Trip down the Mount Abu town

When on a vacation, one really expects a relaxed time. You are away from home and don’t want the same hectic days at least for some days then. But when you take a trip to Rajasthan in the north west of India, there is a lot of work to be done before you unwind in your room at the end of a particular day. Rajasthan is also called as “the abode of rajas”. It’s rich heritage, historical forts, traditional cuisine and wear, folk dances and music are a huge attraction for international tourists. Rajasthani hand printed textiles, jewellery, paintings, leather articles, stone crafts, marbles are also very famous and a part of every Indian household.

Every Indian state has a hill station, the hill station of Rajasthan is Mount Abu. Touring entire Rajasthan needs minimum of 10 days. Places like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer are a treasure and light up your experience with their amazing history. Mount Abu is the only green zone in this otherwise desert state. It is at an altitude of 1220m above the sea level. The climate is cool and the rich flora covers the hill station with coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. This is also what attracts tourists who are amazed to see a cool zone located amidst a hot desert.

Mount Abu doesn’t need a season for a visit. It can be visited any time of the year but if ur planning to visit the other cities of Rajasthan too, you must schedule this trip during the winter season. The best time starts November to March. The very first place synonymous with Mount Abu is the Brahmakumaris headquarters. It’s a spiritual retreat where one is taught to meditate and identify the body as a soul. It aspires to teach soul consciousness. It prepares an individual to look beyond caste and creed and find goodness in others. A major tourist attraction at the Brahmakumari centre is the “peace park”. Photography is not allowed here. Once inside, you can take a self tour or an assisted one. park is a symbol of peace and spirituality. A minimum duration of an hour is required to tour this place.

Dilwara temples or Delvada temples are located at a distance of 2 kms from the city centre in Mount Abu. They are known for their fine architecture and exquisite marble stone carvings. This complex of Svetambara Jain temples is a major tourist and pilgrim attraction. Built between 11^th and 13^th century AD, the lush green Aravalli hills surrounding it give the aura of peace and tranquility. The Dilwara temple premises consists of Jain temples devoted to 5 saints or Tirthankaras. The Dilwara Temple includes five temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahavir Swami Temple

• Entry to this complex is free however photography is prohibited.

• One can opt for temple provided guides to understand the entire structure and the history affiliated to it or take a self guided tour

• Mindful dressing is a must here.

A visit to the Dilwara jain temples is a must for the uninformed. Enlightenment is guaranteed.

• Footwear is not allowed inside and has to be kept at the place allotted by the temple authorities.

Nakki lake is the only man made lake situated at a height of 1200 m above sea level. It’s nearness to the main market attracts a lot of crowd. Situated amidst the Aravalli range, this lake is surrounded by greenery and mountains. An evening visit to Nakki lake is a must when you are in Mount Abu.

Guru Shikhar – It is the highest peak of the Aravalli mountain ranges. The summit of 5653ft above sea level. To climb up to the Swami Dattatreya temple, there is a pakka road. Once you reach the summit, a breathtaking view of the entire town of Mount Abu awaits you. The climb is surely worth it and the descent will surely not be on your mind for a very long time.

 

Apart from these major attractions, there is the historic Achalgarh fort and the Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary. The big cats are not found in this sanctuary since a long time now.

Even after this mind blowing tour, the Rajasthan tour has only just begun. It’s high on history, it’s every fort has a story, every city has its own colour; Rajasthan is truly colourful.