Mount Abu is a famous and only hill station of Rajasthan located in the southwest part of Rajasthan. It is a part of the Aravali range. Mount Abu is separated from Aravali by a narrow valley and Guru Shikhar is the highest point towards the northern end. According to legend, Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the sage Vashisht was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free itself. The sage asked for Lord Shiva's assistance. Shiva sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Sage Vashisht then decided to ensure that such mishaps would not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the gorge permanently. He took the help of the snake, Arbud. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud since then and was later reduced to its present form Mount Abu.
The famous Dilwara Jain temples are 2.5 km away from the Mount Abu, which in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures is referred to as Arbudgiri. The Dilwara temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD. Traditionally, Gujarat and Rajasthan were the centers of the merchants and princes and became great centers of architectural activities. Vimala Shah, Vastu Pala and Teja Pala contributed a lot toward the development of Jain art and architecture. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. The earliest temple of this group can be dated back to the same period as Brihadeeswar temple at Thanjur in Tamil Nadu. The inscription at Mount Abu suggests that it was basically the seat of Shaivism and Jainism made its appearance in the 11th century AD.
Dilwara Temples
The Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. These Jain temples were built by Vastapul Tejpal , a Jain laymen between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are world-famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex. Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan, some believe that none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous. Facilities are available for bathing, which is mandatory before puja is performed for the idols. These facilities use passive solar power to heat up the water for bathing and other things. Guided tour hours for tourists are posted outside the temple.
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar Peak is the highest mount peak in the Aravalli region and is at a distance of 15 km from Mount Abu. It is situated at a height of 1722 meters. Travellers can enjoy a bird view of the entire Aravalli range of mountains, from the top of this mountain peak. Temple of Dattatreya is one of the main attraction at Guru Shikhar peak other than scenic views. Dattatreya is known to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A huge bell suspended from a wooden frame having an incription of 1411 AD can be seen at the entrance of the temple. This peak also named after Guru Dattatreya and a rock in a cave also sanctified his footprints. Nearby temple of Guru Dattatreya’s mother is also a major attraction for devotees. Located at 14 km from Mount Abu city one can travel to Guru Shikhar by taking Guru Shikhar Rd after Oriya Rd. Just a half a kilometer distance there is an Gurushikhar visible-Infrared Observatory which in-houses a 1.2 m infrared telescope. Here astronomical experiments continously takes place.
Achalgarh Fort
Achalgarh fort situated about 11 kilometers north of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and rebuilt, modernized and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 one of the several forts built during his period in the rule. Achalgarh fort area is entirely surrounded by Mount Abu which is one of the most popular hill stations of North India. It is situated in the mostly desert state of Rajasthan and is often denoted by as an Oasis in the Desert. The Achalgarh Fort was renovated and fortified by Maharaja Kumbha to escape pillagers. The Achaleswar Mahadeva Temple is nearby where a toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped. You can find some Jain Temples inside the fort. The fort is in a run-down condition now. The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. It comprises two towers built of large blocks of grey granite. After some ascent, stands Champa pol, the second gate of the fort, which served as the entrance to the inner fort. The decayed Achalgarh fort is indeed a great architectural delight.There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort.
Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake in Mount Abu truly defines romance in Rajasthan. Named as Love Lake of Mount Abu, it is also a largest manmade lake at the height of 11,000 meters in India. It is also a sacred lake for the Garacia tribe of Rajasthan and at the time of their festival in Shukla paksha which falls in April month it is the place of worship and remembrance of their ancestors. People consecrate their nails in the lake on this festival. It is the reason for naming of this lake as ‘Nakki’.
Sunset Point
Lying south west of Nakki Lake, Sunset point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mount Abu. This viewpoint gets thronged by tourists from all around at the time of sunset. Enjoy the site of orange-colored sun setting behind the Aravali Ranges. Serene surrounding and a pleasant climate make the experience even more memorable. Treat your eyes to the picturesque views of the surrounding area including villages and green valley’s while the sun is setting down. After enjoying a nice sunset view, you can shop for souvenirs from the shops near the point. Get your hands on trinkets, wooden toys, marble statues, sandalwood idols and other knick-knacks.
Toad Rock
Toad Rock is situated to the south of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu and comprises of a huge rock that looks like a toad about to jump into the water. This rock structure provides a great view of the lake and the surrounding greenery.
