ABOUT US
1-MOUNT-ABU :-
Situated at a height of 1220 meters it is known as ‘The Hill of Wisdom’ or ‘Saints Pinnacle’. Important Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centres are located here. Dilwara Jain Temple constructed between 11th and 13th century is a marvel in white marble. Nakki Lake is believed to have been dug by the Gods with their nails. ‘Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Centre’ is located in this city. Besides there are a number of temples, sight seeing places, gardens and picnic spots.
2-GENERAL TERRAIN-
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722. Mount Abu is located in the southwestern Rajasthan, close to the borders of Gujarat. It is located at a distance of about 185 km from Udaipur, 225 km from Ahmedabad, 264 km from Jodhpur, 500 km from Jaipur and 765 km from Delhi.
3-INTERNAL SECURITY ACADEMY-:-
The Internal Security Academy (ISA) was established at Mount Abu (Rajasthan) on 1st February 1975 after shifting of the Central Police Training College (later rechristened, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy) to Hyderabad. ISA took over all properties from NPA which were either hired or owned by CPWD. The Abu Lawrence School Campus (4.5 Acres), which houses the main Academy Campus, was purchased by CRPF in 1979.
4-APPROACH ROUTE AND MODE
By Air
The nearest Airports are Udaipur (180 Kms) and Ahmedabad (225 Kms). Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.
By Train
Abu Road is the nearest railway station and is around 28 kms from Mount Abu. And well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.
5-CLIMATE
Mount Abu has a healthy and salubrious climate throughout the year. The summer season lasts from April to June and the average maximum and minimum temperatures are 34°C and 23°C respectively.The rainy seasonlasts from July to September and the average annual rainfall is 70-180 cm. The average maximum and minimum temperatures during these months are 25°C and 15° C respectively. The winter season lasts from November to February and the average maximum and minimum temperatures ranges from 25°C and 10°Cto -8°C (in Night). The peak tourist seasons at Mount Abu last from March to June and from to September to December.
6-TRAINING
Following courses are conducted :
A-BPR&D Sponsored Vertical Interaction Courses
i- VIC on Public order for IPS officers having 4 yrs of service and CAPFs officers with minimum 10 yrs of service. ii- VIC on LWE Appreciation for IPS officers having 4yrs of serviceand CAPFs officers with minimum 10 yrs of service.
B-Professional Skill Development Courses
C-Internal Security Courses
G-Basic Training
7-RECREATION AND SPORTS
Facilities for the following games are available in the Academy:-
(a) Basket Ball
(b) Lawn Tennis
(c) Volley Ball
(d) Gym
(e) Table Tennis
(f) Billiards
(g) Badminton (outdoor)
(h) Hand Ball
(i) Boating
(j) Trekking
(k)Rock climbing
8-LIBRARY
The ISA has a well stocked library containing more than 35,000 books and is subscribing to large number of periodicals and journals.
9-COMPUTER LAB.
The ISA has a well established modern Computer lab and having NKN facility
10-HOSPITAL
The ISA has 10 bedded hospital inside the campus.
11-ABU’S MYTHOLOGY:-
In the beginning it was just a plain but then, the snake king Takashaka stole the earring of king Uttanka and disappeared into a subterranean pit. Lord Indra created an unfathomable chasm with his thunderbolt to help Uttanka locate the snake. Into this chasm fell Nandini, the sacred cow of sage Vashistha. Goddess Saraswati filled the chasm with water to help Nandini Swim out. It was Himalaya who sent his brother Nandivardhan to fill up subsequently. Arbuda,the snake carried Nandivardhan and for his virtuous deed the place was named after him -Arbuda or Abu - ("The hill of Wisdom”).
12-FLORA:-
The slopes and base of the mountain are clothed with fairly dense forests of various trees common to the plains and neighbouring Aravali range, interspersed with great stretches of bamboo forest.
(a) Trees and Shrubs:- On the higher parts of hill, many rare, threatened and endemic species of plants occur. Two species of wild roses (Rosa involucrata and Rosa Moschata) occur. These white and pink roses are a beautiful sight and make whole valley fragrant when in full bloom. Rosa involucrata is endemic to Mount Abu and is found no where else in the wild throughout the world. Ambatari (Aerides Affine) a pretty little orchid, Jamun al tree Dhok, Dhaura and Indrok, Aretha, Amaltas, Aonla, Bans, Champa, Silver Oak, Eucalyptus,Kachnar,KaraMalkangni (a shrub) and Karaunda and C. Stylosa, are creeping shrubs. Many more varieties of tree are found in Abu. Many varieties of flowering scrofula, boraginous and labiate plantsare found which bloom in damp season. There are many more types of trees, shrubs and herbs which add materially to the great natural beauty of Abu.
(b) Grasses: Among grasses Baru (Sorghum halepense), Chhenki (Paspalam Kara) Dob (CynodonDactylon), Kush, Khas, Karar, Lamp, Seran which could be of interest to a trekker.
(c) Ferns: Mount Abu is one of the richest area in country regarding presence of variety of rarefems e.g. Blechnum oriental, DavalliaPulchera, Pteris quadriaurita, Asplenium Trapeziforme, Phymatodeslepidotum etc.
(d) Flowers and Creepers:Datura Stramonium grows wild on Abu. Many varieties of flowering scrofula,boraginous and labiate plants, most of which blossom in damp season. There are two varieties of wild dog - rose indigenous in the hills. Rosa involucrata a rare and threatened species found in Abu hills through out world. There are two varieties of Jamines and Oleander, both wild on Abu hills. The geraminous, dhak, dudeli, Kelma, Cassia, Coral and Cotton trees blossom with great profusion. The strobilankhas (Kara) blossom once in 7 or 8 years.
(e) Medicinal Plants:Many saints and sages have experimented in these Abu hills on the use of these plants. Initial surveys have identified 81 species of trees, 28 species of climbers, 89 species of shrubs & herbs,17 species of tuberous plants, 20 fruit species and 16 types of flowers as medicinally important. Some of important tree species are Paras, Pepal, Arjun, Tinsa, AmaltasKampilakAonla, Bahera, Bad, Jamun,Kachnar, Akol, Haldu etc. Among Climbers, Giloy, Juhi, Jal, Jamani, Mal Kangni, Vajravalli, Kakaranji etc., Among Shrubs and herbs are Bhringraj, Shatavar, Ashwaganda, Kara, Chitrak, Akalkara etc. Among tubers are Salam MisriKand, Sharikand, Safed Musli, Khaluda etc. are edible. Among posisonous tubers JangliHaldi, Sarakand, JangliPyaj, TeliaKand etc. are found.
13-FAUNA :-
Mount Abu has a varied fauna, some of which are highly rare, threatened and endangered. Among large animals Panther, Sloth bear, Sambhar are found. There is a large variety of birds found here and is a paradise for bird watchers. Area is also rich is diversity of butterflies, reptiles and insects.
In past the area contained lions. The last record of lion shot is in 1982 when a grown up female was shot near Anadra by a Bhil Shikari. Five tigers were spotted during 1967 which became extinct in 1970 from the area. Panthers are often enter the town. Sloth bears are also common. The presence of vegetational composition and availability of water highly suits bear and it is one of the best sloth bear areas in the world. Sambar population has gone down considerably due to poaching and shrinkage of habitat in past. Nilgai are common on lower slopes and periphery of Abu hills.
Among the birds grey jungle fowl, red spur fowl, peek fowl, varieties of quails, two kinds of sand grouses,paradise fly catchers, owls, doves, ducks, geese etc. in all about 120 species are found.
Accordingly to 2007 wildlife census, the animals found are :—
Panthers - 16, Sloth bear - 80, Sambar - 28, Hyaena - 45, Jackal - 135, Wild boar- 40, Blue bull - 205, Grey Jungle fowl - 930 and Crocodile - 2.
14-TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1.Dilwara Marble Temples
Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world overfor its extraordinary architecture and marvellous marble stone carvings.The temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13thcentury AD. The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple givea pleasant feeling and the ornamental details of marble stone carvings, minutely carved ceilings and the pillars are just phenomenal and unmatched. Huge blocks of marble stones were transported on elephantbacks from the Arasoori Hills at Ambaji to this remote hilly region of Mount Abu. Dilwara temple is also a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction. The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M. for tourist's for free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex.
2. Sunset Point
South west of Nakki lake steps lead up to a high terrace at a distance of about 2.5 kms, which offers an amazing and breath-taking view of the sun gradually drowning itself between the two mountain peaks.
3. Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is the heart of Mount Abu. It is said that this lake was dug by Gods or Devtas using their nails or nakhthat's why the name Nakki Lake - few sections of local tribes also consider Nakki Lake as a holy lake and worshipit. Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situatedat a height of 1200 Mtr's above sea level. The hub of eveningactivity and boating– Nakki Lake is the perfect place to spend your evening with your partner, friends and family.The picture perfect location of the lake surrounded with mountains, gardens and rock formations also make it a very good location for photography.
4. Honeymoon point
A perfect place for couples at 3 kms distance from main town lies honeymoon point also known as 'Anadra Point' gives an awe – inspiring view of the valley and the plains especially during sunset.
5.Toad Rock
On the main trekking trail of Mount Abu nearby Nakki Lake is ToadRock. Toad Rock is a massive rock structure resembling a toad. It is one of the most frequently visited places in Mount Abu. It is an excellent illustration of Igneous rocks with fantastic shapes in the oldest mountainranges in the world. One of the most enchanting view from this point is that of the Nakki Lake below.
6. Achalgarh Fort
AchalGarh fort is one of the many beautiful medieval monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, located in the desert in the state of Rajasthan. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the esteemeddesigner who was responsible for many huge fortresses in SouthernRajasthan. Achalgarh is just 8 Kilometers from themain Mount Abu town and is well connected by road and the fortress is surrounded by massive battlement walls. The Achleshwartemple, built in the 9th century, is famous for containing a Nandi which is made of 5 metals, gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. The Nandi is made up of Panchadhattu and weighs more than 4 tonnes it is said that itwas built around a toe print of Lord Shiva. Achleshwar also contains a natural Shivalinga.
7. Gurushikhar
Gurushikhar holds the honour of being not only the highestpeak of Mt.Abu but the whole of the Aravali mountain range situated at a height of 1722 meters from the mean sea-level. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of MtAbu town and green Aravalirange.The temple of GuruDattatreya is worth visiting on way to the peak of Gurushikhar.It is believed that Dattatreya is an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The word Datta means"Given," Datta is called so because the divine trinity have "given" themselves in the form of a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. At the peak just a little to the north-west of Guru Shikhar, shrine dedicated to Ahilya, the mother of Dattatreya exists giving a panoramic view.
8. Adhar Devi
The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themedtourist destinations situated in a cave. It is situated three kilometres north of the main town of Mount Abu and can be reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple itself is located inside a rocky cleave and is reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and it is said that "Adhar" of the Mataji fell here also it was believed that the image of the goddess could be found there hanging in mid air.
9. Trevor's Tank
Trevor's Tank is a popular picnic destination named after the British engineer who built it and located just 5kilometres from the main town of Mount Abu. It is a nature lovers and birdwatcher's paradise where the plentiful wildlife in their natural habitat can be watched.The man made tank is used to breed crocodiles and large variety of birds like pigeons, peacock, partridges, kingfishers, robin, grey jungle fowl and red spur fowl are found in abundance.
10. Gaumukh Temple
The Gaumukh Temple is located at about 4 kms from the main town and can be reached by climbing down over 700 steps. A natural spring flowsout through a sculpted cow's head made of marble, which gives the shrine its name 'Gaumukh'. Co-located is the Vashishth Ashram and the Agni Kund in which it is said that Sage Vashishth performed a yagna and four major Rajput clans and these Rajput clans were created to get rid the earthof demons. The Gaumukh Temple is also popular for religious pilgrimages and meditation.
11. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, declared a sanctuary in 1960, is one of the oldest in the Aravali mountain ranges and popular destination for eco-tourism. It is spread over in an area of about 5-8 kilometres long and between 300-1722m wide. It has a wide and richfloral and fauna diversity and the forests consist of 112 plant families with 449 genera and 820 species. Of these, 663 species are decocts while 157 species are monocots. Many of these species are very rare and threatened. There are over 250 species of bird- including the popular grey jungle fowl. The Mount Abu Wildlife sanctuary also houses leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur amongst others. Many of the animals in the sanctuary are extremely rare and threatened.
12. Brahma Kumari - World Headquarters
Hill-stations are perfect for meditation and so does is Mount Abu, The town holds the honour of being the Head-quarters of world-renowned Brahma-Kumaris spiritual university,apart from traditional meditation you can learn Rajyoga and other spiritual courses. The BrahmaKumaris is a socio-spiritual and educational institution of international repute. It has over 8500 centres in 132 countries with membership over 8,00,000 worldwide. The Brahma Kumaris is a non- governmental organization affiliated to the Department of Public Information (DPI) in consultative status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) and UNICEF. The institution has received 7 Peace Messenger Awards for their significant contributions in theobservance of the United Nation's International Year of Peace.