While journeying toward the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple, we saw the display board of Angora Rabbit Farm, Oriya on the left-hand side. We decided to visit on the way back and had a meeting with Jitendra Saxena, the owner of Angora Rabbit Farm (cooperative society). Upon the query, he enhanced over knowledge about rabbits and their fur products.

Angora Rabbit is a German breed brought from Germany to Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has the very first unit and in 2007 the unit was started in Oriya, Rajasthan. There are more units in Uttarakhand.

Angora Rabbit Farm was started with five German Angora Rabbits purchased from Himachal Pradesh. Currently, Angor Rabbit Farm has 175 rabbits, and they all are for fur purposes, not for meat.

Rabbits can survive up to 35 degrees temperature. If more temperature they may start bleeding from the nose. German breeds can survive in the minus degrees also.

The age of rabbits is a maximum of seven years. Every alternate month, they can go for breeding, and the maximum number of baby rabbits produced by a rabbit is 11, at least I have seen – said Jitendra.

The birth cycle of rabbits is a maximum of 40 days.

They eat green grass, and ready-made food is available.

Every three months, fur is clipped and thread is made and used at hand-loom. Each Rabbit during one clipping provides 250-300 gm of fur. After removing waste, it is up to 225-250 gm. As the process of making thread is costly fur is packed into bags and sent to Himachal Pradesh in Govt. unit, and after the process, the thread is sent back in half or one kg spindle. And then it is used with a handloom for products.

We made shawls, stoles, and mufflers. A plain shawl can be made in four hours. Three plain shawls can be made in a day. The plain shawl cost Rs. 2400/-. The design shawl is Rs. 7000-8000.

The natural color of the fur is white, but organic dye is also used to color the fur.

If you compare the wool, it is 7-8 times warmer than the normal wool.

There is one black and grey rabbit that we are thinking of for black fiber, which is not available anywhere. It is an Australian breed, and we mix it with the German Angora breed to make natural black fur.

We sell products here or at an exhibition organized by NABARD. Though there is nowadays a power loom, but demand is still for handloom. We have currently 7-8 employees, and from time to time,e training sessions go on.

Fantastic information was shared. Thanks to Jitendra ji. Thanks a lot. Knowledge is enhanced about rabbits and their fur products.

Quote by Indira Gandhi – This photo was taken at Trevor’s Tank, Dilwara Road in Mount Abu (Rajasthan).

मनुष्य का अस्तित्व जानवरों और पौधों के जीवित रहने पर निर्भर है। – इंदिरा गांधी

Though there are many places of interest at Mount Abu but other than that Trekking/Mountaineering/Meditation Centre in Mount Abu I found also exists within the hill town and nearby location.

Harvinder Singh (Harry) is one such person who organizes trekking. Once you reach M. K. Circle and walk towards Nakki Lake (approx. 50 meters) you will find his shop on the left-hand side. Either he himself will join you for trekking, or he will arrange someone for you. And charges I find economical.

I did two treks. One was the Trevors Tank trek close to Dilwara temples, about a 1 hour 30 minutes trek passing through Trevors Tank > Abu View Point (122 steps) > Valley View Point (63 steps) > Crocodile Point > Wild Watch Hut > Valley of Death Point > Mini Nakki Lake and finally ending at Chimney.

The second one was Lakh Chaurasi > Sone Singh Cave > Upper Kodra Dam, and finally Gaumukh road. Approx. One hour 30 minutes trek.

If you want to know which was the best trek, I have to say both were the best. Reaching Upper Kodra Dam is tiresome a little but once you reach the very first glimpse of Kodra Dam and clouds touching the silent water, amazing to watch.

And how much I pay?

I was the only one with the trekking guide. I paid Rs. 300 for each trek.

Other than trekking once while passing through Arya Samaj Road, near Nakki Lake, I saw rock climbers. I inquired, and my knowledge was enhanced by one of the present instructors. They are from Swami Vivekanand Institute Of Mountaineering, Gaumukh Road, close to Gujarat Bhawan, where one can take admission to join various mountaineering courses.

Adventure Camp, Gaumukh Road – During the trek to Upper Kodra Dam, while ending and coming towards the hotel, I saw another display board talking about conducting various activities such as rock climbing, repelling, horse riding, night trekking, boating, and more…

And Meditation at the Spiritual Research Institute (Sambodhi Upavan), Gaumukh Road, Mount Abu. I met Mr. Surane. I was told about various upcoming meditation courses. Currently, all seats are full, but yes, for October, one can write to enroll. The institute location is excellent – very peaceful.

In short, will say that Mount Abu is not only a hill area with a cool green environment within Rajasthan but also a location for trekking, mountaineering, and meditation. One should visit once.

One day during the visit to Mount Abu bus depot, I saw a display board at the inquiry/ticket counter talking about Mount Abu Sightseeing via a 2×2 luxury bus, which charges Rs. 85/- per person. And while coming out of the bus depot nearby, availability of jeeps for sightseeing – charges Rs. 150/- per person.

If you know how to drive a two-wheeler, you should hire a scooter/motorcycle for the tour – another good option. There are many scooter/motorbike rental providers at Mount Abu. The rate for a day starting 9 mornings till 8 nights is between Rs. 250 – 300. All you have to do is to submit your identity card, such as a Passport/PAN card/Voting ID, and the scooter/motorcycle is yours for the tour. Petrol you have to fill as per your requirement. If you are staying for more than one night at Mount Abu and wish to keep the vehicle, you can. There are no night charges. In short, 24-hour rent is between Rs. 250-300. I paid Rs. 250.

If I compare all transport modes available at Mount Abu, or known as per knowledge, including rented two-wheeler,s I find R.S.R.T.C run buses are the cheapest transport for Mount Abu sightseeing.

As per the display board, they start at 9:30 morning hours and end the tour at Sunset.

And not to forget, at Mount Abu, there are roads where private/hired vehicles are not allowed except two-wheelers. It is possible one is tired of walking or old age, and sightseeing is far, and the wish is to visit. What to do?

Do not worry. Baba Gaadi is the local Mount Abu transport option, driven by local men. The vehicle is made of iron to transport people from one place to another. Four people can sit comfortably (mattress) inside the same. It is excellent, especially for old people and kids. I remember during the Mount Abu tour mother was tired of walking, and the only option available at the location was Baba Gaadi. I paid Rs. 20 per person (after the bargain) for approx. half a km distance. Baba Gaadi is mostly used by people for Sunset Point or Honeymoon Point visits. The gaadi is available mostly in the town area.

One of The Best Restaurants and Canteen in Mount Abu – The search.

Afternoon time I along with my mother passed by Ambedkar Circle, Mount Abu, and a look at the restaurant – Arbuda, where there were no seats empty, and many waiting outside for their turn to have lunch. We too were hungry. The curiosity to visit as per the rush. We too stand in the queue. As we were two only we were invited to have a seat much earlier. Rajma, Bundi Raita, and Butter Roti – requested from the Menu. Quick service and the food is tasty. I remember the owner of the restaurant visited and had talks with my mother about the quality of the food and service. Good – she said.

Arbuda restaurant is as equal as any big town/city restaurant serving Rajasthani/Gujarati/Punjabi/South Indian/Chinese/Continental, and many more dishes. Even for breakfast, it is one of the best restaurants. Once we had Banana Honey Porridge, and another morning we had Cheese Garlic Toast.

Night hours and the rush, as it is at Arbuda. Any other restaurant? – A thought.

Let us try Gujarati khana (food). Hotel Gujarat is opposite the Girls’ School and has a restaurant below. Again queue. A few minutes of wait and availability of seats. We order Kadhi Khichidi. Service quick. The food was tasty.

Morning hours and a visit to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir. After prayers, while walking downstairs, we saw a canteen run by a family. A visit and request for Aalu Paratha and Dahi (curd). Homemade food almost. The best food I had at Mount Abu – in short. The best, maybe because I love homemade food and economical as well. But the only problem canteen is a little far from Nakki Lake or the Bus Depot. I wish I were staying at Shree Swaminarayan temple. They have an accommodation facility. Next time, maybe.

Update

This time during the visit to Mount Abu, I most of the time preferred the canteen food at Shree Swaminarayan temple. Aalu Paratha, Chas for breakfast, Unlimited Thali for Lunch or Dinner, what to say, fantastic. Even for the train journey, I requested the canteen owner to pack dinner.

Cost of Aaloo Paratha – Rs. 30, Chas – Rs. 15, Tea – Rs. 15, Thali – Rs. 80. Economical for sure.

Timings: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Not to forget another great restaurant situated at Seth Shri Raghunath Das Parihar Inn. During our stay, we had Palak Paneer and Aaloo Chola with Butter Tandori Roti for lunch and cheese and Vegetable Cutlets as evening snacks.

Railways Computerized Reservation Office, Mount Abu is on the first floor of the Tourist Reception Centre in front of Mount Abu Bus Depot.

Its presence saves a 28 km one-way journey from Mount Abu to Abu Road Railway Station.

Thank you, Indian Railways.