Overview

Mount was the summer capital of the royals of Rajasthan. It is the only station in the state, in fact in the entire north-west region of India. Situated in the Aravali mountain range, the beautiful hill station is host to its highest peak the Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters above sea level. Several lakes, waterfalls and awesome valleys with lush greenery complete the beauty of picturesque Mount Abu.

Rulers of nearly all the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan built their summer palaces in Mount Abu. Almost all of them are now functioning as heritage hotels.
Although Mount Abu started with Hindu rulers and has several Hindu temples, it is most famous for the Dilwara Jain temples. The Dilwara Jain Temple complex is known the world over and is a major Jain pilgrimage centre. Made of marble, these temples have exquisite and unique carvings.

Tourist attractions in Mount Abu

Dilwara Jain Temples

Dilwara Jain Temples situated in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan and north-west India are wonders made in marble. As these legendary temples are surrounded by mango trees and wooded hills, the sunshine dapples through on the luminous marble and the marble glows in the sunshine. Dilwara temples are an important pilgrimage for the followers of Jain religion.

There are five temples in the Dilwara temple complex. Each is named after the tiny village in which it is located. These are:

• Vimal Vasahi dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar Lord Rishabh.
• Luna Vasahi dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Lord Neminatha.
• Pithalhar also dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar Lord Rishabh.
• Khartar Vasahi dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankar Lord Parshva.
• Mahavir Swami dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir.

Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple), dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar Lord Rishabh, is the oldest and the most famous temple among the entire complex. It was made in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, a minister of Raja Bhimdeo and is made completely of white marble. It is a richly carved temple whose beauty cannot be described in words. The pillars, walls and ceilings are all sculpted with scenes from Jain and Hindu mythologies and images of flowers and animals.

Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple) is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Lord Neminatha. It was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal who were both ministers of a local ruler. They had the temple built in the memory of their late brother. The main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome with a large ornamental carved pendant hanging from it. 72 figures of Tirthankaras are seated in a circle and just below this band are 360 Small Figures of Jain monks in another circular band. The Hathishala or Elephant Cell features ten beautiful marble elephants.

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Mount Abu sanctuary

Mount Abu sanctuary is unique as more than 250 species of birds reside here, apart from animals like leopard sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur. The main predator in this sanctuary is Panther. Located in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan that is also home to the highest peak in the Aravalis, it is spread over 288 kms.

This sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. Due to its unique location, the climate is always pleasant. Due to the sheer range flora and fauna existing here, the Mount Abu sanctuary is an eco-zone and a biodiversity hotspot. There are 112 varieties of plants including herbs and medicinal plants and some of the finest varieties of orchids occurring in the Mount Abu sanctuary. As this sanctuary is seven kilometers long and only 300 meters wide, it is also an excellent place to enjoy trekking. The sanctuary can be seen through walks and there is nothing much that is missed on either side while walking. The sanctuary has igneous rocks at several places.

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Nakki Lake

It is believed that Nakki Lake was dug by the Gods themselves.  It has immaculate waters which change colors due to changing shades of the sky. This lake has great historical importance too as Mahatma Gandhi‘s ashes were immersed here. People flock here to enjoy day picnics.

Other popular attractions of Mount Abu are:

• Toad Rock
• Sunset Point
• Raghunath Temple
• Trevor's Tank

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