Mount Abu Travel Guide
Mount Abu is located at the southern corner of Rajasthan. An amusing retreat set amidst the lush green forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the unfertile desertscape of Rajasthan. Mt. Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. The climate of Mt. Abu is cool to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and blossoming shrubs. It is also one of the major pilgrimage sites of India for both Hindu as well as Jain religions. Besides the temples and sites of historical importance, Mt. Abu is also rich in natural scenic beauties. According to the folklores, Mt. Abu was also the home of many saints and sages in ancient times. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing ayagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.
According to the legends, all the three hundred and thirty million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. 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 favorite spot for boating. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. Its eye-catching collection of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. Abu according to a legend. stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.
History of Mount Abu
Mount Abu was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. During the British rule in India, it used to be the favorite summer destination of the British who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. Mount Abu used to be the home of many saints and sages in the old times. This place is held in reverence by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.
Fair & Festivals of Mount Abu
Summer Festival : The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh (June). The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The grand finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks, which adds to the tourist's delight.
Mahavira Jayanti : The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is celebrated as Mahavira Jayanti. Jain pilgrims from all over the country converge at the Dilwara temples for this most important festival of Jainism.
Best Season of Mount Abu
Mount Abu has a very comfortable climate throughout the year. And because of this fact, Mount Abu can be visited all through the year.
General Information of Mount Abu
Area : 25 sq. km.
Altitude : 1220 mts.
Temperature :
Summer : Max 33.8ºC, Min 23.3ºC.
Winter : Max 28.3ºC, Min 11.6ºC.
Languages : Hindi and Rajasthani.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Air : The nearest airport is Udaipur (185 kms)
Rail : The nearest railway station is Abu Road (28 km)
Road : Mt. Abu is well connected by road with major cities of the country.