Mount Abu at a height of 1,200 metres above sea level is Rajasthans only hill station. The 22 km long hill station has among its principal attractions a cool climate, the famous Dilwara group of temples, some old palaces like the Bikaner Palace and the Nakki Lake. Once the tranquil retreat of meditating rishis, legend has it that it is home to 330 million gods and goddesses. For Rajputs this is the scene of the great Agni Kunda or sacred fire pit, from which 36 warrior clans emerged.

By the 11th century, Mount Abu had become an important Jain center of pilgrimage. Over the next two centuries, many spectacular marble temples were built here. In the 15th century these hills were conquered by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, who built a fortress here. In the early 19th century, Mount Abu was developed as a summer capital by the British.

Places to See in Mount Abu

Dilwara Temples
These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. 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 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of Tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community. With door casings, pillars,architraves,and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

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,brass works etc. for viewing.

Nakki Lake
The lake derives its name from the belief that it was gouged out of the earth by the fingernails (nakk) of the gods. The lake is the focal point of tourist activity in Mt. Abu. Boats are available for hire at reasonable rates.

Sunset Point
At a short distance from the lake, a spectacular view of the sunset can be witnessed here in quiet contemplation of nature.

Gomukh Temple
Located about 2 kms from Mount Abu, this is the site of the ancient agnikunda, where legend has it that sage Vashistha performed the great fire sacrifice. The temple contains an image of Vasistha along with images of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, both of whom are considered to be incarnations of Vishnu, the Preserver of the Hindu trinity. The name Gomukh literally means cow's mouth, referring to a spring here which flows through the mouth of a marble cow. The spring water is believed to have sacred, purifying properties.

Adhar Devi Temple
The temple is chiseled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.

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.

Excursions near Mount Abu

Trevor’s Tank (5 km)
Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s Tank is a delight for bird-watchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

Achalgarh Fort (8 km)
This fort, built by the warrior King Rana Kumbha is now in ruins Five miles from Mount Abu, this is one of thirty-two forts that were constructed all over Mewar in order to secure the kingdom from invaders. Nearby are the remains of several ancient temples. Notable among these is the 15th century temple of Lord Shiva.

Guru Shikar (15 km)
The peak of Guru Shikhar, at an altitude of 5,676 feet, is about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh and is the highest point in Rajasthan. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings. Notable temples located here are the Mira Temple, Chaumundi Temple and a small Shaivite shrine.

How to Reach Mount Abu

Air: Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.
Rail: Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahemdabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.
Road: Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Maunt Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.

Hotels in Mount Abu

- Hotel Hillock - Hotel The Palace - Hotel Canaught House - Cama Rajputana Club Resort

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