Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. Mount Abu is 58 km from Palanpur (Gujarat). The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km 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. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal"

Transport

Places to See:

Dilwara Jain Temples: The hill resort of Mount Abu is renowned for the Jain temples of Dilwara. The Dilwara Jain temples have often been compared to the Taj Mahal for their sheer elegance and beauty in marble. The temples date back to the 11th and the 13th century. The architectural beauty of the temples lies in the fact that the marble was carried all the way from Makrana. The marble from Makrana is renowned for being of an exceptionally good quality.

Further more the best workmen and craftsmen worked magic on the marble to produce the finest quality of sculpture. Intricate carvings make the temples delicately beautiful throughout. The Dilwara temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The carvings, architecture and décor of the temples and labor involved in the construction of the temples were truly expensive. There are the five temples namely, Vimal Vasahi, Lun Vasahi, Shri Rishab deo, Shri Parshvanath and Shri Mahavir temple.

Arbuda Devi: You must not leave the hill resort of Mount Abu without seeking blessings from the Arbuda Devi. The goddess Arbuda Devi lends her name to the hill resort of Mount Abu. You need to climb 200 steps on a mountain to reach the cave of Arbuda Devi. Besides the goddess there are the statues of her three attendants too. 

Guru Shikhar: Then you must visit the Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu. The beauty of the peak attracts several tourists.

Datta-traya Temple: Atop the peak there is a temple. You may visit the temple in pink and white. It is dedicated to Datta-traya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. From the temple you may enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Abu.

Achalgarh Fort(8 km): Lying almost eight kms from Mount Abu, Rajasthan, Achalgarh is a beautiful fort with a number of exquisite Jain temples built within the premise. Amongst them the names of Achaleswar Mahadev Temple and Kantinath Jain Temple. The former temple was built in 1412 A.D. Kantinath Jain Temple was constructed in 1513 A.D. A gold plated image has been enshrined. In the close vicinity of Achaleswar Mahadev Temple one can also find a beautiful sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh.

Mandakini Kund is also another attraction here. During fourteenth century A.D Rana Kumbha constructed this spectacular fort.

Brahmakhadd temple: While travelling Mount Abu you may visit the Brahmakhadd temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are statues of Goddess parvati and Nandi outside the temple. In the temple you may worship the sacred pit that is believed to have been created, by the Lord Shiva's foot. 

Nakki Lake: Another landmark in the hill resort of Mount Abu is the Nakki Lake. As per a legend the fingernails of a sage, Balam Rasia, drew the Nakki Lake. The Nails or the nakk explain the name of the Lake as Nakki. The sage fell in love for the daughter of the then King of Abu. The stepmother of the princess turned the love story into a tragedy. Today there is a temple of the Kunwari Kanya, dedicated to the princess and a statue of her lover alongside. You may even enjoy boating in the Nakki Lake. 

Toad Rock

Around the Nakki Lake there are several rock formations that appear to be in a certain shape. You will easily spot the Toad Rock, Nun Rock, Nandi Rock and Camel Rock. At the hill resort of Mount Abu you Must enjoy the horse rides, honeymoon point and the sunset points. The gorgeous greens and the spectacular sights make Mount Abu heaven on Earth.


Excursions...........
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