The Aravalli Range (locally known as ‘Mewat Hills’) is a hill system located in north-western India that runs from northeast to southwest for about 800 kilometres through Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana with rocky offshoots continuing south of Delhi. The southern end of the range lies at Palanpur near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. These are old fold mountains that have lost their height with passage of time. The Aravallis present a series of peaks and ridges with a general elevation between 300 to 900 metres and width between 10 to 100 kilometres. The Aravalli hill system comprises two sections, namely, the Sambhar-Sirohi ranges and the Sambhar-Khetri ranges. The former has higher elevation with Guru Peak on Mount Abu being the highest peak in the entire Aravallis (1,722 metres). The Aravallis serve as the origin of several rivers like Banas, Luni, Sakhi and Sabarmati. The hill region has deep forest in the south and is sparsely populated. The northwest tract of the range is sandy, dry and largely unproductive. The terrain gradually becomes fertile and habitable towards the east. Dry deciduous forest is mainly found on the hills. These hills have a rich reserve in natural resources like red quartzite. The Aravallis act as a barrier to the expansion of the west Indian desert. Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station and the Dilwara Temples, the famous Jain pilgrimage are located in the Aravallis.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest state of India (area: 1,32,150 square kilometers) and is located in the northwest of the country. Rajasthan is bordered by Pakistan in the west, Gujarat in the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the northeast, Madhya Pradesh in the southeast and Punjab in the north. Rajasthan was formed in March, 1949. The Thar Desert is located in Rajasthan. Rajsthan is known to be the abode of the Rajputs, the famous martial race of the past. State capital is Jaipur.

Geography

Rajasthan’s geography mainly revolves around the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Ranges. About three-fifth of Rajasthan lies to the north-west of the Aravalli Hills. The northwestern part of Rajasthan is sandy and dry in nature, thanks to the presence of the Thar Desert. The Aravallis help little in intercepting the south-west monsoon winds to cause rainfall in the adjoining parts for it lies parallel to the path of the monsoon winds. Northwestern scrub forest lies between the Thar desert and the Aravallis. In the summer, temperature here can rise above 45 degree Celsius while in the winter, it drops below the freezing point. Annual average rainfall is only 400 mm.

The Aravalli Range and the lands to its east and southeast feature Kathiarbar-Gir dry deciduous forest with tropical dry broadleaf forests including teak and Acacia. The hilly Vagad region lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with Gujarat. Rajasthan is drained by the Banas and Chambal rivers, tributaries of the Ganges.

Attractions in and around the Aravallis

• Mount Abu
  Mount Abu is located in the Sirohi district of rajasthan near the Gujarat border and is separated from the main ridge by the West Banas River. The hill station with an elevation of 1,200 metres hosts the highest peak of the Aravallis, Guru Sikhar. Mount Abu, owing to its waterbodies and evergreen forest, is called the ‘Oasis in the desert’. Mount Abu’s ancient name is ‘Arbudaanchal’ (forest land of Arbhu). Mount Abu is known for its Jain temples of which the Dilwara Temples are widely known. Nearest railway station is Abu Road, 27 km from Mount Abu town.

• Dilwara Temples
  Located at about 2 and half kilometres from Mount Abu, the Dilwara Temples were built by Chalukya kings between the 11th and 13th Century AD. The temples, located in the middle of a range of forested hills, are known for their remarkable marble work. Dilwara Temples have five unique temples in all, namely, Vimal Vashai, Luna Vashai, Pithalhar, Khartar Vashai and Mahavir Swami. The first two are the most famous of the five.
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
  was established in 1960 and is spread over an area of 29 square kilometres. The park features sub-tropical thorn and sub-tropical evergreen forest consists of several plant and animal species. Lions were also spotted in this region once upon time. Leopards, sloth bear, jackals, civets, hare, sambar are other animals found here.
• Achalgarh Fort, a 14th century fort, encloses many beautiful Jain tamples including the Achaleshwar mahadev Temple and Kantinath Temple. The fort was erected by Rana Kumbh of Mewar.
• Nakki Lake at Mount Abu. Toad Rock, raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are located on the hills adjacent to the lake

• Several Hindu temples like Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Durga Temple, Ambika Mata Temple are also located on Mount Abu
• Udaipur, also called the ‘City of Lakes’
• Aravalli Biodiversity Park located on the South -central ridge of the Aravallis near Delhi and is spread over an area of 692 acres.
• Kumbhalgarh Fort
• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ranakpur Jain temples

• Parshuram Temple
• Ghanerao
• Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner which li the north-west of the Aravallis
• Groves like Aaskankar Bani, Rakhat Bani, Dev Ouranya and others.
• Ranthambhor National Park located at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindyas in south eastern Rajasthan. It is one of the famous tiger reserves in India.
• Damdama Lake
  A fine weekend retreat near Delhi.

Threats to the Aravallis

Illegal mining in the mineral-rich Aravalli hill region in all these years have led to widespread erosion in the adjoining areas hence posing serious ecological threat. The fact that Aravalli plays a major check against the advancement of the desert land into the Gangetic plains has made the significance of these erosions all the more grave. In May 2009, following wide protest from the public, media and the enviornmentalists, the Supreme Court of India banned mining activities across Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat districts in Haryana. Earlier, in 1994, the apex court had spoken in favour of limited mining based on the principle of sustainable development. Besides, the growing number of farmhouses, mine blasts, vehicle movement and rampant human encroachment have also posed major threats to the Aravallis.

Accommodation

• At Mount Abu
  Hotel Swagat, Hotel ParashNew, Hotel Blue Valley, Hotel Banjara, Hotel Vishram, Hotel HG Grandiose, Chacha Inn, Ratan Villas, Grandeur Hill Stay
• Heritage Resorts (Udaipur)
• Several hotels are available in New Delhi

Mount Abu also holds religious significance as it has been an abode of many sages and saints. One of them has said that this resort is ‘The Son of Himalayas’.

History

Once upon a time, this summer resort was under the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan.

Subsequently, the British Government took it on lease from the Maharaja of Sirohi as the headquarter. It was the best summer resort of the British who lived in dry and dusty plains, especially Rajasthan and a sanatorium for the battalions. This is all evident from the presence of British styled huts and cottages.

Religious Legends

A popular belief holds that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu mythology always visited this sacred mountain. It is at this place where the great saint Vashishth resided. He performed a yagna (worship on a fire pit) close to a natural spring emerging out of a rocky cow’s head giving name to place as Gaumukh (meaning cows’ face). The aim of this yagna was to produce four Agnikula meaning four fire clans to safeguard the Earth from demons.

Another legend says that sage Vashishth’s cow, Nandini was once trapped in a deep chasm. On this, Vashistha requested Lord Shiva to do something to save the cow. As assistance, Lord Shiva sent the sacred stream named Saraswati for flooding the chasm. This would result in the cow floating upwards. Alerted, Vashishth wanted to make sure that such accidents do not take place ahead. Therefore, he asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the gorge forever. This took place with the help of the mighty snake, Arbud. Since then, the place was named as Mount Arbud or Arbudaanchal, which was later called Mount Abu. This means ‘Abu’ stands for the son of Himalayas.

Besides Hindu legends, there is also a Jain legend of this place. According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara (apostle/preacher), visited Mount Abu and showered his blessings on the city. Therefore, we have the famous Dilwara Jain temples as an important source of Jain pilgrimage.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Gaumukh Temple
  The temple is a sculpted hill shrine of Arbuada – the serpent who saved the celestial cow, Nandi whose splendid marble image is also there. The temple is at a place where there is a natural spring coming out of a carved cow’s head, thus giving the shrine its name. It was here that the Vasishtha performed the ‘yagna’ to save the Earth.

• Dilwara Jain Temple
  These are stunning array of marvelous sculpted shrines constructed somewhere in 11th and 13th century A.D. Erected with marble, they house the Jain Tirthankaras. Among these temples, the oldest Vimal Vasahi temple is committed to the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabdev or Adinath swami that was created in 1031 A.D. by Vimal Shah, a merchant.
• Adhar Devi Temple
  Being at a height of 360 stairs, the temple is carved from a huge rock.
• Sunset Point
  This point gives you an amazing view of the setting sun in the golden glow surrounding the hills.
• Andra Point
  This point gives you a splendid scenic view of the plains and valleys, more attractive during the dusk time.
• Gardens and Parks
  Glorious parks and gardens make this resort a paradise. They include Ashok Vatika, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park, and Terrace Garden.
• Museum and Art Gallery
  This exhibits a series of archaeological excavations of 8th -12th   century and bronze brass works of Jain architectural style. It is situated at the Raj Bhawan.
• Shri Raghunathji Temple
  This shrine is dedicated to Shree Raghunathji (Lord Ram) with its attractive image placed here in 14th century by Shree Ramanand, a well-known Hindu preacher. The temple is located near the Nakki lake.
• Nakki Lake
  This is the famous water pool for the scenic views of the Toad Rock (rock having a natural shape of toad), the Raghunath temple, and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace on the hills near the lake through boating. It is said that the lake was created by Hindu gods who dug using their fingernails. Hence, the name nakki has been given that means fingernails.

• Dattatreya Temple
  This is the shrine of trinity deity having three faces resembling Lord Brahma (creator of the universe), Lord Vishnu (perpetuator of life), and Lord Shiva (supporter of the good and destroyer of evil). It is situated on the top of Guru Shikhar peak.
• World Headquarters of the Brahma Kumari
  This is the World Spiritual University of the lady saints.
• Vishnu Footprint
  This is a belief that Lord Vishnu walked on this hill.
• The Durga and Ambika Mata Temple
  This is dedicated to Maa Durga (the divine form of power) and Maa Amba (form of Goddess Durga). It is situated in the rock’s crevice in Jagat existing outside of the hill station.
• Trevor’s Tank (5 km)
  This is a pleasure point for those who like birds and thick wooded hills sounding with pigeons, peacocks, and partridges. This place is named after the British engineer who built it.
• Achalgarh (8 km)
  This is a worth visiting fort built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha and is reachable by a motorable road. It comprises of architectural Jain and Hindu temples. A few to name among them are Achaleswar Mahadev shrine built in 1412 A.D. and Kantinath Jain temple erected in 1513 A.D. housing gold plated picture. Some more attractions are the Mandakini Kund and a statue of Parmar Dharavarsh nearby the Achaleswar Mahadev shrine.
• Guru Shikhar (15 km)
  This is the highest peak at 1722 m above the sea level and is the famous tourist sport for scenic view of the hill station’s surroundings. It also houses small Shaivite and Dattatreya shrines.

Festivals

• Summer Festival
  Celebrated for three days in Ashadh (June), it is commemorates the tribal culture including the folk music and dances. Its main attractive features are Ballads, Gair, Ghoomar, and Daph folk dances. Adding to the grace and fervor are the sporting arrangements such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake.
• Gangaur Festival
  Celebrated in Chaitra (March or April), it is dedicated to Lord Shiv (Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gaur/Gauri), his wife. Parvati is the Goddess of marital happiness. So, many maidens and ladies worship her for getting good husbands and pray for their husbands’ health and long life. In the Girasia tribe of Abu, during the month of this festival, the qualified boys and girls can select their life partners and flew away with them with social permit.

Reaching Mount Abu

By air, the closest airport Dabok in Udaipur for Abu.

By rail, the nearest station is Abu road that comes on the Delhi-Mumbai route. From this station, Abu is 29 km away and so there are taxis, jeeps, and buses available from here.

Br road, Abu is well connected to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur.