VERDANT OASIS IN THE HILLS

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills. Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape of Rajasthan.

Situated at the southern tip of the Aravalli range, this hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.

The only hill station in Rajasthan - Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back 11th - 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgimage centre.

'Abu' according to a legend stands for the son of Himalaya, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpant who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.

PRIME SITES - 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. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

PRIME SITES - NAKKI LAKE

A tiny lake, picturesquely set amid hills. The lake is dotted with several islets approachable by a boat. Of particular interests are strange rock formations around the lake. Especially noted is the Toad Rock which looks like a real toad about to jump into the lake. Others are Nun Rock and Nandi Rock etc.

Set in the heart of the town, the lake gets its name from the legend that it was scooped out by the gods with their fingernails or 'Nakh'. It is the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. above sea level.

PRIME SITES - DELWARA JAIN TEMPLE

These beautifully carved temples built between the 11th and the 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.

With door casings, pillars, architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

PRIME SITES - SUNSET POINT

A spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.

EXCURSIONS - 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 heaven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

EXCURSIONS - ACHALGARH (8 km)

An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath Jain Temple(1513 A.D.) Mandakini Kund and a sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh which is situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple.

The Fort was built in the 14 th century A.D. by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road.

EXCURSIONS - GURU SHIKHAR (15 km)

The highest peak on the Mount (1722 mts. above the sea level) allows a bird's eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt. Abu.

A small Shaivite Shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit.

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