Leisure Tours India

The Raj period approached it as a relaxation place to rewind along with the royalties and semi royalties. The place sways in an interesting contrast of British style bungalows, the holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana) along with the presence of the various communities of the tribals located amidst the thick lush of the forest on the hills surrounding the region. The flora and fauna enjoys the adulation of the tourist to the fullest. Among the flourishing ranges is the highest point of the Aravalli is the 'Gurushikhar' with a vast sanctuary that shelters a number of species like langur, wild boars, sambar, leopards and many more along with a number of flowering trees thus enhancing the whole scenario. This glorious ambience suited mainly to the likes of sages and tribals and both made a great impact in the history of the region.
The tribes still conducting there authentic life styles in the wake of 21st century is rather interesting and so is the collection of various monuments of different religious sects like the famous shrines of Jainism. The Dilwara temple is famous for architectural genius. The intricate carving on the marble stone is simply mesmerizing leaving the senses spell bound with its neat structuring. A cluster of Hindu temples also marks the land with their historical past. The Brahmakumari Ashram is another world famous religious community center. Dilwara Temples (3 krns) Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11th century. Today, it is recognized all over the world for its magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Dilwara temples. These temples are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious clime. Half hidden by mango grove s, their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Dilwara temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints. Built between the 11th and 13th century, these temples are famous for their superb carvings in marble. Vimal Vasahi is the oldest temple. It was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 AD. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Amba Ji, 23 km from Abu Road . It is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabh Dev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. The Vasahi Temple , dedicated to the 22nd tirthank ara – Neminat h, was built in 1231 AD. by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, Minister of Raja Virdhavala, a ruler of Gujarat belonging to the Porwal Jain community. The door casings, friezes, architraves, pillars, the sculptures of porticos, are astonishing in their workmanship. Rewards in the form of silver and gold equivalent to the weight of marble covered, were offered to the laborers. A great deal of inspiration, devotion, love and encouragement was involved in the construction of this temple. The most striking feature of this Jain temple built in the Solanki style of architecture is the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. It drops from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses with cups so finely carved that they appear to be transparent. Timings: 12:00 to 15:00 hrs for Tourists. Entry free. Photography not allowed. Nakki Lake (1 km) The lake is picturesquely set amidst hills and is believed to have been carved out by the Gods with their nails. It is a popular spot for boating and the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. above sea level. The surrounding hills have several area of interest. Sunset Point It provides a lovely view of the setting sun, South-West of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks, steps lead up to high terrace which offers an awe inspiring view of the setting sun.