Places To See In Mount-Abu

A Tourist Delight- whether it's the calmness one experiences in the temple or at the scenic locations.

Religious Places

Dilwara Jain Temples - The most magnificent landmark of Mount Abu is the Dilwara Jain Temples. This exotic workmanship in pure marble has often been compared to the Taj Mahal. Built between the 11th and the 13th century, these temples are dedicated to the various Jain Tirthankars. The bland exterior often belies the elaborate architecture, intricate carvings and splendid decor in the interior of these five temples. Vimal Vasahi, Lun Vasahi are the most famous ones, the others include Shri Risha Lhdeo, Shri Parsvanath and Shri Mahavir Swami.

Vimal Vasahi - Temple is the oldest In 1031 A.D. Vimal Shah, Minister under the first Solanki ruler of Gujarat built this temple. As is common with all the other Jain temples, the Vimal Vasahi Temple is aligned on an axis and all the halls lead to the sanctum where the central image is placed. The temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar. The central aisle leads to the hall. Carved pillars and walls mark the temple. The domed ceiling of the temple is made up of concentric rings, with each ring projecting slightly. These rings are covered with sculpted panels of dancers, musicians, horses and elephants. The rings give an impression of an upturned lotus, signifying showering of blessings on those who pass underneath it. The courtyard of the temple has 57 identical cells, each with a cross-legged sculpted image of a Jain Tirthankar. At the entrance is a procession of sculpted elephants marching towards the temple.

Lun Vasahi Temple - The Lun Vasahi Temple is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar, Neminath. Built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers Vastupal and Tejpal. The temple is one of the last monuments built in the Solanki style, as the dynasty came to an end with the occupation of Gujarat by the Muslims. One of the most striking features of the temple is its dome, which stands on 8 pillars. The pendant of the dome where it drops from the ceiling resembles a cluster of half-opened lotuses. The cups of the lotus have been so finely chiseled that they almost appear transparent.

Gomukh Temple - Literally meaning the Cow face, refers to the natural spring that flows through a sculpted cow's mouth. The tank here is believed to be the site where Sage Vashishtha performed his sacrificial fire, which gave rise to the firebrand Rajputs. The Chauhans, Pratihars, Pannars and the Solankis are believed to have arisen out of the agni kund (fire pit). A marble figure of the Nandi Bull can also be seen here at the temple.

A flight of 750 steps needs to be descended in order to reach the temple. Jeeps and Cars drive tourists upto a distance of 3 kms from the temple.

Adhar Devi Temple - Situated about 3 kms north of the town, the temple is a popular tourist destination in Mount Abu. The temple has been chiseled out of a huge rock. A flight of 365 steps needs to be ascended in order to reach the temple.

Shri Raghunathji Temple - Located near the Nakki Lake, is this temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji. The famous Hindu preacher Shri Ramanand is said to have placed the idol of the deity at the temple in the 14th century AD.

Brahmakhadd Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a pit represents the deity instead of the traditional lingam. This is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva put his foot. A huge statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva can be seen outside the temple.

Lakes

Nakki Lake - Legend has it that the lake has been carved from the fingernail of a sage to meet the demands of the stepmother of the girl that he wished to marry. Set in an idyllic location surrounded by hills on all the sides, this is the only artificial lake in India located at an altitude of 1200 meters. Tourists can hire paddle or row boats to the several islets on the lake. A lot of interesting rock formations surroundsurrounds the lake.

Museums

Mount Abu Museum and Art Gallery - Located inside the Raj Bhawan, the museum and the art gallery have an extensive number of archaeological artifacts dating back to the 8th-12th century A.D. Among the noteworthy artifacts are the finely carved out statues of the devdasis or the dancers, the sculpture of Vish Kanya or the Snake Goddess.

Parks and Gardens

There is no better way to enjoy the crisp, fresh air of Mount Abu than to go for an evening walk in the park and watch the beautiful sunset over the mountains with birds chirping in the background.

Some of the popular parks include Ashok Vatika, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Terrace Garden and the Brahma Kumaris Peace Park.

The Brahma Kumaris Peace Park is located at a distance of 8kms from the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris in Mount Abu. Nestled between the two famous peaks of the Aravalli Hills, Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh, the park invokes serenity and calmness of the body and the soul.

Others

Guru Shikhar - This is the highest point in Mount Abu. It lies at an altitude of 1722 meters. The temple at the summit of Guru Shikhar is a popular destination with tourists. The temple is dedicated to Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Outside the temple is a huge bell, which overlooks the scenic surroundings of Mount Abu.

Toad Rock - This rock shaped in the form of a giant toad overlooks the Nakki Lake.

Sunset Point - This popular tourist spot lies southwest of Nakki Lake. Located at a distance of about 1.5 kms from the tourist office at Mount Abu, the point presents a panoramic view of the setting sun. It is 1 km trek upto the viewpoint or else one can hire a horse as well.

Honeymoon Point - This lies 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road. This romantic spot, popular with lovers and honeymooners alike, provides a breathtaking view of the plains and the valleys. The road to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.

Trevors Tank - Named after the British engineer who built it, the tank is in a thick-forested area and is used to breed crocodiles. A nature lover's delight, the area abounds in peacocks, pigeons and partridges.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary - Located on one of the oldest mountain ranges in India- the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for ecotourism. The region abounds in a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The Aravalli hills are home to more than 800 species of plants. The sanctuary is also home to several rare and threatened species of animals. Leopards, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Sambar, Chinkara, Langur are some species of animals that can be spotted in the forests. The region is also home to more than 250 species of birds including the Grey Jungle Fowl.

Adventure Sports in Mount Abu

Eco tourism is being promoted in a big way in Mount Abu. The wonderful surroundings of Mount Abu complete with lakes, waterfalls and scenic lookout points offer plenty to do for the adventure minded tourists.

Trekking - Mount Abu is crisis crossed with 17 nature trails. While trekking one can indulge in some rock climbing, rappelling, bird and wildlife watching or even understand the lives of the tribals living in this area a little more. Some of the popular trekking routes include to the Trevors Tank, Gomukh, Devangan Valley, Tiger Path, Kodra Dam and Achalgarh etc. Beginners could opt for smaller distances (1 to 2 kms) like Beyleys Walk, Craigs Path trail or the Achalgarh Bhrigu Ashram trail. More seasoned trekkers can opt for the Utraj Vasthanji trail, which is 16 kms long.

Camping - Some of the areas approved by the Wildlife Department for camping include the Bhrigu Ashram, Rishikesh Temple, Agneshwar Ashram, Jawai Village, Trevor's Tank, Arna Watch Tower and at the Jawai Village.

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