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Home > Holiday Ideas > Family Vacations with Kids: Mount Abu - A Hill Station in the Desert

Family Vacations with Kids: Mount Abu - A Hill Station in the Desert

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Pleasant climate, easy access and a host of good options make Mount Abu a popular family vacation destination

A verdant oasis in the midst of a desert is what best describes Mount Abu - the one and only hill-station of Rajasthan. Situated at an average height of 1,219 mts above sea level, Mount Abu is known more for its exquisite Dilwara Jain temples than its beautiful sunsets, lakes and lush green forests.

The soothing climate of Mount Abu was probably one of the main reasons why the rishis & munis came here to meditate. Perhaps that is why the Sage Vashishtha chose this place to conduct his famous yagna from where the four Agnikula Rajput clans came forth to save the country from the invaders.

Its pleasant climate, easy accessibility and a host of good options for families and kids alike has made Mount Abu a popular family vacation.

Places to see in Mount Abu

Temple Highlights

Of the all the Dilwara temples, the temple of Adinath is the oldest while that of Nemi Nath is the grandest. The main highlight of Neminath Temple is the Rang Mandap which has a central dome standing on 8 pillars from which hangs a big ornamental marble pendent with elaborate carvings. This marble pendant appears to drop from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses.72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting posture are arranged in a circular band, below which are another 360 small figures of Jain monks in another circular band.

Timings: 12 am to 3 pm. Entry is free but photography is not allowed.

Dilwara Temples: The Dilwara temples are probably one of the most beautiful and exquisite temples of India. Famous for their intricate carvings and ostentatious ornamentation, the temples are an important pilgrimage site for the Jains. Built entirely of marble during the 11th and 13th century, the temples are considered by many to be next only to the Taj Mahal in terms of their architectural grandeur though they are some who consider it the other way around i.e., the temples to be architecturally more superior than the Taj Mahal.

Like most temples of North India, the Dilwara temples too are built as per the Nagara style of architecture and comprises of five main temples dedicated to Adinath (Vimal Vasahi temple) Parsavnath (Khartar Vasahi Temple) Rishabhnath (the Peethalhar Temple), Mahavir (Mahaveer Swami Temple) and Neminath(Luna Vasahi Temple) - the five main Tirthankaras of the Jains.

Gaumukh Temple (Vashistha Ashram): A popular pilgrimage and meditation center, the Gaumukh Temple is located on the very spot where the Saint Vashishth conducted his Agnikul yagna from where the four Rajput clans of Chauhan, Solankis, Parmaras and Pratihars were born.

A natural spring that flows that through a sculpted cow's head, gives the shrine its name. A marble image of Nandi, who was rescued by the mighty serpent 'Arbuda' (after whom the town of Abu is named), is also located there. The Gaumukh Temple is situated among picturesque surrounding and it is recommended that one day should be earmarked for this trip/ excursion.

Excursions from Mount Abu

Mount Abu
Summer Festival

A 3 day summer festival is held at Mount Abu every year in the month of June where one gets a vivid knowledge about the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan through myriad folk and classical music. Various events including of dance and music, boat race at Nakki Lake and various competitions like Skating Race, skater's Show, CRPF Band Show, Horse Race, Tug of War, Panihari Matka Race and Deepdan etc. take place during the festival.

Achalgarh (8 kms): Surrounded by massive battlement walls and located at the top of a mountain peak is the 15th century fort of Achalgarh that was commissioned by Rana Kumbha. Enclosed within the fort are some beautiful Jain temples and the 9th century temple of Achleshwar whose claim to fame is its 4 ton panchdhatuidol of Nandi (made of gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc). A pit that is said to reach to the netherworld and a scenic lake known as the Mandakini lake are located nearby.

Gurushikhar (15 km): The Gurushikhar Peak apart from being the highest peak of Mount Abu is also of the entire Aravali mountain range. The Peak at 1722 mts above the sea level offers some fantastic views of the sylvan surroundings of Mount Abu. A small shrine dedicated to Dattatreya considered to be an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva is also located on the mountain.

Reaching Mount Abu & Best time to go

What to do in Mount Abu

Boat rides on Nakki Lake (timings: 8 am-8 pm); two-seater shikara ride and two-seater pedal boat are available.

Visit the Mt Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (timings: sunrise-sunset; entry fee: Indians Rs. 10, foreigners Rs. 80; jeep/ car fee: Rs 65). The gate lies just a minute beyond the Delwara Temples. There are 17 nature trails that make for lovely hikes. Guides can be contacted through the Tourist Centre

By Air: Udaipur at 185 kms is the nearest airport

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Abu Road (28 km)

By Road:Mt. Abu is well connected by road with major cities of the country. Some major places near Mount Abu include Ajmer (360 kms), Jaipur (490 kms), and Udaipur (185 kms).

Best time to Visit Mount Abu: February to May and from September to December.

About Mount Abu: Mount Abu Information & Fact File

Altitude

1219 meters

Temp

Summer	33 (Max) & 18(Min) Degrees Celsius
Winter	16 (Max) & -4 (Min) Degrees Celsius

Best time to Go

March-November

Monsoon

August & September

Summer

April to June

Clothes

Cottons in summer and moderate woolens in winter

Nearest Airport

Udaipur, 185 km

Nearest Railway Station

Abu Road, 28 km

Bus Station

Mount Abu

Hospital & Doctor

The Brahma Kumaris Sansathan runs a 70-Bed fully equipped hospital with emergency services.

Places to see

Dilwara Jain Temple, Nakki Lake, Sunset point, Achal Garh, Guru Shikhar, Adhar Devi, Trevor’s Crocodile Park…more

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