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Rajasthan's only hill station and a major pilgrim centre, Mount Abu is located in the south-western corner of Rajasthan. Although a part of the Aravalli range, it is detached completely from it by a narrow valley and the highest point, Guru Shikhar, is situated at its northern end. Interestingly, this is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north. Mount Abu, owing to its good rainfall, has the richest vegetation in Rajasthan - a wide variety of trees and shrubs can be viewed as one drives up to Mount Abu. |
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Dilwara Temple: |
The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2˝ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex
Major Attractions:
1. An Architectural Marvel
2. Exquisite Temple Carvings
3. The Methodology of Carving
4. Marvelous Architecture Splendor
5. The Gateway
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Kesar Bhawan Palace: |
The oldest palace in Mount Abu, Kesar Bhawan was built in the year 1868 A.D by Maharaja Daiwat Singh of Sirohi, whose ancestor Maharao Lumbha conquered the hill of Mt. Abu in 1311 A.D. Used as a guest house for entertaining royal dignitaries, it has been designed to suit the climatic conditions of Mount Abu. As the area receives an average rainfall of 150 inches annually, the place has closed corridor running around the building to provide protection from rain. The hotel is located at a distance of 28 kms from th Mount Abu road.
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Sunrise Palace: |
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Sunrise Palace, a home away from home. Converted from a palace of The Maharaja Bharatupur, the hotel offers traditional elegance reminiscent of the lifestyles enjoyed by princely families. Mount Abu, the prime hill station of Western India, perched at a height of over 1200 m., nestling within the folds of the Aravallis, in cool, verdant green, idyllic surroundings.
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Vimala Vashi Temple: |
This is the earlier and more important of the temples here and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adi Nath. It stands in an open courtyard defined by 58 subordinate cells which contain small icons duplicating the saint's image in the main shrine.The plan of the temple resembles that of Kashmiri Sun temple at Martand.Elaborately columned porticoes surround the main shrine and front the cells lining the
courtyard.The entire temple is carved out of white marble.
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Luna Vashi Temple: |
The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent temple was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local ruler. The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple. The main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving. Arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of Jain monks in another circular band. The Hathishala or elephant cell features 10 beautiful marble elephants neatly polished and realistically modelled.
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Nakki Lake: |
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Situated in the heart of town, at one end of the Mall. The lake situated amidst picturesque surroundings, has several islets, one can reach there by hiring boats. There are many rock formation around the lake, which are named as Toad Rock, Nun Rock, Nandi Rock and Camel Rock because of their resemblance to these figures.
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Gomukh Temple: |
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A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name.The famous ‘yagna’ of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.
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Connaught House: |
Connaught House is a charming English cottage set in the shady gardens within walking distance of the town of Mount Abu and the famous Nakki Lake. Connaught Palace is a royal property, which served as the former official summer residence of Sir Donald Field, who was once the Chief Minister of the princely state of Marwar.
Major Attractions:
1. Hilltop Fort Attraction
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Achalgarh Fort: |
This fort, built by the warrior King Rana Kumbha is now in ruins Five miles from Mount Abu, this is one of thirty-two forts that were constructed all over Mewar in order to secure the kingdom from invaders. Nearby are the remains of several ancient temples. Notable among these is the 15th century temple of Lord Shiva.
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Guru Shikar: |
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The peak of Guru Shikhar, at an altitude of 5,676 feet, is about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh and is the highest point in Rajasthan. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings. Notable temples located here are the Mira Temple, Chaumundi Temple and a small Shaivite shrine.
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Adhar Devi Temple: |
The Adhar Devi Temple, only 3 km north of the town, is an ancient Durga temple built in a natural cleft in a rock. The place affords excellent views of Mount Abu.
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Summer Festival: |
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Hill Station of the Rajasthan in a festive mood with the Summer Festival, held every year in the month of June. The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu make it an ideal location for the festival. The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan.
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How to reach:
By Bus: There are many deluxe buses operating from Mount Abu to Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Surat.
By Train: There are direct trains run from Mount Abu to Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Agra. |
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