Sprawling along a 1200m high plateau in the south of Rajasthan, and situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range, Mt Abu is more than just a cool retreat in the dry desert of Rajasthan.

      ‘Abu’ according to a legend.stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.

       The place is cool and owes its cool climate to the rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds.

       Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back to the 11^th-13^th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre.

       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.

       This place is easy going and relaxed although it is terribly crowded with people and traffic during the summer months.

       This is an important pilgrimage center for Jains due to the presence of the Dilwara temples which has exquisite marble carvings. It is also a cool retreat in the desert for people worldwide. In in Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is a close on heels place to turn to any time when people seek a vacation. Summer Festival is held annually June 1-3, tourists nearby head here to cavort amid tribal dances and folk music. Once part of Kingdom of the Chauhan Rajputs. Mt.Abu is now important pilgrimage site and the home of architecturally breathtaking Dilwara Temples, though the tourist carnival atmosphere makes this hard to believe. All over Rajasthan, one can purchase goodies that can be used as well as form valuable gifts. One can find the Rajasthan Emporium on Raj Bhavan Rd. There are a few shops on the road down to the lakefront too.

       Rajasthani jewellery is also a craze among people all over the world. And being on the Gujarat-Rajasthan, one can find both styles of jewellery in and around the place. Jewellery shops have a good selection. Around Nakki Lake, there are numerous shops and stalls selling all sorts of cheap souvenirs.