Mount Abu TourDestinations

Mount Abu is a very famous hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India near the extent with Gujarat A unique destination for adventure and eco tourism. During the period of the Maharaja’s, it was used as a place of leisure by the royalties and semi-royalties. The place presents an interesting contrast of British style bungalows and holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana) with various tribal communities residing amidst the thick lush forest on the hills surrounding the region. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. The flora and fauna enjoys the adulation of the tourist to the fullest. The highest point of the Aravali is the ‘Guru Shikhar’ with a vast sanctuary that shelters a number of species like langur, wild boars, Sambar, leopards and many more along with a number of flowering plants and trees, which enhance the beauty of the whole scenery. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, a phalanx of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.

Prime Attraction of Mount Abu:
1. Dilwara Temples :- Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim centre up to the 11th century AD. Today, it is recognized the world over for its magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Delwara temples.

2. Gurushikhar :- The highest peak of the Aravali ranges (1722 mts above the sea level) allows a bird’s eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mount Abu.

3. Toad Rock :- Overhanging the Nakki Lake, it is so called because of its likeness to gigantic toad about to leap into the lake.

4. Sunset Point :- This point is south-west of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually sinks itself in the azure sky between the two mountain peaks. The steps lead up to a high terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.

5. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary :- The sanctuary includes within its area some of the oldest parts of mountain ranges of India - The Aravalis. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1960. The highest point of the Aravalis i.e. the Guru Shikhar falls in this sanctuary. The sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km. in length and 5-8 km. in breadth.

6. Gaumukh Temple (Vashistha Ashram) :- Many sages and seers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous being sage Vashistha. Legend has it that, he performed a yagya (sacrificial fire) from which emerged the Agnikula clan of the Rajputs comprising Chauhans, Solankis, Parmars and Pratihars.