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Mount Abu |
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History of Mount Abu
Once a part of the powerful Chauhans and serving as the summer retreat for the royals, the history of Mount Abu dates back to several centuries. Later it was leased to the British and in no time Mount Abu became the favourite getaway for the British officers posted in Rajasthan.
But more than history, it's the legends that make up the present Mount Abu. According to Hindu belief, once home to all the 330 million Hindu gods and goddesses, Mount Abu is one of the most sacred destinations in the country. Legends also say that famous sage Vasisth performed a huge yajna (sacrificial worship) and created four Rajput clans to protect the earth from demons.
There is also an interesting legend saying that Vasisth's cow Nandini was once trapped in gorge and as the sage made an appeal to Lord Shiva, he sent a divine stream to flood and eventually the cow floated up. To avoid such mishap in the future, Vasisth asked the youngest son of the king of mountains to fill up the gorge that he did with the help of mighty snake Arbud. It is said that Mount Abu got its name from Mount Arbud.
History also tells that the 24 th Jain Tirthankara and Lord Mahavira once visited Mount Abu and hence the place is greatly revered by the Jain pilgrims.
Mount Abu Shopping
Besides being a serene hill station and a pilgrimage destination, Mount Abu also offers numerous chances to shop also. The shops around Nakki Lake are famous for housing curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone artifacts and you will have a great time while shopping here.
In Mount Abu, you may buy for some beautiful Kota saris, linen with Sanganeri prints and bangles for yourself and your near and dear ones back home. You can also shop for some exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts at the Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium and the Khadi Bhandar. Ethnic jewelry, undoubtedly, offer the best shopping experience in Mount Abu and you are sure to go back home with a basket full of colourful memories.
Mount Abu Tourist Attraction
A green lush valley spread amidst the rustic terrain of Rajasthan makes an excellent milieu of the nature. The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu enjoys the immense greenery of the Aravalli ranges. Cherishing a huge rainfall throughout the year Mount Abu is an ideal destination for honeymooners and nature loving tourists. The extraordinary Dilwara Jain Temple built in the 1031 A.D is another attraction of the tranquil city that brings a huge number of tourists to Mount Abu.
The Sites You Should Not Miss in Mount Abu
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temple, Mountabu Tours
Built by the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat, Dilwara group of temples stand apart with their spectacular architecture and ornate carvings. The fine artistry by human hands has attained a new height in the walls and pillars of Dilwara temples. Dedicated to the first Jaina Tirthankara Adinath, Vimala Vasahi is the oldest temple in the complex, which needs a careful look. Neminath temple built in 1231 is another marvelous architectural splendour in the complex.
Nakki Lake
Just located in the heart of the city, Nakki Lake has emerged out of legends and myths. According to the age-old legends, the lake was formed by God by scooping the earth by his nail or nakh in local language and hence the name. Considered to be pious both for the Hindus and Jains, Nakki Lake is a must visit sight for the devotees coming to Mount Abu. But more than being a holy destination, Nakki Lake amazes with its tranquil beauty too. Surrounded by hills on all sides, there are some amazing rock formations on the shore of lake making the ambience even more enchanting. The rock formations are also named according to the resemblance to the figures they carry as they are rightly called as Nun Rock, Toad Rock, Camel Rock and Nandi Rock. Climbing these rocks through wooded forests is hugely enjoyed by the tourists.
Nakki Lake, Mountabu VacationsThe excellent climate and atmosphere of Mount Abu is another reason that makes it an ideal destination to visit. You can also have a look at the breathtaking beauty of the Aravallis spread around. The fragrance of divinity that sustains here adds some flavours to its tour.
Only in Mount Abu !
Dilwara Jain Temple
Exquisitely carved temples of Dilwara complex stand for the architectural splendour of the country that prevailed in the 11 th century. Built by the famous Solanki dynasty, the temples are wonders to the world. The stone seems to have come alive with the human touch here and you just cannot blink your eyes as you stand before the extraordinary ornate façade.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Air
The Maharana Pratap airport at Udaipur is the nearest airport. It has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.
Rail
The nearest railway station is at Abu Road, which is 22 km away. You need to take a bus or hire a taxi for to reach Mount Abu from there. Besides, a number of trains connect Mount Abu to Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.
Road
The Rajasthan government runs a number of ordinary and deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. Mount Abu is also well connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer and a few other places in Rajasthan.
Mount Abu At a Glance
Location: Located in the southern part of Rajasthan in north India at a distance of 182 km from Udaipur and 515 km from Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu ToursJaipur.
Climate: Mount Abu flaunts a pleasant weather with maximum temperature rising up to 34°C in summers and minimum falling at 11°C.
Major Tourist Attraction: Dilwara Jain Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Gaumukh Temple, Nakki Lake, Museum and Art Gallery, Sunset Point, Trevor's Tank, Shri Raghunathji Temple.
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh, Chitaurgarh, Jai Samand Lake.
Best Buys: Precious and semi-precious jewellery, minakari ornaments, tie & dye textiles, wooden articles, marble artifacts and metal showpieces, Kota sarees.
Best Shopping Areas: Nakki Maal shopping area, Rajasthali, Khadi Bhandar.
Famous For: Dilwara Jain Temple, Hill Station, and Honeymooner's Paradise.
Best Time To Visit: October - March |
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| Colors, colors – red saris, green fruits, pink palaces and towns, blue temples in Pushkar, all these colors were a delightful experience!!! Thank you so much Dear Gautam for all these things during our trip in Agra & Rajasthan. We were like kings! I wish you the very best for continuation, hoping we’ll be able to see you again in India. I wish you also success and chance in your business further with the white Ambassador car !!! Tou tes mes amities Thomas Paris, France |
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