THE VERDANT OASIS
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among the rocks
on a 1,220-m granite table mountain at the far southwestern 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,
 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
TEMPLES
Dilwara Temples:
This complex consisting of five
marble Jain temples is one 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 be the site of the ancient 'agnikund' fire rituals. It is
4 kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very steep steps.
LAKES
Nakki Talav: 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 from the 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.
OTHERS
View Points: Several points around the edge of the 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 pony rides 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
FORTS
Achalgarh (8-km): An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples
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.
TEMPLES
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.
OTHERS
Trevor’s Tank (5-km): 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.
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