Location - 156-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions - Dilwara Temples, Nakki Talav
Best Time To Visit - April To June And October ToNovember
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among the rocks on a1,220-m granite table mountain at the far south western end of the Aravalli hills. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills.According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a pleasant hill resort,
Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots,romantic royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone Rajputana and some relics of the Raj period. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees,flowering shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.
Prime Attractions :
»Dilwara Temples - This complex consisting of five marble Jain temples isone of the finest in Rajasthan, worth braving the queues and ferocious guards. These beautifully carved temples built between 11th & 13th century AD 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 AD (by Vimal Shah- a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.
» Gaumukh Temple - Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow’s mouth) is centred on a spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu creation myth, the world is formed by a cow,licking salt; the source of the Ganges has the same name. This is said to bethe site of the ancient 'agnikund' fire rituals. It is 4 kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very steep steps.
» Nakki Taal -
This holiday centre of Mount Abu, is virtually in the heart of the town. This sparkling blue artificial lake is said to have been gauged fromthe earth by the gods, using their fingernails ('nakh' means nail). Nearby is the 14th century Raghunath Temple.On the western edge of the town centre,Nakki Lake Road circles the entire lake. Rowing boats are available for hire from the jetty by Gandhi Park.
» View Points - Several points around the edge ofthe plateau offer spectacular views across the plains. The best are Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) and Sunset Point, where hundred of people gather to watch the sunset every evening in a carnival atmosphere of ponyrides and souvenir sellers. Baylay’s Walk is a pleasant 5 km route from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point. Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road; Sunset Point, 2 km southwest on Sunset Point Road. Open, free access.
Excursions :
» Achalgarh (8-km) - An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple (1412 AD) and Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated image. The fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road.
» Adhar Devi Temple (2-km North Of Town) - This ancient temple dedicated to the serpent goddess, Arbuda, is carved out of a huge rock.. Arbuda is the patron of the town, who formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi from drowning in an abyss. The black-painted marble idol, riding a solid gold tiger, is claimed to be about 5,000 years old. Open and free access during daylight hours.
