Matchless Mount Abu, the sacred hill resort is set atop the highest peak of the Aravali's amidst lush forested hills. It is the only hill station of Rajasthan and is equally important for pleasure seekers and devoted pilgrim site, but now it is more popular as a Jain pilgrim centre. The holy hill is also known by names like, the 'Hill of Wisdom', 'Saint's Pinnacle' and a true 'Olympus of Rajasthan'. It is believed that Mount Abu, gets the name from a serpent Arbuda (Abu in short), the son of Himalayas, who came here to rescue Nandi, the wahan (Mount) of Lord Shiva. The hallowed hill is associated with several myths and legends. It is indeed a land of saints and sages.
The serpentine road leading to Mount Abu affords scintillating scenic beauty and is characterised by gigantic blocks of rocks, towering along the crest of the hill. The verdant hill boasts of a rich vegetation and is truly a lush oasis in the arid environs. The pleasant climate, picturesque setting, architectural grandeur and religious importance of this unique hill resort lures thousands of tourists for every year.

Getting there

Airways : Nearest Airport Udaipur(185).
Railways: The Nearest rail head is Abu Road (28Km), which is connected to Ahmadabad and Jaipur.From Abu Road Text, Jeep and Buses are available for Mount Abu
Roadways: Well connected by Road.

Facts About Mount Abu
Area : 25 sq. km.
Altitude : 1120 metres
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi & English.
Temperature : Summer Mean Max. 33.3C Mean Min 23.3C Winter Max. 23.3C Min. 11.6C.
Clothing : : Summer Light Tropical Winter Heavy Woollen.

Exploring Mount Abu!


Dilwara Jain Temple
Delightful Dilwara (Devalwara) or the 'Place of Temples' is the major attraction of Mount Abu. The world renowned temples are noted for excellent architecture and exquisite carvings. It is hard to believe that the magnificent shrines are work of human hands. The amazing temples set on a hill amidst grove of old mango trees have quite unprepared for the splendour of the interior that awaits. The main group consists of five temples, which were built between 11th 11th centuries. The temples of Vimal Sah, Vastupala and Tejapala are of the particular interest.
Temple of Vimal Sah: It is popularly known as Vimal Vasahi and was built by Vimal Sah (an officer of the Chalukya King Bhima l) in dedicated to Adinath or Rishabdeo, the first Jain tirthankara and is the oldest of the temple group. It stands within a quadrangular court and has a shrine with a large brazen image of Adinath. The impressive 48 pillared mandapa (portico) in front of the main sanctum is truly fascinating. The eight central pillars of the mandapa forms an octagon, which holds up a pendant like roof. Along the intricately carved corridor are 52 niches studded with splendid statues of the Jain Tirthankaras.
To the south-west of the quadrangle is Amba Devi shrine, which is said to be older than the main temple. On the right side of the temple entrance is the Hathi Khana or elephant room, which has a life size statues of Vimal Sah.
Temple of Vastupala and Tejapala: These 13th century shrines dedicated to Neminatha, the twenty second Jain Tirhankara are commonly called as Luna Vasahi. The pattern of arrangement of the sanctum and statues is almost similar to the temple of Vimal Sah. The Chaumukha temple, dedicated to Parasavnath and the Adinath temple lie across the road. Architecturally, these are not very important. The Adinath temple is noted for the bell and chain decoration on its pillars. The temples are open between noon and 6 PM. For non-Jains.

Nakki Lake
The legendary lake is shinning 'jewel' of the Abu hills. It is said that the lake was dug out by the nails (nakh) of the god's and thus the name Nakki. The town forms an amphitheatre around the charming lake, dotted with little lake in the considered to be the only artificial lake in the country, at altitude of 1100 mts. above sea level.
Boating facilities are available at the lake and one may choose motor boats, ordinary boats, shikaras and paddle boats to explore the serene waters of Nakki. The embankments of the lake are dotted with magnificent summer villas of various erstwhile princely states of the country. Most of them have been converted into guest houses or hotels.

Toad Rock
The magnificent rocky out crop resembling a 'Toad', overlooks the placid waters of the Nakki lake. Other interesting rock formations around the Nakki are Nun Rock and Nandi Rock etc.

Temple of Raghunathji
The sacred shrine near the Nakki lake is associated with the great preacher Ramanad. The temple enshrines an image of Shri Raghunathji (Lord Rama, which is said to be installed in 14th century, by Shri Ramnandji.

Gau Mukh Temple
This ancient holy site near the Nakki lake, is of immense religious importance. There is an old tank which is filled by a natural spring, flowing through a spout, shaped like a cow's head, hence the name Gau (cow) Mukh (mouth). According to a legend the famous yagna (sacrifice) of legendary sage Vashistha was performed here, which created the four 'Agnikula' or Fireborn Rajupt clan, to protect the earth from the demons. The four clans thus created were the Chauhans, the Parmaras, the Pratiharas and the Solonkis. The fire pit here is said to be the one, where sage Vashista performed his yagna.
A splendidly sculpted hill temple of Arbuada, the mighty serpent is located nearby amid scenic surroundings. There is also a marble statue of Nandi, the celestial bull, who was rescued by Arbuada from a chasm.

Sunset point
The splendid sunset point lies to the south- west of Nakki lake. It offers a great view of the lush plains is truly spectacular. The sunsets during monsoons are quite dramatic.

Honeymoon Point
It is also called as the Anadra point. The pint affords great views of the verdant valley and superb plains, especially during the sunset.
Govt. Museum & Art Gallery
The museum was set up in1962 within the premises of Raj Bhawan. It has a rich collection of archaeological finds dating back to 18th - 11th century. The first section exhibits a local tribal hut with a gallery of weapons, musical instruments, ornaments and garments etc. The second section has a rich collection of miniature paintings, Jain images, medium sized shields, a small canon called 'Topdi' and fine specimens of wood carving. The sculpture gallery has 404 exquisite specimens. The finely carved statues of devdasi or nartakis (lady dancers) are worth seeing. These date back to 6th century AD to 11th century AD. Other interesting sculptures are of Chakrabhu Shiva, Nandi, Vish Kanya, Surya etc. The gallery also displays the memorial specimens of Chapa's inscription, named after the local heroine of Achalgarh.

Om Shanti Bhawan or Universal Peace Hall
This impressive building house the famous Brahma Kumari's World Spiritual University. It has a big hall devoid of any pillars, and can accommodate a gathering of 3,500 people.

Ashar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple
The magnificent temple is carved out of a huge rock. It is reached by a flight of 360 steps and is also a popular tourist spot.
Mount Abu Sanctuary
It lies on the outskirts of the town, covering an area of 288 sq. km. The cool breeze laden with fragrance of wild roses and jasmine sweeps through the sanctuary making it a paradise for nature lovers. It teems with rich and varied flora and fauna. The key fauna includes, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur. There are also over 250 species of birds which is a treat for bird watchers.