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Mount Abu

If you are interested in adventure and eco tourism, then we suggest you visit Mount Abu, the one and only hill station and oasis in the hot and humid state of Rajasthan. Located in the southwestern end of the state at an altitude of 1220 meters above sea level, Mount Abu attracts tourists all throughout the year. Situated amidst lush greenery, it is infact the only summer getaway of the whole of North West India.

Home to lakes, waterfalls, green forests, you would fall in love with the hill retreat with its cool and soothing climate. Enjoy the rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. Infact, we would say that it is one of the best holiday destinations and honeymoon attractions.

According to Indian mythology, Mount Abu was once the home of 33crore gods and goddess. It derives its name Abu from the son of Himalayas (or Ar-Booda, ‘the hill of wisdom’). Some say that it had derived its name from Arbuada - the powerful serpent, which rescued Nandi the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.

In ancient times, Mount Abu has been home, to many rishis and munis (sages and saints), including the famous Rishi Vashishtha, who is believed to have created four Agnikul Rajput clans, from a fire- pit, by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.

During the British reign, Mount Abu was leased by The East-India Company from the Maharajah of Sirohi. Mount Abu was used as the headquarters for the resident of Rajputana until 1947, and as a sanatorium for troops.

Hence, you would see an interesting contrast of British style bungalows, the holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana) when you visit Mount Abu. The presences of the various tribes that inhabit the hill station make a colorful mosaic in the thick lush of the forest on the hills surrounding the region.

The tribes, which still follow the life styles of their ancestors in the wake of 21st century is very interesting.

Wait, this is not all, apart from its pleasant climate, the place is also home to many places of tourist interest. The exquisite Dilwara temples- a revered pilgrimage destination of the Jain community is one of them. Historical texts say that Lord Mahavira had also visited Mount Abu during his lifetime and blessed the place.

Visiting places in Mount Abu

The Dilwara temples: These are regarded as the most attractive Jain temples of the country and draw a huge number of tourists apart from Jain pilgrims. The group of temples built between the 11th and 13th century AD have been dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras. The marvel carvings in the temple of those times are arguably the best in the country.

The temples are almost hidden by mango groves and have a sober exterior which belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. One of the oldest temples in the cluster is the Vimal Vasahi built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, 23 km from Abu Road, it is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard.

Another very attractive temple of the group is Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankar, Neminath. A specimen of excellent craftsmanship, the door casings, pillars and sculptures on porticos are its best attractions. It was built in 1231 AD by the two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, Minister of Raja Virdhavala, a ruler of Gujarat belonging to the Porwal Jain community.

The most striking feature of this Jain temple built in the Solanki style of architecture is the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. It drops from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses with cups so finely carved that they appear to be transparent.

You can visit the temple from 1200 to 1500 hrs. Entry is free but photography not allowed.

The Brahmakumari Ashram: This is another world famous religious community center at Mount Abu. Among the most visited tourist attraction in this Ashram is the global headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University known Madhuban - The Forest of Honey. It is located near the still waters of the Nakki Lake. The third Brahmakumari campus, Shantivan- meaning the Forest of Peace is also worth visiting. It is located at the left of Abu Road just before you begin your climb up to Mount Abu. This sprawling collection of buildings set in a picturesque location would surely take your breath away. Especially the majestic Diamond Hall, which is the main attraction of Shantivan is really a grand piece of art and architecture. It has the distinction of being able to seat 20,000 people!

Another must visit site at the ashram is the Brahma Kumaris Peace Park which is both lovely and serene, a natural environment where silence and recreation co–exist. The park offers a perfect recreational environment, with level playing fields, picnic areas, swings, and nature walks. Nestled between two famous peaks of the Aravali hills–the well known spiritual pilgrimage destinations of Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh—Peace Park is an oasis of natural beauty only 8 kms from the Madhuban campus.

Adhar Devi Temple: A fine example of rock cut temple, the Adhar Devi temple attracts pilgrims from across the country especially during the 9 days of the holy Navratri season. The temple has been very carefully chiseled out of a huge rock and can be reached by climbing 360 stairs. You have to stoop really low to get through the short entrance of the temple. Dedicated to the Goddess Durga, the temple contains many beautiful statues, and if you make the effort to climb the stairs you would be rewarded with the most picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Gaumukh Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Mount Abu, which finds mention even in the ancient religious scriptures. The temple once popular only to ancient sages and saints to meditate at, is now a popular tourist destination. Legend has it that sage Vashishtha had performed a famous yagna at the place that created the four major Rajput clans. The Agni Kund (a tank) located at the temple premises is believed to be the site of a sacrificial fire which Saint Vashishth used to perform the yagna. You would also find the statue of the mighty serpent called Arbuda in this place. According to Indian Mythology, the serpent is the eternal guard offering protection to the holy place against natural calamities.

The temple is located in picturesque environs with a few natural springs flowing nearby. One of these springs emerges from the mouth of a rock that is shaped similar to a cow’s head. From here the name of the place Gaumukh has been derived. Gau means cow and Mukh means mouth. A large marble statue of a cow has been built on the site. The bull is representative of Nandi, who was Shiva’s vehicle. Nearby you would also see statues of characters from Hindu mythology Nandi, Saint Vashishth, Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.

We suggest you plan for a full day trip to Gaumukh if you really want to enjoy the beauty of the place. It is accessible by car or jeep up to 3 km, from where a descent of 750 steps has to be covered on foot. The area near the temple is also one of the most important picnic spots in Rajasthan.

Nakki Lake: This is the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. above sea level. Tourists claim that this is the most beautiful spot of Mount Abu with scenic hills, colorful parks and some unique rock formations. And why not? This lake has been believed to have been carved by God using His nails. Make it a point to visit Nakki Lake and go for boating on your Mount Abu trip. You may also try horseriding in the banks of the lake. Some people believe that bathing in this lake is as purifying as bathing in the holy Ganges. The surrounding hills also have several areas of tourist interest like the Sri Raghunathji temple and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace.

If you have time you can have a look for kitsch curios flogging the stalls. You can also buy some fantastic Jain art collections, such as bells, stone sculptures of Jain Tirthankars and boutique art fabrics. Visit the small restaurants near the lake and try some of the pancakes offered there. They taste awesome. You can also enjoy some local delicacies while sitting near the lake.

Toad Rock: This is a mammoth rock in the shape of a toad overhanging the Nakki Lake. One of the most attractive rock formation found in the region, this rock exactly looks like a toad about to leap into the lake. You may climb up to the top of the Toad Rock and view the panoramic beauty of the surrounding lake and greenish hilly regions.

Trevor's Tank: Located at a distance of 5kms from Mount Abu, the Trevor's tank is a favorite spot for bird watchers and ornithologists. The dense hills surrounding the tank house a wide variety of birds like pigeons, peacocks and partridges. A few migratory bird species also come to the place during the winters. Nature lovers and photographers can have a blast at this place clicking pictures of colorful birds. The tank has been named after the British engineer who constructed it.

Sunset Point: Located atop the high Aravalli hills, Mount Abu is probably the best place to enjoy the wonderful view of desert topography and the setting sun. The sunset point is one such point placed perfectly to the south west of the calm Nakki Lake. You would definitely love to catch the view of the sunset, amidst forest ranges of the Mount Abu. Be a part of the huge crowds that visit this place in the evenings to enjoy the multicolored sky and the sun in the horizon, when you visit Mount Abu.

You may also visit the food stalls and the souvenir shops that are in abundance in the area. Sunset Point is a good place to pick up trinkets and knick knacks. Carved marble statues, sandalwood idols, wooden toys and the likes can be seen all over the spot. Pony rides are a favorite with toddlers. The scenic hills, tranquil surrounding, and the pleasant climate make it a favorite spot of the tourists. The Honeymoon Point and the Baylay’s Walk located close by are other attractions nearby.

Honeymoon Point: The Honeymoon point is considered to be the best place in Mount Abu. This uniquely romantic place, with a splendid visionary effect, will offer you the prefect respite after your hectic marriage schedule or from the boredom of your daily life.

Located to the north east of the Nakki Lake, this is a very charming place surrounded by thick vegetation. The place has been so named for its multihued pleasant, charming and romantic atmosphere.

Apart from its panoramic view, you will find many artistically curved marble statues in this place. There are also many stalls in Honeymoon Point which sell locally made wooden toys. You may also try the different food stalls that serve local food items.

Achalgarh fort: The Achalgarh fort located at the Achalgarh village (8 kms from Mount Abu), near Rajmachi is a medieval fort built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar Dynasty during the 14th century. It was originally built as a watch tower to keep an eye on the movements of enemies and also to have a watch over the surrounding places. Today, the massive battlemented walls of the fort situated on a mountain peak, which can be reached through a steep winding path offer great views of the countryside.

While touring the fort, you may pay a visit to the 15th Achaleshwar Mahadeo and the 16th century Kantinath Jain temple placed in the interiors of the fort. Among these, the Achaleshwar Mahadeo temple is a renowned pilgrim center with the prime deity as Lord Shiva. It is believed that the footprint on the holy rock nearby is of Lord Shiva. The temple encloses a beautiful structure of Nandi said to be made of the five metals-gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc, called Panchadattu, and weigh more than 4 tons and also three large stone buffaloes. The Kantinath Jain temple has gold plated images which are worth a see.

Nearby is the pleasant Mandakini Lake, enclosed by rocky hills, with images of a Rajput king and buffaloes.

Gurushikhar: This is the highest peak on Mount Abu and is 1722 mts above the sea level. It is the best place to have a bird’s eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mount Abu. It is located at a distance of 3 miles from Delwara Achagarh road, a hilly coal-tarred road of nearly 7 kms.

A small shrine of Ahilya Devi and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit. The Guru Dattatreya temple, who is supposed to be an incarnation of God Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Close to it, there was an old bell with inscription of 1468 V.S. (1411 A.D.) which has been replaced by a new one.

The Ahilya Devi temple located on its north west has been dedicated to Ahilya, the mother of Dattatreya. The landscape of surrounding plains from the high peaks is simply enchanting.

Other temples located in this area are the Mira Temple and Chamundi Temple. The Gurushikhar with a vast sanctuary shelters a number of species like langur, wild boars, Sambar, leopards and many more along with a number of flowering trees. It is around 15 km away from Mount Abu.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: If you are a nature lover, then you should surely visit the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, on your trip to Mount Abu. The sanctuary is a biodiversity hot spot and has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Some of the resident animal species include langur, hyena, Indian civet, wild boar, pangolin, sambhar, jungle cat, porcupine and hedge hog to name just a few. The sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for sloth bear. The population of sloth bear is increasing regularly as it can be seen while going through the forests or motoring on the road.

In the past the sanctuary also was inhabited by lions and tigers which have now vanished. The lions in particular have moved to Gir Sanctuary in neighboring Gujarat. Presently the Panther is the apex predator in the sanctuary.

Apart from rich wildlife species, you would also get to see a wide variety of flora in the sanctuary with as many as 112 varieties of plants. The place is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and 16 species of ferns some of which are quite rare have also been reported from here. The south-west part of the Sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests.

Add to it the fact that some of the finest varieties of orchids too are found at the Mount Abu Sanctuary. Also available are herbal and medicinal plants.

Though the sanctuary is located on one of the oldest hills of Mount Abu, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary only in the year 1960. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is about 7 kms long and only 300 mts wide. This means that while you take the long walk down the Sanctuary you won’t miss much on either side.

Festivals in Mount Abu

The most frequented international tourist destination, Mount Abu celebrates a number of festivals that is participated by people from all over the world. The most popular among them are:

Summer Festival: The Summer festival, which celebrates the onset of summers in the cold mountains of Mount Abu, attracts tourists in huge numbers. Infact, you would find double the number of tourists that visit Mount Abu normally.

It is celebrated for three days in Aashadh (according to the Hindu calendar), which usually falls in June. It is devoted to the tribal culture and folk music and dances, which is participated by a large number of foreigners. The Summer Festival featuring ballads, Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances, which would certainly enchant you with their grace and variety. Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival. Yagna is one of the main rituals that are performed during the celebration. During this time the mythological background of Mount Abu is also remembered. The festival is believed to have been initiated under the guidance of Maharaja of Sihori.

The Summer Festival in Mount Abu also has a connection to the Jain tradition. It is believed that the 24th Jain Tirthankar Mahavira came to this place during this festival.

Gangaur Festival: The Gangaur Festival in Mount Abu is a great event that represents traditional culture of Rajasthan. The festival celebrated in Chaitra (according to the Hindu calendar), which usually falls in March or April is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort Gauri. Gauri, according to Hindu mythology is the goddess of marital happiness and conjugal bliss. Hence, the festival is marked by maidens and ladies praying for good husbands or for the overall well being of their spouses. You can enjoy Ghewar- a traditional dish that is served to all and sundry during the celebration. This festival is celebrated all over the state of Rajasthan with colorful processions, wherein the people dressed in their best dance, sing and make merry.

Though Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan but at Mount Abu, you would like it best, as the Girasia tribe, who live in Sirohi-Mount Abu region, have a special way of celebrating it. During their month-long festivity of Gangaur, the eligible boys and girls of the tribe are free to select their life partners and elope with them and with the social sanction!

So, be a part of the Gangaur festival on your next trip to Mount Abu.

Shopping in Mount Abu

If you love traditional items, then Mount Abu is the right place for you. The markets of Mount Abu remain full of Rajasthani handicraft and handloom products. This includes traditional textile varieties, gold and silver jewelry, carvings in wood, marble and metal, Rajasthani paintings, leather articles and stone crafts. The shops around Nakki Lake constitute the main shopping centre of the place. The shops remain full of curious in marble, sandalwood and sandstone, saris, bangles and linen with Sanganeri prints. To buy handicraft and handloom products, Rajasthali-the Government emporium is the best place.

Eating Out

The Gujarati thalis are at their best in Mount Abu and are available in the restaurants near bus stand and at the bottom end of the polo ground. You may also try restaurants that offer spicy Punjabi and Chinese food. There are multi-cuisine restaurants too where you get almost all the varieties of foods from vegetarian to non-vegetarian, oriental to western. Among them are:

Handi Restaurant
C/o Hotel Hilltone
Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307 501
Indian, Continental, Chinese.

Mayur Restaurant
C/o Hotel Hillock Pvt. Ltd., Post Box No. 40
Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307 501

Multi-cuisine, South Indian, North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Mughlai, Specialty in Ice Cream & Desserts..

Other restaurants you can try are:

• RTDC Restaurant (Hotel Shikhar)
• Dawat Restaurant
• Kanak Dining hall
• Madras Cafe
• Nakki Lake Sarovar
• Tekshila

Reaching there

By Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Dabok Airport in Udaipur.

By Rail: Mt. Abu is 29 km from the nearest railway station situated at Abu Road on Delhi-Mumbai route. Taxis, jeeps and buses are available from Abu Road to Mount Abu.

By Road: Mt. Abu is well linked with smooth roads to all the major cities in northern and western India including Ahmedabad (223 km), Jodhpur, and Jaipur. Mount Abu is a nice excursion from Udaipur (185 km) and tourists can have a break at the leisure paradise, away from the regular sightings of forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

Staying there

Mount Abu has word-class tourist facilities with hotels ranging from budget class to three star and heritage. We are providing addresses of the following 3-star hotels:

Hotel Connaught House
Rajendra Marg, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Hotel Cama Rajputana
Adhar Devi Road, Mount Abu, Rajasthan