Day 66 - Mount Abu

Mount Abu, a beautiful and a pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills,is a oasis in the barren deserts cape that's Rajasthan.Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The mystifying and beautiful mount abu is known by many names such as "Hill Of Wisdom", "Saint's Pinnacle" and "Olympus Of Rajasthan". Mount Abu,also known as ‘Arbudaranya’ as per legendary stories, derives its name from a serpent god named Arbuda. It is believed that the serpent come down to this hill spot to save Nandi, bull of Lord Shiva. Historians believe that the original residents of Mount Abu were Gurjars. The association of Gurjars with Arbuda mountain (Mt Abu) dates back in many inscriptions and epigraphs found from this region. As early as in 6th century AD, Gurjars located themselves in Arbuda Mountain and many parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. In mythology, it is said that Saint Vasistha performed his final recites and retired to the hills of Mount Abu due to his differences with sage Vishvamitra.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is the Dabok airport in Udaipur, which is 210 km away from Mount Abu. The airport is connected to other major airports of India.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is the Abu Road Station that is located on the main line between Delhi and Mumbai. The station well connected to all major railheads in India via Delhi and Mumbai.


Best time to visit: February to April and August to November.


Languages spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi.


Must eat: Gatte Ka Pulao, Moong dal halwa, Locally made ice cream.


Famous Restaurants:Jaipur Palace, Arbuda Restaurant, Mukberry Tree, King's food.


Places you must visit:

Nakki Lake  is known for its calm and cool atmosphere and set in the backdrop of picturesque hills.It is the sole artificial lake in India, which is situated at a height of more than 1,200 m. Legend states that it has been carved out of rocks by Gods with the use of their nails.







Toad rock is carved by nature, over hangs the placid Nakki Lake and appears to be in the shape of the toad, ready to dive into the lake.It is an excellent example of igneous rock with breath taking shapes in the cradle of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Together with this wondrous sculpture, chiseled by the three great sculptures, The Sun, The Rain and The Wind, there are many more masterpieces in Mount Abu.





Sunset Point lies to the southwest of the Nakki Lake behind the dense forest of the Aravalli Range. This point is known for offering a beautiful view of the entire mountain valley along with the Nakki Lake.





The Dilwara Jain temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD. Vimala Shah, Vastu Pala and Teja Pala contributed a lot towards the development of Jain art and architecture. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. The Dilwara temples have been described as a dream in marble. According to the inscription, Mount Abu was basically a seat of Saivism and Jainism made its appearance only in 11th century. These temples have been named as Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Khartar Vasahi and Mahavir Swami. Vimal Vasahi or Shri Adi Nath Ji temple is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Rishabh. Luna Vasahi or Shri Neminath Ji temple was constructed for the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Neminatha. Vimal Vasahi was constructed by Vimal Shah (Minister of the Chalukya King, Bhimdev I) in 1021 AD. The adjacent Luna Vasahi Temple was constructed by two Porwad brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, during 1230 AD. These two brothers were ministers of a Vaghela ruler of Gujarat and dedicated the temple for their late brother Luna.













Raghunathji Temple  is believed to be a 14th century temple built by Sri Ramanand. It depicts the heritage of Mewar culture and is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. The temple was devoted to Lord Vishnu and is a holy shrine for Vaishnavites.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1960, covers an area of around 290 sq. km. The sanctuary expands to the hilly regions and forests of Mount Abu and houses the highest mountain peak of Guru Shikhar. There are over 250 rare bird species like grey jungle fowls along with animals like fox, wild boar, bear and panther inside this sanctuary.It also offers abode to animals like tiger, lion, leopard, common langur, pangolin, porcupine and jungle cat. There are approximately 112 species of plants in this wildlife sanctuary.

Doodh Baori is a sacred well having milk coloured water.This well is the main source of milk for the temple and it is commonly believed that the water has some heavenly powers. Local inhabitants consider this well as a form of Kamadhenu, which symbolises a cow. 

Trevor's Tank has been named after the British engineer who constructed it. The place is frequented by birdwatchers for spotting pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

Guru Shikhar is the highest mountain peak in the region, at around 1,722 m above sea level.There is an ancient Guru Dattatreya Temple at this peak, which has an idol of Guru Dattatreya. Guru Dattatreya is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.This temple has a giant brass bell hanging just outside the entrance. Other important temples situated at this mountain peak are Chamundi Temple, Shiva Temple and Mira Temple. 

Adhar Devi Temple is constructed on a mountain peak and  is dedicated to Goddess Durga and comprises around 365 steep steps to be climbed. It is located in a cave.The temple was named after the 'Adhar' of the Goddess Durga, which fell at the site and was found hanging in mid-air.

Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University is situated amidst scenic hills of Aravalli in Mount Abu. This university was established in 1936 with an objective of spreading peace and awareness in the world. It is situated in the backdrop of dense forests and is currently managed by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation.This university also aims at providing spiritual awareness and encouraging perfect attitudes, universal love and lifestyles among people. There are several courses available at this university, including yoga, meditation and spirituality.

Achalgarh is a small village, which is situated near Rajmachi and is famous for its old fort. Within the fort lies the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. The Achalgarh Fort was constructed by Rana Kumbha of Mewar during the 14th century. This structure was built for protecting the region and keeping an eye on the movements of enemies. There is a semicircular arch at the entrance of the fort and includes temples dating from the 15th century and 16th centuries.The main deity in the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is Lord Shiva and the local inhabitants believe that there are footprints of the deity on the holy rock. There is also a huge brass structure of Nandi along with three large stone buffaloes in the temple complex.The first gate is called Hanumanpol and the second is known as Champapol. Hanumanpol serves as the main entrance to the lower fort, while the later is the gateway to the inner fort.