Dilwara Jain Temples: One of the finest examples of Jain art and architecture, these set of temples are beautiful stone carvings with intricate details. The complex consists of five major temples dedicated to five Jain tirthankaras.
Shri Mahavir Swami Temple: Dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, this is a small temple with frescoed walls and a painted porch.
Vimal Vasahi Temple: Carved entirely out of white marble, this temple is dedicated to Adinath, the 1st Jain Tirthankara. The temple is placed in an open courtyard bordered by a corridor, which in turn has smaller shrines housing smaller white marble idols of Jain Tirthankaras. Richly carved pillars, arches, mandapas and ceilings sport lotus-petal designs and scenes from Hindu and Jain mythology. The central hall or Rang Mandapa has 12 pillars, which are carved with figures of women playing musical instruments and 16 goddesses of knowledge. Also notice the Navchowki, which is a collection of nine rectangular carved ceilings. The Gudh Mandap has a decorated doorway within which is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev. Also check the Hastishala or Elephant Cell, which showcases a row of carved elephants.
Shri Parshvanatha Temple: Also known as Khartar Vasahi Temple, this temple is known for the tallest shrine, reaching three stories, in the complex. The sanctum has four big madapas and the outer walls are carved in gray sandstone with images of Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas.
Pithalhar Temple: Dedicated to the first Jain Trithankara, this temple derives its name from the idol cast in five metals, the main being brass or pital. The shrine within consists of the gudh mandapa, garbhagriha and navchowki.
Luna Vasahi Temple: Dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Neminathji, this temple is similar in design to the Vimal Vasahi Temple. The Rang Mandapa has a huge ornamental carved pendent. It also features 72 carved figures and 360 tiny idols of Jain Trithankaras. The main idol of Shri Neminathji is made of black marble instead of the usual white marble and is housed in the Gudh Mandapa. The temple also has the Hathishala or Elephant Cell. The Navchowki is also exquisitely carved and a huge black stone pillar or Kirthi Stambha is placed on the left of the temple.
Open from: 12.00 pm-3.00 pm
Note - No photography is allowed inside the temple complex
Nakki Lake: Believed to have been dug out by God using his nails or nakh, this is a popular site of family picnics. Most of the hotels and eateries are concentrated around this lake, and beautiful parks and rock formations further enhance its beauty. Especially popular is the boating sessions indulged in by families.
Sunset Point: This is one of the most popular points in Mount Abu known for its spectacular views of sunset over the hills.
Achalgarh Fort: One of the most known Fortress to have been built by Rana Kumbha, huge battlement walls surround it and its location affords great views of the city. Close to the fort are beautiful Jain Temples, most noted being the Achleshwar Temple for its 5-metal Nandi Bull. This temple believed to have been built around a toe mark of Lord Shiva and contains a natural Shivling. A hollow in the ground is said to lead to Pataleshwar. Close to the temple is the Mandakini Lake surrounded by hills and rock walls and believed to have been once filled with ghee.
Museum & Art Gallery`: Located at the Raj Bhawan, this is a treasure-house of archaeological excavations dating to 8th-12th century A.D. Notable amongst these are Jain bronze carvings and brass works.
Trevor's Tank: Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor's Tank is located 5 kms from the city and is a complete ornithologist's paradise. The tank was earlier the breeding ground for crocodiles and today offers a chance to view a range of birds including pigeons, peacocks and partridges and, if you're lucky, the wild black bear.
Guru Shikhar: Located 2 miles from Mount Abu, Guru Shikhar is the highest point in the Aravalli Range. Especially visit the Temple of Guru Dattatreya, which is dedicated to an incarnation of the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There is also an ancient brass bell outside the shrine. Located close to this shrine is another temple dedicated to Ahilya, Dattatreya's mother. The views from the temples and the peak are simple unforgettable.
Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University & Museum: This University attracts hordes of visitors from India and elsewhere looking to spread universal peace through spiritual knowledge and training of yoga meditation.
Adhar Devi Temple: Located almost 3 kms from Mount Abu, this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is situated inside a cave. Accessible by a series of 365 steps carved into the mountain, the temple contains several beautiful statues and offers great views of the surrounding region.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: This is one of the oldest parts of the Aravalli Range and is known as a popular site for eco-tourism. The foothills of this sanctuary abound in thorn forests and house leopard sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langurs.
Gaumukh: Deriving its name from the rock shaped like a cow's mouth, this region offers walking tours and beautiful temples. This is also known for the Gaumukh Temple, where Sage Vashist performed a holy yagna. There is a spring nearby which emerges from the cow-like rock. A huge marble statue of the cow is the area's highlight.
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