Rajasthan Villages - Mount Abu
Surrounded by lush greenery, Mount Abu is a very soothing sight to behold in the desert land of Rajasthan. This beautiful hill station is situated at a height of 1219 meters, near the southern tip of the Aravalli range. One of the most beautiful places in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is mainly covered by coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. Everything about Mount Abu is unique and beautiful. In fact, the curved road that leads to this only hill station of Rajasthan is a wonder in itself. Covered by huge rocks in odd shapes and high velocity winds lashing at them all the while, it is an experience to remember. Apart from its pleasant climate, Mount Abu is famous as a popular pilgrimage center. It is home to the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples that date back to anywhere between the 11th and 13th centuries. According to legends, Mount Abu is home to the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. A number of sages and saints are also supposed to have lived in Mount Abu, the most famous of them being sage Vashishtha . He is said to have created four Rajput clans from a fire pit to protect the earth from demons.
Gaumukh Temple
This shrine derives its names from a natural spring that flows through a sculpted cow's head. It is located around 2 km away from Mount Abu and is supposed to be the very site where Vashishtha performed his yajna or fire sacrifice. The temple of Arbuada is located at the same place along with a beautiful marble image of Nandi, the bull.
Dilwara Jain Temple
Built sometime during the 11th and 13th centuries, these exquisitely carved temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara was built in 1031 AD and is the oldest of all them all. The central shrine houses an image of Rishabdev while 52 smaller shrines surround the courtyard, each housing a beautiful statue of the Tirthankaras. Another famous example is the Lun Vashi Temple built in 1231 AD.
Adhar Devi Temple
Carved out of a huge rock, this temple draws a huge number of pilgrims and tourists. A flight of 360 stairs lead to this beautiful temple that is a classic example of its architect's artistic prowess.
Sunset Point
Enjoy fabulous views of the sun setting over the hills at this popular tourist spot located a few minutes away from the Nakki Lake.
Shri Raghunathji Temple
Dedicated to Shri Raghunathji, this temple houses a beautiful image of his that dates back to the 14th century.
Museum Art Gallery
This gallery showcases a rich collection archaeological findings that date back to anywhere between the 8th and 12th centuries.
