The magnificence of Mount Abu is undoubtedly unparalleled. Blue mountains, a cool atmosphere devoid of the scorching heat of the sun, and the beautiful landscapes- what could be better! And as if this sight was not enough! A beautiful lake rests in solace to complement the enticing beauty of the place- the Nakki Lake. The lake is considered to be very sacred in Hindu legends. It is believed to have been carved out by using nails (called “Nakh” in Hindi). Gods dug out the lake to protect themselves against a vicious demon. Other anecdote narrates that the lake was dug out by a person called Rasiya Balam, upon the announcement of the King that he would make his daughter marry that person who would dig the lake. The lake is one of the most important attractions of Mount Abu and encapsulates the tourists in its serenity and elegance.
The lake is of prime importance with respect to historical point of view as well because Mahatma Gandhi`s ashes were immersed in this lake itself. Serene atmosphere and a sanctifying solace- Nakki Lake presents you the best of moments to cherish for a lifetime !
Calm, tranquility and solace- all the pleasures that Nakki Lake gifts you in the best manner possible. But that`s not all! Some interesting features that amaze as well as amuse you can be found here. The Toad Rock is a typical rock structure found near the Nakki Lake. The rock structure resembles that of a toad sitting. Quite unique and diacritic to witness, the rock is not man made, but is believed to have been transformed into the present shape by the forces of nature and agents of weathering during the Ice age itself.
The rock`s fencing was first set up in 1881-1882 and later renovated in the year 1993-1994. Toad Rock is a brilliant paradigm of Royal Rajasthan`s diacritic style !
The hills, mountains and sloping terrain- these are not the typical characteristics of Rajasthan, which is known for its vast deserts of sand and flat terrain. But that is the essence of Royal Rajasthan! Even rarity proves to be an epitome. The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, reaches out high up to the sky with its highest mountain peak- the Guru Shikhar. Presenting a panoramic view of the Aravalli Ranges, the Guru Shikhar, a mountain peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Ranges with an altitude of 1722 metres.
The peak houses a cave at its highest point, where there is temple dedicated to an incrnatio of Lord Vishnu. The peak is almost 15 kms from Mount Abu and is a favorite destination for almost all the tourists who visit Mount Abu.
At a distance of two and a half kilometres from Mount Abu, in the Sirohi district, is located the Dilwara Jain Temples, which was built by Vastupal Tejpal between 11th and 13th centuries AD. Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath; Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Neminatha; Pithalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabha; Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshva; Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira; are the five temples which follows the Jain ideals of abstinence and simplicity.
Apart from being a significant pilgrimage site, the Dilwara Temples are also known for its architectural perfection. Vimal Vasahi temple outshines, being carved entirely out of white marble. It was built in 1031 A.D. by Vimal Shah, a minister of Bhimdev I, the Chalukya[3] King (Solanki Maharaja) of Gujarat. The Luna Vasahi temple was built in 1230 by two Porwad brothers – Vastupal and Tejpal – both ministers of a Virdhaval, the Vaghela ruler of Gujarat. The details on the ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels are minute and threaded to Jainism.
The tourist is made aware of the tour hours outside the temple. The highlight is the blend of ascetic life and ornamental structure of the temples which makes it worth visiting!
Let us retrace our steps back to our glorious mythological era. The age of great sages, devotees who dedicated their entire life to the Lord, practicing austerity and refraining from all the worldly pleasures. The atmosphere in which they lived was so much full of tranquility and solace that even now, the serenity instills new life in people.
Rajasthan is lucky enough to house such a destination- the Gaumukh temple. The great sage Vashishtha’s Ashram and the Gaumukh Temple are in juxtaposition and at around 5 kms from the Hanuman temple. The area consist of dense, green vegetation and impregnable forests. Hence, it is advised to the visitors by the authorities to visit the place with expert supervision and guidance during the rainy season and after sunset. The ambience and aur of the place cannot be felt vicariously. The essence can only be felt by witnessing it yourself !
A beautiful bastion- painted in the canvas of an ethereal and enticing nature, the Achalgarh Fort is a beautiful landmark in the exotic hill station of Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Built during the regime of the Paramara dynasty, the fort was reconstructed and renovated in the fifteenth century.
But nature has played its harsh part on the fort. The senescence of the fort has led it to embrace a dilapidated situation. The fort is characterized by two gates- the Hanumanpol and the Champapol.
The fort also houses temples of Lord Shiva and Jain temples.
