Mount Abu is situated in the heights of the low lying Aravalli Hill ranges in southwestern Rajasthan. Once patronized by Rajput royal families, Mount Abu is a replete with the recreation bungalows of the British and the hunting palaces of the Rajputs. Other attractions are the Mount Abu wildlife Sanctuary and its famous Jain temples. The tribals living at Mount Abu follow the simple lifestyle and tribal customs of their forefathers. The moderate climate (temperatures range 28°C-33°C) and heavy monsoon rain makes it rich in many kinds of plant and animal life.
Tourist Attractions at Mount Abu
The Jain and Hindu temples at Mount Abu make it an important center of pilgrimage. The most famous of theses temples is the
Dilwara temple, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Dilwara temples have a rugged exterior with richly ornamented marble interiors. The marble images of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, or teachers, lie inside richly engraved marble canopies.
The
Gurushikhar peak is the highest point in Mount Abu. Rising 1800 meters above sea level, this peak allows the visitor to look around at the broad vistas, with Mount Abu towering over its surroundings.
Dattareya Temple stands on the Gurushikhar peak.
The
Nakki Lake, at a height of 1200 meters, is the highest artificial lake in India. It offers boating facilities to visitors. The beautiful hills surrounding it make it a popular picnic spot. Toad Rock, a gigantic formation shaped like a toad, towers over the shores of Nakki Lake.
Gaumukh Temple, dedicated to sage Vasishtha, has been named after a carved image of a cow. The carved marble form of Nandi, Vasishtha's wish fulfilling cow, is situated close to the Gaumukh Temple.
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary has animals like langurs, sambar deer, chital deer and wild boar. The moderate climate is also conducive to the growth of some 500 species of plants.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Air
Udaipur has the nearest airport. Serviced by the Jet Airways and public carrier Indian Airlines
Trains
Direct trains from Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
Road
Shuttle bus service from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Udaipur.
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