Sirohi

Achalgarh Fort and Temple, Achalgarh is a fort situated about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) north of Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and later reconstructed, renovated and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE, [1] one of the 32 forts built during his reign. The fort is in a dilapidated condition now. [2] The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. It comprises two towers built of large blocks of grey granite. After some ascent, stands Champapol, the second gate of the fort, which served as the entrance to the inner fort. [1] There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort. Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. There are Jain temples in the fort. These were built in 1513.

The Bheru Tarak Dham is established in the valley of Nandgiri, the Arbudh as described in the ancient Indian literature. The whole valley represents a good settlement of Ashramas of Rishi Munis. From this valley the hilly track goes to Nakki Lake of Mount Abu. This track was used by Colonel Tod, the first European to visit Mt. Abu. This ancient track was the main source of supply of house hold goods to the inhabitants of Mount Abu. All the saints, religious tourists and the kings of various states of Rajputana's used this track for reaching to Abu. There were circuit houses of all the states of Rajputana at Anadara, This was one of the old municipality of the Rajputana established in 1868. The temple is built of white marble dedicated to Sahastra Fana (one thousand hoods of serpent) of Parshavnath. The campus is having Dharmshala, BhojanShala and having all facilities for pilgrims. A bus is also operated from this place to Nakoda Tirth in Barmer district.

It is situated at 6 Km away from Abu Road on Abu - Ahmedabad Highway. It is destroyed city of Parmars. Its present name is Chandela. In the 10th and 11th century, the ruler of the Arbudmandal was the Parmars. Chandravati was the capital of the Parmars. It was the main centre of the nagar civilization, business and trade. Since, it was the capital of the Parmar therefore it was rich in heritage, culture and in all respect. The Parmar of Abu, king Sindhuraj was the ruler of the whole Maru Mandal. Chandravati was a great example from Architect point of view. Colonel Tod in his book 'Travel in Western India' mentioned about the past glory of the Chandravati through some pictures. Apart from these pictures there are no proof which shows the past glory of the Chandravati.. When the railway track was laid down by the British Government, a huge amount of marble was consumed in filling up the remaining holes under the track because at that time there was no curiosity and desire for the art. After systematic commencement of the rail, the large amount of marble was taken away by the marble contractors to Ahmedabad, Baroda and Surat and used to build beautiful temples.

The "Pavapuri Tirtha Dham" temple is built by charitable family of Sanghavi Poonam Chand Dhanaji Bafana's family's Trust "K.P.Sanghavi Charitable Trust". The Dhaam is constructed separated in two blocks; first one is Sumati Jeevandaya Dhaam is also named Gou-Shala and second is Pavapuri Dhaam. In Pavapuri Dhaam it is categorized into a Temple. Place for devotees, Mess for devotees, Dharmshala for devotees, Garden, Lake Etc. The total constructional land of the Pavapuri Tirtha Dhaam is 150 Bhiga. Inside the temple the main idol of Shree Shankheshwar Parshvanath the 23rdlord of Jaina's is of 69 inches. The development work has been completed now. The main attraction of the Dhaam is the Temple and the Toran Gate. The green gardens are enhancing beauty of the campus. The main idol is surrounded with Asht Pratihariya (the 8 heroic presentation) and Panch Tirthi (the 5 trithankar raj) established on a pedestal (Prabhashan) carved with elephants, Yakshas and Godess. There are three 45 RCC shelter house and 54 tin shade cow shelters. Where the cattle are kept in the most hygienic conditions and fed. The arrangement of fodder and rich fodder for cows is available under the supervision of the veteran medical team and shepherds. More than 4500 cows are fed in the Gaushala. The food and the fodder provided by the trust.

Sarneshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv, situated on the western slope of Siranwa hill and is now managed by Sirohi Devasthanam. It is Kuldev of Deora Clan of Chauhans of Sirohi. The temple seems to be built in Parmar Dynasty rule because its structure and layout is similar to other temples constructed by Parmar rulers. A temple might be renovated time to time but the major renovation was carried out in 16th century. In 1526 V.S. Apurva Devi, the queen of Maharao Lakha established Hanuman Idol outside the main gate of the Sarneshwar Ji. The temple was decorated by Maharao Akheyraj in 1685 V.S. In the campus of the temple there are idols of lord Vishnu and a plate consisting of 108 Shiv Lingas. The temple is surrounded by two courtyards, one is attached to main temple and second is around the whole area, which carries Burj and Chaukis, which represents this temple as fort. Basically this temple is fort temple. Outside the main gate of the temple, there are three decorated huge elephants made of lime and bricks, painted colourful situated. There is a mandakini Kund in front of the main temple, which is used by the pilgrims for taking holy bath on kartik purnima, chetra purnima and vaisakh purnima. A famous festival of Devuthni Ekadashi, in every Bhadrapadh month of V.S. is arranged here by the followers and on second day a huge fair of rabbaries is also celebrated, in which nobody except rabbarries are allowed. The cenotaphs of the royal family are another attraction in the premises of Sarneshwar temple.

Recognized as the first ever manmade lake in India, Nakki Lake is also a preferred place to see in Mount Abu. You can choose to take a boat ride at the lake and watch the sun set past the beautiful hills surrounding this place. Nakki Lake is also popular for being the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi had been immersed. Toad rock, a place for sightseeing in Mount Abu is located close to Nakki Lake.

Recognized as the highest point on this mountain range, Guru Shikhar is an exquisite place for sightseeing in Mount Abu. Taking about 300 steps up to Guru Shikhar, you reach the temple of Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of the Divine Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). People flock to this place both for its religious aspects and the panoramic views.

Known for being surrounded by a number of strangely shaped rocks, Nakki Lake offers numerous photo ops to visitors. One of the most popular destinations near Nakki Lake however, has to be the Toad Rock View Point. Located on the main trekking trail near the Lake, the Toad Rock has often been referred to as the mascot of Mount Abu. The massive rock structure is an excellent illustration of igneous rocks found in amazing shapes and is shaped, as the name suggests, like a toad. One of the most frequented places in the hill station; people visit this place out of sheer curiosity. It is pretty easy to climb the rock and the views that it offers of the Nakki Lake and the surrounding greenery are unparalleled. Apart from the novelty of the rock itself, the breathtaking scenery from atop just adds to whole experience, making it well worth your while.

Established some time in between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Dilwara Jain temples are considered to be among the best specimens of architectural perfection in the country. A complex of five temple structures, the Dilwara Jain temples are located at a distance of about 2.5 kilometres from Mount Abu. Carved out of white marble, these temples features interiors that have intricate designs spreading everywhere from doorways to ceilings. Dilwara Jain temples are a must visit place in Mount Abu.

Covering 288 square kilometres of area, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the subtropical forest in this region. Containing rich flora and fauna, this sanctuary allows you to come close to some rare and exotic species of wild animals, including the Indian fox, pangolin, grey jungle fowl, striped hyena, and also Indian leopard, the apex predator here.

Nestled in between two famous Aravali peaks, the Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh, the Peace Park in Mount Abu is a part of the Brahma Kumaris' establishment. With an ambiance that creates the perfect blend of serenity and tranquillity, the park offers a beautiful backdrop for silence and peaceful recreation. At the Peace Park, one can visit the rock garden that houses a wide variety of Cactaceae, the orchard, citrus corner, and view the numerous floral displays that include coleus, shrubs, hibiscus, creepers and climbers, and an exquisitely beautiful rose garden. The park also has a number of areas, like a stone cave and huts, where people can meditate in a tranquil environment. The Brahma Kumaris also provide a guided tour of the park, and you can also watch a short video film that explains interesting meditation concepts. This place of solitude in the lap of nature is something you must experience.

Located on Delwara Road, near the Delwara Jain Temple, is this small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple offers a very peaceful ambiance and is considered as one of the most ancient holy places located in Mount Abu. A small and beautiful temple, the Lal Mandir gets its name from the fact that all the walls of the temple have been painted red. The temple is one of the must visit spots in Mount Abu, popular among the religious tourists as well as others. The temple is also quite well-known for being a Swayambhu' Shiva Temple, so named because the idol placed inside the temple can be seen wearing a 'jenau'.

Trevor's tank, a crocodile park, is a manmade crocodile breeding spot which is located at a distance of about 5 kilometres from Mount Abu. The spot offers amazing scenic beauty and a great spot for crocodile, bird, and other wildlife (like the black bear) sightings. The lush green surroundings make it quite a popular picnic spots that is always worth a visit. Trevor's Tank is a small but pristine ecosystem for crocodiles, and creates a unique blend between manmade creations and the natural environment. Being located at a hill station, Trevor's Tank can be visited all throughout the year, owing to the mild weather it enjoys all the time. However, it might be a good idea to avoid the monsoon season, as that may hinder your explorations slightly. Whether you are a shutterbug or want to watch some birds or other wildlife, Trevor's Tank is a destination to add on your Mount Abu bucket-list.