Sightseeing
Mt. Abu is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayas in the north. The location and weather of Mount Abu has given this charming little hill station a wide variety of vegetation. On the drive up to Mount Abu, the flowering trees and shrubs make it seem like a huge garden. A meandering stream nearby and tall pine trees make for excellent natural scenery and gives the place an almost ethereal aura. Besides being a popular hill station, this cool and cosy city is also famous for its temples. The first to come to mind are the Dilwara Temples, which are the finest examples of Jain art and architecture. The plain marbles of the exteriors do not prepare the visitor for the richly embellished interiors. Episodes from different Jain legends are intricately carved in marble and so lifelike and delicate are the sculptures that it is difficult to believe they are indeed carved out of stone. Mount Abu is indeed the pivot of the Jain world.
Excursions
Mt. Abu offers some good day-treks to nearby places. Achalgarh (11 km) offers superb views of the surroundings. The famous Achaleshwar temple here is believed to have Shiva's toeprint. Guru Shikhar (15 km), set at an altitude of 1,720 metres, is the region's highest peak and offers good views especially at dawn. |
