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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, |
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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' firerituals. 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 Jaintemples 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.
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Mount
-Abu
Travel Packages:
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