January 12: | Udaipur -Ranakpur After breakfast we will depart for Ranakpur -Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15 the century during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha [four-faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji and is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved. No two are alike is and it is amazing evidence of the genius sense of architecture that enhances the charm of the place Evening free and overnight in Fateh Prakesh Palace Hotel |
January 13: | Ranakpur - Mount Abu (140 kms - 3 hrs ) After breakfast we will depart for M. Abu - At an altitude of 1220 meters crowning at the highest peak of the Aravali hills, Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan and one of the prettiest hill stations in the country. Mount Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became a Jain Pilgrimage Centre. The greatest draw for Mount Abu is the Dilwara Jain Temple well known for its carvings. The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs. This "Hill of Wisdom" and a true "Olympus of Rajasthan" stands on an independent hill, which is separated from the main Aravali ranges by a deep gorge. When ascending the mountain, one cannot help but be impressed with the grandeur and the scenic beauty, the gigantic blocks of rocks, towering along the crest of the hill, are especially striking, in some cases so weather- worn, that they present most fanciful and weird shapes, while in others appear so slightly balanced as to be in danger of rolling down. It is not only one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, but a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre. The legend goes that a 'yagna' was performed here and four Agnikula or fireborn Rajput clans- the Chauhans, Parmaras, Pratiharas and Solankis were created out of fire. Till 11th century, Mount Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage center, but now it has gained importance as a Jain pilgrim center - Dilwara Jain Temple -- Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11th century. Today, it is recognized the world over for it's magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Dilwara 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 Dilwara temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints. Built between the 11th and 13th century, are famous for their superb carvings in marble Gaumukh --
Many sages and sheers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous being sage Vashistha. To regenerate the human race, he performed a yagya or magic fire from which were born the agnikula clans of Chauhan, Solankis, Pannars and Pratihars. A natural spring that flows that through a sculpted cow's head, gives the shrine its name Sunset Point -- It provides a lovely view of the setting sun, South-West of Nakki lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks, steps lead up to high terrace which offers an awe inspiring view of the setting sun Nakki Lake -- The lake is picturesquely set amidst hills and is believed to have been carved out by the Gods with their nails. It is popular spot for boating and the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts. above sea level. Evening free for a stroll in the main bazaar, overnight at Palace Hotel. |