Ever since I been to US, I been missing one kind of tourist destinations of India – Hill Stations and one of them is Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Mt.Abu is probably one of the most precious gifts in Gujarati’s life. Its not only favorite hill station for most of all northern and central Gujaratis due to its stone away distance, but it’s only our choice for recreational hilly vacations being only hill station on northwest-central Indian peninsula.
Mt.Abu cradled in 24 km wide tropical valley of Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan at the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Only way to access Mt.Abu is climbing winding road from 22 km down Abu Road town established at the base of Aravalli Mountains. Abu Road town is easily accessible through train and road from major cities like Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad.
History
Mt.Abu’s history is diverse mixed with Myths and facts. According to legend, great saint Vashishth lived here during Vedic era and performed a Agnikund Yagna to create four clans - Chauhans, Parmaras, Pratiharas and Solankis out of fire to protect the earth from demons and that yagna was performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow’s head (Gaumukh Temple). Till 11th century, Mt. Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage center.
But later, it has gained importance as a Jain pilgrim center between 11th-13th centuries after establishment of Delwara temples. Later in 18th century, Mt.Abu was part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. During British rule, it became favorite summer destination, military cantonment, and regional headquarter for British government.
My Experience
As many Gujaratis, not only I have been to Mt.Abu umpteen times in school/college vacations, friends weekend outing, first honeymoon, but practically every close friends I know, spent their first honeymoon at Mt.Abu. Among them, my most notable tours are in 1994 with my close three childhood buddies and in 1997 for first honeymoon. Both of these tours experience are special but contradict to each other.
First one with friends was pure adventurous thrill after traveling in bus from our village to Ahmedabad, in train from Ahemadabad to Abu Road, and then in packed Jeep from Abu Road to Mt.Abu, and practically enjoying hill station by weeklong hiking. Second one as first honeymoon was pure luxury travel, mostly staying in the five star honeymoon suites and enjoying attractions by commuting in car. If you truly asked me which one is more memorable then I would definitely say, weeklong Mt.Abu’s hiking tour with friends was remarkable and most probably my most unforgettable travel to date.
Attractions
Delwara Jain Temples – Major pilgrimage site in Jainism about 3 km from Mt.Abu. It’s a Five Marble Temple complex including two main temples with delicately carved entrances, pillars, ceilings, pavilions, courtyards, and statues – Adinath Temple built in 1031 by a Gujrati minister named Vimal, and Neminath Temple built in 1231 by the Gujrati minister brothers Tejpal and Vastupal.
Guru Shikhar – This is Highest Point of Arravali Mountain range at 1722m situated about 15km from Mt. Abu. This peak is easily accessible from well laid out road from Mt.Abu to almost at the base of summit. Once you park your car in parking lot, you can enjoy snacks at nearby hut stalls and climb manageable hike all the way up to Atri Rishi Temple for magnificent foggy panoramic views.
Achalgarh – Ruined fort and temples built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 14th century about 8 km from Mt.Abu.
Nakki Lake – This artificial Lake surrounded by hills is focal point of Mt.Abu and favorite recreational spot for boating. It situated right near main market place and at the center of town. For many visitors, strolling on the walkways surrounding Nakki Lake is most relaxed activity in Mt.Abu. Legend says its carved out by the gods with their nails.
Toad Rock – There is a small hiking trail takes you to the Toad shaped rock hanged over Nakki Lake. You can also enjoy glorious aerial view of Nakki Lake and Mt.Abu town down below.
Brahama Kumari Temple – This is Brahma Kumari’s Headquarters. It’s a spiritual and serene white building complex.
Adhar Devi Temple – This temple is chiseled out of a huge single rock reached by a flight of 365 steps situated about 3km north of town.
Sunset Point – It is one of most popular tourist attraction with practically all Mt.Abu tourists start strolling out to this point at evening time to catch the setting sun between two craggy peaks. It’s approximately 1.5 km southwest of Nakki Lake. You can also hire horse-riding service for expensive outing.
Honeymoon Point – This is very quite place for newly weds to sit there for hours and watch enchanting view of the western plains and valleys down below. It’s approximately 2.5 km northwest of Nakki Lake. Most newlyweds spend their time at Honeymoon Point for sunset instead of crowded sunset point.
Gaumukh Temple – This is the sacred shrine where small stream flows from the mouth of marble cow lies about 4km below Mt.Abu on Abu Road side. This is site of ancient Agnikund Yagna. You need to walk approximately 750 steps to reach the temple down to the valley.
Gardens and Parks - There are many beautiful gardens laid out in these hilly landscapes. Most notable are Ashok Vatika near Nakki Lake and Brahma Kumari Peace Park between Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh.
Hiking/Walking/Jogging/Horse Riding - For those who like to stay close to nature, best way to access dawn and dusk natural scenic beauties is walking or hiking or horse riding around Mt. Abu’s delightful foggy curvy inclined roads.
Shopping/Strolling around main market place – Area near Nakki Lake is most crowded and hustle bustle during evening time when most of all tourists are back in town from excursions and strolling around after dinner. There are enough shopping stores, restaurants, tea stalls, and ice-cream parlors available on this beautiful inclined picturesque area around Nakki Lake. This is equivalent to Ooty’s main market place and Simla’s Mall Road.
Conclusion
You can imagine what happens to boy who grew up watching 60s-70s movies premised in Simla and Kashmir, visits his first ever hill station with endless lush green mountains ranges, hilly curvy roads, foggy weather, cool breezy climate, thick forest, beautiful lakes, walking in clouds, unhindered view of sunset, light bulbs glowed all over valley, winding lanes of bazaars, and aghast by countless choice of restaurants and hotels. Its no wonder, he fell in love of this divinely beautiful place right away.
Practically many of Mt.Abu’s roads, slopes, corners, streets, attractions, historical places, and recreational areas are carved in my mind forever. I have so many precious memories of this place that Mt.Abu will never be mere hill station for me. Mt.Abu is hill station-cum-spiritual-cum-mythological tourist place. Even though it’s been 9 years I been at this mysterious haunting hills, it feels like I was there yesterday, and I am feeling nostalgic about it. :-(