Mount Abu is a city in Sirohi district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a hill station located in the Aravalli hills, which is situated on a 22 km long and 9 km wide rocky plateau. Its highest peak is 1,722 m. (5,650 ft) high is the Guru Shikhar. Mount Abu is also known as Shimla of Rajasthan. Mount Abu (Mount Abu) situated at an altitude of 1220 meters above sea level is the only hill town in Rajasthan. The ancient name of this town was Arbudanchal, at this place Lord Shiva appeared to the Bhil couple Ahuk and Ahuja. It is the highest peak of the Aravalli range, a major pilgrimage center for Jains, and the summer retreat of the state. Mount Abu, located as a single body of granite rocks at the extreme southwest end of the Aravalli ranges, is separated from the other ranges by a narrow valley of the western Banas river for about 10 km. Historical monuments, religious pilgrimage temples and art buildings located on top of the mountain have permanent funds of crafts-paintings-architecture. There is a footprint in the cave here, which people believe to be the footprint of Bhrigu. There are two huge Jain temples of marble in the middle of the mountain.
Mount Abu has been the abode of saints since ancient times. According to mythology, thirty-three crore deities of the Hindu religion visit this holy mountain. It is said that the great sage Vashishtha performed a yagya here to destroy the Asuras from the earth. Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, also visited here. Since then Mount Abu has remained a sacred and revered pilgrimage site for Jain followers. According to a legend, the name Abu was derived from Arbuada, the son of Himalaya. Arbuada was a mighty serpent who saved the life of the bull Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva, in a deep gorge.
Arbuda Devi Temple
The temple of Arbuda Devi is situated on a high hill, to reach where you have to climb 365 steps. Here the temple itself is present in a small cave inside a rocky cliff. Arbuda Devi is also known as Vaishno Devi of Rajasthan. It is said that Mata's Adhar fell here and was suspended in mid-air, it came to be known as Adhar Devi. Doodh Bawdi is located nearby, whose water is said to have magical powers.
Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is a famous artificial lake located on Mount Abu in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, which is situated at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level. This lake is famous for its unique beauty amidst the Aravalli hills. Mount Abu is situated around this lake. It is said that the Hindu Gods created this lake by digging the ground with their nails, hence the name of this lake is Nakki Lake. This lake is of sweet water, which freezes in winter. The view of the green hills from the lake is very beautiful. Especially tourists enjoy boating here.
Sunset point
Sunset Point, located about 2 kilometers from Mount Abu, is a very beautiful place for tourists. The specialty of this place is that when the hills are covered with the golden rays of the sun, then the view of the sunset looks very beautiful. This place is very special for the people because the calm atmosphere and the charming view here are very attractive. Tourists capture this scene in their cameras at the time of sunset.
Toad rock
Toad Rock is known as the mascot of Mount Abu. This is a very amazing place made of rocks where you will get to see big rocks. Toad Rock is the most frequently visited place by all the tourists visiting Mount Abu. You can climb the rock here to get breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and lush green hilly areas and capture some breathtaking views with the help of your camera.
Honeymoon point
Situated at an altitude of about 1220 meters above sea level, this place is situated in the northeast direction of Nakki Lake. It is also known as Anadara Point. There is a rock present here which has the shape of a woman and a man. That is why its name is Honeymoon Point. One can have views of the lush green plains and valleys from here. Tourists can also watch the mesmerizing view of the sunset from here.
Dilwara Jain Temple
The Dilwara temple is more beautiful than the Taj Mahal, which is included in the eight wonders of the world, in many ways. Dilwara Jain Temple is the most popular and beautiful pilgrimage site for Jains situated amidst the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. The temple was built by Vastupal and Tejpal between the 11th and 13th centuries. Dilwara Temple is famous for its intricate carvings and marble structures. This temple looks very simple from the outside but when you see this temple from the inside, you will be attracted by the designs made on its roof, walls, arches, and pillars. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage for Jains, this temple is a magical structure made of marble, which attracts everyone towards it.
Guru Shikhar
If you are bored of the fast and busy life of the city then Guru Shikhar is the best place for you. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range which is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Mount Abu. The height of this peak is 1722 meters above sea level, due to which a very attractive view of the Aravalli range and the hill station of Mount Abu is seen from here. At this place Abuvedshala and the cave temple of Guru Dattatreya which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The observatory has a 1.2-meter infrared telescope. After a drive of 15 km, you have to climb some steps to reach Guru Shikhar. If you visit this place during October and November then there is a lot of cloudiness and mist. Tourists coming here at this time feel as if they are going to Guru Shikhar with the help of clouds as mist is visible all around. This place delights the mind of the tourists coming here.
Gomukh Temple
There are many beautiful and popular tourist places in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan, and Gomukh Temple is considered a major tourist destination of Mount Abu. The panoramic view of the lush green forest and hills around this temple attracts tourists. There is an idol of a cow on the premises of this temple with a natural stream of water flowing over its head. That is why this temple is called Gomukh Temple. The Gomukh temple was built in dedication to Saint Vashishtha. It is believed that Saint Vashishtha had organized the Yagya at this place.
