Once breakfast is over, our first trip is to Guru Shikhar, which forms the highest point. The Aravalli range runs thousands of Kilometers, and Guru Shikhar is its highest point located in Mount Abu. It stands at 5650 feet, and 15 kilometers from Mount Abu. Guru Shikhar is Dattatreya, who is none other than Lord Vishnu in his incarnate. There is a cave, at the peak, along with a temple dedicated to him. Close by is the observatory with powerful Telescopes, and many Astronomical findings are from Mount Abu observatory.
We have to descend from the mountain peak and go to the famous Five Jain Temples, which are called Dilwaras. The construction began in the 11th century and ended after five centuries in the 16 century. The Jain Temples are an architectural wonder and are constructed purely out of white Marbles. Apart from the fact that they serve as a tourist attraction, the Dilwara is a pilgrimage spot for the Jain Community. The Architecture is exquisite but straightforward, and the walls carry carvings made out of marble. The traditional belief that Jain’s are not money minded is well reflected in this marvelous Dilwaras because one can see it is simple. Still, they have followed a stringent policy in not wasting finances lavishly. The last temple is in dedication to the final Tirthankara, Shri Mahaveer Swami.
It is post-lunch now and early evening, as we set ourselves to visit Nakki lake. Apart from the fact that this lake is considered sacred by the Hindu’s, it serves as a tourist attraction in a big way. There are boating facilities here and five islands that you need to visit. The real draw, however, is the rock formation of a Toad. The rocky toad looks as if it is going to be a giant leap into the waters. It is a natural formation, and the boat takes you there, to relax under the shade of the toad.
There are plenty of lush green gardens around the Nakki lake for one to walk and relax, except one pathway which climbs into the mountains, believed to be inhabited by dacoits.
You make your way to the sunset point now. It is advisable to have a booking for a spot there. Here you can witness the glorious sunset from many angles as it spreads the superlight on the whole mountain, and the trees and plants sparkle in golden-like color.
And on our way back, you would be dropped at the local bazaar to do some shopping of the domestic artifacts for your memorabilia.
Piccadilly Plaza is the ideal place to start your shopping in Mount Abu. It is an emporium and has two floors, one which sells Rajasthan clothes and the other is marble and metal combined handicrafts. The other product it is famous for is the antiques that are again a combination of silver and bronze.
The next spot is the Bansilal Bhurmal, which is in the primary market. Here, it is the Jaipur Quilts, which sell like hotcakes. The quilts are quite light in weight and contain great artistry. The Bansilal Burma is a trendy outlet in Mount Abu, and generally very crowded.
After that, it's back to the hotel for dinner and well-deserved sleep.
