Enjoy an elevated travel experience at Mount Abu

Enjoy an elevated travel experience at Mount Abu

FPJ BureauUpdated: Friday, May 31, 2019, 08:35 PM IST
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If you’re looking for an escape in the mountains, away from the busy city life, and simply resting in the abode of nature, Mount Abu is an ideal tourist spot to explore. It is a mesmerizing hill station in the Aravalli Mountain Range, in Sirohi district of Rajasthan.

With magnificent surroundings that reflect ancient history in today’s time, Mount Abu is an exotic destination with a royal touch. An oasis in the desert citadel of Rajasthan, you just can’t miss the galore of beauty here.

In order to reach Mount Abu, you can take flights to Udaipur which is the nearest domestic airport or Ahmedabad, the nearest international airport. You can also take trains to Abu Road railway station which is the nearest railhead to Mount Abu.

They are the finest Jain temples known to the world for their extravagant marble stone carvings. Though it may seem a fairly basic structure from outside, its interiors are bound to astonish you with surprise. It is a perfect example of excellent craftsmanship. These temples are considered architecturally superior than the Taj Mahal by some experts. Built between 11th and 13th century, the verdant surroundings add an extra touch to the gorgeous temples. The complex consists of 5 temples namely Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple, Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple, Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple, and Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple.

Dilwara Jain Temples<br />Picture credits: www.realbharat.org

Dilwara Jain Temples
Picture credits: www.realbharat.org |

It is a holy lake at Mount Abu that has come under protection among 8 other lakes in India. The name is derived from a legend that says, the lake was scooped out by a Hindu god using his nakh (nails). It is a picture perfect location surrounded by scenic mountains, gardens and rock formations. There are various trek spots and boating trips here, which add a dash of excitement to this place. Apart from its beauty, the lake is also famous as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here, leading to the construction of Gandhi Ghat, another popular monument at Mount Abu.

Nakki Lake<br />Picture credits: www.tourdas.com

Nakki Lake
Picture credits: www.tourdas.com |

It is one of the beautiful medieval monuments, commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the designer who is responsible for many fortresses in the southern region of Rajasthan. The fortress is surrounded by massive battlement walls and is situated on a mountain peak that offers mesmerizing view of this kingdom. It also has an ancient temple known as Achaleshwar Mahadeva Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to have a foot impression of Lord Shiva himself.

Achalgarh<br />Picture credits: www.mirchitravels.com

Achalgarh
Picture credits: www.mirchitravels.com |

Guru Shikhar holds the honor of being the highest peak of not only Mount Abu, but the entire Aravalli Mountain Range. It is about 1722 m high from the sea level and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole town. With various temples and lush green landscape of the Aravalli as its backdrop, Guru Shikhar is a must visit for adventure enthusiasts. Do not forget to pack food and beverages but preferably not any alcohol as the place is considered to be sacred.

Guru Shikhar<br />Picture credits: www.holidayiq.com

Guru Shikhar
Picture credits: www.holidayiq.com |

It is another addition to the scenic beauty at Mount Abu. Trevor’s Tank is a nature lover’s paradise that was built by a British engineer called Trevor. This spectacular man made tank is used to breed crocodiles. It is a popular picnic spot that offers an opportunity to experience nature. If you’re lucky, then you might spot one of the wild black bears that inhabit the region. It is also a dream location for bird watchers and shutterbugs, since Trevor’s Tank has a number of bird species.

Trevor’s Tank<br />Picture credits: tourmet.com

Trevor’s Tank
Picture credits: tourmet.com |

The Adhar Devi temple is situated in a cave and is termed as a popular themed tourist destination of Mount Abu. Since it is located in a rocky cleave which is up high, one has to climb 365 steps to reach here. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has many other beautiful sculptures. Those who take the effort of completing this difficult climb, are rewarded with a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains.

Adhar Devi Temple<br />Picture credits: www.indiaunveiled.in

Adhar Devi Temple
Picture credits: www.indiaunveiled.in |

Among all the other places to visit at Mount Abu, the Gaumukh Temple has a distinctive status and aura. The temple offers an indulgence of beautiful surroundings and a divine experience. It is dedicated to Saint Vaishishth. The word Gaumukh meaning cow’s mouth, is visible in the form of a rock here, and considered to be sacred in Hindu mythology. Similar to this, there is a large idol of the bull Nandi, made of marble that has a stream of water flowing through its mouth. The temple is a popular tourist destination that projects local religious culture.

Gaumukh Temple<br />Picture credits: www.abutimes.com

Gaumukh Temple
Picture credits: www.abutimes.com |

It is a forest located between the Aravalli Mountain Ranges, declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1960. Spreading across 7 km, this sub tropical forest has abundant species of various flora and fauna. While there are traces of lions and tigers, but as of now the prime predator is the leopard.  The other species include sambhar, langur, wild boar, bear, mongoose, jungle cat, wolf, hyena, jackal, Indian fox, Indian hare, porcupine and hedgehog.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary<br />Picture credits: yaaritrip.blogspot.com

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Picture credits: yaaritrip.blogspot.com |

A place that satiates your thirst for a memorable travel experience deserves to be protected. Free Press Journal requests its readers to take a step in sustaining  places like Mount Abu.

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