Mt Abu Dilwara Temples, India- in marble for the value of gold dust.India

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The Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu (to the south of Udaipur) , Rajasthan, India, have some of the most intricately carved interiors, the carvings in full marble, that one can see anywhere in the world.

These are Jain temples, which were built between the 11th and 13th century A.D., and the legend goes that the king told the mastercraftsmen he would pay them in gold dust in return for the marble dust left from the carvings!!!

The Dilwara Temples are located in the scenic hill town of Mount Abu in southern Rajasthan, north of the border with Gujrat; it is connected by road from Ahmedabad to the south and Udaipur to the north; these temples are a must see.

Wide range of hotels at Mount Abu; link:

http://www.planetholiday.com/hotels/asia/india/mount_abu.html and

http://www.indiahotelreview.com/destination_mount%20abu.htm

Facts on Dilwara temples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilwara_Temples

Whilst in Mt Abu, don't forget to visit gowmukh ( cow's stone head sculpted around a spring water from the rocks, and source of a river) , you have to climb down several hundred steps, and start early because the climb up to return can be very strenuous and you are likely to be confronted by a bear etc. Eating out at some of the restaurants in the town center, especially to taste a generous vegetarian cuisine of Gujrat/Rajasthan can be a great experience. At the Dilwara temple gates, you are to leave your cameras with the staff there, make sure the receipt details the make of your camera. Drive up to the highest peak for a stunning view of the Rajasthan plains.