Mount Abu History The history of Mount Abu is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan). During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a sanatorium for the troops. The small huts and cottages here tell stories of those times even today. Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days. Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain.

It is also the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow's head. According to another legend, once sage Vashishth's cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form - Mount Abu. 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.

General Travel Information (Weather )

In Summer : 33.8 C (Max) - 23.3 C (Min)
In winter : 20.3 C (Max) - 0 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)
Our suggestion : Feb to June , Sept. Dec.

How to get there
Air : Udaipur Flight Schedule Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur. Rail: Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.
Bus: Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.

Places to see

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 serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

Delwara Jain Temple : These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of Tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community. With door casings, pillars,architraves,and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Adhar Devi Temple : The temple is chiseled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.

Nakki Lake : Legend has that this small lake, was scooped out by a god using only his nails(or nakh).The lake is surrounded by hills , parks and strange rock formations. The 14th Century Raghunaht temple stands beside the lake. Several Maharajas built lavish summer houses around the Nakki lake,a nd the maharaja of Jaipur's former summer palace is perched on a hill onlooking the water.

Museum and Art Gallery : Located at the Raj Bhawan, it was a collection of archaeological excavations dating back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze carvings,brass works etc. for viewing.

Viewpoints : There are many view points around the town. Most famous among them is the Sunset point which provides a spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here. Other popular spots include Honeymoon point, which also offers a view of sunset, the Crags and the Shanti Shikhar.

Shri Raghunathji Temple : Situated near the ‘Nakki' lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.

Gardens and Parks : Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok Vatika,Gandhi park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.