Mount Abu India-The Hill station, Guru Shikhar, and Its Attraction
Mount Abu India
Mount Abu is a hill station in the Aravalli Range in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan in western India. The mountain forms a rocky plateau of Granite rock 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m above sea level. It is referred to as ‘an oasis in the desert’ as this peak is home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and evergreen forests. The location has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighboring Gujarat for centuries.
Serving as a source of comfort from the desert climate of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, is the state’s only hill station, and is embraced by lush green hills of the Aravalli range. The place is famous for British-style bungalows and royal holiday lodges. Covered in vast stretches of green forests, serene lakes, and waterfalls, this region allows you to revel amidst panoramic vistas, all year round. Other than its scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also popular as a seat of religious importance for Jains.
Mount abu weather- Based on annual weather averages for Mount Abu India, the best month to go on a holiday is February and March. The weather averages for the month of February, temperature averages around 25°c and at night it is around 15°c. In February, Mount Abu gets on an average of 0.90mm of rain and approximately 0 rainy days in the month.
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Mythology-History
The history of Mount Abu India can be traced back to the Puranas. It is known as “Arbudaranya” or “the forest of Arbhuda” in the Puranic Age. Mount Abu is described to have served as a retreat for Sage Vashistha, following his spur with Sage Vishwamitra. Another legend suggests that Sage Vashistha had performed a yajna at the peak of this very mountain range, seeking provision for the defense of righteousness on earth, from the Gods. His prayer was answered by a youth who sprang out of the yajna fire, known to be the first of the Agnivamsha Rajputs.
Tourism
The mountain is home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple; and a shrine and temple to Dattatreya built atop the Guru Shikhar peak; and the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple 1412m. The Achalgarh Fort, built in the 14th century by Kumbha of Mewar, is nearby, and at its center is the popular visitor attraction of Nakki Lake. The Toad Rock is on a hill near the lake. Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Close to the fort is the popular Shiva temple.
The mountain is also home to a number of Jain temples including Dilwara Temples, a complex of temples carved out of white marble. It is located about 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu town. These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, Jain ministers of Dholka, between the 11th and 16th centuries. The temple complex is in the midst of a range of forested hills. The group is named after the small village of Dilwara where they are located.
Places to visit in Mount Abu India
DILWARA JAIN TEMPLE
The Dilwara Jain temples were established sometime between the 11th and 13th centuries and are considered to be among the best specimens of architectural perfection in the country. It is a complex of five temple structures, Carved out of white marble. Temples interiors have intricate designs spreading everywhere from doorways to ceilings. Dilwara Jain temples are a must-visit place in Mount Abu.
GURU SHIKHAR
Guru Shikhar is the highest point on this mountain range and a place for sightseeing in Mount Abu. Taking about 300 steps up to Guru Shikhar, one can reach the temple of Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of the Divine Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). People from all around the world came here for its religious aspects and panoramic views.
NAKKI LAKE
Nakki lake is the first-ever manmade lake in India, also a preferred place to see in Mount Abu. Travelers can choose to take a boat ride at the lake and watch the sun set past the beautiful hills surrounding this place. Nakki Lake is also popular for being the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi had been immersed. Toad rock, a sightseeing destination in Mount Abu is located close to Nakki Lake.
TOAD ROCK VIEWPOINT
Toad Rock is one of the most popular destinations near Nakki Lake It is located on the main trekking trail and has often been referred to as the mascot of Mount Abu hill station. The massive rock structure is an excellent illustration of igneous rocks, and is shaped, as the name suggests, like a toad. It is pretty easy to climb the rock and the views that it offers of Nakki Lake and the surrounding greenery are spectacular.
ACHALGARH FORT
The Achalgarh Fort is one of the most visited places in Mount Abu. It is located about 26 kilometers north of the city. Originally built by the Paramara dynasty, this fort has later been renovated and renamed Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 C.E. Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is another popular place to visit near Mount Abu, located right outside this fort
How to reach Mount Abu India
The nearest domestic airport to Mount Abu hill station is located at Udaipur at a distance of 210 km. The nearest train station is Abu Road railway station 28 km away. From Airport or Railway station visitors can take a bus or can hire a taxi to reach Mount Abu. Mount Abu is also well connected to major cities by Road.
