MOUNT ABU

The town of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1220 meters. It 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 meters above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. Once home to the meditating rishi and munis (sages), the legend has it that Mount Abu is home to 33 crore Gods and Goddess, hence home to several Hindu Temples as well.

In historic times, Mount Abu was leased by the The East-India Company (British Empire) from the Maharajah of Sirohi, Mount Abu was used as the headquarters for the resident of Rajputana until 1947, and as a sanatorium for troops.

ATTRACTIONS

Dilwara Jain Temple -

Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples, hence a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction. The Dilwara Temples are a complex of temples, carved of white marble, that were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. The complex consists of five major sections or temples devoted to five Jain trithankaras (saints).

The oldest of these is the Vimal Vasahi temple, built in 1031 AD.

Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple give a very pleasant feeling. The minutely carved ceilings and the pillars are just amazing. Huge blocks of marble stones were transported on elephant backs.

The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. for tourists for free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex.

Nakki Lake -

Nakki Lake, the mythological lake with a very interesting story behind its creation, is the heart of Mount Abu. The legend has it that this lake was dug by Gods using their nails or nakh, that's why the name Nakki Lake. Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 Mtr's above sea level.

Situated within walking distance from the main market, Nakki lake posses the crown of being the heart of Mount Abu. The hub of evening activity and boating - Nakki Lake is the perfect place to spent the evening. The picture perfect location of the lake surrounded with mountains, gardens and rock formations also make it a very good location for photography.

Achalgarh Fort -

AchalGarh is one of the many beautiful medieval monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, just 8 Kilometers from the main Mount Abu town. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the esteemed designer who was responsible for many huge fortresses in Southern Rajasthan.

The fortress AchalGarh is surrounded by massive battlement walls. It is situated at the top of a mountain peak and offers picturesque views all year round. AchalGarh is found at the top of a steep winding path, whereby the 15th century fortresses and the temples are enclosed within the fortified walls. These fortified walls provide scenic lookouts onto the countryside. A 10 minute climb from AchalGarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples. These temples are a must visit for more great views and the beautiful sculpture.