nakki lake. It was built in the 14th century.
» 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.
» 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.
» Shri Raghunathji Temple : Situated near the
'Nakki' lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful
image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri
Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.
» 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.
How to get there !
Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is 187 km away from
Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
» By Rail : There are direct trains to Abu Road
Station (27 km away from Mount Abu) from Delhi, Jodhpur and Agra. A fast
train takes four hours between Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Abu Road.
» By Road : Mount Abu is linked with Udaipur and
Ahmedabad by road.
