Indian States
Rajasthan
Cities
In Rajasthan
Mount
Abu
( Sightseeing )
Dilwara
Temple
These remarkable Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction
and among the finest examples includes two temples in which the
art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights. The older of
the temples is the ' Vimal Vasahi ', built in 1031 and dedicated
to the first tirthankar, Adinath. In the front of the temple stands
the
' House of Elephants ', with figures of elephants marching in
procession to the temple entrance. The later ' Tejpal temple '
is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankar, and was built in
1230 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. The carving is so fine
that, in places, the marble becomes almost transparent.
Kesar
Bhawan Palace
Kesar Bhawan Palace is one of the oldest places in Mount Abu,
built in 1868. The Kesar Bhawan was used as a guest house for
visiting dignitories. For 100 years now several Maharajas and
royal guests from the west have been entertained in Kesar Bhawan.
Built to suit the climatic conditions of Mount Abu which has an
average rainfall of 150 inches annually, the palace has closed
corridor running around the building providing it protection from
rain. Each bedroom has its own private balcony which provide a
panoramic view of the surrrounding hills and valleys.
Sunrise
Palace
Situated on one of the highest points in Mount Abu is the summer
palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Now it is called the Sunrise
Palace, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of lush green Aravallis
surrounding it. The 80 years old palace has a fairy tale charm
to it and is build like a typical british-style mansion. It has
large spacious rooms, which have been done tastefully and provides
all possible comforts to the guests. It is popular with honeymooners
as well as those looking for a peaceful holiday.
Vimala
Vashi Temple
It is the oldest temple, built in 1030 by Vimala Shah, a minister
of Solanki ruler of Gujarat. The temple is said to have involved
a work force of 2700 men, and taken total fourteen years to complete.
Made of white marble, it is an outstanding example of Jain temple
architecture.
Jain
Community
The fine specimen of workmanship , as seen in its carvings and
pillars, this temple is dedicated to Neminath - the twenty second
Jain tirthankara. A lot of inspiration and encouragement went
into the construction of this temple. Built in the ' Solanki '
style of architecture, this temple has a breahtaking marble pendant
hanging like a shandelier from the central dome of the porch.
Luna
Vashi Temple
Built in 1232 by two wealthy brothers. Its carved ornamentation
is even richer, denser and more delicate. In some places, the
marble carving is so fine. The doorways of the temples are framed
by ornate pediments and plasters; the columns are magnificiently
carved.
Nakki
Lake
Nakki Lake is virtually in the heart of Mount Abu and is a big
attraction for tourists. The lake takes its name from the legend
that it was scooped out by a god, using only his nails, or nakh.
It's a pleasant stroll around the lake - look for the strange
rock formations. On the lake there is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped
snack bar.
Gomukh
Temple
Down on the Abu road side of Mount Abu, a small stream flows from
the mouth of a marble cow, giving the shrine its name. There is
also a marble figure of Nandi, Shiva's vehicle. The tank here,
' Agni Kund ', is said to be the site of the sacrificial fire
made by the sage Vasishta, from which four of the great Rajput
clans were born, An image of Vasishta is flanked by figures of
Rama and Krishna.Gomukh Temple contains images of Lord Rama and
Lord Krishna.
Connaught
House
Connaught House in Mount Abu was the official summer residence
of Sir Donald Field, Chief Minister of the Jodhpur and now it
is available to tourists and holiday makers. Connaught House is
in a very good condition. New rooms have been added to the old
cottages. The location of the cottage gives it a complete privacy
and allow the tourist to enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday. The
main market place and the famous Nakki Lake are walking distance.
Achalgarh
Fort
This fort was built by the warrior King Rana Kumbha, who conquered
Mount Abu from its Chauhan rulers. It lies 5 miles from Mount
Abu. Nearby there are several ancient temples. Of these, the most
interesting is the 15th century temple of Lord Shiva.
Guru
Shikar
The peak of Guru Shikhar, the highest point in Rajasthan, lies
about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh. It commands a bird eye view of
Abu and the surrounding areas. Temples located in this area are
the ' Mira temple ' and ' Chaumundi temple '.
Adhar
Devi Temple
Three kilometres north of town, some 365 steps lead to this '
Durga temple ' built in a natural cleft in the rock. You have
to stoop to get through the low entrance to the temple. There
are fine views over Mount Abu from up here. This temple is one
of the favourite tourist spots of Mount Abu. It is believed that
the image of the goddess was originally hanging in mid-air, hence
the name is ' Adhar Devi '.
