Tourism in Mount Abu
Mount Abu in the Sirohi District of Rajasthan is beautiful and one and only hill station in Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular retreats for vacationers and even honeymoon couples. With a distinctive blend of the flavours of Rajasthan, Mount Abu has some of the best places to visit like Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Achal Garh, Guru Shikhar, Adhar Devi, Sunset Point, Trevor’s crocodile Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Gaumukh.
History of Mount Abu
The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull.On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan.In the Puranas the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya, ("forest of Arbhu") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage Vasistha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu after following his differences with sage Vishvamitra.
Best Time to Visit in Mount Abu
The Mount Abu is a wonderful place to visit and the place has a pleasing climate throughout the year. However, it is not a yearlong tourist destination. You ought to choose the right time to visit the place to enjoy almost all attractions and activities of the place. Are you planning to visit Mount Abu? Here is what you need to know about the right time to plan your vacation.
How to Reach In Mount Abu
An oasis in the otherwise deserted land of Rajasthan, Mount Abu perched at a height of nearly 1,219 metres, is a pictorial hill station dotted with Dilwara Jain temples and green forested hills. Nakki Lake, Sunset Point and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary are other popular tourist attractions here. Being the summer capital of Rajasthan, it remains occupied by locals and tourists round the year. Mount Abu can be reached easily from nearby states like Maharastra and Delhi.
by Rail
Abu Road railway station, located around 25 km away, serves the hill town of Mount Abu. Good number of trains connect Mount Abu with major Indian cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai etc. to name a few. Visitors can hire private or shared taxis from outside the station for reaching the town.
by Air
Udaipur Airport serves as the nearest airport to Mount Abu. Daily direct flights from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai are available till Udaipur. Stopover flights from other Indian cities can be availed to reach Udaipur or direct flights can be availed till Ahmedabad. From Udaipur and Ahmedabad, local taxis are available for Mount Abu.
by Road
Many state transport and private buses operate from nearby cities of Mount Abu. Daily direct bus service to the hill station is available from Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Baroda. Depending on budget, passengers can avail AC, deluxe or semi-deluxe buses.
Shopping in Mount Abu
Rajasthan's only hill station Mount Abu offers an unrivalled shopping experience thanks to its exciting mix of street shops and handicraft emporiums. From bargain hunting in a bustling market to a session of indulgent retail therapy, the town promises a plethora of shopping opportunities to all its visitors. The local market of Mount Abu is extremely popular among tourists, thanks to the presence of both street stalls and permanent shops that sell a wide variety of things that shopaholics usually like, right from beautiful clothing to junk jewellery to even beautiful mementoes. Right from the Nakki Lake market in Mount Abu to the Tibetan market in Mount Abu, this hill station in Rajasthan is a shopaholic’s paradise.
Best Things To Do in Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and there are uncountable things to do in Mount Abu. Rajasthan is particularly visited to witness the grandeur of its forts and palaces, but Mount Abu used to be the summer capital of the bygone kings and rulers of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is not only a quiet hill station surrounded by lush green forests but it is also a place of great religious reverence especially to the Jains.Dilwara Jain temple is the best example of the religious significance that it holds; Dilwara temple is a set of five temples which is an extraordinary piece of architecture and all the five temples belong to a different century. The most intriguing site is the fine lines and art which are ornately carved out of the white marble, displaying scenes of God and Goddesses. Dilwara temple not only pulls the Jain pilgrimage but also treasures historical and archaeological buffs.If the temple isn’t something you are interested in then spending a day at Nakki Lake is one of the unparalleled things to do in Mount Abu. Relax, unwind and boat around the lake in a picturesque backdrop of the mighty Aravali ranges. Escape into the wild and encounter nature in its purest form at the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary visit requires an entire day but is worth a stroll.