Mount Abu City Information

Mount Abu is the only hill station in the desert state. Getting to Mount Abu is easier from Gujarat, since it is to the south of the state in the Aravalli mountains. The closest city, though, is Udaipur. The Dilwara Jain temples have often been compared to the Taj Mahal. There are a few interesting places to grab a bite around the lake, a lot like the Mahabaleshwar lake in Makarashtra, only a lot more picturesque. Mount Abu is especially known for its picturesque sunsets, which are seen best past the hills from the Lake.

Places to see

Nakki Lake
Surrounded by strange rock formations, is the Nakki Lake which is virtually the heart of Mount Abu. The small lake takes its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a god, using only his nails. It is a hot favourite among the tourists and and strolling about the lake is a good experience. The best-known, Toad Rock, looks just like a toad about to hop into the lake. Others like, Nun Rock, Nandi Rock, or Camel Rock, require more imagination. The 14 the century Raghunath Temple stands beside the lake.

Bramha Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum
The Bramha Kumaris preach that all religions lead to God and so are equally valid, and the principles of each should be studied. The university aims at establishment of universal peace through 'the importation of spiritual knowledge and training of easy raja yoga meditation' There are over 4000 branches in 60 countries around the world and followers come to Mt. Abu to attend courses at the spiritual University. To attend one of these residential courses you need to contact your local branch and arrange things in advance. There is a museum in the town outlining the university’s teachings and offering mediation sessions.

Museum & Art Gallery
Although it is not very interesting the museum, Opposite the GPO does have some items from archeological excavations which date back to 8th to 12 the centuries as well as Jain Bronzes, carvings, brasswork and local Textiles. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4.30 PM

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, brassworks etc. for viewing.

Adhar Devi Temple
3 km. out of the town, Adhar Devi Temple is chiseled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. It lead to this Durga temple. You have to stoop to get through the low entrance to the temple. Its a favourite tourist spot. There are fine views over Mt. Abu from up here.

Dilwara Temples
These Jain temples are Mt. Abu's main attraction and amongst finest examples of Jain Architecture in India. The complex includes 2 temples in which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights. The marble becomes almost transparent. In Particular the Lotus flower that hangs from the center of the dome is an incredible peace of work. The temple employees several full time stone carvers to maintain and restore the work. There are three other temples, in the enclosure, but they all pale beside the Tejpal and Vimal Vasahi.

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 thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. In front of the temple stand the 'house of Elephants' with figures of elephants marching in processions to the temple entrance.

The Tejpal Temple (Lun Vasahi Temple) is dedicated to Neminath the 22nd tirthankar and was built in 1230 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal, 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 Its most notable feature is the fantastic intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving.

The complex is open from 12.00 noon to 6 pm and as at other Jain temples all articles of leather have to left at the entrance -shoes, belts, and even camera cases. You also must observe other rules and regulations, which include' no smoking, no chewing, no drinking, no umbrellas, no transistor, no tape recorders and no video cameras'.

Gaumukh Temple
Down on the Abu Road side of Mt.Abu, a small, natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name. The well known ‘yagna’ was performed by sage Vashishtha at this place. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada and the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

Sunset Point
One can see the most magnificent sunsets and the golden light all over. The setting sun appears absolutely magnificent from in between the hills.

Honeymoon Point
Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during dusk hours.

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

Trevor’s Tank
Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s Tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

Achalgarh
It is an impressive fort with some beautiful jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath Jain Temple (1513 A.D.). The latter has gold plated image. Mandakini Kund and a sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple. The Fort was built in the 14th century A.D. by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road.

The Shiva Temple of Achaleshwar Mahandeva, 11km north, of Mt. Abu has a number of interesting features, including a toe of Shiva, a brass Nandi, and where the Siva Lingam would normally be a deep hole said to extend all the way to the underworld. Outside by the car park is a tank beside which stand 3 stone buffaloes and the figure of king shooting them with a bow and arrows. A legend state that the tank was once filled with Ghee but demons in the form of buffaloes came down and drank each night- until king shot them. A path leads up the hillside to a group of colorful Jain temples with fine views out over the plains.

Guru Shikhar
At the end of the plateau and 15 km from Mt Abu is Guru Shikhar the highest point in Rajasthan at 1721 meters that offers a bird's eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt Abu. A road goes almost all the way to the summit.

At the top is the Aarti Rishi Temple, complete with a priest and good views all around. Below the temple is a cafe selling soft drinks and snacks. A small Shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit.

Abu Road
This station down on the plains is the rail junction for Mt Abu. The Railway station and bus stand are right next to each other on the edge of the town. Although there are RSTC buses from Abu Road to other cities such as Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ahemadabad, there is little point in catching them here, as they are all available from Mt Abu itself. Buses operated by private companies also run from Mt. Abu. There are a handful of basic hotels in the main market area which are allright if you have to spend a night else you must prefer the ones in Mt Abu.