Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station is situated at the southern tip of the Aravalli ranges in Sirohi district at a height of 1220m from sea level. The mountain forms a rocky plateau about 9km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Gurushikhar, which is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayas in the north. Mt. Abu is one of the major pilgrimage destinations in India. It is home to several Hindu and Jain temples including the famous Dilwara Jain temple, Gaumukh temple, Sri Raghunathji temple, and the Adhar Devi temple. As per the legends, Mt. Abu came into existence when Nandini, Sage Vashishta’s wish-fulfilling cow, fell into a deep lake. Sage Vashishta appealed to the Gods for help, who sent Arbuda, the celestial cobra. Arbuda carried a huge rock on his head and dropped it into the lake, displacing the water. Thus, Nandini was rescued. The spot came to be known as (Arbudachala- Hill of Arbuda) after the mighty serpent.

The area is rich in floral biodiversity and xenomorphic sub-tropical thorn forests. In the foothills, we can find the sub-tropical thorn forests which gradually give way to sub-tropical evergreen forests at the higher altitudes. It has also about 820 species of plants. Mount Abu is the only place in Rajasthan where one can find orchids. It is also home to several species of fauna including the endangered sloth bear.

Source

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mantra-shlokas/sacred-mountains/178450722167760/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Abu

http://www.gohero.ai/journal/2016/6/15/mount-abu