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India Tourism Guide >> Rajasthan
Travel Guide >> Mount Abu Travel Guide
Mount Abu Travel Guide
The Raj period approached it as a relaxation place to rewind along with
the royalties and semi royalties. The place sways in an interesting contrast
of British style bungalows, the holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana)
along with the presence of the various communities of the tribals located
amidst the thick lush of the forest on the hills surrounding the region.
The flora and fauna enjoys the adulation of the tourist to the fullest.
Among the flourishing ranges is the highest point of the Aravalli is the
'Gurushikhar' with a vast sanctuary that shelters a number of species like
langur, wild boars, Sambar, leopards and many more along with a number of
flowering trees thus enhancing the whole scenario. This glorious ambience
suited mainly to the likes of sages and tribals and both made a great impact
in the history of the region.
The tribes still conducting there authentic life styles in the wake of 21st
century is rather interesting and so is the collection of various monuments
of different religious sects like the famous shrines of Jainism.
Mount Abu, the only hill resort of Rajasthan, situated at the highest peak
of the Aravali at an altitude of 1220 meters. This "Hill of Wisdom"
and a true " Olympus of Rajasthan" stands on an independent hillock,
which is separated from the main Aravali ranges by a deep gorge.
When ascending the mountain, one can hardly fail to be impressed with the
grandeur and the scenic beauty, the gigantic blocks of rocks, towering along
the crest of the hill, are especially striking, in some cases so weather-
worn, that they present most fanciful and weird shapes, while in others
appear so slightly balanced as to be in danger of rolling down.
It is not only one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, but a
major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage center. The legend goes that a 'yagna'
was performed here and four Agnikula or fireborn Rajput clans the Chauhans,
Parmaras, Pratiharas and Solankis were created out of fire. Till 11th century,
Mount Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage center, but now
it has gained importance as a Jain pilgrim center.
The hill boasts of rich vegetation and thick forest, it stands out as an
oasis in the arid environs, it is pleasant climate picturesque setting invite
thousands of tourists for pleasure trips and relaxation.
Places to See
Dilwara Jain Temples ( the places of temples )
These world-renowned temples are the greatest draw of Mount Abu. The exteriors
are quite simple and one is quite unprepared for the splendor of the interior
that awaits. The main group consists of five temples wh9ich are marvels
in white marble, constructed between 11th and 13th centauries. These temples
are known for their rich intricate carvings, it is art at its best, and
one is not able to believe that these are work of human hands. The temples
of Vimal Shah and the temple of Vastupala and Tejapala are of particular
interest.
Temple of Vimal Sah:
Popularly known as Vimal Vasahi, it was built by Vimahl Sah (an officer
of the Chalukya King BhimaI) and dedicated to the Adnath or Rishabdeo. It
stands within a quadrangular court and houses a shrine with a large brazen
image of Adinath preceded in front by a Mandapa (portico) supported by 48
pillars. The eight central pillars form and octagon holding up a dome with
its circular rims and richly carved pendant like roof.
Amba Devi shrine in the south west of the quadrangle is believed to be older
than the temple itself. On the right side of the entrance is the Hathi Khana
or elephant room consisting of a life size statue of Vimal Sah.
Temple of Vastupala & Tejapala:
Built in the 13th century, commonly known as Luna Vasahi, this temple is
dedicated to Neminatha, the twenty second Jain Tirthankara. The pattern
of arrangement of the sanctum and statues is almost similar to the temple
of Vimal Sah.
The remaining three temples of this complex, one is across the road and
is not important architecturally, the Chaumukha temple s dedicated to Parasavanath,
the adinath temple with a bell and chain decoration on the pillars are the
other two temples.
Nakki Lake:
The cozy little hill resort throbs around this artificial lake, believed
to be dug out by the god's with their nails (nakh), and thus the name Nakki.
The town forms an amphitheatre around this lake, doted with little islets.
Boats, Shikaras and paddle boats are available for rowing on this beautiful
lake.
Toad Rock :
Rock carved by nature, overhangs the placid waters and it seems, as if the
toad like rock is ready to dive into the blue waters of the lake.
Temple of Raghunathji:
The great preacher Ramananji is believed to have installed the image of
Shri Raghunathji ( Lord Rama) over here in the 14th century, it is situated
near Nakki Lake.
Sunset Point :
South-west of Nakki Lake , this splendid sunset offers a great view during
the dusk hours, when the entire horizon is painted in a crimson color. The
view of the lush plains is breathtaking.
Honeymoon Point :
Also known as the Andra Point, view of the verdant valley and superb plains
is awe inspiring, especially during the sunset time.
Gau Mukh :
Near the Nakki, this holy spot has an old tank which gets water from a spout,
shaped like a cow`s head, hence the name Gau Mukh. Temple of Vashishtha,
and a fire pit, where Agnikula Rajputs are also said to have been created,
are a quite old and interesting site here.
Om Shanti Bhawan:
Also known as the Universal Peace Hall, it is the Brahma Kumari`s World
Spirituality University. It has a big hall without any pillars and can accommodate
up to 3500 people.
Adhar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple :
This magnificent temple is approached though a flight of 360 steps. This
temple is chiseled out of a huge rock.
Gardens & Parks :
There are many well laid out lush gardens and parks blooming with flowers
in this hill city, the prominent amongst them are Gandhi Park, Municipal
Park, Shaitan singh Park & Terrace Garden.
Mount Abu Sanctuary:
This wildlife sanctuary is spread over288 sq. km. The lush green scenic
landscape is dominated by the sub-tropical evergreen forests, one can cool
refreshing breeze loaded with the fragrance of wild roses and jasmine here.
This sanctuary has a treasure rich varied with fauna as well as flora. The
key animals are the leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, Sambar, Chinkara and
Langur. More than 250 species of exotic birds can be observed. The most
important among them is the gray jungle fowl, making it a pilgrimage for
the bird watchers.
General Information:
Population:
15500 Area: 25 sq. km.
Altitude:
1220 meters.
Temperature:
Summer : Max. 33.3 degree centigrade Min 23.3 degree centigrade
Winter : Max. 23.3 degree centigrade Min. 11.6 degree centigrade
Rainfall : 153 to 177 cms.
Clothing:
Summer Cottons
Winter woolens
Languages:
Gujarati, Hindi, and English.
Mount Abu Travel
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