Imagine knowing a place and yet being unaware of the rich history that it preserves dearly. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is one such destination, which despite being popular have it’s history unknown to the most. By Divyansh Mehta
Considered as the ‘Oasis of the desert’, Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli Hills. Unlike every other city in Rajasthan, the hill station is away from the heat and sand dunes, which covers almost 67 percent area of Rajasthan.
Mount Abu presents a stark contrast when compared to other parts of Rajasthan, widely known for being associated with the Rajputs. In ancient scriptures, the hill station is denoted as ‘Arbuda Mountains’, which was associated with Gurjars who used to live in the mountains, but later shifted to other parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
As the ruling power and dominance shifted from the Mughals on to the British, the historical significance and its prominence became less. However, this place is popular for its natural and spiritual charm. Besides its exceptional natural charm, Mount Abu is also known for its Lakes, Jain and Hindu temples from the time between 11th to 13th century.
Nakki Lake
One of the most famous spots for a day out in Mount Abu, this lake is believed to be made by the Hindu God using only his nails and hence the word ‘Nakki’ (nail). The lake is surrounded by hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for activities such as boating.
Dilwara Jain Temples
Dilwara temples were constructed between the 11th and 13th century. These temples are considered as masterpieces of temple architecture. Some of these temples are the main highlight of Mount Abu as it took around 14-years to complete them. These temples are carved in white marble with images of female figures in various poses on numerous pillars.
Guru Shikar Point
The landmark of Guru Dattatreya temple is the highest peak in Rajasthan. One can enjoy the view of the entire Mount Abu city from this point. It is located at a height of 1772 meters above sea level. Some of the other temples situated here are Shiva Temple, Mira Temple and Chamundi Temple.
Where To Stay
Hotels in Mount Abu ensure absolute comfort and luxury throughout one’s stay. Some of the best hotels in Mount Abu are Cama Rajputana Club Resort, Hotel Hillrock and the Palace Hotel, Bikaner House.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport from the city is Dabok domestic airport located in Udaipur, which is 185 km away from the city. The airport is well-connected with Indian metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.
By Road: The hill station is well-connected to some of the major cities to make your travel easier. Mount Abu is at a 13-hour drive from Delhi and five-hour drive from Ahmedabad.
Related: 9 Travel Experiences in Rajasthan That Are Hard To Find Anywhere Else
