A
pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis
in the barren desertscape thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the
Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its 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. The only hill station
in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array
of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it
a popular pilgrimage centre. ‘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.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.
The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cow’s head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.
PRIME SITES
Gaumukh Temple: A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name. The famous ‘yagna’ of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculptedill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.
Delwara Jain Temple: These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated tothe jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines,each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard.The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community.With door casings, pillars,architraves,and sculptures on porticos,the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship
Adhar Devi Temple : The temple is chiselled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.
Sunset Point: Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.
Honeymoon Point: Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Shri Raghunathji Temple: Situated near the ‘Nakki’ lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.
Gardens and Parks: Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok Vatika,Gandhi park, Municipal Park,Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.
Museum and Art Gallery: Located at the Raj Bhawan, it was a collection of archaeological excavations dating back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze carvings,brassworks etc. for viewing.
Packages
Hotel Hillock
| Room | Normal | 11 May - 24 Jun'07 | 26-29 Jan; 2-4 Mar'07; 15 Aug'07; 1-5 Sep'07; 21-28 Dec'07 | 9-14 Nov'07; 29Dec'07-1 Jan'08 |
| Dlx (Weekdays) |
INR 6100/- | INR 7400/- | INR 9600/- | INR 12500/- |
| (Weekends) |
INR 7400/- | INR 9600/- | ||
| Super Dlx (Weekdays) |
INR 8300/- | INR 9600/- | INR 11600/- | INR 14500/- |
| (Weekends) | INR 9600/- | INR 11600/- |
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Ooty
Getting there?What to see?
Packages
The Monarch
Package:
2 nights / 3 days - INR 9,990/- for a couple
3 nights / 4 days - INR 6,590/- per couple
Valid till Sep2006
Package includes:
» Accommodation for a couple as per the package
» Breakfast
» Dinner
Fernhills Palace
Package:
Junior Suite: INR 9,899/- for a couple
Executive Suite: INR 10,999/- for a couple
Extra Bed: INR 1,200/- per night (with breakfast and dinner)
Valid till Sep’2006
Package includes:
» Accommodation as per the package for 2 nights / 3 days
» Breakfast
» Dinner
Regency Villas Palace
Package:
Cottage - INR 4,299/-
Deluxe Room - INR 5,199/-
Extra bed INR 1,400/- per night (with meals)
Valid till Sep’2006
Package includes:
» Accommodation as per the package for 2 nights / 3 days
» Breakfast
» Lunch
» Dinner
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Holiday Inn Gem Park
| Package Type | Room | Nights | 1 Oct to 15 Jan | 16 Jan - 31 Mar | Includes |
| Blue Skies | Deluxe | 2 | INR 8333/- | INR 7111/- | 2 children free below 19 yrs, welcome drink & fruit baskets, Bed tea & breakfast, Half day Ooty sightseeing, Boating at the lake (half hour), all taxes. |
| Red Roses | Deluxe | 2 | INR 9333/- | INR 8111/- | |
| The Greens | Deluxe | 3 | INR 12499/- | INR 11277/- | |
| Suite Dreams | Suite | 2 | INR 12,999/- | INR 12,999/- |
Additional benefits:
Red Roses:
» Choice of Ooty sightseeing or Conoor joyride followed by Conoor sightseeing or Ayurveda Rejuvenation Massage for one person
» Lunch or dinner
The Greens:
» Lunch or dinner
» Transfer to golf course
» One halfday golfing session
» One time free use of steam / sauna (prior appointment required)
Suite Dreams:
» Wine bottle in room
» One time replenishment of Mini Bar
» Room service breakfast
» Unlimited tea / coffee
» A food credit of INR 1000/-
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Hotel Lake View
| Package | 20Dec - 5 Jan'07 | 1 Oct - 19 Dec; 6 Jan - 15 Jan'07 | 16 Jan - 16 Jun'07 | Extra Child | Extra Adult |
| 3 nights/4 days | INR 5780/- | INR 4765/- | INR 4360/- | INR 560/- | INR 1295/- |
| 2 nights/3 days | INR 3730/- | INR 3050/- | INR 2780/- | INR 310/- | INR 800/- |
Includes:
» Accommodation in suite cottage
» Welcome drink on arrival
»Breakfast
» Complimentary firewood for fireplace (2 bundles)
»Sightseeing of Ooty / Conoor
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Hotel Sinclairs
| Period | Room | Double | Single | Extra Adult | Extra Child (with bed) | Extra child (without bed) |
| 10 Dec - 15 Jan'07; 15 Apr - 15 Jun'07 | Standard | INR 11040/- | INR 7770/- | INR 3150/- | INR 2220/- | INR 960/- |
| 16 Oct - 9 Dec; 16 Jan - 14 Apr'07; 16 Jun - 30 Sep | INR 8340/- | INR 5880/- | INR 3150/- | INR 2220/- | INR 960/- |
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The
Monarch2 nights / 3 days package - INR 7999/-
3 nights / 4 days package - INR 8200/-
Includes :
» Bed tea, breakfast and dinner
» One half day sightseeing of Ooty
» Fresh Ooty chocolates, aerated water, soft drinks, mineral water and a gift
» Complimentary entry to discotheque and gym
» Movie in lazer disc theatre
» 2 Kids upto 18 years complimentary if sharing room
» Additional discounts with 3 nights / 4 days package
Validity - 10th Jan'07
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