My Visit to Mount Abu, India - a Green Oasis

Mount Abu is a perhaps the only hill station in Rajasthan State and the coolest place in the state all around the year. Mount Abu is very picturesque hill station. The ideal time is to visit this place is post monsoon, that is September. The rains during September are almost finished and the atomosphere is just right for the tourist. This is an important Jain pilgrimage place because of the famous Dilwara temples. Mount Abu is comparatively a small town which has a famous lake Nakki and the lush green dense forest hills. The area has waterfalls and rich in flora. The place is very cool and soothing and has no pollution.

We reached by train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and from there by bus to Mount Abu. The tourist have all the options of going by air to Udaipur and then by taxi or bus to reach Mount Abu. The road is also good and connected from major cities. Once you enter in Mount Abu, Nakki lake welcomes you which is in heart of the place. There are ample hotels around the lake area which suits to every budget. We stayed in Hotel Lake palace which was very good and economical compared to others. This hotel serves all the required facilities. For tourist there are some treks and picnic spots near Mount Abu. You may contact tourist office which is bang opposite bus station for any travel or site seeing details. For local site seeing you get the buses from tourist office at very reasonable rates per person. They operate from 8-30 to 6 pm. Then there are private buses and taxis which will take you to required places.

Next day we first visited Nakki lake. This lake is main attraction among the tourist. If you know swimming, take a dip and feel the freshness. It is also considered as holy bath. The lake has a boating facility. Sitting leisurely in the boat and taking ride in this tranquil water lake is very delightful experience. You get a horse ride near the lake if you have the interest. From lake you can see Toad Rock and Maharajah palace are the places you see from the lake as they are on the hills. Then we moved to Raghunathji Temple which is just next to Nakki Lake. Raghunathji temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, Laxman & Sita.

Toad Rock is very famous tourist spot. It is some what an animal shaped rock as if in a jumping position over the lake. From this rock you get entire picturesque view of the valley which is breathtaking. There are Nun Rock, Nandi Rock & Camel Rock near to this place which are so named because of their shapes. In fact, while you are on the way, you see various rocks in different shapes on that curved road which takes you to Mount Abu. Near to the Toad lake is Palace of His Highness Maharajah of Jaipur. This grand palace is now converted in heritage hotel. The palace is located on high cliff overlooking the picturesque Nakki Lake which is just below. We did not stay here but had a food here on its terrace restaurant which offers the breathtaking view.

Next day we went to famous Dilwara temples. This is a sacred Jain Pilgrimage place. Please check up timings and other rules before entering these temples and then visit. Leather goods are not allowed inside the temple. This place is just 2-3 km away from the town. You can go there by share taxi or jeeps. All the five temples are very beautiful. The classic carved ceilings, Pillars, entrance doors and panels are most beautiful. Shri Adinath and Shri Neminath temples are most beautiful. Shri Parshwanatha temple is the tallest among other temples. Shri Mahaveer Swami & Shri Rishabh Deoji temples are also beautiful. These temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. This is a very holy place and devotees come here and offer their prayers. The beauty of these temples is beyond mere words, It is a dream in Marble and must see to believe it. The art and architecture of these temples is just amazing. A wild life sanctuary is near from this place. There is a Trevor lake. Here you see a lot migrated birds and Peacocks.

Sunset point is very famous among the tourist. This place is very near from Nakki lake. It provides a very picturesque view of setting sun. A tranquil surrounding along with a scenic hills and cool breeze makes this spot very popular. There are many gift shops and food stalls around. Sandalwood idols, Carved marble statues and Wooden toys are displayed and you may find them at reasonable rates.

If you are prepared to climb 365 steps, then there is Adhardevi temple which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. From this place you get bird view of the city. This is very beautiful temple. This temple is carved through one big rock which is very unique. There is Goumukh ( Cow Face ) temple which is also very famous. There are almost 700+ steps to climb to reach here. The tank here is called as Agni Kund. A small stream flows from the mouth of the marble cow and thus called as Goumukh. Then there is Brahma Kumari Center. This is a spiritual university. Achalgarh is also famous place here for an ancient Lord Shiva temple. There is a Laxmi Narayan temple in the compound. There is Mandakini Kund which have three stone buffaloes and stone statue of King. Then there is highest point in Rajasthan where Lord Dattatreya temple is located on the top of the hill which is called as Guru Shikhar. There is Devi Ahilya's temple, who was Lord Dattatreya's mother.

For shoppers delight, you have choice from Rajasthan Handicraft and Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan. You get a variety of items from traditional dresses to jewellery and carved idols etc. There many restaurants which serve good quality food. You have the choice to select from Rajasthani, Gujarati, South and North Indian food. There are fast food joints also which takes care of all ages. Visit Mount Abu and you will remember this place for remaining years of your life.