The only hill station of the state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, is the apex of the Aravalli mountain ranges. Metaphorically called ‘Oasis in the desert’ and ‘Paradise of Rajasthan’, Mount Abu is a very pleasant retreat from the smoldering heat of summer. Situated near the Rajasthan - Gujarat boarder, Mount Abu is a favorite tourist destination both for Gujaratis and Rajasthanis as well as other Indian and foreign travelers.

Mount Abu is located at the region where the Aravalli mountain ranges form a distinctive plateau of 22 km by 9 km at the altitude of 3,819 ft. (1,164 meters). Guru Shikhar is the pinnacle of these mountain ranges crowning Aravalli at the elevation of 1722 meters. A unique combination of beautiful scenery of ever green forests, glittering waters of lakes, cascading waterfalls, profound rivers, archeological and architectural heritage and a pilgrim hamlet make Mount Abu a perfect vacation spot for the people of all ages, interests and choices.

The curving roads passing through the lush green forests embellished with its prosperity of flora take you up to the hill from Abu Road. Traveling through this gateway to heaven is really a delight in its self. Abu, the summer capital of Rajasthan, is a crux where both nature and human endeavors ally and in their concur is created a Utopia on earth.


History of Mount Abu:

As the myth goes, Mount Abu – also known as ‘Abrudaanchal’ or ‘Abrudaranya’, was named after Abruda – the powerful celestial serpent. Abruda came with an enormous mountain and assisted the youngest son of Himalaya in rescuing the Nandini Cow of sage vashishtha. The terrain where the huge mountain was dropped by Abruda is now known as Mount Abrud or Mount Abu.

Mount Abu, an abode of sages and saints is believed to be frequently visited by all the Hindu deities. It is said that afore mentioned Sage Vashishtha once performed a major ‘Yagna’ at Mount Abu and created four clans of fire – Agnikula to fight against Parashurama.

As per the accounts found in Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira also visited Mount Abu and so this city is held in esteem as a pilgrim place by Jainism. The name of Mount Abu is also recorded in the Puranas, the Upanishadas as well as in the Mahabharata.

Historic evidences of Mount Abu go back to 6th century AD when ‘Gurjaras’ inhabited Mount Abu. Later they migrated from there and settled in different parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Mount Abu once belonged to Chauhan Kingdom and was used as a summer retreat by the Rajput Kings of Chauhan dynasty.

British Government then leased this place from the kings of Sirohi and made it the headquarters of Rajputana or Rajasthan administration. The British officials used to visit Mount Abu during the months of summer to escape the biting Indian summer sun and to enjoy the refreshing chilly breeze of Mount Abu.