Mount Abu

Traveler’s Facts

About Mount Abu: The only hill station in Rajasthan.
Famous for: The picturesque mountains, the age-old temples, rocks and caves, the beautiful lake, boat ride, the thick lush green forests.
Should I Visit: Yes, if you are a nature lover. You may enjoy the scenic beauty, the amazing architectural wonders and the archaeology too
Location: Southern part of the beautiful Aravali ranges. 505 Km from the state capital Jaipur.

About Mount Abu

Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station is situated at the southern tip of the Aravalli ranges. The mountain forms a rocky plateau about 9km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Gurushikhar, which is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayas in the north. Mt. Abu is one of the major pilgrimage destinations in India. It is home to several Hindu and Jain temples including the famous Dilwara Jain temple, Gaumukh temple, Sri Raghunathji temple and the Adhar Devi temple.

Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu

History

The history of Mount Abu is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan).

During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a sanatorium for the troops. The small huts and cottages here tell stories of those times even today.

Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days. Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow’s head.

According to another legend, once sage Vashishth’s cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form – Mount Abu.

This place is held in reverence by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.

Tourist Places

Dilwara Jain Temples
Gaumukh Temple
Nakki Lake
Sunset Point

How to reach

By Air
Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.

By Road
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.

By Train
Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.