Mount Abu - Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is present amidst the rocks on a 1,220-m granite table mountain at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills.The famous place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shivji’s bull, Nandi.

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Besides having all the features of a pleasant hill area, Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, romantic royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone Rajputana and some relics of the Raj period.

The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the otherwise arid environment of the state.

Prime Attractions of Mount AbuGovt. Museum - Mount Abu. The museum was set up in 1962 within the premises of Raj Bhawan to preserve the archaeological wealth of the region.

Mandakini Kund
The watersupply for Achalgarh fort and a sculpture of Parmar Daravarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev temple.




Nakki Talav
This holiday centre of Mount Abu, is virtually in the heart of the town. This sparkling blue artificial lake is said to have been gauged from the earth by the gods, using their fingernails ('nakh' means nail). Nearby is the 14th century Raghunath Temple. On the western edge of the town centre, Nakki Lake Road circles the entire lake. Rowing boats are available for hire from the jetty by Gandhi Park.

Dilwara Temples
This complex consisting of five marble Jain temples is one of the finest in Rajasthan, worth braving the queues and ferocious guards. These beautifully carved temples built between 11th & 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 AD (by Vimal Shah- a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.




Gaumukh Temple
Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow’s mouth) is centered on a spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu creation myth, the world is formed by a cow, licking salt; the source of the Ganges has the same name. This is said to be the site of the ancient 'Agnikund' fire rituals. It is 4 kms south of Mount Abu.

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh (June) in Mt.Abu. The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu make it an ideal location for the festival.

Various Points in Mount Abu
Several points around the edge of the plateau offer spectacular views across the plains. The best are Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) and Sunset Point, where hundred of people gather to watch the sunset every evening in a carnival atmosphere of pony rides and souvenir sellers.

Achalgarh
An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple (1412 AD) and Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated image. The fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road. An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple (1412 AD) and Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD).

The fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by road.

Adhar Devi Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to the serpent goddess, Arbuda, is carved out of a huge rock.. Arbuda is the patron of the town, who formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi from drowning in an abyss. The black-painted marble idol, riding a solid gold tiger, is claimed to be about 5,000 years old. Open and free access during daylight hours.




Guru Shikhar
The highest peak on the Mount Abu (1722 metres above the sea level) allows a bird’s eye view of the idyllic surroundings of Mt. Abu. A small shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the Shikhar are worth a visit.


Trevors Tank
Named after the British engineer, who constructed it, Trevors tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

How to Get There - Mount Abu
By Air
The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) 207-km. One can hire a taxi to get to Mount Abu.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is Abu Road (29-km) situated on Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur-Delhi route. From Abu Road one can take a taxi, jeep or bus to Mount Abu.

By Road
Ahmedabad is 222-km via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 235-km via Sirohi and Pali. Udaipur is 156-km via Pidwara. (Journey on this route is advisable only during the day). Jaipur is 509-km via Pali-Ajmer. It is connected to all the major towns in northern and western India

Local Transport
Taxis are available for local transportation within the city.

Shopping - Mount Abu
Where to Shop
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from the shops around Nakki Lake. Kota saris, bangles and linen with Sanganeri prints are also available. For Rajasthani Handicrafts there is Rajasthali, Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium and Khadi Bhandar.

Pithoragarh -Serene & Spiritual

Pithoragarh is in the inner Himalayas at a height of 1,851 meters in a spectacular valley situated in the northern state of Uttaranchal. The town lay on the old trade route to Tibet and is still en route the sacred trail to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.This not so popular
part of Kumaon is very picturesque and is often referred to as ‘Mini Kashmir’.

Before 1960, Pithoragarh was a part of district of Almora and became a separate district in the same year.

Serene & Calm - Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is rich in natural beauty and it offers best view of the Himalayan peaks. Some of the peaks like Nanda Devi ,Panchchuli ,Trishul , Nandakhat falls in this district. District pithoragarh has some finest glacires in the world such as Milam Glacier,Sunder Dhunga Glacier, Ralam Glacier, Namik Glacier.Pithoragarh has a cool climate which makes it comfortable all year round.

Lakes of Pithoragarh

There are a number of lakes in and around Pithoragarh. Two of them, Jolingkong and Anchherital are situated at a height of 4,634 meters and 3,658 meters, respectively.

Temples of Pithoragarh

Some beautiful old temples are also scattered around the district. A visit to the shrine at Purnagiri, 20 kilometers from Tanakpur, is believed to lead to fulfillment of one' s desires. There is also a Sikh shrine near Lohaghat called Ritha Sahib, associated with the visit of Guru Nanak. It is believed that the bitter ritha turned sweet after the touch of the Guru.

Champawat

76 kms from Pithoragarh at an altitude of 1615 mts is Champawat, the erstwhile capital of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. The ancient fort now houses the Tehsil offices. The site of several shrines, the principal temple here is the Nagnath temple. A tourist bungalow is available for
accomodation.

Devidhura

45 kms from Lohaghat lies Devidhura at a height of 2500 mts. It is the site of the famous temple of Barahi Devi, and also the venue of a grand fair on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Kali Temple(Gangolihat)

Gangolihat, an important religious site, lies 77 kms from Pithoragarh. At the ancient Kali temple, a colourful fair is held during Navratris. The famous Patal Bhuvneshwari caves are located 14 kms away. PWD and Zila Parishad Dak Bungalows are available for accomodation.
Chaukori

112 kms from Pithoragarh is picturesque Chaukori which boasts a splendid view of the Himalayas. Tourist rest house is available.

Punyagiri Temple

Punyagiri temple is one of the most renowned temples in the Kumaon region. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine during April to June. The site is around 20 kms from Tanakpur, out of which 6 kms is to be trekked. A tourist bungalow and dharamsalas are available for accomodation.It is held in great reverence.

Jaul Jibi

68 kms from Pithoragarh, Jaul Jibi is the venue of a grand fair, held every year at the confluence of the rivers Gori and Kali, in the month of November, which attracts people from neighbouring Nepal too. Ritha-Saheb: A major Sikh pilgrimage site, Ritha-Saheb lies 62 ks from Lohaghat. Accomodation facilities are provided by the Gurudwara authorities.
Rameshwar

36 kms from Pithoragarh is Rameshwar, located at the confluence of the Ram Ganga (East) and Saryu rivers. It is the site of a Shiva temple, where a huge fair is held every year on Makarsankranti (January).

Glaciers of Pithoragarh
Milam Glacier

This majestic glacier lies 208 kms from Pithoragrah. From Munsiyari one has to trek for 54 kms. Rest Houses are available enroute.
Munsiyari

Munsiyari lies 154 kms from Pithoragarh enroute to Milam Glacier. Perched at an altitude of 7000 feet, Munsiyari commands a fascinating view of the Panchchuli Range and Gori river. It also forms the base for treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers. Munsiyari is also the
venue of numerous fairs during August and September. Tourist rest house is available for accomodation.

Shyamla Tal

132 kms from Pithoragarh is Shyamla Tal, a beautiful natural lake at the bank of which is located Swami Vivekananda Ashram where accomodation facilities are available on request.
Chhota Kailash

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is conducted by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. The road journey for this Yatra concludes at Tawaghat near Dharchula. From this point pilgrims have to trek through the valley of Kali (Sharda river). Campsites are
centred arond Narayanswamy Ashram, Sirkha, Budi, Gunji, Navedhang and Kalapani. From Gunji (3500 mts) there is a diversion to Kuti valley which leads to Chhota Kailash through the village of Kuti. Nearby Places to Pithoragarh Baleshwar

This is 76 kilometers from Pithoragarh on the Tanakpur road. Its temples are the best examples of hill architecture. They were constructed by the early Chand rajas in the 8th century. At Gangolihat, 77 kilometers from Pithoragarh, is a Shakti peeth established by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple stands amidst a dense deodar forest. Two kilometers away is another temple that of Chamunda Devi. It is believed that the evil forces conquered by the Goddess still dwell in the adjoining caves. Patal Bhubaneshwar, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is 14 kilometers from Gangolihat. The way to the temple is through a tunnel. Chemical reactions in the cave have given rocks the appearance of various Gods and Goddesses.

Chandak

It is 7 km from Pithoragarh, is a beautiful location, commanding a panoramic view of the Pithoragarh valley. It is 1.830 meters in altitude. An important fair is held at the Mostmanu temple in August. Thal Kedar, 16 km, from Pithoragarh is an important religious center and also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on Shivratri. Dhwaj, 28 km from Pithoragarh, commands a wide view of the majestic snow-peaks of the north. It is also important for temples
devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.
Champawat

It is 76 km from Pithoragarh, was once the capital of Chand Rajas, whose fort now houses a government office, the town has many architecturally beautiful temples. Of these, Baleshwar and Nagnath temples are noteworthy. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam maintains a tourist bungalow at Champawat. At 2,500 meters above sea level, Devidhura is known for its scenic beauty and temple of Devi, site of an important fair. 14 km from Gangolihat is Patal Bhuvaneshwar, an important archaeological and religious site.

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Askot Sanctuary, established in 1986, is located in the pastoral surroundings of Indo-Nepal border, in Pithoragarh.

The best time to visit this heaven like hill station is from April to
June & September to October.