A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that’s Rajasthan. The only hill station in Rajasthan , Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of expuisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back 11^th – 13^th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage center. ‘ Abu’ according to a legend, stands for the son of Himalaya, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm. Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a ‘yagna’ or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. The Yogna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cow’s head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.

Gaumukh Temple: A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name. The famous ‘yagna’ of Sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent, stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

Nakki Lake: A tiny lake, picturesquely set amid hills. The lake is dotted with several islets approachable by a boat. Of particular interest are strange rock formations around the lake. Especially notable is the Toad Rock which looks like a real toad about to jump into the lake. Others are Num Rock and Nandi Rock etc. Set in the heart of the town, the lake gets its name from the legend that it was scooped out by the gods with their finger nails or ‘Nakhi’. It is the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. Above sea level.

Delwara Jain Temples: These beautifully carved temples built between 11^th and 13^th century A.D. 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 A.D. (by Vimal Shah –a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large counrtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. With door casings, pillars, architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Adhar Devi Temple: The temple is chiselled out of a hunge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.

Sunset Point: Spectacular singh of the setting sun when the ;hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.

Honeymoon Point: Also known as Anadra Point, it offers an enchaniting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.

Shri Raghunathji Temple: Situated near the ‘Nakki Lake’ is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beaufiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14^th century A.D. by Sri Ramanand – the famous Hindu preacher.

Gardens and Parks: Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise.

Trevor’s Tank ( 5 km): Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s Tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

Achalgarh ( 8 km): An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed withing.

Guru Shikhar ( 15 km): The highest peak on the mount (1722 mts above the sea level) allows a bird’s eye view of the sylvan surrounding of Mt. Abu.

By Air: Udaipur 185 km is nearest airport.
By Rail: Abu road 29 km is the closest railhead.
By Road: Ahmedabad 221 km, Jodhpur 264 km via Sirohi Sanderao.

Cama Rajputana Club Resort, Mt. Abu
The Club is over 100 years old and owes its existence to the royal families who over a period of time donated land and money for building various facilities. Cradled in the rolling hills, surrounded by gentle valleys and looming peaks, the Rajputana Club is a glorious relic of the bygone era. Once the pride of the town, the Club has now been converted into an exclusive, five star hotel. Four-room split level cottages, each with its individual patio and sitting deck have been added to the original building. The resort has the right mix of country comfort and modern luxury. This is a place for spending a relaxed holiday or a slightly more adventurous one with nature walks and vigorous games of tennis, squash or a game of golf on the club’s golf course.

Special Features: Ideal for a family holiday. Trips to nearby Dilwara temple.

Facilities available: 40 rooms, 2 suites, 10 independent cottages, multicuisine restaurant, bar, swimming pool, health club, library and a card room.

By Road: Udaipur 225 kms.
By Train: Abu Road 25 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 225 kms.

Connaught House, Mt. Abu
Connaught House in Mt. Abu was formerly the official summer residence of Sir Donald Field, Chief Minister of the Princely State of Jodhpur. It is still with the Maharaja of Jodhpur and is available to tourists and holiday markers. Connaught House is in a very good condition. New rooms have been added to the old cottages. The location of the cottage gives it complete privacy and allows the tourist to enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday. The main market place and the famous Nakki Lake are within walking distance.

Special Features: Ideal for leisure activities and for generally taking it easy. Guests are encouraged to spend their time just relaxing and doing nothing.
Facilities available: 14 well-furnished rooms with running hot and cold water. Simple Indian food is available.

By Road: Udaipur 185 kms.
By Train: Abu Road 15 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 185 kms.

Kesar Bhawan Palace, Mt. Abu
Kesar Bhawan palace is one of the oldest palaces in Mount Abu. Built in 1868 A.D., it belongs to Maharaja Kumar Daivat Singh of Sirohi whose ancestor Maharao Lumbha conquered the hill of Mt. Abu in the year 1311 A.D. The Sirohi royal family built another palace in 1913 A.D. The Kesar Bhawan was used as the guest house for visiting dignitaries. For 100 years now several Maharajas and royal guests from the west have been entertained in Kesar Bhawan. Built to suit the climatic conditions of Mt. Abu which has an average rainfall of 150 inches annually, the palace has a closed corridor running around the building providing it protection from rain. Each bedroom has its own private balcony which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. An environment-friendly hotel, it lays great emphasis on conservation and has adopted several energy saving devices.

Special Features: Ideal for nature-lovers and those looking for a peaceful holiday.
Facilities available: 10 double rooms with attached bathrooms & restaurant.

Sunrise Palace ( Bharatpur House), Mt. Abu
Situated on one of the highest points in Mount Abu is the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, Now called the Sunrise Palace Hotel, it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush green Aravallis surrounding it. The 80 years old palace has a fairy tale charm to it and is built like a typical British-style mansion. It has large spacious rooms, which have been done tastefully and provide all possible comforts to the guests. Popular with honeymooners as well as those looking for a peaceful holiday, there are open terraces which llow the guests to sit outside and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Special Feature: It is possible to arrange sightseeing tours from the hotel. Marriage, birthday parties and official get-togethers can be arranged by the hotel.
Facilities available: 16 rooms. Multicuisine restaurant.

Palace Hotel ( Bikaner House), Mt. Abu
Mount Abu has been the summer retreat for most of the princely states of Rajasthan. As a result, almost all of them had their summer palaces in Mt. Abu. Bikaner House was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in 1894 for the minor Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The palace, converted into a full-fledged hotel in 1962. it is one of the largest hotels in Mt. Abu. In the early days, this palace was the venue for several stately dinners and parties and a center for activities in the Mt. Abu social circuit.

Special Features: Two tennis courts, badminton, table tennis and billiards facilities available. Conference hall and ample space for walks and relaxing in the well-maintained gardens. The famous Dilwara temples are a short distance away.

Facilities available: 38 rooms done in period décor and elegantly furnished with attached bathrooms. Two dining-halls offer both Indian and continental cuisine.

By Road: Udaipur 185 kms.
By Train: Abu Road 27 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 185 kms.