Visitor Information
- Famous For: Natural Beauty, Temple of Dattatreya, Heritage Cave, Trekking, Photography
- Entrance Fee: None
- Visiting Time: 8 am – 6 pm (Daily)
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Guru Shikar, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, is the highest peak in the Aravalli Ranges, standing at a whopping elevation of 1722 meters. It is located at a distance of 15 kms from the main city. Adventurous tourists can trek from the base, to reach the topmost point. This slightly tiring activity will pay off when you see the mesmerizing view from the top. The serene and windy atmosphere is all you need to rejuvenate after a tiring time. The name Guru Shikar translates to ‘Peak of the Guru’, named after an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sage Dattatreya. Legend believes him to be an auspicious combination of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. A temple and his meditation cave stand here, in his honor. The temple was built in the early 14th century. The Mount Abu Observatory is built here, which is under the management of Physical Research Laboratory, and is famous for conducting research and experiments regarding astronomical findings. This makes it a frequented tourist destination and famous all over the country.
Contents
Traveller Tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon, for a more refreshing experience.
- Take care of children and while exploring, the rocky slopes of the hill are dangerous.
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, as you will be visiting a cave and walking around the peak.
- Carry a shawl or a jacket, if you are prone to cold air.
Things to Do
- Visit the Dattatreya Temple and the adjoining cave.
- Trek to the top of the mountain.
- Take some mind-blowing pictures of the aerial view of the town below and surrounding slopes.
- Indulge in a picnic with family and loved ones.
- Shop for memorable souvenirs; make sure to bargain for a reasonable rate.
- Ring the majestic brass bell, which hangs at the entrance of the temple.
Availability of Guides
No guides are available, since they are not required.
Best Time to Visit
Mount Abu is a hill station in Rajasthan. Above that, Guru Shikar is an elevated peak. So, the climate is very pleasant all around the year. For cold winds and winter lovers, visit during the months of November to February.
How to Reach
A private vehicle, a taxi, an auto or a public bus will take you to the start of the mountain. Go through the Delwara Achalgadh Road. It is located 14 kms from Guru Shikar Road, near to Lake Nakki. The nearest railway station is Abu Road. To reach to the top, you will have to climb 300 well built and maintained steps.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Guru Shikar
- Guru Shikar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Ranges, which are the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
- There is a temple or worship place within any 5 kms of Mount Abu.
- The temple devoted to Dattatreya, has his foot prints, still as clear as the day.
- There is also a temple in memory of Ahilya, his mother, which stands nearby.
- The Mount Abu Observatory has a 1.2 m Infra red telescope. It is used to keep an eye on the adjoining borders.
- The brass bell, which hangs from the wooden roof of the temple, bears a 1411 AD inscription inside it.
- The former name of Mount Abu is Arbudanchal.
Nearby Attractions
- Dilwara Jain Temple
- Peace Park
- Sunset Point
- Achalgarh Fort
- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Trevor’s Tank and Crocodile Park
- Nakki Lake
- Devi Adhar Temple
- Gaumukh
Nearby Restaurants
- Wild Lake restaurant
- Apollo restaurant
- Arbuda restaurant
- Honest restaurant
- Mezbani restaurant
- La Vista restaurant
- Haryali, the Garden restaurant
It is said that the mighty Rajput King, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, who was the last king of the Hindu lineage, visited and climbed this mountain for his wedding to the now called, Palanpur princess. She was the daughter of the chief and founder of Prahladanpur, and niece of the King Dharavarsh Parmar, ruler of Mount Abu. This historically significant and pilgrimage place is a beautiful creation of nature. Guru Shikar is a must visit when holidaying in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
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