Dilwara

Temples [3

krns]

Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim centre up to the 11th century AD. Today, it is recognized the world over for its magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Delwara temples. These temples are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious clime. Half hidden by mango groves, their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Delwara temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras (saints). Built between the 11th and 13th century AD, they are famous for their superb carvings in marble. Vimal Vasahi, the oldest temple, built by Vimal Shah, Minister of a Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D., is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, 23 km from Abu Road, it is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and a large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of a tirthankara with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. Gurushikhar(18 km)
The highest peak of the Aravali ranges (1722 mts above the sea level) allows a birds eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mount Abu. A small shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar(peak) are worth a visit.

Toad Rock (2 km) Overhanging the Nakki Lake, it is so called because of its likeness to gigantic toad about to leap into the lake.

Sunset Point (2.5 km) This point is south-west of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually sinks itself in the azure sky between the two mountain peaks. The steps lead up to a high terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.

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. The artificial lake here which is 1200 mts. above sea level is the highest in western India. The surrounding hills have several areas of interest.

Gaumukh Temple (Vashistha Ashram) (4 km) Many sages and seers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous being sage Vashistha. Legend has it that, he performed a yagya (sacrificial fire) from which emerged the Agnikula clan of the Rajputs comprising Chauhans, Solankis, Parmars and Pratihars. A natural spring that flows through a sculpted cow's head gives the shrine its name. Nearby is the marble image of Nandi who is said to have been rescued by the mighty serpent 'Arbuda'. It is accessible by car or jeep up to 3 km. Thereafter a descent of 750 steps has to be covered on foot.

Toad Overhanging

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Sunset Point (2.5 km) This point is south-west of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually sinks itself in the azure sky between the two mountain peaks. The steps lead up to a high terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.

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. The artificial lake here which is 1200 mts. above sea level is the highest in western India. The surrounding hills have several areas of interest.

Gaumukh Temple (Vashistha Ashram) (4 km) Many sages and seers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous being sage Vashistha. Legend has it that, he performed a yagya (sacrificial fire) from which emerged the Agnikula clan of the Rajputs comprising Chauhans, Solankis, Parmars and Pratihars. A natural spring that flows through a sculpted cow's head gives the shrine its name. Nearby is the marble image of Nandi who is said to have been rescued by the mighty serpent 'Arbuda'. It is accessible by car or jeep up to 3 km. Thereafter a descent of 750 steps has to be covered on foot.
Achalgarh(8 km)

Medieval monument of Mt Abu, the Achalgarh fort was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, who was responsible for building dozens of gigantic fortresses in southern Rajasthan. The walls are massive and battlemented. Its location on a mountain peak makes it more imposing. A steeply winding path leads up to the 15th century AD fortress and the temples that are located within the fortified walls. The carved Jain temples are a ten minute climb known for their sculptures. Nearly is the Achleshwar

Mahadev temple. It has a Nandi(bull) said to be made of Panchadhatu i.e. five metals - gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. The Nandi weighs more than four tons. The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century AD around a toe print of lord Shiva. A natural Shivalinga with idols of crystallike stone looks opaque. However when a burning candle is placed behind it, it sparkles like crystal. The pleasant looking Mandakini Kund, with images of buffaloes is enclosed by rocky hills.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary includes within its area some of the oldest parts of mountain ranges of India - The Aravalis. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1960. The highest point of the Aravalis i.e. the Guru Shikhar falls in this sanctuary. The sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km. in length and 5-8 km. in breadth. Its altitude varies from 300mt. at the foot to 1722 mt. at Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravali Ranges. The rocks are igneous but have developed large cavities in many places due to the weathering. This feature is typical of the Aravali, particularly of Mt. Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example. The sanctuary has great potential for Eco-tourism. There are large number of places for sight-seeing. Mount Abu has diverse vegetation starting with xenomorphic subtropical thorn forest at the foot of the hills to subtropical evergreen forest depending on the quantum of precipitation. These forests consist of 112 plant families with 449 genera and 820 species. Of these, 663 species are dicots while 157 species are monocots. Mount Abu is the only place in Rajasthan where one can observe a variety of orchids. The pl ace is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and 16 species of ferns, some of which are quite rare have also been sighted from here. The south-west part of the sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests.

This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambhor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.

It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history. In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing. The park is home to

numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh. The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker, crested Serpent Eagle and The Great Indian horned Owl. The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.

Ranthambhor National Park, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are best seen. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus. Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical problems encountered by all game reserves in India people living in and around the parks and grazing by livestock! Between 1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhor National Park were resettled outside the designated park area with only a few people now residing in scattered hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue their activities with increasing demand from China for tiger parts. There are no accurate figures on how many tigers and poachers kill other species, but on occasion evidence appears in the form of large numbers of skins and other body parts found on couriers. The park is well staffed and the people who man the centres and the mandatory guides one for every vehicle, know the terrain and some even know the Latin names of most species. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the one park resident people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties of birds including these owlets peering through their burrows pictured here on the right and of course the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in the reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer. The main food source for the tiger is the swamp deer like Barasinsga and on occasion the wild buffalo and also wild boar. If you wish to stay near the park, the facilities on offer are superb. Park Season: Opened During- 1st October to 30th June Visiting Shifts- Morning and Afternoon trips Closed During- 1st July to 30th September Note:- Advance Reservations for Ranthambhore National Park Visit is available online on this portal till 30th June of corresponding season.

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Climate&Access

This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of river Gambhir and river Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons. Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which hunting was banned. A forestation policy of planting acacias was vigorously followed. However, the ecosystem at the park continues to be fragile due to pressures of tourism and need for water from surrounding villages. However, the environmentalists won the day in 1985 when UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site and earlier in 1982 it was declared as National Park. And, today the Park is recognised as the most important breeding and feed grounds for the birds in the world. Some species are endangered. Visitors are advised to maintain low noise level and avoid littering the park.

The park opens from sunrise to sunset around the year. The ticket is Rs 200 per foreign visitor and Rs 25 for Indian visitor. Vehicles are permitted upto Shanti Kutir about 1.7 kilometres inside at Rs 50 per vehicle. After this you can choose to walk, bicycle, or go by cycle rickshaw, tonga or boat when the water level is high. The cycle rickshaw wallahs displaying yellow plate meaning authorised double up as guides also carry binoculars. Hotels do supply packed lunches and you can get a bite at a canteen on the second gate and even at the Forest Lodge.

A significant geological feature within the park is the Great Boundary Fault where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the north bound the National Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor. A variety of birds including owlets, the ubiquitous langur (monkey), leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer are the other attractions.