Mount Abu, Rajasthan

General Information

Height : 1,220 Meters (4,003 Feet)

Mountain Range : Arawali Hills

Peak Seasons : March - June, September - November

Introduction :

Mount Abu is the sole hill station of the desert state of Rajasthan. The nearest of the great Rajasthani tourism centers, Udaipur, is 185 kilometres (ll5 miles) away and Abu remains slightly off the foreign tourist route. Its visitors are mainly Indians and during the season it is well patronized, especially by honeymoon couples.Mount Abu has been a pilgrimage site and its most remarkable attractions are its beautifully carved Jain temples, nearly a thousand years old.

History of Mount Abu :

The name Abu is variously described as a corruption of Arbuda, hill of wisdom, or Arbuda, the name of a powerful serpent who rescued Lord Shiva's mount, the bull Nandi, from a chasm here. Legends surround the town. The Nakki Lake is said to have been excavated by the nails of the gods.

The British added a chapter to Mount Abu's long history by making it a hill station. They had no hill retreat in Rajputana, as Rajasthan was then called, until 1845, when the government leased Mount Abu from its Rajput owner. The station was built principally for the British Resident of Rajputana, and in 1847, for the first time, 60 Britons escaped to the hill from the plains. While the British built private bungalows, and a polo ground, the Raiput princes constructed palatial residences.Mount Abu has a cooler climate than the plains and stands among great granite outcrops, surrounded by scrub-covered hills.

Accessibility :

The nearest Railway Station, Abu Road, 27 kilo metres (17 miles) away. The nearest airport is Udaipur, 185 kilometres (ll5 miles) away. is on the main meter-gauze line between Delhi and Ahmedabad. Some superfast trains stop here. There are taxis and regular buses from the bus stand next to Abu Road station to the town.

In Mount Abu you can choose between unmetered taxis and horse drawn carts (tangos). There are also large baby prams for children. Local buses run to certain sights. The tourist office opposite the bus stand will advise you on which ones to take. Rajasthan State Tourism runs two conducted tours a day during the season, which cover the main sights in four hours.

Places to Visit :

Mount Abu is a curiously elongated hill station. The bus stand has become the town's center, and here you will find the main hotels. Roads to the northeast and southwest lead to the Guru Shikhar Peak and the Gaumukh Temple, respectively.

Guru Shikhar Peak :
The highest peak in the area, Guru Shikhar, 15 kilometres (a little over nine miles) from the town centre, at 1,722 metres (5,650 feet), is at the end of the Mount Abu plateau, surmounted by the Atri Rishi Temple. It is an unequalled viewpoint.

Nakki Lake :
In the central part of Mount Abu is Nakki Lake, which can contract dramatically in a rainless year. Take a walk around it or hire a rowing boat or a motor launch. Overhanging the lake is the Toad Rock clearly resembling a gigantic toad.There are a number of shrines and cave dwellings of ascetics on the shores of the lake.

View Point :
Popular viewpoints are Sunset Point to the southwest, which overlooks the plains, and Honeymoon (or Anadra) Point. On the footpath between the latter and Subhash Road to the north of the bazaar is another path which leads to the Crag's Viewpoint.

Shopping in Mount Abu

Mount Abu is an enchanting hill resort in Rajasthan.Shopping in Mount Abu is going to be an enthralling experience as the markets of Mount Abu are stacked with a variety of handicrafts from Rajasthan and the neighboring state of Gujarat. Textiles, jewellery, curios in wood, metal and marble, you name it and they have it all in Mount Abu.

Most of the shops in Mount Abu are located around the beautiful Nakki Lake, which makes your shopping in Mount Abu a pleasurable experience. Rajasthani paintings, leather articles and stone crafts make good souvenirs. If you have a fascination for textiles and fabrics, then you should check out the Kota saris, linen with Sanganeri prints or even the lightweight Jaipury quilt.

For Rajasthan Handicrafts like metal, stone and wooden curios, you can shop at the Government Handicrafts Emporium, Khadi Bhandar, Kashmir Cottage emporium and a host of other shops in the town.

Hill Station in Rajasthan

General Information :

Area : 342,239 Sq Km

Population : 56, 473, 122 (2001)

Capital: Jaipur

Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi

Introduction :

Rajasthan is a large state in northwestern India. It is the homeland of the Rajputs, who are known for their chivalry, valor and heroism. The capital is Jaipur and other large cities are Ajmer , Jodhpur , Bikaner , Kota , and Udaipur. Rajasthan has a total area of 342,239 sq. km.

Rajasthan is among the richest states in the country as far as the field of arts and crafts is concerned. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms. Some of the popular crafts are, Meenakari, Jewelry, Ivory, Lac and Glass, Sandalwood and Wood, Stone, Hand Printing fabrics, mirror work costumes etc. The exotic and vividly colorful state of Rajasthan India is synonymous with majestic forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and people dressed in brightly-colored costumes.

Mount Abu, in Rajasthan, is both a hill resort and a pilgrimage site. This mountain lies at the southern extremity of the Aravalli Range. Surrounded by forests, rich in flora and fauna, the town appears as an oasis. The drive uphill along Abu Road, overlooks an arid region, strewn by huge rocks with smooth surfaces, and weird shapes, fashioned by high velocity winds. The altitude of this plateau (1220 m), and the abundant vegetation have blessed Abu with a pleasant climate.

Abu, according to legend, stands for the son of Himalaya. Many sages and seers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous of them being, sage Vashistha. Mt Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva, before it became a Jain pilgrim centre. The greatest attraction of Abu are the grand Dilwara temples.

Lonavala - Khandala, Maharastra

General Information

Altitude : 625 mts

Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English

Best time to visit : October. May

Climate : climate in Khandala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September.

Khandala - Introduction

Lonaval and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms. apart, that straddle the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m.Quite popular as health resort, there are a number of sanatoria dotting the hills in the towns.Khandala is smaller and calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderfull surprises. Both towns offer scenic views of the surrounding and in the monsoon, with a myriad waterfalls, it can be enchanting.Karla about 12 kms. from Lonavala, is the site of the largest Chaitya caves in India, built in 89 B.C. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture.

History of Khandala

The origin of Khandala is shrouded in obscurity. The hill resort formed part of the territory of the great Maratha leader Chattrapati Shivaji, who is credited with organizing the Maratha into a military power. Later it came under the rule of the Peshwa, during whole reign Maratha power reached its zenith. Khandala was taken by the British from the hands of the Peshwas who subsequently lost power to the British.

Accessibility

By Air : Pune, 66 kms. away from Lonavala, is the nearest airport.

By Rail : All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala.

By Bus : Mumbai is 104 kms. away by road, the last 20 kms. of which wind up the ghats through gruelling switchbacks. State Transport buses regularly ply from Mumbai and Pune.

Places to Visit

Rajmachi Park
The Rajmachi Park is located on the way to Mumbai from Lonavala. This is a beautiful garden situated before the beginning of the ghat at Khandala. It offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. Towards the east of this garden, two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen. There is also a huge valley here.

Ryewood
Ryewod is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. It is spread over a huge area and is covered with majestic tall trees. offering plenty of place for children to play, the park also has an old Mahadeo temple. Ryewood is named after an English officer Mr. Rye, who stayed in this place for quite some time. It is also said that name may also have been derived from the Marathi words "Rai" which means thick forest.

Duke's Nose
The Duke's Nose is an important travel attraction at Khandala famous for rock climbing. It has been named after Duke Wellington, it is said that his nose resembled this cliff. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). Duke's point is accessible from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. The nature's beauty is at its best here.

Shivaji Park
The Shivaji Park was earlier a playground which was later converted into a garden in 1956. There is a statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park. Since it is located near the city, a good number of people travel to this park.

Kune Falls
Khandala's Kune water fall is situated between Lonavala and Khandala. It falls from a height of more than 100 feet. It provides a majestic view and an enjoyable opportunity to bathe in the water that flows through the valley. This fall can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai.

Tiger's Leap
The Tiger's leap is a special spot in this area. It is named Tiger's Leap because when you look carefully at the valley form this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley. It is just a furlong away from INS Shivaji, providing an engrossing view of the valley. One should view the valley from the safe confines of a big hole.

Monkey Hill
Every train that comes down from Khandala halt at Monkey hill for brake testing. Monkey Hill is exactly above Khopoli town and can be accessible Khopoli as well as Borghat reversing station. It is a favorite picnic spot.

Reversing Station
The Reversing Station, once belonged to the railways and now remains unused. This spot is outside tunnel no. 26. The division of Lonavala and Raigad District starts from here. One can see Khopoli and the surrounding regions at the bottom. During the night, this place is illuminated with hundreds of lights, which offers an enthralling view.

Karla and Bhaja Caves
Karla and Bhaja Caves are located in the hills at a distance of 16 km from Khandala. These are rock-cut cave temples as old as 2nd century BC. The caves are one of the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.

Adventure In Khandala
Khandala travel can be an ultimate adventure destination. Tourists coming to this hill station can try their hands at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Khandala. The Duke's Nose peak can be viewed while coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway.

Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar

Rating : 2 Star

Address : Valley View Road, Near Market, Mahabaleshwar - 412806., Maharashtra, India.

Rooms : 80 Rooms

About Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar :

Sahyadri Ghats- the valley region, which speaks the silent beauty of western India. Its hugeness and grandeur sings the grand saga of our country and its charm.On the most appealing part of our country's canvas, lies Mahabaleshwar. It's an illustrious tourist place situated in proud sahyadri ghats of western India. The beauty of Maharashtra is unsung without glorifying this magnificent spot. The mellow misty morning and the golden sunrise, the regal mountains and affectionate valleys, the inviting curvy routes and adoring greenery, all have a single culminating point at Mahabaleshwar.Its worth to visit here once in lifetime and even worthy to be at Valley View Resort for the most welcoming hospitality direct from the heart.

Valley View Resort is the place which gives you the pleasure, peace, joy & happiness in their emphatic services. Situated in heart of Mahabaleshwar, Valley View Resort offers the best lush green valley view enhancing your comfort and luxury. Here, you will experience a homely feeling in our extraordinary services. We are full of pleasant surprises, come reveal us.

Accessibiltiy :

The hotel is located 130Km from the Pune airport,
55Km from the Satara railway station and
120Km from Pune railway station.

Accommodation at Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar :

Valley View Resort promises you a room of your dreams. The furnishings of the room are done keeping in mind the natural surroundings of the resort. Select from a total of 80 rooms:

• Duplex Suites(4)
• Super Deluxe Rooms(18)
• Deluxe AC Rooms(16)
• Deluxe Non AC Rooms(40)

The Duplex Suites and Super Deluxe Rooms sport a posh decor and the most luxurious facilities like Color Television, Ac, Heaters, Jacuzzi , steam( interchanged in each suite) and a personal terrace garden as an added attraction.
The Deluxe Ac and Deluxe Non Ac Rooms don’t fail their counterpart. They too enjoy the presence of a CCTV,Ac and Heaters.

Restaurant at Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar

Valley View : The last two words in hospitality. Perhaps more than anything else, we're known for how we take care of our guests. Personal attention to guests is a rule rather than an exception.
We make it a point to take care of the minutest details. For instance, we prefer our guests to dine in the dining hall rather than in their rooms because in the dining hall is an entire spread of the various cuisine's we offer.
Our specialties include: Gujarati, Chinese, Punjabi, Continental and even exotic cuisine's such as Mexican. Of course, if you insist on room service, we'll serve you most gladly service.

Recreation at Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar :

Early morning horse ride through the forest on various routes and paths can be organized on request. You can also take a splash at the indoor temperature controlled swimming pool of the hotel. there are other entertainment facilities available at the hotel like playing indoor games like chess, carom, pool, table tennis and coin operated video games at the games room in the lobby. You can also buy general items like toiletries and other things from the utility store within the hotel premises.

Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar

Rating : 5 Star

Address : Behind S.T. Bus Stand, Dist. Satara (Maharashtra) - Mahabaleshwar 412 806 - India

Rooms : 80

About Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar :

Have ever dreamt of catching clouds in your hands, have ever wanted the mountains to echo your name? If yes, then a holiday in Mahabaleshwar and a stay in Hotel Dreamland , your dream holiday destination is a perfect choice. Not more than 120 kms from the Pune Airport is where this pleasure resort stands amidst nature's bounty.

Accessibility : 120 km from Pune Airport; 120 km from Pune Railway Station; Close to Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Accommodation at Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar :

80 spacious rooms with a green and natural ambience, many offering breath taking valley views. Attached bath, with running hot-and-cold water. All rooms are equipped with cable TV and Telephone with ISD/STD facilities. A/C rooms/duplex suites available. Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Health Club, Gymnasium, Sauna and Steam bath.

Dining at Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar :

Dealing extensively in vegetarian platter , and utilizing the fresh vegetables from our own organic vegetable farm, we promise you purity and taste in every bite you take. T he menu gives you the option of Gujrati, South Indian, Punjabi, Mexican and Jain thali . Or n a mood for something quick and sweet, try out our Fast food and IceCream Parlour.

Other Facilities at Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar :

• 80 spacious rooms with a green and natural ambience, many offering breath taking valley views. Attached bath, with running hot-and-cold water. All rooms are equipped with cable TV and Telephone with ISD/STD facilities.
• A/C rooms/Duplex Suites available.
• 2 Conference Halls with facility for 700 Delegates,Wedding parties and receptions for 1000 guests.
• Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Health Club, Gymnasium, Sauna and Steambath.
• A range of cuisines.Gujarati and Jain Thali, South Indian, Punjabi, Chinese and Mexican, featuring vegetables from our own organic vegetable farm.
• Fast-Food bar and Ice-cream Parlour.
• Self sufficient bio & eco friendly farm using only natural fertilizers.
• Indoor / Outdoor / Children's games.
• Poolside Buffet & Banquet at the Tropicana.
• Taxi on Call. / Doctor on call.
• State Bank Traveler's Cheques honoured.
• Attractive off-season packages.
• All major credit cards accepted.

Hotel Bright Holiday

Rating : 4 Star

Address : Kates Point Road, Mahabaleshwar: 412 806

Rooms : 70 Rooms

About Hotel Bright Holidays, Mahableshwar :

Serched at 4,400 ft above sea level in the rolling Sahyadri ranges in Western India, amidst five acres of landscaped greenery, the Brightland Holiday Village offers an "out of the world" view of green mountain rising above the impossibly blue Krishna river and the backwaters of the DhomDam. The resort, which opened in 1990 with 32 rooms, now offers 62 in various categories suchas cottages, poolside rooms and loft rooms

Accessibility :

By Air : Nearest Airport:Pune - 110 Kms.

By Rail : Nearest and Convenient Rail Station: Pune - 110 Kms.

By Road : Bombay - Panvel - Pen - Vadkhal - Mahad - Poladpur - Mahabaleshwar- 250 Kms. Bombay - Panvel - Lonavala - Pune - Waipanchgani - Mahabaleshwar- 280 Kms.

Accommodation at Hotel Bright Holidays, Mahableshwar :

We have various open areas/stilt areas that ca be suitably covered for a specific purpose to suit your requirements. These spaces can accomodate upto 300 delegates. Can comfortably accommodate upto 30 persons in the Suite room.Our terrace can accommodate upto 150 persons for buffet dinner.

Other Facilities at Hotel Bright Holiday

• Perched on a mountain cliff in pristine surroundings at a distance of 5 kms from market.
• Air-conditioned & NON AC Cottage type rooms & Apartments with CCTV, Channeled music.
• Childrens playpark, Indoor/Outdoor games.
• Rooms with a clear view of the Krishna river.-
• Air-conditioned restaurant multicuisine Veg & Non Veg delicacies.
• 24 hours running hot & cold water.
• Direct dialing telephones in the room.
• Pub for exotic cocktails.
• Swimming pool, Disco, Health club.

Hotel Bright Holiday

Rating : 4 Star

Address : Kates Point Road, Mahabaleshwar: 412 806

Rooms : 70 Rooms

About Hotel Bright Holidays, Mahableshwar :

Serched at 4,400 ft above sea level in the rolling Sahyadri ranges in Western India, amidst five acres of landscaped greenery, the Brightland Holiday Village offers an "out of the world" view of green mountain rising above the impossibly blue Krishna river and the backwaters of the DhomDam. The resort, which opened in 1990 with 32 rooms, now offers 62 in various categories suchas cottages, poolside rooms and loft rooms

Accessibility :

By Air : Nearest Airport:Pune - 110 Kms.

By Rail : Nearest and Convenient Rail Station: Pune - 110 Kms.

By Road : Bombay - Panvel - Pen - Vadkhal - Mahad - Poladpur - Mahabaleshwar- 250 Kms. Bombay - Panvel - Lonavala - Pune - Waipanchgani - Mahabaleshwar- 280 Kms.

Accommodation at Hotel Bright Holidays, Mahableshwar :

We have various open areas/stilt areas that ca be suitably covered for a specific purpose to suit your requirements. These spaces can accomodate upto 300 delegates. Can comfortably accommodate upto 30 persons in the Suite room.Our terrace can accommodate upto 150 persons for buffet dinner.

Other Facilities at Hotel Bright Holiday

• Perched on a mountain cliff in pristine surroundings at a distance of 5 kms from market.
• Air-conditioned & NON AC Cottage type rooms & Apartments with CCTV, Channeled music.
• Childrens playpark, Indoor/Outdoor games.
• Rooms with a clear view of the Krishna river.-
• Air-conditioned restaurant multicuisine Veg & Non Veg delicacies.
• 24 hours running hot & cold water.
• Direct dialing telephones in the room.
• Pub for exotic cocktails.
• Swimming pool, Disco, Health club.