The more we see, the more we know, and the more artfully we produce! We architect, as visual creatures have rejoiced in travelling to explore cultural relevance, human experiences, and many more architectural reasons. Travel and architecture go hand in hand in defining our viewing angles. Let’s “Backpack, Get Set, and go!” to have a look at some places to visit in Mount Abu that architects would love.
Mount Abu is a lush green mountain state set above the arid desert plains of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is undoubtedly famous for temples of historical significance, Palatial architecture, and British colonial bungalows located on the Aravalli range.
Dilwara Temple Complex | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Built between the 11th and 13th century AD by the Chalukyan dynasty, the Dilwara temples are one of the world’s finest and most renowned Nagara-style Jain pilgrimage sites. Originally called “Dewalwara”, the Dilwara temples are an icon of Maru-Gurjara architecture in Mount Abu. Famous for their use of very pure white marble, two of the five temples (Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi) are marvels of intricately designed and crafted marble carvings from the door to the ceiling. Though the temple does not initially leave a great first impression, the complex is home to 5 smaller temples with enthralling interiors.
Vimal Vasahi Temple
The oldest of the five temples is the Vimal Vasahi temple, built by the Chalukyan King Vimal Shah in 1032 AD. The temple is well known for its planning-an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor with numerous cells that contain mini-idols of Tirthankaras. Lord Adhinath’s idol is placed in Gudh mandap, the main hall. The temple was built for 14 years with an overall budget of Rs 185.3 million with more than 1500 masons and labourers. The temple’s ceilings are engraved with designs of lotus buds, petals, flowers, and scenes of events from Jain mythologies. The life of Tirthankaras, from dream to incarnation, has been carved out of marble on the walls and ceilings.
Luna Vasahi Temple | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
The temple most likely to visit next is the Luna Vashi temple. Built-in 1230 and remaining intact, this temple is a treat to the visitors’ eyes. In memory of the Vastupal and Tejpal brothers, this temple was designed after the Vimal Vasahi temple. Rang mandap, the main hall of the temple with a central domed structure, has a circular pendant with 72 figures of Tirtankars carved out in the circle. With a similar structural pattern, the temple has ten elephant sculptures made out of pure white marble. “Navchowki”, a collection of 9 rectangular ceilings with intricate marble work, and “Kirti Samba”, a huge pillar made out of black stone, is this temple’s most spectacular feature.
Lal Mandir
Lal Mandir, located close to the Dilwara temple, is a small temple known for its peaceful ambience. The temple derives its name from its radiant red painted walls and is one of the ancient holy places in Mount Abu.
Achalgarh Fort | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Achalgrah Fort is one of the most architecturally appreciated 15th-century medieval monuments, initially built by the Paramara dynasty rulers to keep an eye on enemy movements. The fort was later rebuilt and modernised by Maharana Kumbha in 1452, one of the several forts he built during his reign. Though the fort is in a ruined condition now, the several ancient monuments, temples, beautiful bronze sculptures, and large towers built of blocks of grey granite inside the temple make way for the scenic peaks of surrounding villages from the fort premises and attract tourists.
Shri Raghunath Temple
Located right at the banks of Nakki lake, Shri Raghunath temple is one of the most popular religious attractions in Mount Abu. The temple walls are ornated with meticulously created wall inscriptions, delicate paintings, and carvings. The temple is a representation of the rich culture and architectural heritage of Mewar. Tourists gather every year to visit the dazzling idol of Shri Raghunathji placed at the center of the temple.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort, known as the Great wall of India, is the second-largest wall in the world. The fort is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with five other forts in Rajasthan. Built by architect Mandan, the fort is documented for its work style. The fort’s walls are 36km long, making it the second largest wall in the world after the Great wall of China. The front walls are 15 feet thick, with seven fortified entrance gateways. The fort walls house over 70 Jain and Hindu temples, offerings ecstatic views of the Aravalli range.
Government Museum | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Located within the Raj Bhawan premises, The Government Museum in Mount Abu is a popular place of attraction for culture enthusiasts. The museum is home to a great collection of brass and Jan bronze artefacts that depict the tribal life in Mount Abu. Exquisitely carved statues from the 6th to 12th century AD that originated from the ancient Chandravati town are the highlights of this museum.
Bikaner House
Bikaner house was built in 1893 to be the summer residence of the Bikaner family royals. British Architect Sir Swinton Jacob designed this mansion. Being one of the best mansions in Mount Abu that was visited by the royals from time to time, the Bikaner House was converted to a hotel by Maharaj Karni Singhji in 1962. Since then, the mansion has been operating as a “Palace Hotel”.
Jaipur House | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Another phenomenal palace built by the Rajput kings is the Jaipur House. The palace overlooking the Nakki lake, amidst the Aravalli hills, was created to be used as a summer retreat by the kings in 1879. The palace has been converted into a heritage hill resort to provide guests with an experience of the royal lifestyle of kings and queens.
Alwar Palace
Alwar palace is a perfect blend of contemporary Indian and English architecture. Placed on a small hill amidst the forests of green mountains, the palace catches visitors’ eyes on the way to Dilwara temple. The king of Alwar built this palace to recreate the Jaipur Palace. The palace is popular because it resembles the castles of Sleeping beauty At Disneyland.
Connaught House
Located at the foothills of Mount Abu, The Connaught House is a true testament that boasts the imprints of English Architecture. The stunning bungalow was acquired by the royals and later converted into one of the finest hotels in Mount Abu.
Ambaji temple | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
A 14th-century temple constructed by Kind Arun Sen. The structure of the temple is quite artistic with a majestic Kalash mounted at the height of 103 feet on top of the temple. Milky white marble from the bowels of Arasur mine was used to make the Kalash that weighed 3 tonnes.
Sirohi Fort
The fort of Sirohi was the place of several battles during the rule of Rajput Deora Chauhan. The forts are surrounded by two long walls with a highly venerated temple – Sarneshwar Mahadev. The temple was built with grey-green sandstone. A beautiful mansion near the temple built during the same time attracts visitors even today even though it is no longer in use.
Sunrise Palace | Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Sunrise Palace Hotel is a heritage Palace hotel with a distinctive front façade and ambience. The palace is a blend of traditional and colonial architectural styles. Built 80 years ago at one of the highest points of the mountain, the palace still stands, withholding its brilliance and magnificence.
Citations:
Deepesh Agarwal (2006) Bikaner House Available at: https://www.mountabu.com/hotels/heritage.html
Heritage Hotels in Mount Abu Available at: https://www.mountabuonline.in/city-guide/heritage-hotels-in-mount-abu
Achalgarh Fort, Mount Abu Available at: https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/rajasthan/achalgarh-fort.html
Dilwara Temple-History, Architecture, Temples, Facts,2020. Available at: https://www.sirohishehar.com/dilwara-temple-mount-abu-rajasthan/
