Mount Abu, the pinnacle crowning one of the oldest mountain ranges of India, the Aravalli mountain ranges, is the only hill station of the state of Rajasthan. Allegorically called ‘Paradise of Rajasthan’ and ‘Oasis in the desert’, Mount Abu is a very delightful and amiable retreat from the exploding heat of summer. Situated quite close to the Rajasthan - Gujarat boundary, Mount Abu comprises an adorable tourist terminus both for Gujaratis and Rajasthanis as well as other Indian and foreign tourists.

The Aravalli mountain ranges compose a distinctive tableland of 9 km by 22 km at the culmination of 3,819 ft. (1,164 meters). This is the terrain where Mount Abu is situated. Guru Shikhar, the apex of Aravalli mountain ranges is fixed at the elevation of 1722 meters. An exclusive combination of ever green forests, shimmering lakes, tumbling waterfalls, brimming rivers, architectural and archeological heritage and a religious pilgrimage accomplish Mount Abu as perfect holiday refuge for the people of different ages, interests and concerns.

The arching roads traversing through the exuberant flourishing forests ornamented with its rich flora takes you uphill from Abu Road. Cruising through this pearly threshold to heaven is really bliss in its self. Mount Abu, the summer capital of Rajaputana, is a convergence where both natural and human enterprises accomplice and in their merger is created an Arcadia on earth.

Mount Abu – also called ‘Abrudaranya’ or ‘Abrudaanchal’, is named after ‘Abruda’ – the mythological astral serpent, who once recovered Nandini, the holy cow of sage vashishtha. Abruda had brought a colossal mountain along when he came to assist the youngest son of Himalaya. The region where Abruda descended that enormous mountain was recognized as ‘Abrudaanchal’ or ‘Mount Abrud’ which is now called Mount Abu.

Mount Abu is believed to be a seat of sages and it is said that all 330 million Hindu divinities frequently visit this place. A myth says that Sage Vashishtha once executed a great ‘Yagna’ and created four Agnikulas, ‘clans of fire’ to battle opposite Parashurama. The place where this Yagna was performed is today known as Mount Abu.

Jain scriptures report that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism once alighted at Mount Abu and showered his blessing on the city. So Mount Abu is regarded as a very sacred pilgrim place by the followers of Jain faith. Even the Upanishadas, the Puranas as well as the Mahabharata provide the literary evidence of the name of Mount Abu.

Historic evidence of this city is dated back to 6th century AD when ‘Gurjaras’ resided at Mount Abu. Subsequently the Gurjaras migrated and settled in different regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat states. Later Mount Abu was under the dominion of Chauhan Kings and the Rajput Kings of Chauhan dynasty used this pleasant hill station as their summer retreat.

Afterwards British Government leased this beautiful hill station from the kings of Sirohi district and made it the headquarters of Rajasthan administration. The British officers used to visit Mount Abu during summer to escape the smoldering heat and to enjoy the refreshing breeze of Mount Abu.

Almost all the major shops in Mount Abu are reliable and you don’t need to worry about being cheated. The stores parked near Nakki Lake sell beautiful artifacts, souvenirs and gift items. The authentic Rajasthani Shops in Mount Abu like, Rajasthan Emporium, Kashmir Cottage Emporium, Government Handicrafts Emporium, Khadi Bhandar, Bansilal Bhurmal are some of the places you can visit. Do not forget to ask for variety and do bargain if you really want to enjoy shopping in Mount Abu, like any other place.