This holy mountain lies at the southern extremity of the Aravalli range. Surrounded by forests rich in flora and fauna, the town appears an oasis. The drive uphill along Abu Road overlooks an arid region strewn by huge rocks with smooth surfaces and weird shapes, both fashioned by high velocity winds.

The altitude of this plateau, 1 220 metres and abundant vegetation, have endowed Abu with a pleasant climate. It is a resort as well as a celebrated place of Rajput and Jain pilgrimage.

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

Yet another legend explains how the lake at Mt Abu got its name. It is believed that the gods formed the lake-bed by digging it with their fingernails—'nakh'—hence Nakki Lake.

Many sages and seers had their retreats on Mt Abu, most famous being sage Vashishta. To regenerate the human race, he performed a 'yagya' or magic fire ritual, from which were born the Agnikula clans of Chauhans, Solankis, Parmars and Pratihars. The natural spring beside which this legendary event occurred is situated below Abu and emerges from rock-shaped like a cow's head, hence its name, Gaumukh.

Mt Abu was dedicated to Shiva before it became a Jam pilgrim place. The greatest draw of Abu are the Dilwara temples. Half hidden by mango groves, their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Dilwara temples enshrine various Jam 'tirthankaras', saints.

These temples, built between 11th and the 13th centuries, are famous for their rich intricate carvings in marble.
Vimal Vasahi is the oldest of these Jain temples. Built in 1031 A.D. in the village of Dilwara by Vimal Shah, the minister of Bhim Deva, the first Solanki ruler of Gujarat, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jam tirthankaras. Constructed out of white'.marble from the Makrana mines, it is a perfect example of Jain temple architecture, comprising a central shrine, a room with a transept, a large colonnaded area and an ambulatory lined by 52 small shrines housing a statue each.
The other Jain temple was built 200 years later in 1231 A.D. by two brothers Vastupal and Tejpal who belonged to the Porwal Jain community and were ministers of Raja Virdhavala a ruler, of Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to Neminath, the twenty-second Jam tirthankara. The door-casings, friezes, architraves, pillars, the sculptures of porticos, are astonishing in their workmanship.

A beautiful temple under a huge rock, it is formed by a natural cleft. It is also known as the Arbuda Devi Temple. A climb of 200 steps leads to the hill where homage to the goddess can be paid.

Near the Raghunath temples is the placid Nakki Lake studded with little islets. Nowhere else in India, except in the Himalayas does a lake exist 1200 metres above sea level. This lake, as legend has Iit, was dug out by gods with their nails.

A little brook flowing from the mouth of a marble cow gives the shrine its name. It was here that the legend of the four Agnikula clans of the Rajputs was born. Nearby is the marble image of Nandi who was rescued by the mighty serpent Arbuda. Carved out of a rock, the hill temple of Arbuda lies against a picturesque backdrop.

This place offers an enchanting view of the crimson colours of dusk kissing the lush plains on the horizon

Until recently known as the Anadra Point, this place provides a pleasant view of the verdant valley and plains. It looks especially beautiful at sunset, when it acquires a serene aura.

Situated near Nakki Lake, it is believed that Shri Ramanand, the famous Hindu preacher, placed the image of Shri Raghunathji on this spot in the 14th century.

Beautiful gardens blooming in a riot of colour can be visited. Some are Ashok Vatika, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh, Park and Terrace Garden.

It is located at Raj Bhawan Road, Opp Post Office.

11 km. A glorious Shiva temple stands here. Nearby a few statues, carved' intricately, lie on the banks of Mandakini tank.

15 km. It is the highest peak of the Aravallis at an altitude of 1772 metres. The 'Aravallirange is one of the, bldest mountain ranges of the world.

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

Rail : Abu Road 29 km is the closest railhead which is linked with Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi and Jodhpur by train. Taxis, jeeps and buses can be hired for onward journey to Mount Abu.

Road :Good network of bus services. Key connections are Ahmedabad 221 km, Jodhpur 326 km., Udaipur 185 km, Ranakpur 187 km, Ambaji 51 km.

02974

State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Tel 3224, State Bank of India, Tel 3136, Bank of Baroda, Tel 3166, Union Bank, Tel 3258, Gramin Bank (Achalgarh)

Post Office, Raj Bhawan Road, Tel 3170, Telecom Centre, Tel 3107

Tourist Information Bureau, Opp Bus Stand Tel 3151

Guides may be hired through the Assistant Director, Tourist Information Bureau., Opp Bus Stand Tel 3151.

Sobha Travels Tel: 3302; Gujarat Travels Tel: 3564; Natraj Travels Tel: 3459; Baba Travels Tel: 3300

The following sightseeing tour is conducted by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Rajasthan State Roadways Transport Corporation (Tel 3151, 3129 and 3434).