Mount Abu

MOUNT ABU

Mount Abu is the only hill station in the Indian state of Rajasthan, nestled at an altitude of 1220 meter (4003 ft) above sea level in the Aravalli range. The nearest railway station of Mount Abu is Abu Road and is located very near the border of Gujrat. The route to Mount Abu from Abu Road is through the winding zigzag road. Toll systems are made to enter Mount Abu. Mount Abu is also referred as ‘An Oasis in the Desert’. Mount Abu or Arbuda region is said to be the original abode of the Gurjars and it lies on the southern most part of Aravalli range. Mount Abu remains crowded with tourists almost throughout the year due to its location and ample local watchable. From Abu road railway station after a drive of 15 km tourists enters the zigzag road that Mount Abu that passes through dense greenery and jingle trails. Mount Abu is home to many Jain and Hindu temples, lake, waterfalls and forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbudaanchal, according to the Puranas the region was reffered as Arbudaranya or ‘Forest of Arbhuda’ and ‘Abu’ is short form of this ancient name. According to mythology it is believed that a serpent name ‘Arbuda’ saved the life of Nandi and it happened on the mountains presently known as Mount Abu. All over the region of Mount Abu there are numerous places of tourist’s interest those are worth visit, these are Dilwara Temples, Nakki Lake, Achlagarh Fort, Gomukh temple, Hanuman temple, Lovers point, Om Shanti Palace, Peace Park, Hanuman point, Government museum, Sunset point and others.  The market of Mount Abu is also among the major tourist attraction that houses many Rajasthani dresses, local handicrafts, ornaments and others. Every year Mount Abu organizes a summer festival during the month of May, it gives tourists a chance to get involved in the local cultures and traditions of the region.

Nakki Lake and its surrounding

Nakki Lake: The Nakki Lake is one of the major tourist attractions in Mount Abu. The Lake is guarded with Aravalli ranges from all side. According to the Puranas, it is believed that Gods performed a yogna at Mount Abu to escape from the demons. During this yogna they dug out this lake by their nails in order to get supply of water and the name of the lake derived. Apart from all the lakes of the Himalayan region, the Nakki is the only natural lake that nestled at an elevation of 4000 ft in the desert region. The lake measures upto half a mile in length and a quarter in wide and the deepest part if 114 ft. Tourists visiting Mount Abu can opt for a boat ride on the lake or a horse ride round the lake. In the 1948 the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in this lake. Few of the notable structures round the lake are Gandhi Uddan (or Gandhi Park), Tod Rock, 14th century old temple of Raghunath Ji and Bharata Mata temple all are among the points of tourist interest.

Notable structures around Nakki Lake

Toad Rock: The Toad lies on a hill near Nakki Lake, Mount Abu. The name of this rock is derived as it resembles to that of a frog or toad about to jump in the river. There are two ways going up and down the rock, one is to climb the rocky hill side and another to use the steps leading down to Nakki Lake.

Raghunath Ji Temple: Shree Raghunath Ji Temple lies with close proximity to the Nakki Lake of Mount Abu. The temple is considered to be a pilgrimage site for the Hindu devotees. The construction of the temple dates back to around 650 years old. The idol inside the temple is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Bharat Mata Temple: The Bharat Mata Temple is a small temple located at one side of the Nakki Lake at Mount Abu. The temple is located on a high podium and the idol sitting on a chariot with four lions. Tourists need to cross twenty steps those leads to the podium near the idol. The temple of Bharat Mata is clearly visible by tourists while boating on Nakki Lake.

Dilwara Temples and its other temples

Dilwara Temples: Dilwara Temple is one of the major tourist’s attractions of Mount Abu. Dilwara Temples are a cluster of small and big temple complex was built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, the Jain ministers of Dhokla around 11th to 13th century. It took 14 years for 1500 craftsmen to build this temple. The Dilwara temple remains open for visitors from 12.00 noon to 06.00 pm. These temples were designed with white marble and intricate marble carvings. The pillars, ceilings, doorways and panels are minutely carved with marvelous ornamental details. The excellent carvings and the interior artistic wonders of the temples are the examples of architectural perfection of the region during that period with much historical significance. The Dilwara Temple is located 3 km north east of Mount Abu and the periphery of the temple offers stunning view of the Aravalli ranges. Each temple has a shrine dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars Adi Nath, Nemi Nath, Mahavir, Rishav Dev, and Parsh Nath all these comprises the Dilwara Temple of Mount Abu.

Vimal Vasahi: The Vimal Vasahi or Adinath temple at Mount Abu is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar ‘Adinath’. The idol inside the temple is entirely carved out of white marble built in 1031 AD by Vimal Shah a minister of Bhima I or Bhim Dev, the Chaulukya king of Gujrat. The idol inside the temple is dedicated to Rishabha. The temple lies in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor with many cells those contains smaller idols of the Tirthankaras. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches and porticoes are amazing and worth mentioning.  The ceiling features designs of flowers, lotus buds, petals, and Jain mythology. It was estimated that the cost of the construction work of the ‘Vimal Vasahi temple’ during that period was around 18.5 crore. At the front of this temple is an elephant courtyard built by Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147 – 1149. It features a row of elephants in sculpture and the whole structure is built in stone.

Luna Vasahi: The Luna Vasahi Temple or Neminath Temple of Mount Abu lies next to the Vimal Vasahi Temple, built during 1230 AD by two Porwad brothers namely Tejpal and Vastupal the two ministers of Virdhaval the Vaghela ruler of Gujrat. The temple is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar ‘Neminath’.  The main hall inside the temple which is named as Rang Mandap that features a central dome are carved out of a single stone from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving. There are 360 small idols of the Jain Tirthankars those are beautifully carved out of stones in a circular band. It was estimated that the cost for the construction work of ‘Luna Vasahi Temple’ was around 12 crore. There is also an elephant cell at Luna Vasahi temple that features 10 beautiful realistic models of elephants those are neatly polished.

Pittalhar: The Pittalhar temple is dedicated to Rishabha Dev. As the name of the temple suggests the main idol installed inside the temple is cast in five metals among which the main metal is brass. This temple is named as ‘Bhima Shah’ a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad during 1316 – 1432. The idol weighs around 4 metric tons. There are total 107 images in the main shrines.

Parshvanath: The Parshavnath temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar ‘Parshvanath’. The Parshvanath temple was built during 1458 – 1459 AD by Sangvi Mandlik.  The Parshvanath temp is a three storey structure and is the tallest of all the shrines. The first floor is of Chintamani Parshvanath, the second is of Magalakar Parshvanath and the third is of Manoratha Kalpadruma Parshvanath. The interior of the temples has images of 17 Tirthankars and paintings of flowers. The outer sanctum is beautifully sculpted in grey sandstone.

Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple: The Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple is dedicated to the 24th or the last of the Jain Tirthankar ‘Mahaveer Swami’. This temple was built during 1582 and is a small and marvelous temple with excellent carvings on its walls. The upper walls of the porch there are pictures painted during 1764 by the artists of Sirohi. Outside the shrine, there is a marble slab of rectangular shape with a triangle stone over it containing 133 images of miniature sized Tirthankar with a larger image in center.                       

Other Local watchable around Mount Abu

Adhar Devi Temple: The Adhar Devi Temple also known as Arbuda Devi temple at Mount Abu is a pilgrimage site for the Hindus, lies atop a cliff inside a cave leading by 365 steep steps up the valleys. This is one of the Shaktipeths and visitors need to crawl in order to enter the inner shrine. The temple cave was carved out of a large rock on the hills and the idol inside the temple is an incarnation of Durga. The temple offers panoramic view of Mount Abu. The temple is quite old and it is believed that the ‘Adhar’ of the Goddess fell here. The temple is located 3 km from Mount Abu. The artistic works in the temple are admirable and are worth watching.

Achalgarh Fort and Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple: The Achalgarh Fort lies 11 km north of Mount Abu. The Achalgarh Fort was originally built by Paramara rulers but later reconstructed and renovated by Maharana Kumbha around 1452, though presently the ruins of the fort are left. The first entry gate is known as Hanuman Pol and the second gate is known as Champa Pol. The fort is known for the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple, Kanti Nath Jain Temple and Chamunda Devi which are worth mentioning. The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed around 09th century AD and it lies just outside the Achalgarh Fort. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond.

Guru Shikhar Peak: Guru Shikhar peak is located 15 km from Mount Abu and is the highest point of the Aravalli range in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan. It rises to an elevation of 1722 meter (5650 ft). The name Guru Shikhar or ‘The peak of the Guru’ was named after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A cave at the summit has a temple dedicated to him, one dedicated to his mother Anasuya and wife of sage Atri are seen. Near the temple there is the Mount Abu Observatory.

Gaumukh temple: Gaumukh temple is one of the most popular sacred sites for Hindus at Mount Abu. The main attraction of this temple is a stone carved cow’s head and a natural spring flows through the mouth of a marble cow. It is believed to be a natural spring and the water flows from the spring round the year. Tourists, visitors and devotees need to climb 700 stairs to reach the temple. The temple periphery offers panoramic view of the surrounding area. There is a tank called ‘Agni Kund’ which is believed to be the place of sacrificial fire. The periphery of the temples has statues of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Lord Vasistha.

Hanuman temple: The Hanuman temple is located at one side of Nakki Lake, Mount Abu. It is a small temple with close proximity to the popular vantage point. The interior works of the temple are worth mentioning due to its artistic excellence and the works on the pillars are also admirable.

Honeymoon Point: The Honeymoon Point also referred as Anadara Point is among the major tourists spot at Mount that offers exquisite view of the sunset down the horizon. The Honeymoon Point is perched at an elevation of 1220 meter (4000 ft) and it lies to the north east of the Nakki Lake, Mount Abu. The scenic beauty and the serene ambiance of the spot offer a call to every tourists visiting Mount Abu. The name Honeymoon Point derived due to the existence of a rock that resembles to that of a man and woman.

Government Museum: Government Museum at Mount Abu houses a rich collection of arts and artifacts of Rajasthan. The Government Museum of Mount Abu exhibits collections of paintings, textiles, brass work, pottery, ivory, camel leather crafts and sculptures. Built during 1962, the Government Museum is a treasure trove in Mount Abu. The museum is divided into two sections, the first one exhibit pictures of the local tribal village life, weapons, musical instruments and varieties of ornaments and garments. The second section displays miniature paintings based on the themes like lane images of Sirohi, small cannon named Topdi, medium sized shields and many more. The museum remains open for tourists from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm every six days a week except Fridays. Other notable collections of the museum are statues of Devdasi that ranges between 06th to 12th centuries AD, intricate sculptures of Lord Shiva, Lord Surya and others.

Sunset point: The Sunset point lies to the south west of Nakki Lake is one of the major viewpoint in Mount Abu. It is located 2 km from Nakki Lake and 2 km from Mount Abu bus stand. This viewpoint offers unprecedented view of the setting sun during dusk at the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountain. The sunset point offers panoramic view of the Aravalli ranges and the Nakki Lake as well. In the evening this place turns into a carnival zone with numerous tourists and small stalls those sells foods and souvenirs like marble and sandstone carved small statues, wood carved idols and small wooden puppets. It is advisable to reach the spot by 04.00 pm. A 15 minute drives by local jeep to an approachable road from where the walk starts to further uphill to reach the point. From here a joyful trek of 1 km by the winding roads which takes about 20 minutes to reach the point. Baylay’s Walk is another spot near Sunset point which is quite popular among the tourists for its pony rides.                

Universal Peace Hall: The Universal Peace Hall in Mount Abu also known as Om Shanti Bhawan was started around 1983. The Om Shanti Bhawan is the main assembly of the Bramha Kumari Spiritual University of Mount Abu and has a seating accommodation of around 5000 people at a time. This place was declared as a tourist spot after the frequent visit of tourists on a regular basis. This Universal Peace Hall is an important centre to learn Raja Yoga and it also provides an insight into Shastras and Puranas. Many workshops, courses, seminars are held here each year.

Trevor’s Tank: Trevor’s Tank is a huge artificial lake at Mount Abu, built around 1897 by a British engineer Col. G.H. Trevor which was named after him. The Trevor’s Tank is basically a crocodile breeding center located 5 km from Mount Abu bus station. Earlier this place was under the Rajputana state, but when Maharana Kesari Singh Bahadur gifted this land to his friend Trevor, he converted the land into a wildlife sanctuary. This is also among the major places of tourist’s interest around Mount Abu. This place is often visited by photographers as it houses to many of the wildlife species and numerous birds those inhabit the place and picnic groups for its serene and tranquil ambiance.

Peace Park: Peace Park is a part of the Bramha Kumari spiritual centre on the way to Guru Shikhar road. Peace Park is also one of the major tourists spot at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Peace Park is located 8 km from Mount Abu bus stand. The peace park nestled between the Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh. Inside the park tourists get to see citrus and orchid corner as well as floral displays of ornamental shrubs, coleus, geraniums, hibiscus, climbers, creepers and a rose garden.

Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University and Museum: The ‘Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University and Museum’ is one of the major tourist’s attractions at Mount Abu that dates back to 1950. Spread over an area of 50 acre land the ‘Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University and Museum is a center for education, meditation and spiritual learning. It has a museum that displays the knowledge of Lord Shiva. The Baba’s Hut where the founder Dada Lekhraj Kripalini meditated day and night is also worth visiting. The ‘Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University and Museum’ is world acclaimed for its wide arrays of teachings on spiritual aspects of humanity, education and meditation. A visit to the ‘Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University and Museum’ at Mount Abu will surely rejuvenate one’s soul.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary lies in one of the oldest mountain ranges of India, the Aravalli ranges. The Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary spreads into a plateau which is about 19 km long and 6 km wide. The altitude of this sanctuary varies from 300 meter to 1722 meter. The sanctuary is home to numerous flora and fauna those inhabit the region.

How to reach:  

By Rail Route: The nearest rail head is Abu Road, from there around 29 km is Mount Abu. For tourists those are traveling from Jodhpur to Mount Abu, they can opt for the train route upto Abu Road, from there either by bus or by hired car Mount Abu can be reached. Abu road station is well connected with rest of the destinations around Rajasthan and also Delhi. Some of the trains those reaches Abu Road station from Jodhpur are 19224 Ahmedabad express and 14707 Ranakpur express. From Kolkata 19414 Kolkata – Ahmedadab express leaves from Kolkata station every Saturday at 01.10 pm and reaches Abu Road station the third day at 06.50 am.

By Surface route:  Direct buses ply from Jaipur those reaches Mount Abu. These buses leave Jaipur around 08.00 pm and reach Mount Abu the next day early morning. Buses are also available from Ajmer to Mount Abu. From Abu road buses are available for Mount Abu after every 30 minutes. From Jodhpur direct buses are also available for Mount Abu, road distance is about 326 km. From Udaipur direct state transport buses are available for Mount Abu at 05.00 am, 06.00 am, 07.15 am, 08.00 am, 09.00 am, 10.30 am, 12.00 noon and 04.30 pm. Mount Abu is around 185 km from Udaipur. From Jaisalmer directly by car or by bus it takes around 5.5 hours to reach Mount Abu.

By Air: The nearest domestic airport to Mount Abu is Udaipur which well connected with all other major destinations of Rajasthan and other major cities of India.

Best time of Visit: Mount Abu can be visited throughout the year, but during September to November the climate is very soothing and tourist’s footfalls are much more.
Summers prevail from mid April to mid June, during this time the average temperature varies around 34 degree Celsius.
During monsoon Mount Abu receives rain due to its relief and geographical conditions. In the rainy season, the temperature falls making Mount Abu the coolest zone of Rajasthan.
Winters are cool in Mount Abu with a drop in the mercury level. Nights are chilly and the average temperature varies around 3 to 12 degree Celsius.

Things to know: Tourists and visitors are advised not to carry camera, mobile phones or any other leather made products inside the temple, this is strictly prohibited. All the temples at Dilwara are visited by walking. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temples.