Best Places To Visit In Mount Abu : 1.Dilwara Jain Temples
The Dilwara Jain Temples are a group of five intricately carved temples located in the Aravalli Range near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. These temples are renowned for their stunning architecture, exquisite marble carvings, and intricate detailing, making them one of the most remarkable Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.
The temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries, during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty and later the Solanki dynasty. Despite being constructed centuries ago, the craftsmanship and artistry displayed in the temples are awe-inspiring and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Each of the five temples—namely, Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple—is dedicated to a different Jain Tirthankara (spiritual teacher). The temples are characterized by their ornate ceilings, finely carved pillars, intricately designed doorways, and delicately sculpted marble panels depicting Jain teachings, mythological scenes, and motifs.
The Vimal Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Adinath, is particularly famous for its exquisite marble work and detailed carvings. The Luna Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Neminath, is known for its beautiful toranas (ornamental arched gateways) and finely sculpted pillars.
The Pittalhar Temple, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabha, is unique in that it houses a magnificent idol of Lord Rishabha made entirely of ‘Pital’ (brass), hence the name Pittalhar Temple. The Parshvanatha Temple and the Mahavir Swami Temple also boast remarkable architectural features and intricate carvings.
The Dilwara Jain Temples are not only significant religious sites for Jains but also serve as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess. Their timeless beauty and spiritual ambiance continue to captivate visitors, making them an essential destination for anyone interested in history, art, and spirituality.
Best Places To Visit In Mount Abu : 2 Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is a picturesque artificial lake located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, drawing visitors with its serene ambiance, stunning natural surroundings, and various recreational activities.
Legend has it that the lake was dug out by gods using their nails (nakki in Hindi), hence the name Nakki Lake. Surrounded by lush green hills and rocky formations, the lake offers breathtaking views and serves as a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike.
Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, with pedal boats and rowing boats available for hire. Boating amidst the serene waters and scenic landscape is a favorite activity for tourists, providing a unique perspective of the surroundings.
The lake is also encircled by a promenade known as the ‘Nakki Lake Promenade’ or ‘Nakki Lake Walkway,’ which offers a leisurely stroll with beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. Along the promenade, visitors can find various food stalls, souvenir shops, and small eateries serving local delicacies.
Adjacent to the lake, there are several attractions worth exploring, including the Toad Rock, a massive rock formation resembling a toad, and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
Nakki Lake holds cultural significance as well, with various festivals and events celebrated here throughout the year. It is also a popular spot for picnics and relaxation, attracting visitors seeking solace amidst nature’s beauty.
Overall, Nakki Lake offers a perfect blend of natural splendor, recreational activities, and cultural charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mount Abu.
Best Places To Visit In Mount Abu : 3 Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range and is situated near Mount Abu in the state of Rajasthan, India. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Guru Shikhar is a popular tourist destination and a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Jains.
At an elevation of 1,722 meters (5,650 feet) above sea level, Guru Shikhar provides visitors with breathtaking vistas of the lush green valleys, rocky terrain, and distant hills. The peak is crowned by a temple dedicated to Dattatreya, a Hindu deity considered to be an incarnation of the divine trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The Dattatreya Temple atop Guru Shikhar is a sacred site for devotees who come to seek blessings and pay homage to the deity. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses, creating a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Aside from its religious significance, Guru Shikhar is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on a trek to reach the summit, traversing through rugged terrain and enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. The trek offers a rewarding experience as one reaches the pinnacle and beholds the expansive vistas stretching far and wide.
The surrounding area of Guru Shikhar is also home to diverse flora and fauna, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The cool and refreshing climate of the region adds to the charm of the place, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking solace amidst nature.
Overall, Guru Shikhar is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Mount Abu and its surroundings. Whether it’s for spiritual reasons, adventure, or simply to admire the natural beauty of the landscape, a visit to Guru Shikhar promises an unforgettable experience.
Best Places To Visit In Mount Abu : 4 Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a scenic sanctuary located in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, India. Spread over an area of approximately 288 square kilometers, it is one of the oldest parts of the Mount Abu mountain ranges and serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot in the region.
The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of ecosystems ranging from dense forests to rocky outcrops. The landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky plateaus, and lush green valleys, creating a picturesque backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The sanctuary is home to a rich array of wildlife species, including various mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the notable mammal species found here include the Indian leopard, sloth bear, jungle cat, Indian wolf, Indian civet, and striped hyena. Visitors may also spot langurs, sambar deer, wild boar, and mongoose roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Birdwatchers will delight in the sanctuary’s avian diversity, with over 250 species of birds recorded in the area. These include migratory birds as well as resident species such as the Indian peafowl, gray junglefowl, common green magpie, Asian paradise flycatcher, and white-bellied drongo.
The sanctuary is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes like the Indian rock python, Russell’s viper, and common krait, as well as species of lizards and frogs.
Visitors to the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary can explore the area through various trekking trails and nature walks, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for camping and wildlife photography, providing a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Overall, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary offers a refreshing escape into nature, with its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes making it a must-visit destination for eco-tourists and wildlife lovers alike.
