Mount Abu

The only hill resort of Rajasthan, is not only one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, but a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre. When ascending the mountain , one can hardly fail to be impressed with the grandeur and the scenic beauty. The gigantic blocks of rocks, along the crest of the hill, are especially striking.

The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs. Dilwarafain Temples, the world renowned temples have quite simple exteriors, and one is quite unprepared for the splendour of the interior.

The main group consists of five temples which are marvels in white marble, constructed between 11th and 13th centuries. The temples of Vimal Sah, Vastupala and Tejapala are of particular interest.

Nakki Lake, is believed to be dug out by the gods with their nails {nakh). The town forms an amphitheatre around this lake. The Toad Rock , overhangs the placid water and seems as if ready to dive in the blue waters of the lake. South-west of Nakki, is the enchanting Sunset Point, which offers a great view of the crimson coloured dusk kissing the lush plains on the horizon. Honeymoon Point or Anadra Point, affords a breathtaking view of the verdant valley and the plains.

Gau Mukh, a holy spot has an old tank which is supplied with water from a spout, shaped like a cow's head hence the name Gau Mukh. The Temple of Vashishtha, and the fire pit, where Agnikula Rajputs are said to have been created, are quite interesting and old sites.

0m Shanti Bhawan, also known as the Universal Peace Hall, is the Brahma Kumari's World Spiritual University. A big hall without any pillars can accomodate upto 3,500 people.

Adhar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple, has been formed by a natural deft, 360 steps lead to this beautiful temple chiselled out of a huge rock.

Guru Shikhar, (15 kms) (the saint's pinnacle) is the highest peak of the Aravalis at 1772 meters. It affords a panoramic view. There is a small Shaivite shrine, and temple of Dattatreya.

Ranakpur

96 kms from Udaipur, it is the site of one of the most important Jain temples in India. The marvellous temples over here, are the living testimony to the wonders that abiding faith and unrelenting pursuit of excellence can create. The temple is constructed on an extensive platform and the whole edifice is made up of domes and towers, courtyards and cells, each with a pyramidal roof. These 500 year old temples have been preserved in perfect condition. The central temple Chaurnukha, dedicated to Adinath, is a 3 storeyed structure, with 29 halls, 80 domes and 1,444 pillars and no two pilars arealike. Every pillar is intricately carved, infact every conceivable surface is carved with equal delicacy.

There are four subsidiary shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. The entire temple is encircled with corridor having Tirthankara images. A small shrine of Lord Parsvanath in front of the main temple, has a black image of the Tirthankara in the inner sanctum Sadri (8 kms), is famous for the beautiful temples of Barahavatar and Chintamani Parasnath. It also has an old dargah, of Khudabakhsh Baba.

Desuri (16 kms), is part of erstwhile Godwad. There are three Jain temples, and temple of Shiva and Hanuman. The temple of Parsuram Mahadeo amidst the hills is worth seeing.

Muchchhal Mahaveer, 5 kms from Ghanerao, in the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, the Jain temple is a contemporary of the Ranakpur temple.

It is the only temple where Lord Mahaveer is depicted with moustache. There are many local legends about it.

Jalor

In the ancient and medieval times it was known as Jabalipura, a flourishing town and a centre of culture. In early times the Hindu rulers were great patrons of the arts and culture. Shaivism and Jainism flourished here. The Jain temples of Adinath, Mahavira, Parsvanath and Santinath are located here. The temple of Adinath existed as far back as the 8th century.

Jalor Fort, is one of the most famous forts in the state and stands atop a perpendicular hill. It has Vaishnava and Jain temples. Near the main gate is a tomb and mosque of Malik Shah.