Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Mount Abu, a Hill station

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan an is at a elevation of 1200 mts. This is the coldest place in Rajasthan an temperature is below zero in the night. In the day time it is definitely less than 10 degree centigrade during the winter season. The rich flora covering is the hillside is responsible for the cool climate in the region.

Next day after breakfast we set out for sight seeing of the place. As the Delwara Jain Temples are open for sightseeing only after 12:00 p.m we went to some of other sights and returned to the temple around the right
time.

The other main tourist attractions of this place are:

Gaumukh Temple

The Gaumukh Temple is located in the valley and a path with 750 steps takes one to this temple. Here a small stream flows from the mouth of a marble cow, giving the shrine its name. You can also see here a marble figure of the bull Nandi. The tank here, known as Agni Kund, is believed to be the site of the sacrificial fire, made by sage Vashistha. An image of Vashisha is flanked by the figures of Rama and Krishna can also be seen here. Further down these steps one can reach a small temple.

Viewpoints

There are various view points around the town. Most popular among them are:

Sunset Point, is about 1.5 km from the tourist office of Mount Abu. Lot of people visit this point in the evening to catch the setting sun. It is a one kilometer walk from the road to the viewpoint or you can hire a horse.
Honeymoon Point, can be reached via Nakki Lake. This view point offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys.

We missed the sunset as it was very cloudy during our stay in Mount Abu.

Nakki Lake

Nakki Lake is situated in the heart of the town. The location of the lake makes it very pleasing to the eyes with the hills rising all around it. Boating is allowed in this lake and boats are available for hire around the lake. There are many rock formations around the lake. They have been named Toad Rock, Nun Rock, Nandi Rock and Camel Rock because of their resemblance to these figures.

This lake has an interesting history. It is believed that it was created by the fingernails (nakk) of a sage, Balam Rasia, in response to the demands of the stepmother of the girl he wished to marry. The girl, a daugh
ter of the then King of Abu, was also in love with the sage, but because of the evil stepmother the affair ended in tragedy, and has been immortalized in a temple of the Kunwari Kanya, alongside which stands a statue of her lover.

From Mount Abu we traveled to Kumbalgarh, the Unconquered FortDistance: Mount Abu ---> Kumbalgarh 240 kms

P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.

33 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What an incredibly beautiful place! I love all your photos! And your description and the history are marvelous! Thanks for sharing your visit! And thanks for stopping by my blog and for your comment.

Gon said...

hello Rajesh.Your comment means a lot to me..thank you.You also have a refreshing and uplifting picture collections.You must be a very relaxed and a happy person..And adventurous too..Keep up the good work!!!It's my dream to travel the world...Thank you for inspiring me through your pictures.Have a nice day my friend..

Sharmistha Guha said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks for stopping by at my blog...gave me a chance to come across your travel-blog!
Quite an interesting collection you have of the places you've visited!
Adding you to my bloglist!

Reader Wil said...

Hi Rajesh! Thanks for your interesting post and the legend of the lake. I think you have an impressive country with a rich history! I hope that you will get great results with your election.
Thanks for your kind words on my blog. Have a great weekend!

joo said...

What a wonderful views, and interesting description. You live in such a beautiful country!

Sujata said...

Very well written post Rajesh!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful place you have shown us. There seems to be an endless amount of things to see and do in India. I hope to visit someday.

GMG said...

Hi Rajesh! Another set of beautiful pictures and excellent text. Great post!

Meanwhile Blogtrotter has finished posting on Brasilia 2008. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Rajesh said...

Thanks to all of you for such lovely comments.

Indrani said...

I like to read the posts of places I have visited, it helps me relive my memories. :)
Thanks, Rajesh.

indicaspecies said...

What a beautiful picture of the Nakki Lake. I'd love to go to Mt
Abu someday.

Pallav said...

pics r really beautii.....
i wud defianetly go one day...

Rajesh said...

Indrani, Celine, Pallav,
Thanks. Happy traveling

Sherri said...

I have always wanted to go to Mt Abu. The central headquaters of the Brahma Kumaris is also there and supposed to be a very sacred and special place.

Rajesh said...

Shireena: Thanks, it is very nice place and in winter the clod climate here is lovely.

Jim said...

Wonderful reflection.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful place and photos, love the lake!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Fascinating and beautiful place! Especially love the reflections in the lake!

Chubskulit Rose said...

I love the photos of the watery scene!

My not-so-watery entry, happy St. Patrick's day!

Karan Agrawal said...

I had been there last month...liked the place, but I think monsoon is better time to visit!

marcia@joyismygoal said...

I esp like the reflection shot

Kim, USA said...

Love your pictures and the story behind it too. Thanks for sharing!

RRT~ Nut cracker or toy soldier

Patti said...

I'm surprised it gets so cold there.
Looks like a nice place to visit.

I really like the reflection photo.

Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Chubskulit Rose said...

With your blog, I feel like having a free tour in India. Thanks for sharing.

Blissful Ruby Tuesday

Unknown said...

Beautiful place. Thanks for a glimpse at a lovely space in your world!

Happy RT!

Jama said...

What an interesting and beautiful place, thanks for taking me for a visit there.

eden said...

Hi, Rajesh!

What a wonderful place to visit! thanks for sharing beautiful pictures and information about the place.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Very interesting, beautiful pics !
Blessings,
~Myrna

Stephanie V said...

Beautiful photos and interesting information. India has been on my travel wish list for a long time. I'll be back.

Marites said...

really beautiful place. interesting pics and background info about it too. happy rT!

Marice said...

those are really beautiful! thanks for sharing :)

u may view mine here

Rajesh said...

J Bar, eileeninmd, Gemma, Rose, Karan, Marcia, Kim, Sphinx, Jama. Eden, Myrna, Stephaine, Marice, Marites: Thanks for the appreciation.

Patti: Thanks. It is a hillstation.

Vaishali Jain said...

Mount Abu is a splendid place. The scenery is breath-taking... The temples, Nakki lake and perhaps, you must have seen the Brahma Kumaris' abode too.

The images brought back many memories; I've been a local there for years.

Thanks you for the beautiful pictures, Rajesh.