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Faguni Verma

There is more to this desert-State's only hill station than the famed Dilwara temples, says Faguni Verma.

Mount Abu is well known as the only hill station in the desert-State of Rajasthan. What is also known about the place is that it has some breathtakingly beautiful sights and temples that are great architectural examples.

What, however, the average tourist misses out in this hill station, located 1,722 metres above sea level, are few places which should become a must-see on any visitor's map. To begin with, there is the Om Shanti Bhavan, which is part of the Brahma Kumari's World Spiritual University. A 15-minute drive from the main city area, the Bhavan has, among other things, yoga and meditation rooms, peace halls and a spi ual museum. There are many temples in this town. For starters, there is the Achalgarh temple, about 50 km from Abu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to be the oldest temple in Abu, legend has it that the temple was built in 813 A.D. A complex structure, the main temple, which houses a statue of Lord Shiva, is a cave within a cave.

And after a visit to the Achalgarh temple, one can take a detour to the Mandakini Kund. Most tourists miss out on this tank, which is 900 ft long and 240 ft wide. The tank is located in a lush green belt and is surrounded by mountains. It makes for an ideal picnic spot and also affords some breathtaking scenery. Located at a height of 4,268 ft, the Arbudadevi temple is dug out of a cave and is similar to the Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu. After a tiring climb of over 400 steps, one has to crawl through a narrow cave to have a glimpse of the goddess. The Dilwara temple complex is the most sought after tourist attraction in Mount Abu. The complex has five temples, built of pure white marble. The temples are famous for the intricate carvings.

Tourism is one industry that seems to have made its presence felt here and that is evident from the various shops in the market that cater to different tastes and preferences. There is a host of restaurants that dish out everything from idli and dosa to makki ki roti and sarson ka saag. There are also restaurants that offer local cuisine like dal bati.

For those looking for something different, a visit to the Tibetan Market could be worth a try. Available here are Tibetan artefacts such as jute bags, brass figurines, and also Mink blankets.

It is advisable to bargain here, as the shopkeepers have the tendency to overcharge tourists. On Saturdays, it would be worthwhile to visit the Meena Bazaar, which sells small knick-knacks at affordable rates. But more than the items on sale, it is the atmosphere here that attracts tourists. Foreigners throng this place to apply mehendi or tattoos, which is famous in this part of the town.

Picture by Phal S. Girota

Fact file

How to get there

By air: The closest air link is at Udaipur, 185 km away.

By rail: The railway station is at the foot of the hill. Reaching the main town on the top of the hill involves a steep climb of about an hour.

By road: The town is well connected by road. Buses are available and so are taxis and jeeps.

Where to stay: Abu offers a variety of hotels ranging from budget ones to even four-star options.

When to visit: The best time to visit is from September to November and between March and June.

How to get around: The town is best covered on foot. But there are other options available too.

Tips: It is advisable to plan your trip much in advance, as the town is not well connected to the rest of the State. Also make all your bookings in advance.

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