Best time to visit mount abu:-
The peak tourism season is the winter season. The best time to visit Mount Abu is from November to June.
The only hill station of rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.
The exceptionally intricate architecture of the Dilwara temples are of course the main attraction here, and you can easily spend hours wondering how these temples were built over 2 centuries, almost a 1000 years back. The temples were specifically made so that they are plain from the outside to avoid attraction of plunderers, and have withstood the test of time extremely well. If architecture is not your thing, then there are various lakes and viewpoints such as the Honeymoon Point, Sunset Point, etc. Tourists enjoy calm and relaxed boating in the nakki lake, and a view of the sunset from the Sunset point. The highest peak of the Aravali Range also lies in Mt. Abu, surrounded by dense green forests. Mt Abu will offer you all you can demand from a popular and typical destination of a romantic and simpler nature.
Dilwara Temples
Located amidst the lush green Aravalli hills of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temple is the most beautiful pilgrimage site for the Jains. Designed by Vastupal Tejpal and built by Vimal Shah between the 11th and 13th century, this temple is renowned for the opulent use of marble and intricate carvings on every hook and corner. From the outside, the Dilwara Temple looks quite austere but, once you enter the inside, you will go head over heels with the stunning designs and patterns carved on roofs, walls, archways and pillars.
The Dilwara Temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahavir Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively. Out of these five, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous. Each of these shrines has Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where Lord resides and Navchowki, a group of nine heavily decorated ceilings. Some other spell bounding structures include Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala. With its simplicity and austerity, Dilwara Temple tells you about Jain values and principles.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The breathtaking Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of rich biodiversity which adds it to the list of must-visit places in the tiny hamlet. The sanctuary is one of the oldest parts of the Mount Abu mountain ranges and is the origin of numerous sightseeing points with exquisite views. It was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in 1960 to preserve flora and fauna of the entire region and is, therefore, an important eco-tourism spot. It is the perfect place if you wish to witness the best of wildlife in Rajasthan in their natural habitat combined with a thrilling experience.
Spread across a distance of 288 km, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary crosses numerous mountain highs from 300 m to 1722 m at Gurashikhar which is considered to be the highest peak in the Aravali ranges. The wildlife sanctuary includes igneous rocks with large cavities resulting from the weathering effects of water and wind. The nature lovers and animal lovers will find this place soothing to their sense. Also, the scenic views of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary and the serenity that it offers from the fast life of the city are worth it.
Nakki Lake
Situated in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, locally known as the Nakki Jheel is a paradise for nature lovers. Flanked by amazing natural wonders, this lake is truly a gem of Mount Abu. It is the first man-made lake in India with a depth of around 11,000 metres and a width of a quarter of a mile. Located in the centre of the hill station, the fascinating lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. As you sail through the serene waters of Nakki Lake, it is exciting to see the life of Mount Abu unfolding in front of you. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography fiends.
In the Nakki Lake, which is associated with many legends, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed on 12 February 1948 and Gandhi Ghat was constructed nearby. The attraction is also considered as the love lake of Mount Abu since the clean blue waters with verdant surroundings give a romantic feel. It is also said to be the sacred lake for the proud Garacia Tribe. The nearby natural wonders that are visible from Nakki Lake increases its charm. There is the famous Toad Rock on a hill nearby which looks like a toad about to jump in the lake. By the side of Nakki Lake is a path leading to Sunset Point.
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range and lies about 15 kilometres from Mount Abu. The height of the peak is 1722 meters from sea level thereby promising a breathtaking view of the Aravalli range and the hill station of Mount Abu. Guru Shikhar translates to ‘the peak of the guru’ and was named after Guru Dattatreya who is believed to have resided on the peak during his days as a monk. The cave atop the peak has been converted to a temple in his remembrance. Guru Shikhar is also home to the Mount Abu Observatory.
After a 15 kilometre drive, you would need to climb a few steps to reach the top of Guru Shikhar Peak. When visited during October and November, the weather gets more cloudy and misty. At the top of Guru Shikhar is an age-old bell with the words ‘1411 AD’ inscribed on it. Ringing that bell after hiking all the way to the peak is like announcing your achievement to the valley of Mount Abu. The sound of the bell chimes long and far.
Arbuda Devi Temple
Arbuda Devi Temple is considered the most sacred pilgrim point in Mount Abu and stands as a testimony to the rich architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Legend has it that ‘Adhar’ of the goddess fell and it was found hanging in mid-air owing to which the temple is also known as Adhar Devi Temple. Arbuda Devi is considered as the incarnation of Katyayani Devi. The temple is a favourite Hindu pilgrimage spot and it is swarming with devotees during the 9 holy days of the Navratri season. You can reach the Arbuda Devi Temple after a 365 step climb, each step symbolic of each day in a year which one might find to be a strenuous climb but it is rewarding as you get an entire view of the city from the top.
Some historians believe that Parmar rulers were originated at Mount Abu from ‘Agnikund’, which is why Arbuda Devi is still the Ancestral Goddess of Parmar Kshatriyas. Dhoodh Baori, a sacred well with milk coloured water near Adhar Devi Temple is believed to have heavenly powers. The locals consider the well as a form of Kamadhenu (Holy Cow), the well is also the main source of water for the temple. The temple is constructed out of one huge solid piece of rock and the inner sanctum is reaching by crawling a narrow cave and is one of the best specimens of rock-cut temples in India.
Achalgarh Village
Achalgarh village is a picturesque village in Mount Abu which is famous for the Achalgarh fort and Achleshwar temple. The fortress Achalgarh is situated at the top of a mountain peak.
A 10 minute climb from Achalgarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples which are famous for scenic location and beautiful sculpture. The Achleshwar temple is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc.
Trevor’s Tank
5km from the heart of Mount Abu town, Trevor’s Tank is a man-made crocodile breeding site, perfect for nature lovers. It was actually designed by an engineer named Col. G H Trevor who used it to breed crocodiles. It is now a popular picnic spot for both locals and tourists.
The view from Trevor’s Tank is spectacular and the place gives you an insight into nature’s bounty. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise!
Toad Rock
Located south of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu, the Toad Rock is a colossal rock piece which looks like a toad about to jump into the waters of the lake. Known as the mascot of Mount Abu, this is one of the most frequented points in the itinerary of all visitors. To see the panoramic beauty of the surrounding lake and greenish hilly regions you can climb up the rock and capture the breathtaking scenery.
The path to Toad Rock starts near the Nakki Lake and includes climbing 250 steps to the top. The pathway is nestled in lush greenery which makes for a calming walk, though some people might find it intimidating. The staircase is broken in parts, so the climb is not recommended for old people and toddlers.
Raghunath Temple
Shri Raghunath Ji Temple is a 650-year-old temple on the shores of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu dedicated to the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Predominantly, it visited by Vaishnavites who consider the temple as one of the most sacred places on Earth. Raghunath Ji is believed to save his followers from all the natural calamities and believed to liberate one from the pain and problems of life. The architectural heritage of Mewar can be seen through several wall inscriptions and delicate paintings and carvings can be found at the Raghunath Temple. The exquisitely carved idol of Shri Raghunath Ji is one of the main attractions.
Legend also tells us two tales, one a tale of unrequited love of a beautiful princess who’s stepmother disapproved her love affair with Mount Abu’s ruling son. It is believed that she died young as she wasn’t able to marry her lover and the temple was constructed in her honour. Legend also states that the Raghunath temple in Mount Abu was built by Shri Ramanand, a 14th Century well-known Hindu scholar.