Verdant Oasis In The Hills

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

Situated at the southern tip ofthe Aravali range, the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mt. Abu is a curved one characterised by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds.

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 llth-13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre.

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

Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from afire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons.

The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.

er on the door of the mandap, offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh (50-55 km) : Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within the fort.

The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. An ancient temfde of Gaioar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.

Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110 km) : Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill, is the 11th-12\super th\nosupersub century temple now in ruins. Easily approachable, by jeep and car.

The Remains of Garhgachh ( 110 km) : The 9th and 13th century A.D. temples in red stone, situated in the Baran district near Atru (30 km).

Travel Information

How To Get There

Air : Udaipur 185 km is nearest airport. Taxi and buses available to reach Mount Abu.

Rail : Abu road 29 km is the closest railhead. Taxis, Jeeps and buses can be hired for onward journey to Mount Abu. Some important train connections are : Gujarat Mail (Mumbai-Abu Road-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Aravali Express (Ahmedabad-Abu Road-Marwar); Ahmedabad Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Abu Road); Surya Nagri Express (Jodhpur-Abu Road-Ahmedabad); Ranakpur Express (Ahmedabad-Abu Road-Jodhpur)

Road ; Good network of bus services, Key connections are : Ahmedabad 221 km, Jodhpur 264 km via Sirohi Sanderao.

Local Transport : Un-metered taxis, and jeeps.

General Information

Area : 25 sq. km.

Altitude : 1219 metres

Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer: 33.8C 23.3 C

Winter : 28.3 C 11.6 C

Rainfall : 65-177 cms.

Best Season : February - June, September-December

Clothing Summer Light tropical Winter Woollen

Languages : English, Hindi, Gujarati.