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Travel Guide » Asia » Mt. Abu
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Mount Abu
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(Rajasthan)


Sitting Pretty on a Plateau

Mount Abu's past is as hoary as that of the rest of Rajasthan. It was here, according to legend, that a huge yagna was conducted by Sage Vashishta, who created the four agnikuls the fire-born Rajput dynasties. The rest of the clans were said to have descended from the Sun and the Moon. The descendants of many of the princely kingdoms that governed these Rajput clans built themselves summer palaces in Mount Abu, the coolest spot in overheated Rajasthan. Dozens followed their lead, and Mount Abu today hosts not just royalty on summer weekends, but also Rajasthan's work-weary urbanites. It's also top choice for many starry-eyed honeymooners. Perhaps that has something to do with the lake at the heart of town, or the many points along the Aravalli ridge from which you can hold hands and watch the sunset.
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To See & Do
Everybody who comes here first hears of the pristine Nakki Lake. Mount Abu sits around this lake which, according to local legend, the gods scraped from the ground using their nails. There are various boats for rides, but the paddleboats are best. For some more sightseeing, or trekking, head towards Toad Rock or Sunset Point, the latter for its panoramic views. Don't miss Honeymoon Point nearby, in case you're a cosy twosome. At Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravallis, one may combine views of the range with homage at a small temple to Dattatreya (Shiva).

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Wild things
  Mount Abu also boasts a wildlife reserve, 8 km from the town and spread over 288 sq km. Another place of pilgrimage on the birdwatcher's map, more than 250 species of birds fill the early morning air with birdsong. The most common among them is the grey jungle fowl, but leopard, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar and hundreds of langurs also stalk its grounds. Trevor's Tank is nearby, with densely wooded hills that are a haven to panthers, sambhar and jungle cats, and if your timing is right, you may just spot them having a drink from the tank as the sun sets. Sanctuary timings: Sunrise to sunset.

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Pilgrimage points
  The pice de rsistance is clearly the marble Dilwara Jain temples from the 11th-13th centuries and dedicated to the Jain tirthankaras. They have the most stupendous carved pillars, arches and ceilings, yet are not without a chaste harmony. Near the Adhar Devi Temple is a natural spring that rushes through a sculpted cow's head at Gaumukh. It marks the spot where Sage Vashishta is said to have performed the agnikul yagna. You can also pay your respects to Nandi, Shiva's vahan. About 8 km away is the Achalgarh Fort, built by Rana Kumbha (who also built Kumbhalgarh) in the 14th century.
Content Source: 
Outlook Traveller
Contributed by: 
Kishore Singh
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