Mount Abu Travel Guide

Mount Abu Travel Guide Mount Abu in the Sirohi District of Rajasthan is beautiful and one and only hill station in Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular retreats for vacationers and even honeymoon couples. With a distinctive blend of the flavours of Rajasthan, Mount Abu has some of the best places to visit like Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Achal Garh, Guru Shikhar, Adhar Devi, Sunset Point, Trevor’s crocodile Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Gaumukh.

Gaumukh Temple: A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow's head gives the shrine its name. The famous 'yagna' of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada - the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

Nakki Lake: To pass and energetic evening rowing or simply to drift along, enjoying nature's beauty, be at the focal point of the town, Nakki Lake. This lovely artificial lake is ringed by hills and overhung by the enormous Tod Rock. Exploring the lake's little islets is a pleasant recreation. It is said to have been dug by the gods themselves with their nails, hence its name "Nakki". The summer villas of many Rajput rulers have been converted into hotels overlooking the lake.

Dilwara Jain Temples: Built between 11th and 13th century A.D, these temples are famous for their superb carvings in marble. Vimal Vasahi, the oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 AD. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain Trithankaras. Made of white marble, it is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture.

It has a central shrine, a room with a transept, a large colonnaded area and an aisle consisting of 52 niches with statues of the Tirthankaras in each one. The inner sanctum contains the figure of Adinath in a mediating posture. The door jambs and lintel are encrusted with carvings. The Neminath Temple was built 1231 AD by the two brothers, Vastupal and Tajpal of the Porwarl Jain Community. A fine specimen of workmanship, as seen it its carvings, friezes, pillars and sculpted porticos, this temple is dedicated to Neminath, the twenty second Jain Trithankara. A lot of inspiration and encouragement went into the construction of this temple and rewards of gold and silver, equivalent to the weight of marble covered, were offered to the labourers. The scroll arches are profusely sculpted and so are the pillars, no two of which are alike. Built in the Solanki style of architecture, this temple has a breathtaking marble pendant hanging liked a crystal chandelier form the central dome of the porch. It descends from the ceiling like an exotic bunch of half-open lotuses, with such intricately carved cups, that they appear to be transparent.

Adhar Devi Temple: Chiseled out of a huge rock, this temple is one of the favourite tourist spots of Mt. Abu. A climb of 360 stairs leads to the hill, on which this beautiful marble temple is situated. It it believed that he image of the goddess was originally hanging in mid-air, hence the name Adhar Devi.

Sunset Point: The best Mountain View can be savoured form Sunset Point, south west of Nakki Lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks. Steps lead up to a high terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.

Honeymoon Point: A rather secluded spot, which looks beautiful at sunset hour. It also presents a pleasant view of the Abu Valley and the green fields on the other side of the mountains. Its older name was Anadra Point.

Shri Raghunathji Temple: ituated near the 'Nakki' lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.

Gardens & Parks: Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok Vatika, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.