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:: N O R T H   I N D I A   >  M O U N T   A B U ::           Brief -     The only hill resort of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a pleasant retreat, set amidst the lush forested hills. A green oasis in the barren desert scape, 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 Mount Abu, is a curved one characterised by arid region, dotted with huge rocks,in weird shapes and high velocity winds. Many of the rulers, from the surrounding princely states, had summerhouses built here. It's stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples of the 11th century, makes it a popular pilgrimage centre. There is an attractive countryside to explore, as it is well wooded with flowering trees, with numerous orchids during the rains and a good variety of birdlife.           History -     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, including the famous sage Vashishtha, who is believed to have created four Agnikul Rajput clans, from a fire- pit, by performing a yagna or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. In historic times, Abu was leased by the British Government from the Maharaja of Sirohi, and was used as the HQ for the resident of Rajputana until 1947, and as a sanatorium for troops.           Culture -     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 to the 11th - 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre.           Climate & Geographical Location -     It is cool and pleasant in summer and winter. Mount Abu is situated at the southern tip of the Aravalli range, at an altitude of 1219 metres.           How to Reach -     Mount Abu is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, Udaipur at 185 km. is the nearest airport. Taxi and buses are available to reach Mount Abu. By rail, Abu road at 29 km is the closest and convenient railhead ,and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and other important destinations across the country. Taxis, jeeps and buses can be hired for onward journey to Mount Abu. By road, Mount Abu has a good network of bus services ,with key connections to Ahmedabad (221 km) and Jodhpur (264 km), which in turn ,are well connected to the rest of the country.           : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :           Nakki Lake -     A tiny lake, picturesquely set amid hills, it is dotted with several islets approachable by a boat. Of particular interest, are strange rock formations around the lake. Especially notable is the Toad Rock, which looks like a real toad about to jump into the lake. Others are Nun Rock and Nandi Rock etc. Set in the heart of the town, the lake gets its name from the legend, that it was scooped out by the gods, with their fingernails or Nakh. It is the only artificial lake in India, that is1200 mts. above sea level.           Dilwara Jain Temples -     These beautifully carved temples, built between the 11th and 13th century AD, 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 the then Gujarat ruler, it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and a large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of Tirthankar with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrances to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara - Neminath, was built in 1230 A.D, by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, the ministes of Raja Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat and belonging to the Porwal Jain community. The most notable feature of the temple, is the brilliant intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving.           Adhar Devi Temple -     The temple is chiselled out of a huge rock, reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.           Sunset Point -     Spectacular sight of the setting sun, when the hills are covered in the golden glow, can be viewed from here.           Achalgarh -     An impressive fort, which has some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples, are the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple (1412 AD) and Kantinath Jain Temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated image. Mandakini Kund and a sculpture of Parmar Dharvash are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple. The fort was built in the 4th century AD, by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road.           Guru Shikhar -     The highest peak on the mount (1722 mts above sea level), allows a birds eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt. Abu. A small Shaivaite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit.         Others -       GAUMUKH TEMPLE - A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cows head, gives the shrine its name. The famous yagna of Sage Vashistha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada - the mighty serpent, stands against the beautiful backdrop.       HONEYMOON POINT - Also known as Andhra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.           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 the 14th century A.D. by Sri Ramanand, the famous Hindu preacher.           TREVORS TANK - Named after the British engineer, who constructed it, Trevors Tank is a delight for bird watchers, with densely wooded hills, that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.