Mount Abu's reputation as a 'honeymooners' paradise' does not do justice to the charms of this lovely hillscape. To begin with, it takes something special to be a lush hill station in a desert state. Then, there is the long history of Hindu myths that are attached to the lakes, caves, temples and ashrams tucked away in these rocky hills. There are the more recent layers of Rajputana palatial and British colonial architecture through which one can amble one's time away. Further, there are dense forests and trekking trails vanishing into them, not at some unapproachable distance, but right in the heart of things. And most of all, there are the Jain temples of Dilwara, where marble becomes rain, dew, fire, and silk, leaving all but the tourist guides speechless.
Mount Abu sits around Nakki Lake, which, according to legend, the gods scraped from the ground using their nails. The lake is also the centre for most activities in Abu, and boating on the lake is a must-do activity. Give at least three days to soak in the place and its charms.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 288 sq km. The park is another summer draw, for, during the hot months of March and April, the champa, jasmine, mango and khajur trees that give the animals shade and cover are weighed down with blooms and fruit. A birdwatcher's paradise, it has more than 250 species of birds. The most common among them is the grey jungle fowl. Also to be seen here are leopard, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar and langurs. The Tourism Department has identified 17 nature trails that make for lovely hikes.
Originally Devalwara (home of the gods), the village called Dilwara houses a complex of five Jain temples. From the outside, the complex looks whitewashed, plain and quite disappointing. But this is before you actually step into the temples. Of the five temples here, two of the earliest temples, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi, have glorious marble work. The temples are marvels of sculpture, not architecture. Their plan -- a courtyard encompassing a circular mandap hall and a portico, all supported by pillars, leading to a sanctum is shared by many Jain and Hindu temples of the Solanki era in western India.
Named after minister Vimal Shah of the Gujarat Solanki court, who built it in 1031, this temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Adinath (also called Rishabhdev). Each block of marble here -- whether it makes a pillar or a ceiling slab -- is carved with the care, precision and detail with which one puts a thread in a needle. The pillars in the entrance portico and in the corridors surrounding the shrine have figurines carved with great detail of movement, clothes and jewellery. Sixteen four armed Vidyadevis preside on the pillars supporting the dome, each holding her own symbol.
Locally called the Devarani-Jethani Temple, this was built by two brothers -- Vastupal and Tejpal -- ministers of a Gujarati Jain king, in 1230 and is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Lord Neminath. Its beauty is as simultaneously awe-inspiring and serene as the first temple. Luna Vasahi's literal centre of attraction is the gigantic inverted lotus that hangs from its dome. The lotus is made of hundreds of delicate tiny marble petals that look as if they were made of crisp, luminous paper.
For some more sightseeing or trekking, head towards Toad Rock (SW of the Raghunathji Temple with its 14th-century idol of Lord Rama near Nakki Lake) or Sunset Point (2km south-west from town on Sunset Point Road), the latter for its panoramic views. There is also an amusement park for children at Sunset Point, ideal for a family outing. At Guru Shikhar, the highest peak (5,650ft) of the Aravallis, located 15km out of town, one may combine views of the range with a visit to the Dattatreya Temple (Shiva). The forests surrounding these sites are home to wildlife, so trekking late into the evening is not really recommended.
By Rail: Abu Road is the nearest railway station, just 28 km from the main city, Which is very well connected by rail routes to New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Mumbai. From Abu Road you can opt for state transport service (usually every hour) or taxis on both sharing and private basis.
