Mount-Abu

Area 25 sq. km
Climate Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer 33,8 degree C 23.3 degree C
Winter 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall 62 cms.
Best Season Feb-June , Sept. Dec
Clothing Summer Light Tropical
Winter Light wollen
Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Altitude 1219 metres
Rainfall 65-177 cms.


Mount Abu, sprawling along a 1200 m high plateau in the south of the state, close to the Gujarat border. Rajasthan's only hill station and a major pilgrim centre, Mount Abu is located in the south-western corner of Rajasthan. Although a part of the Aravalli range, it is detached completely from it by a narrow valley and the highest point, Guru Shikhar, is situated at its northern end. Interestingly, this is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north. Mount Abu, owing to its good rainfall, has the richest vegetation in Rajasthan - a wide variety of trees and shrubs can be viewed as one drives upto Mount Abu.
More than the weather, vegetation and mythological importance, it is the Jain temples that draw lakhs of visitors to Mount Abu. The Dilwara temples are the best Jain temples in the country. No description can do justice to their beauty. They are to be seen to be believed. Gaumukh Temple, Achalgarh Fort, Toad's Rock, Sunset Point, Trevor's Tank are some of the interesting areas to be visited. For those who like walking, Mount Abu has many delightful walks. Nakki Lake, said to have been carved out by the gods with their nails, is a favourite spot for boating. Mount Abu is best visited during March-June and September-November

Places To See

» Sunrise Palace
Situated on one of the highest points in Mount Abu is the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Now it is called the Sunrise Palace, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of lush green Aravallis surrounding it. The 80 years old palace has a fairy tale charm to it and is build like a typical british-style mansion. It has large spacious rooms, which have been done tastefully and provides all possible comforts to the guests. It is popular with honeymooners as well as those looking for a peaceful holiday

» Dilwara Temple
The Dilwara temple which are five km away from Mt. Abu are its main attractions and one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex includes two temples where the art of carving marble has been carried to unsurpassed heights. The older of these temples is the Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Tirthankar, Adinath, and built in 1030 AD. The central shrine has an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 52 identical cells, each with a Buddha-like cross- legged image.

» Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is virtually in the heart of Mount Abu and is a big attraction for tourists. The lake takes its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a god, using only his nails, or nakh. It's a pleasant stroll around the lake - look for the strange rock formations. On the lake there is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack bar
Honeymoon Point: Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Gaumukh Temple A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name. The famous ‘yagna’ of Sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada – the mighty serpant, stands against the beautiful backdrop.
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,brassworks etc. for viewing
Adhar Devi Temple
Three kilometres north of town, some 365 steps lead to this ' Durga temple ' built in a natural cleft in the rock. You have to stoop to get through the low entrance to the temple. There are fine views over Mount Abu from up here. This temple is one of the favourite tourist spots of Mount Abu. It is believed that the image of the goddess was originally hanging in mid-air, hence the name is ' Adhar Devi '.
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

Excursion

» Achalgarh
Achalgarh which is famous for the Shiva temple. Some of its interesting features include a toe of Shiva, Nandi in brass and a deep hole said to extend all the way to the underworld (patala) where normally in other temples a Shiva Linga would be kept.
Guru Shikar
Guru Shikar which is the highest place in Rajasthan. At the top is the Atri Rishi Temple lending an enchanting view all round.

» Adhar Devi Temple
Three kilometres north of town, some 365 steps lead to this ' Durga temple ' built in a natural cleft in the rock. You have to stoop to get through the low entrance to the temple. There are fine views over Mount Abu from up here. This temple is one of the favourite tourist spots of Mount Abu. It is believed that the image of the goddess was originally hanging in mid-air, hence the name is ' Adhar Devi '.

» 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.