Nestled amidst the beautiful peaks of Aravalli, Mount Abu emerges as a peaceful retreat for those who want a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Being the only hill station in Rajasthan, it is very popular among the residents of Rajasthan. However, with its verdant landscapes and cool climate, it lures tourists from all over the country. The quaint town, Mount Abu showcases the rich tapestry of culture and history of Rajasthan. Whether you are in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment or looking for an adventure, this hill station will never disappoint you. It is a rare combination of tranquility and natural splendor that provides a perfect refuge here.
The quiet Nakki Lake, beautiful Dilwara Temples, and the sun-kissed peaks offer the visitors an experience of a lifetime. Once you are here, you will enjoy every minute of your stay here. Thus, why wait? Pack your bags and get ready to experience the surreal atmosphere of this hill station.
Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Mount Abu is full of beautiful places to explore. Some of the most visited places of this hill station are:-
Dilwara Jain Temples
Established between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples are the epitome of architectural brilliance of the ancient era. They showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. Located only 2.5 kilometers from the hill station Mount Abu, the temples reflect the Jain values of purity and simplicity. It is a group of five temples that showcase the unparalleled craftsmanship of that era. These temples are Vimal Vasahi, Pittaldhar Temple, Luna Vasahi, Mahavir Swami Temple, and Parshvanath Temple etc. However, Luna Vasahi and Vimal Vasahi are among the most famous temples in all. The temples have intricate designs on pillars, panels, and entryways, which makes them uniquely beautiful. The architecture of Dilwara Temples follows the Nagara style. The main feature of the temple is the ‘Ranga Mandapa’ which is a central dome with a chandelier-like structure hanging in the middle of the roof. Also, 16 idols of Vidyadevi surround the dome. These idols are made of stone with detailed carvings of Gods, lotuses, and abstract patterns.
Peace Park
This is another best places to visit in Mount Abu. Located at a distance of 7 km from Guru Shikhar and 8 km from Mount Abu Bus Station, this place is a part of the Brahma Kumaris establishment. Many tourists from different corners of the country visit it. The Peace Park offers a serene environment to the visitors. At the entrance, you will find a rock garden that has various succulents and floral displays such as geraniums, creepers, hibiscus climbers, ornamental shrubs, etc. The Brahamkumaris offer a guided tour of the park to the visitors. There is also a short video film for the visitors that explains the inner beauty of the human soul as well as the concepts related to Raj Yoga meditation. The park also features a variety of places such as a grass hut, a stone cave, etc. Visitors can meditate in these areas and other peaceful spots of the park.
Achalgarh Fort
Situated at a distance of approx. 8 km from Mount Abu, Achalgarh Fort is another popular place in Mount Abu that attracts tourists from all over the country. Built by the Paramara dynasty in the 14th century, this fort has witnessed many wars during that era. The fort offers breathtaking views to the history buffs as well as the nature lovers. It features intricate carvings, which are the perfect emblem of the craftsmanship of the ancient era. You will find many ancient temples in the fort that add more grace to its beauty. One of the popular temples here is Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the stunning architecture of this temple attracts devotees from all parts of the country.
Mount Abu Sunset Point
Situated near the Nakki Lake area, Sunset Point is one of the most visited attractions by tourists. The place offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli hills during the sunset. You can easily visit this place by hiking or taking a pony ride, whichever would be suitable for you. This is among the favorite places for couples and families. You will also find many local vendors here who sell souvenirs and snacks to the visitors. There are also a few temporary stalls where you can buy wooden toys, marble statues, sandalwood idols, etc. If you want to see the lovely view of the sunset from the sunset point, make sure to reach the point at the time of dusk. This will let you have a beautiful view of the sunset. This place also has staircases and railings that are built for the visitors. They can sit here and admire the breathtaking view of the sunset from here.
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Located near the Achalgarh Fort, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is approx. 11 km north of Mount Abu. You can find a large statue of Nandi along with 2 buffaloes at the entrance of the temple. There is a legend attached to this temple. According to it, Nandi protected the temple from the Muslim attackers by releasing the bumblebees onto the invaders. This Shiva temple is uniquely different from others. Unlike other temples, there is no “Shiva Linga” here, and the devotees worship the toe of Lord Shiva. The temple complex houses a few other small temples that belong to different Hindu deities, such as Matsya, Kalangi Avatar, Ram Kacchap, Varah Narsingham, etc.
Arbuda Devi Temple
Also known as Adhar Devi Temple, Arbuda Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage destination. The temple is flooded with devotees during the Navratri season. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is a testimony to the rich heritage of Rajasthan. You will need to climb 365 stairs to reach here. You will be awe-struck to see the beautiful carvings in the temple. The temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains to the visitors. You need to wear the right clothes and footwear to climb the stairs that lead to the temple. The temple has a lot of statues that you can admire when you are here.
Government Museum
Situated within the premises of Raj Bhawan, the Government Museum houses an exquisite collection of artifacts that showcase the tribal life of Mount Abu. You can also see the Jan bronze carvings and brass artifacts when you are here. The highlight of the place is the statues of Nartaki and Devdasi. This museum has two sections. One section displays the items that offer insight into the tribal life of this region, whereas the other section displays a great collection of miniature paintings. You will also get to see the sculptures of Chanvar Vahini and Laxmi, Vish Kanya, and Lord Shiva here.
Champaa Caves
It is a popular site for trekking purposes. Situated between Toad Road and Nakki Lake, Champaa Caves are visited by a large number of tourists from every corner of the country. It is said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here. The tranquil atmosphere of the caves offers an ideal atmosphere for the visitors to meditate and find inner peace. These caves are divided into two sections. While the small section served the purpose of meditation, the other section was used as a bedroom.
Gaumukh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Gaumukh Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Mount Abu. It is visited by a large number of tourists every year. Once you enter the temple, you will find the Gaumukh or Cow’s head here. You will also find the statues of Lord Krishna, Nandi, Lord Rama, and Saint Vashisht in the temple. The water stream that falls from the cow’s mouth is dedicated to Nandi, which was the bull of Lord Shiva. This temple is immensely popular among Lord Shiva devotees. The Gaumukh Temple was constructed in memory of Saint Vashishth, who conducted a yagna to create the four Rajput clans. According to the legend, he performed the yagna to get the blessings of all the gods and goddesses to save the earth.
Best Things to Do in Mount Abu
Boating at Nakki Lake
Don’t forget to take a trip to Nakki Lake. It is located in the Aravalli ranges and is popularly known as Nakki Jheel by tourists. You can opt for boating at the Nakki Lake, which is an enjoyable activity for the children as well as adults. During your boating trip, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the hills. You can choose from two types of boats here, such as shikaras and pedal boats. Boating is available for tourists from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The cost of boating at Nakki Lake is Rs. 50-100 per person. You can visit Nakki Lake at any time of the year. However, the ideal time to visit Nakki Lake is during the monsoon and winter. The lush greenery in the monsoon adds more grace to the beauty of Nakki Lake.
Rock Climbing in Mount Abu
If you are an adventure lover, you must go rock climbing in Mount Abu. It is one of the most thrilling and enjoyable activities that you can do on your Mount Abu tour. This adventure activity challenges the personal limits of a person and provides them with a thrilling experience that they won’t forget in their lifetime. You will find many rock formations at this place that are perfect for rock climbing.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced adventure enthusiast, you will find a challenging route in the surrounding landscapes of Mount Abu. The Abruda Mountains are the perfect place for traditional as well as sport climbing. If you are a beginner, you can climb the less challenging cliffs first. However, if you are a professional rock climber, you can choose the most challenging route in Mount Abu, i.e., Guru Shikhar Peak. This is the highest rock in the Aravalli range.
Explore Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Another thing to do during your Mount Abu tour is to explore the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on a plateau, the sanctuary covers an area of 288 sq km. It houses the highest peak in Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar. Established in 1980, Mount Abu Sanctuary is known for its variety of flora and fauna. Your visit to this sanctuary will be much more rewarding as you will get to see as many as 820 species of flowers here. The sanctuary has 3 species of wild roses and 16 species of ferns. Some of these species are rare and not commonly found in the country.
Just like the flora, the fauna of this sanctuary is also uniquely interesting. You will get to see many animals here, such as wild boar, sambar deer, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Chinkara, etc. Apart from the wild animals, the sanctuary is also home to 250 species of birds that include green avadavat and grey jungle fowl. Many birdwatchers visit the sanctuary to see different species of birds here.
Enjoy Local Rajasthani Cuisine
The food culture of Mount Abu is greatly influenced by Gujarati and Marwari cuisine due to its closeness to Gujarat and also being a region in Rajasthan. The local people love to eat vegetarian food due to the influence of the Jain community here. The local food of Mount Abu has rich flavors. Various spices and herbs are used to make these dishes. Also, the slow cooking technique is used at most of the places, which is the traditional cooking technique here. People also use dairy products extensively while cooking their food due to cooler temperatures in this region.
Best Time to Visit Mount Abu
Summer Season
In the summer season, the weather of Mount Abu is neither good nor bad. Although the temperature is higher than in other hilly regions of the country, it is much colder than in many places in Rajasthan. People from nearby districts visit Mount Abu in the summer season as the weather is pleasant during this time. As this is not the favorite season to explore Mount Abu, you will see fewer crowds in this season. Thus, visiting this place during this time can be a judicious decision on your part. Explore SeaWorld or the Government Museum during the day and enjoy outdoor activities in the evening. This is also a good time for visiting many places such as Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temple, Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. However, don’t forget to use sunscreen cream and wear light cotton clothes in this season.
Monsoon Season
This is the low season for tourists to visit Mount Abu. As Mount Abu is close to the Thar Desert, it doesn’t experience heavy rainfall. Even though the temperature comes down to 25 degrees Celsius, there is a lot of humidity here during this season. However, when it rains, it brings freshness to the whole region. However, some tourists consider visiting Mount Abu only during this time.
Winter Season in Mount Abu
The best time to visit Mount Abu is the winter season, i.e., the time between November and March. During this time, the weather is great and you won’t experience fatigue after exploring Mount Abu. The days are warm and the nights are colder during this time. Mount Abu rarely experiences snowfall. However, when there is snowfall, adventure lovers indulge in adventurous activities such as hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, etc. This is the peak season to visit Mount Abu as there is a heavy influx of visitors during this time. Thus, it is better to book your flights and accommodation beforehand. This will save you from any unexpected stress during your tour.
How to Reach Mount Abu?
A large number of tourists visit this hill station from all parts of the country. It is a scenic spot and a place full of wonderful attractions to explore. Due to its immense popularity among tourists, it is well-connected with all the places in the country. You can visit it irrespective of the city you are living in.
By Air
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Mount Abu. Mount Abu doesn’t have its own airport. The closest airport to Mount Abu is Udaipur, which is approximately 185 km from here. Once you reach the airport, you can take a private taxi to reach Mount Abu. However, you can also catch a bus to Mount Abu if you like. You can also take an AC bus, which is operational between Mount Abu and Udaipur.
By Train
Mount Abu has no railway station of its own. The nearest station to this place is Abu Road railway station, which is approximately. 28 km away from Mount Abu. Many trains run between Mount Abu and other major parts of the country. However, trains run daily to this hill station from a few metropolitan cities of the country, such as Mumbai and Delhi.
By Road
Mount Abu is also well-connected to all the major cities of India via road. The national highway 14 is approximately. 24 km away from this picturesque hill station. Thus, you can visit Mount Abu via road irrespective of the location you are living in. You will love to see the natural surroundings of Mount Abu if you are coming here via road.
Accommodation in Mount Abu
There is no dearth of accommodation options in Mount Abu. Whether you are looking for affordable homestays or budget hotels, you can easily find them in Mount Abu. However, if you are looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Mount Abu, you can book luxury resorts and hotels for this purpose. All these places offer you a comfortable stay. Apart from that, you can also opt for the tented campsites and nature resorts to stay here.
Mount Abu offers luxurious stays to visitors who don’t want to compromise their comfort during their Mount Abu tour. Many luxurious resorts offer you ultra-comfort as per your needs. They not only offer Indian but also international cuisines to the customers. The rooms of these hotels are equipped with all sorts of luxury amenities.
If you choose to stay in the campsites, you will get an opportunity to take part in many camping events. You can enjoy barbeque, bonfire, and stargazing during your stay in the campsites. Tourists can also choose to stay in the nature resorts and experience the calming environment of this hilly region and capture the breathtaking views of lush green valleys.
Food and Dining in Mount Abu
You will find many restaurants in Mount Abu that offer vegetarian cuisine to the visitors. The reason behind this is that this hilly region is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage sites due to its Dilwara Jain temples. You will find a variety of restaurants that offer you different types of Rajasthani food, Chinese, and Punjabi cuisines. Most of these restaurants are running around the city center. Some of the most popular restaurants in Mount Abu include King’s Food, Arbuda, Chacha Café, Kanak Dining Hall, etc. When you are in Mount Abu, you must try some of the popular food here, such as dal bati churma, ker sengri, gate ki sabji, malpua, ghevar, etc.
Getting Around in Mount Abu
You will find many transport options in Mount Abu, such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. They are used by the people to move to different sightseeing places in Mount Abu.
- Auto-rickshaws and Taxis: - They are readily available for visitors. They are used to cover short distances within Mount Abu.
- Jeeps: - You can also opt for Jeeps for local sightseeing tours.
- Rented Bikes: - If you want to explore Mount Abu at your own pace, you can take bikes on rent.
- Buses: - You can also book buses for exploring Mount Abu. RSRTC-operated buses will not only take you to the local sightseeing tour but also to other nearby destinations such as Abu Road.
- Car Rentals: You can also hire a car for local sightseeing as well as for exploring distant places.
