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Sightseeing Highlights:
Right in the heart of Mt. Abu, surrounded by rugged hills and granite rocks, is the famous Nakki Lake, which is the foremost tourism attraction. Several royal palaces and colonial bungalows surround the beautiful lake adding to the charm of the surroundings. Raghunath Temple is a famous shrine in the town, while the rock formations such as Toad Rock, Nun Rock and Camel Rock are worth seeing.
There are several view points, the most popular ones being Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point. Baylay's Walk is a pleasant 5 Km route from Nakki Lake to the Sunset Point. Guru Shikhar, the highest point in Mt. Abu offers more panoramic views of the hills and can be reached by a concrete road.
Excursions:
Two-and-half kilometres up in the hills, lie the Dilwara Jain Temples, one of the most stunning examples of Jain architecture in India. Built between 11th and 13th century AD, there are five marble temples which are a blend of artistic creativity and elegance. The doorways, ceilings, pillars and panels, are all carved intricately in marble, so much so that at places the marble seems to be transparent. Dedicated to Jain tirthankaras, the central shrine has an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard, there are 52 identical shrines. Vimal Vasahi, the oldest temple in the complex was built in 1031 AD.
Trevor's Tank nearby is a beautiful picnic spot and there is a sanctuary for animals as well. Adhar Devi Temple chiselled out of a rock is 3 Km out of town and can be reached by a flight of 365 steps. Close to Adhar Devi temple is Gaumukh, a natural spring which gushes through a sculpted cow's head. Achalgarh Fort, 8 Km away from the town was built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha.
Other Activities:
Boating in Nakki Lake is one of the favourite pastimes. The area around the lake is a good place for people watching besides shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Other places for shopping include Rajasthali, Fair Price Rajasthan Emporium and Government Emporium.
Famous dining spots are Kanak Dining Hall known for its Gujarati thalis, Shere Punjab Hotel for north Indian dishes and Jodhpur Bhojanalya for local food.
The three-day Summer Festival held every year in the month of June is a major crowd puller. The cultural extravaganza culminates with a display of dazzling fireworks and folk dances.
Tourism Info:
Tourist Reception Centre
Opp Bus Stand, Mount Abu
Telephone: 02974-235151
The pretty hill station of Mt. mAbu stands as a contrast to the arid landscape of the rest of Rajasthan.
Situated in the Aravalli Hills, it has forests, waterfalls, ravines and
gigantic rock formations in bizarre shapes. The hilly retreat is known
for its pleasant climate throughout the year and was a favourite summer
resort of the British.
Mt. Abu
surrounds a beautiful lake and is located at an altitude of 1,220 m
above sea level. It is also the site of the exquisite Dilwara Jain
temples. Till the 11th century, the hill station was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage centre. The only hill town of Rajasthan is visited for its scenic locales and unhurried lifestyle.
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