Mount Abu

The captivating hill retreat in Aravalli

 

Around 185 km from Udaipur in Sirohi district of Rajasthan is the pleasant retreat of Mt. Abu. We took off from Ahmedabad and a 250-km picturesque drive made us reach Mt. Abu nestling on the southern edge of the Aravalli Hills. The road to Mt Abu is flanked by barren hills with overhanging rocks in various forms and the rock faces appear like huge projections that attract travellers.

 

We had a penchant to visit the splendid Dilwara temple and within a short time, after reaching Mt Abu we headed to the shrine.

 

Dilwara Temple

 

At a distance of 3 km from the hill resort, the 11^th century Dilwara temple is a man-made wonder in marble with a marvellous gallery of Jain shrines. The shrine complex encompasses a group of five temples that stand as a treasure house of great Indian artworks. Created by leading architects of Gujarat, the shrine stands apart with exquisite marble carvings. 

 

A visit to Vimal Vasahi temple, the premier shrine in the complex made us gape at the artistic gems. Designed by Vimal Shah, the minister of bygone Solanki ruler in Gujarat, the shrine was built in 1031 AD and houses the reigning deity, Adinath- the first Jain Tirthankara. We did not forget to visit the central shrine honouring Rishabhdev with 52 pillars showing off impressive carvings and the ceilings adorned with overhanging sunflower-shaped marble works. 

 

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

 

 

The picture postcard hill resort of Mt Abu has the enchanting Nakki Lake at a height of 1,200 metres in the midst of Aravalli hills providing panoramic views of the landscape. There is the Toad Rock; the enormous rock overhanging the lake that resembles a toad. For us, the hill resort presented a slice of paradise and the charm refuses to fade.