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Area : 25 sq.
km.
Altitude : 1219 mts.
Climate : Summer : 33.8 degree
C 23.3 degree C
Winter : 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall : 65-177 cms.
Best Season : Feb-June, Sept.
Dec.
Clothing : Summer: light tropical
; Winter: light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marwadi.
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 11th-13th
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.
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