Mount Abu
Mount Abu is situated in the Sirohi district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Though it forms a part of the Aravali range, it is completely separated from it by a narrow valley and forms a distinct plateau 22 km long and 9 km wide. The highest point of the mountain is Guru Shikar, situated at its northern end. The town of Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and hence has been a popular place of retreat from the intense heat of Rajasthan and the neighboring Gujarat. On account of the plentiful rainfall, Mount Abu has the richest vegetation in Rajasthan and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Mount Abu, situated at an altitude of 1220m above sea level, surrounds the pretty Nakki Lake and is the site of the beautiful Dilwara Jain temples. Till the 11th century, Mount Abu was known as an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage centre but now it is better known as a Jain pilgrim centre. Mount Abu figures prominently in the mythological stories as being the site where Sage Vashista is said to have performed a yagna for the kshatriyas. It was also a favorite place of retreat for many sages.
The Dilwara Jain Temples which made Abu famous lie two and a half km up in the hills. These temples, built between 11th and 13th century A.D, are fine examples of Jain architecture in India. There are five marble temples with ceilings, pillars, panels and doorways filled with intricate carvings. Their beauty defies description. The oldest of these temples is Vimal Vasahi temple built in 1031 A.D. by Vimal Shah and dedicated to the first Jain Thirthankara. The central shrine has an image of Adinath surrounded by 52 identical shrines around the courtyard. Located nearby is the Achalgarh Fort built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar and housing many lovely Jain temples and the beautiful Achaleshwar Mahadev temple. The Gaumukh temple dedicated to Rama is just 4 km away south of Mount Abu. One of the enchanting places in Mount Abu is the Nakki Lake around which stand many royal palaces and colonial bungalows. Rocks with odd shapes add make the landscape interesting. Rock formations like Toad Rock, Nun Rock and Camel Rock are worth a visit. There are several points from where spectacular views of the surroundings are possible like Sunset Point and Honey moon Point. From Sunset Point there is a delightful 5km route to Nakki Lake called Baylay’s Walk. Guru Shikhar, the highest point in mount Abu offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Mount Abu is one of the popular travel spots in India.
Mount Abu, situated at an altitude of 1220m above sea level, surrounds the pretty Nakki Lake and is the site of the beautiful Dilwara Jain temples. Till the 11th century, Mount Abu was known as an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage centre but now it is better known as a Jain pilgrim centre. Mount Abu figures prominently in the mythological stories as being the site where Sage Vashista is said to have performed a yagna for the kshatriyas. It was also a favorite place of retreat for many sages.
The Dilwara Jain Temples which made Abu famous lie two and a half km up in the hills. These temples, built between 11th and 13th century A.D, are fine examples of Jain architecture in India. There are five marble temples with ceilings, pillars, panels and doorways filled with intricate carvings. Their beauty defies description. The oldest of these temples is Vimal Vasahi temple built in 1031 A.D. by Vimal Shah and dedicated to the first Jain Thirthankara. The central shrine has an image of Adinath surrounded by 52 identical shrines around the courtyard. Located nearby is the Achalgarh Fort built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar and housing many lovely Jain temples and the beautiful Achaleshwar Mahadev temple. The Gaumukh temple dedicated to Rama is just 4 km away south of Mount Abu. One of the enchanting places in Mount Abu is the Nakki Lake around which stand many royal palaces and colonial bungalows. Rocks with odd shapes add make the landscape interesting. Rock formations like Toad Rock, Nun Rock and Camel Rock are worth a visit. There are several points from where spectacular views of the surroundings are possible like Sunset Point and Honey moon Point. From Sunset Point there is a delightful 5km route to Nakki Lake called Baylay’s Walk. Guru Shikhar, the highest point in mount Abu offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Mount Abu is one of the popular travel spots in India.
