Places Visit In Mount Abu

Dilwara Jain Temple

The Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station.hese Jain temples were built by Vastapul Tejpal, a Jain laymenbbetween the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are world-famous for their stunning use of marble.

The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.The marble temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex.Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan, some believe that none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous.Facilities are available for bathing, which is mandatory before puja is performed for the idols. These facilities use passive solar power to heat up the water for bathing and other things. Guided tour hours for tourists are posted outside the temple. Kurta temple

Five Unique Temples of Dilwara

Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabha.
Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Neminatha.
Pithalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabha.
Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha.
Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira.

The Indian epic Mahabharata narrates that the Pāndavas stayed in Himachal during their exile. In Manali, the strongest person there, named Hidimba and brother of Hidimdi, attacked them, and in the ensuing fight Bhima, strongest amongst the Pandavas, killed him. Bhima and Hidimba's sister, Hidimbi, then got married and had a son, Ghatotkacha, (who later proved to be a great warrior in the war against Kauravas). When Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, Hidimbi did not accompany him, but stayed back and did tapasyā (a combination of meditation, prayer, and penance) so as to eventually attain the status of a goddess.

History

Built in between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Chalukya dynasty, Dilwara Jain temples are simple and general looks from outside but its extravagant doors of entrance tell about its architectural superiority.It is surrounded by green hills and temple complex by high walls. All of its ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels has minutely carved ornamental details which show its architectural uniqueness. It is also important to notice that at that time there was no convenience to transport such big blocks of marble at a 1200 metres height. Elephants were used to transports marble on their back from Arasoori hills at Ambaji to Mount Abu.

Nakki Lake Culture

'Nakki Lake is a lake situated in the Indian hill station of Mount Abu in Aravalli range.

Nakki Lake is an ancient and sacred man-made lake in the city of Mount Abu. It is the only lake in Mount Abu and has several legends and stories attached to how it came to be. One of the legends says that the lake was dug by Gods, looking for protection against a Demon, whereas one says that it was dug by a suitor of the Princess of Mount Abu to impress her.Whatever be its origin, one of the most important facts of the Nakki Lake history includes being a sacred lake for the Garacia tribe of Rajasthan. It is a holy place of worship for them, where they pray to their ancestors.The Nakki Lake Mount Abu timings are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, on all days of the week. The boating timings for the lake are also the same. The boat rides might cost you anywhere from INR 50/- to INR 100/- per person, for a 30-minute ride.Although Mount Abu enjoys a salubrious climate almost all throughout the year, visiting Nakki Lake in winter is the best option for enjoying the mist that settles over the clear blue waters. When planning a tour of Rajasthan, make sure that you also spare some time to visit Nakki Lake in Mount Abu.

History

It is a very ancient sacred Lake, according to the Hindu legend. It is called by this name because it was dug out from Nails (Nakh). One story is of dug by Gods to live in, for protection against the Bashkali rakshash (a wicked demon). While other is of Rasiya Balam (a sculpture of Dilwara Jain temple), who dug the lake, as the king told that whoever will dug the lake within one night I will marry my daughter to him. But later king's wife refused and he couldn't marry the king's daughter. Temple of Rasiya Balam and Kunwari Kanya (king's daughter)'s is located behind the Dilwara Jain temple.

The lake is in length of about a half mile and in width about of a quarter of mile and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards the dam on the west. It is an important tourist attraction of Mount Abu. There is the Toad Rock on a hill near the lake. Toad rock is so called as it looks like a toad about to jump into the lake, from the side of the rock facing the lake. There are two ways to go up and down the rock; to climb the rocky hill side or to use the steps leading down to Nakki Lake. By the side of the lake there is a path leading to Sunset Point. It is forbidden to climb to Sunset Point due to dangerous bandits living around the path to Sunset Point. Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are also on hills near the Lake. Boating in the lake and horse rides around the lake are available.

Nakki Lake is about a half mile in length and a quarter of mile broad also has a quite interesting history as well. One historical story explained that it was dug out from nails by gods for the protection against demon ‘Bashkali’. Another romantic history was of Rasia Balam, a sculpture of Dilwara Jain temple and Kings daughter name Kunwari Kanya. King put up the challenge of digging of the lake in one night and he will marry his daughter to that one. It is believed that Rasia Balam dug a lake overnight with his nails. Later Queen refused to marry their daughter.Some also believed that Rasia Balam was an aged sage and was the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the teenager was the embodiment of Ma Parvati. Due to betrayal, they will again come back to complete their love. The famous poem ‘Lost Love’ describe their story very well.

Peace Park

This serene establishment is a part of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual abode and among the essential places to visit in mount abu for those looking for an escape from the stressful city life.Serene destination offering a scenic garden with many plant species, plus spiritual teachings.

The paintings inside these buildings depict events from Lord Buddha's life and the Kalchakra, i.e., the wheel of life fixed on the wall of the monastery shows the human life cycle. The Buddhists believe that rotating these wheelsgives you salvation.

Experience a perfect blend of tranquility and serenity when you step in at this peaceful park. A part of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual establishment, the park will take you away from regular city life and into a world of pure peace, beauty and spirituality. Wrapped by two famous Aravali peaks, Achalgarh and Guru Shikhar, this lovely park is a cocoon of relaxation in its own way. Managed efficiently by the Brahma Kumaris and Kumars, Peace Park is a major tourist attraction in Mount Abu.

Once you are here, you can opt for guided tours which will help you to explore every nook and corner of the park. A brief video presentation highlighting the practices of Raja Yoga is available for tourists. If the video excites you enough, you can try Raja yoga meditation at various place including open-air grass hut, bamboo meditation hut, stone cave or simply a quiet corner in this lovely park. It is not only restricted to spirituality and meditation, it has picnic areas, playing fields, nature walks and swings. Enjoy your time here!

History

Nestled in between two famous Aravali peaks -Achalgarh and Guru Shikhar, Peace Park is a part of Brahma Kumaris establishment. The park is a perfect blend of tranquility and serenity where silence and recreation coexist amicably and beautifully, might we add! The park consists of a rock garden with a wide variety of Cactaceae. And the garden houses an orchard, a citrus corner and floral displays that include ornamental shrubs, coleus, hibiscus, climbers and creepers and an exquisite rose garden. There are also various places where people can meditate like a grass hut, a stone cave, a bamboo meditation hut and several quiet spots in the tranquil environments of the park. The Brahmakumaris provide a guided tour of the park and a short video film explaining the innate beauty of the human soul and interesting concepts of meditation.
At a distance of 8 km from Mount Abu Bus Station and 7 km from Guru Shikhar, Peace Park is a part of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual establishment situated on Guru Shikhar Road in Mount Abu. Managed efficiently by the Brahma Kumaris and Kumars, Peace Park is a major tourist attraction in Mount Abu.The Brahma Kumaris Peace Park is both lovely and serene. The park is a perfect escapade from a hectic city life to find serenity. The park is nestled between two peaks of the Aravalli hills - Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh. The park is an oasis of natural beauty about 8 km from the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu.Visitors will experience serenity and peace at this beautiful park.
On entering the park grounds, visitors are greeted by a rock garden that hosts a wide variety of succulents. Inside the park, there is a citrus and an orchid corner as well as floral displays that include ornamental shrubs, coleus, geraniums, hibiscus, climbers and creepers and an exquisite rose garden.The Brahmakumaris provide a guided tour of the park and a short video film explaining the innate beauty of the human soul and interesting concepts of Raj yoga meditation. There are also various places where people can meditate like a grass hut, a stone cave, a bamboo meditation hut and several quiet spots in the tranquil environments of the park. Playgrounds, picnic areas, swings and walking trails offer ample spaces for recreation, too.

Mount Abu Wildlife

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in one of the oldest mountain ranges of India, the Aravalli range. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1980.

It spreads out into a plateau which is about 19 km in length and 6 km in breadth. In altitude, it varies from 300 meters at the foot to 1722 meters at Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan.The rocks are igneous and due to the weathering effect of wind and water, large cavities are common in them. The park's ecoregion is that of Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests

History

It was in the year 1960 that it gained the status of National Park. The park comes under the control of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

Flora

It is very rich in floral bio-diversity starting from xenomorphic sub-tropical thorn forests in the foot hills to sub-tropical evergreen forests along PRIYEN water courses and valleys at higher altitudes. There are about 112 plant families with 449 genera and 820 species. Of these, 663 species are dicots while 157 species are monocots. About 81 species of trees, 89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants of medicinal importance have been identified in this sanctuary.Mount Abu is the only place in Rajasthan where one can observe a variety of orchids. The place is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and 16 species of feras some of which are quite rare have also been reported from here. The south-west part of the sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests

Fauna

A variety of fauna, including highly rare, threatened and endangered species are found in this sanctuary. The history of Mount Abu indicates the presence of Asiatic lion (last recorded in 1872) and Bengal tiger (last reported in 1971). Presently the Indian leopard is the apex predator. Other animals found here are sambhar, jungle cat, small Indian civet, Indian wolf, striped hyena, Golden jackal, Indian fox, common langur, wild boar, sloth bear, pangolin, common mongoose, Indian hare, porcupine and hedgehog.It is unique in the sense that more than 250 species of birds are found here, but the speciality of the Abu sanctuary is the grey jungle fowl. The rare Green Avadavat is commonly found here.

Location

The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Aravali Ranges- one of the Rajasthan Regions oldest mountain ranges. It was declared a sanctuary in 1960.

Guru Shikhar Peak

Guru Shikhar, a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres. It is 15 km from Mount Abu and a road from there leads almost to the top of the mountain.It is named Guru-Shikhar or 'the peak of the guru' after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Vishnu, and a cave at the summit contains a temple dedicated to him, plus one dedicated his mother, Anasuya, wife of sage Atri nearby

Adjacent to the temple is the Mt Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several Astronomy experiments

As soon as one climbs the first 35 steps, they are likely to find stalls of hot tea and food being served. The food served is tasty and tastes all the more delicious after the tedious hill climbing that one undergoes. One can buy packed packets of chips or water bottles from the shops present here. One can also find beautiful local art here at affordable prices. Once the tourists reach the peak, they try to ring the bell with the words 1411 AD inscribed on it. The sound of the bell is very loud and can be heard over a long distance.

Places to Visit in and around Guru Shikhar

Visitors must surely visit the temple of Dattatreya who is believed to be God and a reincarnation of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Towards the northwest of Guru Shikhar lies the shrine of Ahilya who was the mother of Guru Dattatreya. Some other must-visit temples in the region include Chamundi temple, Shiva temple, and Mira temple. By the side of these temples is the Mount Abu Observatory situated which is taken care of by Physical Research Laboratory.

History and mythology of guru shikar mount abu

You will hardly find a place in Mount Abu which does not have a temple or hermitage nearby. Gurushikhar is no exception.Before you reach the peak, you will find the temple dedicated to Dattatreya. The literal meaning of the name can be explained thus: Atreya means son of Atri, the sage from Hindu mythology. Datta in Sanskrit means given. Dattatreya, according to Hindu belief is the son given to the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya by the trinity, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The peak is dedicated to Guru Dattatreya and hence the name of the peak, Guru Shikhar.The temple is believed to house the foot prints of Dattatreya and devotees feel blessed by darshan (sighting) of these footprints.Within the temple you can also see footprints of Swami Ramnath, the seer who enshrined the statue in the Raghunathji temple in Mount Abu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an important pilgrimage place for the Vaishnavites, that is, devotees of Lord Vishnu.

After reaching the peak, at a little distance to the northwest, you will also find a temple dedicated to Ahilya, who was Dattatreya’s mother.On the peak, there is a huge bell with inscription 1411 A.D. The original bell has had to be replaced with a new bell in recent times because of disintegration of the old one. The sound of the bell is carried to a long distance and is very captivating.Historically speaking, King Prithviraj Chowhan is believed to have travelled along this peak to meet his bride and consummate his marriage with her. The bride was the princess of Prahladanpur, now known as Palanpur.

Additional information

Duration: 1 hour for reaching the top and coming back, all vehicles are reachable.
Parking: Plenty of free parking space available.
Location: It is at a distance of about 15 km from the town centre.
How to reach: Rent a taxi or take a two-wheeler and travel along the Delwara-Achalgadh road to reach the base of the mountain. From here, you need to climb about 300 steps to reach the peak.
Good for: The adventurous as well as the spiritually inclined. Although it is a steep climb, the steps are in good condition throughout and can be negotiated with relative ease unless you have a medical condition. The shops alongside, with their display of a variety of wares, help to distract the mind from the tedium and rigor of climbing the hill.

Sunset Point Springs

Sunset Point lies to the southwest of the Nakki Lake behind the dense forest of the Aravalli Range. This point is known for offering a beautiful view of the entire mountain valley along with the Nakki Lake.

Due to its location, the temperature at this point is very low, which provides retreat during the summer season. Honeymoon Point is also situated very close to this Sunset Point and is known for its food stalls and souvenir shops.The viewpoint also has few food stalls and souvenir shops that sell trinkets, wooden idols, toys, knick knacks and snack items. From Sunset Point, tourists can also go to Baylay's Walk, which is just 5 km by road.The Honeymoon Point found close by is another fascination and tourist places in Mount Abu. Sunset Point is a decent place to get trinkets and knickknacks. Cut marble statues, sandalwood symbols, wooden toys and the preferences can be seen everywhere throughout the spot.

Lying south west of Nakki Lake, Sunset point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mount Abu. This viewpoint gets thronged by tourists from all around at the time of sunset. Enjoy the site of orange-colored sun setting behind the Aravali Ranges. Serene surrounding and a pleasant climate make the experience even more memorable. Treat your eyes to the picturesque views of the surrounding area including villages and green valleys while the sun is setting down. After enjoying a nice sunset view, you can shop for souvenirs from the shops near the point. Get your hands on trinkets, wooden toys, marble statues, sandalwood idols and other knick-knacks.Baylay’s Walk is another popular point near Sunset Point where pony rides are quite popular amongst the visiting tourists. Do not forget to carry your camera to capture these memorable views.

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a terrific tourist attractions and the Sunset at Sunset point is what you should definitely not miss. If you are a nature lover and keen to photograph the beauty of nature, then this is an ideal place. There is nothing extra ordinary here but the climate and the views make it a little more charming than many other hill stations. The best way to enjoy the sunset is while you take a boat ride in the Nakki Lake.

Sunset Point, 1.5 km from the tourist office of Mount Abu, is the most popular. Hoards stroll out here every evening to catch the setting sun, the food stalls and all the usual entertainment. Is is a one kilometer walk from the road to the viewpoint or you can hire a horse.Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road, also known as Andra Point, offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours. The route to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.

Abu Road

Abu Road is a city and municipality in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India. It is the tehsil headquarters of Abu Road Tehsil by that name. It lies southeast of Mount Abu and its railway station is an important stop on the main Indian Railways line between Delhi and Ahmedabad. Mount Abu is 27 km up the hill from Abu Road.

Abu is a beautiful hill station in Sirohi district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located in the Aravalli Mountain ranges that form a border with neighboring state of Gujarat. This beautiful place is also known as 'An Oasis in the Desert' and the reason behind this name is that Mount Abu has rivers, lakes, waterfalls and green forests, while the rest of the neighboring areas are almost full of desert. In ancient time the name of Mount Abu was Arbudaanchal. A large number of tourists come to visit this hill station throughout the year.The major tourist attractions of Abu are Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Dilwara Temples, Vimal Vasahi Temple, Achaleswar Mahadev Temple, Achaleswar Mahadev Temple, Achalgarh Fort, Nakki Lake and Toad Rock. All of these places are visited by thousands of tourists every year. If you are thinking about how to reach Abu, be relaxed as it is not a difficult thing. The hill station is easily reachable as it is well-connected to other major cities of Rajasthan and neighboring states of India through different modes of transport. Abu Road is the nearest rail head that is about 30 km away from the hill station. Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport that is just 180 km from here. You can also take buses and taxis for nearby places. To book hotels and travel tickets,

History

The old name of Abu Road city was Kharadi. The Rajputana Malwa Railway set up the railway station here on December 30, 1880, and the station was named Abu Road. The road to Mount Abu was built in 1845, during the rule of Maharao Shiv Singh of Sirohi.Abu Road is located at 24.48°N 72.78°E on the banks of river west banas. It has an average elevation of 263 m (863 ft). The Abu Road city is also known as the industrial town in the Sirohi DistrictAbu Road enjoys all types of weather. In Summer, it's hot and humid with an average temperature of 40 Degrees with hot sandy winds. However just before monsoon it becomes hot along with humidity. In Winter, it's 7 to 14 degrees, which is quite cold as compared to other cities in Rajasthan and in Monsoon, the average rainfall is about 14 to 20 inches per season.

Diesel Shed

The railway's diesel shed located here provides employment to a large number of people and holds an important place in town's economy. The Diesel Shed at Abu Road was commissioned by Indian Railways as a metre gauge shed on 26 October 1966. It was then the largest MG shed of Western Railway with holdings of 112 locomotives. With broad gauge conversion, the shed was converted to a BG shed with holdings of 60 locomotives. There are 68 supervisors and 570 workers in the shed.A diesel training centre is located at the shed that conducts promotional, refresher and special courses for locomotive running staff as well as formal training of shed maintenance staff.

Achalgarh Fort

Achalgarh is a fort situated about 11 kilometres north of Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India.The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and later reconstructed, renovated and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE, one of the several forts built during his reign.

The fort is in a dilapidated condition now. The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. It comprises two towers built of large blocks of grey granite. After some ascent, stands Champapol, the second gate of the fort, which served as the entrance to the inner fort.There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort. Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. There are Jain temples in the fort. These were built in 1513.

Achalgarh fort situated about 11 kilometers north of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and rebuilt, modernized and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 one of the several forts built during his period in the rule. Achalgarh fort area is entirely surrounded by Mount Abu which is one of the most popular hill stations of North India. It is situated in the mostly desert state of Rajasthan and is often denoted by as an Oasis in the Desert.

The main deity in the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is Lord Shiva and the local inhabitants believe that there are footprints of the deity on the holy rock. There is also a huge brass structure of Nandi along with three large stone buffaloes in the temple complex. Achalgarh Fort is located approximately 11 km north of Mount Abu and has two main entrance gates.The first gate is called Hanumanpol and the second is known as Champapol. Hanumanpol serves as the main entrance to the lower fort, while the later is the gateway to the inner fort.

History of Achalgarh Fort

The Achalgarh Fort was renovated and fortified by Maharaja Kumbha to escape pillagers. The Achaleswar Mahadeva Temple is nearby where a toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped. You can find some Jain Temples inside the fort. The fort is in a run-down condition now. The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. It comprises two towers built of large blocks of grey granite. After some ascent, stands Champa pol, the second gate of the fort, which served as the entrance to the inner fort. The decayed Achalgarh fort is indeed a great architectural delight.There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort.
Religious significance also makes Achalgarh Fort important owing to the renowned Achaleshwar Mahadeva Temple situated just outside the fort, along with the Jain temples which were built in 1513 within the fort premises. The Achaleshwar Temple is also well-known for containing a Nandi idol that is said to be made of 5 metals, namely, gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc and weighs more than 4 tonnes. Achaleshwar Temple also encloses a natural Shivalinga which symbolizes the ultimate creative power.
Near the fort is the beautiful Mandakini Lake, which is encircled by rocky hills, and rock walls with images of a Rajput king and buffaloes representing characters from a legend which tells that once the lake was filled with ghee and the watering hole of demons were disguised as buffaloes until they were shot by Raja Adi Pal.

Attractions Near Achalgarh Fort

Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. The famous Nandi containing is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc. The Nandi is made up of Panchadhattu and weighs more than 4 tons. There are also many other sculpted idols which are made of a crystal-like stone called sfatik.The temple is surrounded by the Mandakini Lake. This lake is surrounded by rocky hills, and rock walls covered with images of a Rajput king and buffaloes. Near the temple, there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond which is said as demons in stories. Achalgarh Fort is an impressive fort also with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the important one is Kantinath Jain Temple.

From the center of Mount Abu town take Delwara Road. At Shwetambar Jain Temple and Dharamshala, continue onto Dilwara Rd then continue on Oriya Road . Then continue straight past Oriya Bus Stop onto Achalgadh Road and you will reach the Achalgarh Fort.

Trevor’s Tank

Reservoir in a secluded jungle setting popular for crocodile, bird & other wildlife sightings.

5km from the town, Trevors Tank is a perfect spot for nature lovers. It was actually designed by an engineer named Trevor who used it to breed crocs. It is now a popular picnic spot for both locals and tourists.The view is spectacular and the place gives you an insight into nature's bounty. Trevors Tank is a birdwatchers' paradise!Trevors Tank has been named after the British engineer who constructed it. The place is frequented by birdwatchers for spotting pigeons, peacocks and partridges.

defines the treacherous Crocodiles and the mesmerizing beauty of wildlife, a place where the beauty meets the beast and this combination is valuable.The area enclosed here gives majestic views of flora and fauna and a feeling to adore and relax all your metamorphic senses and refresh them to give a feeling of livelihood in the middle of the jungle.

Also known as Trevor’s crocodile park, Trevor's Tank is a man-made crocodile breeding spot near Mount Abu. This place has been named after the British engineer who constructed it. It is famous for its lush green surroundings and is considered as a great picnic spot. This place is a home to many faunae like black bear, crocodiles and many birds. This place is considered as the Indianized version of Rivendell. Birdwatchers mostly visit the site for spotting pigeons, peacocks and partridges

History

The right choice for an insane nature lover is 5km away from the Kashmir of Rajasthan.Years ago,this magnificent place was designed by a British engineer ‘TREVOR’ who made it for breeding crocodiles,but as the clock ticked it became a place which gives you an insight of nature’s bounty.

Season to Visit

The serene and fresh felt surroundings makes your body relax. The best time to juggle your legs to this place is November and December,as you can see the drastic crocodiles resting on the rocky shores and the black bears who are in a hunt to be watched.It serves to be a great picnic spot for you and your family ,many local people visit these lush green surroundings to enjoy and feel the freshness of the evading trees.
The huge man made tank used for breeding crocodiles is waiting to be witnessed. – A visit will offer you picturesque scenery and a multitude of views.
– It contains many viewing stations where plentiful wildlife and the threatening bears are waiting to be watched at night time.
– The paradise for Birdwatchers and Shutterbugs is here,as it is a habitat of many birds like pigeons,peacocks and partridges.
– You have to empty your pockets and pay to enter the man made beauty in nature.
– After you enter the main gate,you will have to drive upto 3 kms to visualize the serenic scenery of the pond.
– Its very rare to get something to eat,so do pack all your required things,if you are planning for a picnic.
– Sweet Rabbits and birds are waiting to be a reason to make you blush,so do visit this place.

Shri Raghunath Temple

The locals hold faith in Lord Raghunath to whom this temple is dedicated. Located close to the Nakki Lake this is a major religious attraction for tourists. The pilgrim is apparently relieved of all pains and pangs after a visit to this temple.

Located next to Nakki Lake, Raghunath temple is a famous pilgrimage site which was built in the 14th century. The temple is devoted to Shri Raghunath Ji who was believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu and saves his followers from all the natural calamities. The temple is visited by the Vaishnavaites and the travelers who have a religious bent of mind. The temple is believed to liberate one from the pains and pangs of life.Dedicated to Shri Raghunathji (Lord Vishnu), the temple is important pilgrimage center of Mount Abu. It is believed that Sri Ramanand placed the statue of Raghunathji inside the temple, in the 14th Century AD.

Sharing its propinquity to the Nakki Lake, The temple stands as a rich heritage of century old Mewar culture. Constructed way back in 14th century, it is a famous pilgrim place for Hindu religious devotees. The temple enshrines the idol of Shri Raghunath Ji, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came on earth to save his followers from natural calamities.There is a nice legend related to the Nakki Lake. It is said that there resided a beautiful princess in this region who proved fatal in her love affair with the King's son at Mount Abu. She died young and in her remembrance the temple was established beside the lake which was dedicated to Lord Raghunathji.

History

Dedicated to Shri Raghunathji (Lord Vishnu), the temple is important pilgrimage center of Mount Abu. It is believed that Sri Ramanand placed the statue of Raghunathji inside the temple, in the 14th Century AD. it is known for its interesting histoy. Legend has it that once upon a time, a beatufil princess resided in this region. She had a stepmother who did not agree of her love affair with the ruling king son in Mount Abu. it is believed that since she could not marry her lover, she died young and a temple was constructed here, next to the lake,to honor her memory.However, according to another legend, it is believed that the temple was constructed during the 14th century AD by a well -known Hindu scholar-Shri Ramanand.

hri Raghunath Temple is a Major religious attraction in Mount Abu, which lies at the shores of the Nakki Lake. This temple is constructed in the 14th century by a Hindu scholar by Shri Ramanand. This Temple is Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is visited by a number of devotees, who belong to the Vaishnava cult of the Hindu religion. Shri Raghunath Temple designed with wall inscriptions and intricate carvings, the temple is an outstanding example of Mewar's culture and architectural heritage. The central attraction of the Shri Raghunath Temple is the magnificent statue of Shri Raghunath Ji. Besides This temple attracts a fair number of tourists every day. Tourist visiting the Nakki Lake should pay a visit to Shri Raghunath Ji Temple to witness its architectural brilliance.

Lying adjacent to Nakki Lake, Shri Raghunath temple is a popular sacred site in Mount Abu that is constructed during the 14th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Raghunath who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Quite popular amidst Vaishnavaites, it is believed that the deity takes away all the suffering from the life of his devotees and also saves them from natural calamities. History stats that the temple was commissioned by Shri Ramanand, a Hindu scholar.The temple boasts of a stunning architecture and is an amazing proof of Mewar’s architectural heritage. It has beautiful carvings and wall inscriptions. The wonderful idol of the Lord is its prime attraction. Because of in close proximity to the lake, Shri Raghunath Ji temple is not only visited by devotees but by tourists as well.

Toad Rock

A toadlike rock formation distinguishes this rocky lookout point with Nakki Lake views.

Toad Rock is located nearby Nakki Lake, on the main trekking trail from Mount Abu. It is a huge rock structure, which resembles a toad. This rock structure is located in Aravalli mountain range and is known for its pleasant atmosphere. Toad Rock is an unusual rock formation, which is located near Nandi Rock, Camel Rock and Nun Rock.These rock formations are suitable for trekking and rock climbing, and provide a beautiful view of the lake and hills.

The city offers you a number of options for trekking as well as camping and promises a memorable experience. One of the most important and exciting being the famous Toad Rock - owing its name to its peculiar shape. The rock is in the form of a toad which is about to jump! The grand structure overlooks the famous Nakki Lake offering tourists a splendid view of the beautiful city.
It is also a great picnic spot with ample space to enjoy a leisurely afternoon complete with picnic baskets. If you are in the mood for some trekking, remember to wear comfortable shoes for a good grip on this giant rock. This will also help you while you are making your way to this beautiful rock. Lest you lose your grip and slip, it is advisable to climb slowly and carefully.

History

Mount Abu is a heavenly retreat in the North Western ranges of the Aravallis. The only hill station in Rajasthan, it is also one of the most famous destinations around the world for its mystical history. Enveloped in a bundle of stories and myths about its origin, from rishi munis to the Rajputs, the city is diverse in its historical nature.
Mount Abu is famous for its Dilwara temples which are a highlight in this serene hill station and attract thousands of tourists from all over the country and the world. Legend says that Mount Abu was home to about 330 million Gods and Goddesses; one theory also says that Mount Abu got its name from the powerful serpent named Arbuda, who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.
Though not much is known about Toad Rock's origin, its shape and grandeur is standing proof of its historical presence. The gigantic rock is said to belong to a family of igneous rocks which are around six billion years old!

How to Reach

Mount Abu, a popular hill station with an undeniable charm, is well connected with different modes of transport.The nearest airport to the city is the Maharana Pratap airport, which is located in Udaipur at a distance of 185 km. The city of Udaipur is further connected well with domestic flights. The second nearest airport is at Ahmedabad which is around 221 km far and promises much better connectivity to different parts of the country. From either of the airports you can hire a cab or a taxi to reach Mount Abu.
The nearest railway station to Mount Abu is Abu road railway station, which is at a distance of 28 km from the main city. The railway track lies on the Delhi-Ahmedabad railway line. The railway station is connected with major metro cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The major trains that run through are the Porbandar Express, Jodhpur Express and Ajmer Express. From the station you can hire a taxi or share a cab with other tourists. The Rajasthan State Transport Corporation buses also run through the city from nearby locations. Deluxe, semi-deluxe and private buses ply at regular intervals, giving travellers an easy option to commute. Local Transport is also available in the form of unmetered taxis, cabs and jeeps. You can also drive to this beautiful hill station and perhaps halt midway for a hassle-free journey. National Highway 14 is well-connected to this city.