About Mount Abu
The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located in the Aravali range. The most important attraction, however, is undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. Travelers can enjoy calm and relaxed boating in Nakki Lake, and a view of the sunset from the vista points. The restaurants and eateries around the lake are great places to eat local food and chill. The highest peak of the Aravali Range – Guru Shikhar also lies in Mt. Abu. Mount Abu Forest Sanctuary with an abundance of flora and fauna is also a highlight.
The exceptionally intricate architecture of the Dilwara temples is of course the main attraction here, and you can easily spend hours wondering how these temples were built over 2 centuries, almost 1000 years back.
The temples were specifically made so that they are plain from the outside to avoid the attraction of plunderers, and have withstood the test of time extremely well.
The ancient Arbuda Devi Temple and Shri Raghunathji Temple which was carved out of the solid rock are also on the must-visit list here.
History of Mount Abu
The most acclaimed Jain pilgrim site and the only pristine hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is identified as the ‘Arbuda Mountains’ in the script of The Mahabharata.
Entwined around the name of the mighty Hindu mythological snake Arbuda, the hill is believed to be a part of the “Arbudaanchal”. It is presumed that Arbuda accomplished the command of Shiva in closing the gorge that existed there and this event was cherished by christening the hill ‘Arbuda’. Drastically, it evolved as ‘Mount Abu’, which became an abode of religious devout. The folk stories depict that this serene mountain was visited frequently by most of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Gaumukh, the residence of Sage Vashishth, is still a constant religious juncture of Mount Abu.
The paucity of information on Mount Abu draws difficulty in having a deeper insight into its history and development. The amusing fact about this place is that due to its difficult terrain and dense forest it was never invaded or attacked by foreign rulers.
Few historical pieces of evidence portray that, this region was under the rule-Nagas, Bhillas, Solankis, and Deora-Chauhan. With the support of the best architectures, the magnificent Dilwara temple was constructed under the rule of Solankis. But the quintessence of glory evolved only under the rule of ‘Gurjars’, and the place later became to be known as ‘Gurjarabhumi’. But then the glory and importance faded under the Mughal rule of Akbar. Later, with the emergence of the British Raj, Mount Abu regained its importance and acquired the title – ‘the summer capital of Rajasthan’.
In addition to that, The British installed a few military cantonments and convent schools in this region. Coruscated and inspired by its mythic reference, Mount Abu remains a fascinating destination, retaining its historical charm.
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar peak is the highest point over there and on top of it is Dattatreya, a shrine and a temple. Also, there are many Jain temples over there known as Dilwara Temples that are carved out of white marble. The temples are believed to be built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Out of all the Jain temples, the oldest is the Vimal Vasahi temple which was built in 1021 AD in dedication to the first Jain Tirthankaras. Also, the place is the headquarters of Brahma Kumaris. A very well-known Shiva temple is also there known as Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Wildlife Sanctuary and Nakki Lake
Mount Abu Forest Sanctuary is the forest between the Aravalli Mountain Range. It was officially declared in 1980 and has 288 square kilometers covered. The forest is tropical and the prime predator over here is Leopard. There are many rare species found here which include sambhar, wild boar, bear, pangolin, wolf, hyena, porcupine, hedgehog, and many others.
The sanctuary is also home to nearly 1250 species of birds amongst which Grey Jungle Fowl is the unique one. Another beautiful tourist attraction is the ancient sacred Lake Nakki. The place has many stories revolving around it. Some say it was dug out by the Gods to take shelter from Demon Bashkali. Many other stories revolve around this lake.
Restaurants in Mount Abu
This popular and simple hill station has a cuisine of the same nature. Being a popular Jain pilgrim site, there are a large number of pure-veg restaurants, and you should expect little in the way of non-vegetarian food. There are a number of restaurants serving everything from local Rajasthani food to Punjabi and Chinese cuisines. You would find most of these restaurants clustered around the city center. We would recommend you go with the local food flavors and skip the Chinese/Punjabi options, if possible.
What is the best time to visit Mount Abu?
Although Mount Abu is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Mount Abu is between November to March, which is the winter season. Mount Abu has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Things to do in Mount Abu
The top things to do in Mount Abu are Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Arbuda Devi Temple, Achalgarh Village.
- Hop on sightseeing tours
- Boating in Nakki Lake
- Trek to the highest peak of Aravallis
- Wildlife Safari
- Caving
- Hike to a waterfall
- Shopping
Places To Visit In Mount Abu
Dilwara Jain Temple
Exhibiting the best of architecture and craftsmanship, the Dilwara Jain Temple dates back to the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The temple consists of five different complexes, each of which are Jain temples. A famous pilgrim spot, the temples are flocked with visitors at the times of morning and evening prayers.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Nakki Lake
This pristine water body is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Mount Abu City and has been home to numerous adventures and fun activities.
Offering you a chance to experience the thrill of boating, the lake is vast and houses extensive marine life.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Peace Park
Staying true to its name, the Peace Park has been providing actual peace to morning dwellers, yoga enthusiasts, and walkers. The park is home to some of the most beautiful and colorful flora and fauna and is a perfect spot to enjoy activities like a picnic or a day out. The park is so big that guided tours can also be arranged for the visitors so that they can visit some of the best spots and locations of the park.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Providing you a chance to marvel at the best of nature, this wildlife sanctuary is loaded with scenic vistas and is home to numerous species of animals and birds. The sanctuary lets you enjoy safari in which you will be taken to some of the best spots to marvel at animals and birds resting in their natural habitat. The place is also a famous spot for trekking and wildlife photography.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ticket Price Of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Price: INR 300 per person.
Guru Shikhar Peak
Located at an elevation of 1722 meters above sea level, the Guru Shikhar Peak has been a famous go-to spot for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Overlooking the whole town, some of the best sceneries of Mount Abu can be enjoyed from here only.
From the sunrise to the sunset this peak exhibits various beautiful backdrops which are perfect for your pictures. Reaching the peak is an adventure itself as you will have to hike through slopes and bushy forests.
Trevor’s Tank
This small park is a man-made spot used for breeding crocodiles and has been attracting flocks of tourists since day one of its openings. Surrounded by thick green nature and home to the best natural environment, the park has been perfectly taken care of making people not believe that it is human-made.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Price: INR 30 for Indian Nationals and INR 100 for foreigners.
Abu Road
While many people mistakenly believe that this is just a road on which vehicles run, the Abu Road is one of the most beautiful locations in Mount Abu. This whole area is dotted with small temples dating back several decades and loaded with beautiful architecture.
In addition to this, the whole road is dotted with high-standing trees on both of its sides, driving on which feels like a dream come true. Located on the shore of Banas River, the road lets you marvel at many beautiful natural marvels on the course of your drive.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Udaipur is the nearest airport to the city but is still 185km away. Abu Road is the nearest railway station, about 25km from the main city and well connected to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc. Mt Abu is also very well connected by road with all major cities. The most common way to reach Mount Abu is by road. Mount Abu is well connected to major cities by road and the nearest national highway is number 14 which is 24 kilometers away from it.
Ahmedabad to Mount Abu
225 Km (4h 14 min via Gujarat State Highway 41)
Udaipur to Mount Abu
160 Km (2h 56 min via National Highway 927A)
Jodhpur to Mount Abu
272 Km (4h 57 min via National Highway 14)
Jaisalmer to Mount Abu
442 Km (6h 37 min via National Highway 15 and Rajsthan State Highway 11)
Jaipur to Mount Abu
486 Km (8h 9 min via National Highway 8)
Bikaner to Mount Abu
551 Km (9h via National Highway 65 and National Highway 14)
Mount Abu Tour Packages
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udaipur, Mount Abu | ₹ 11,000 | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Meals, Sightseeing, Car, Hotels |
| Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur | ₹ 17,999 | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Other, Meals, Sightseeing, Hotels |
| Udaipur, Mount Abu | ₹ 10,000 | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
| Udaipur, Mount Abu, Ranthambore | ₹ 17,750 | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals, Sightseeing |
| Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mount Abu | ₹ 23,400 | 7 Nights / 8 Days | Sightseeing, Car, Hotels, Meals |
Resorts In Mount Abu
Sterling Mount Abu
The Colonial Manek Manor
Hotel Toppers Corner
Kesar Bhawan Palace
Hotel Hillock
Hotel Agroha
Hill ‘N’ You – A Boutique Garden Resort
Ratan Villas
Hummingbird Resort
Altus Luxury Homestay
Palanpur Palace
WelcomHeritage Connaught House Mount Abu
Achal Resort
Hotel Hilltone
Great India Hotel
Siyava Valley Resort Pvt. Ltd.
Silver Oak
The Bhagwati Resort
Hotels in Mount Abu
Hotel Hillock
Shaleen Elegance – A Home Stay
Palace Hotel – Bikaner House
Hotel Maganji’s
Hotel Saraswati
Chacha Inn The Garden Retreat
Sterling Mount Abu
Hotel Swagat
Hotel Mount Regency
Hotel Ashoka
Hotel Marigold Mount Abu With Swimming Pool
Hotel Starvilla Mount Abu
Hotel The Hind
Wordsworth Lodge
Hotel Aravali
Hotel Royale Palace
Sun Hotel and Resort
Hotel Chandrawati Palace
FAQs on Mount Abu
What is famous about Mount Abu?
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu acts as a relaxing point for people of both Rajasthan and Gujarat. Dilwara temple has amazing architecture and is quite important for Jain pilgrims as well. Mount Abu can be visited throughout the year.
Who should visit Mount Abu?
The place is a hill station situated between beautiful evergreen mountains and has views to die for. The place is meant for honeymoon couples and families from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The place can be visited by anyone but as it is quite affordable. Mount Abu also attracts a lot of Jain pilgrims because of Jain temples.
What is the local food in Mount Abu?
This popular and simple hill station has a cuisine of the same nature. Being a popular Jain pilgrim site, there are a large number of pure-veg restaurants, and you should expect little in the way of non-vegetarian food. There are a number of restaurants serving everything from local Rajasthani food to Punjabi and Chinese cuisines. You would find most of these restaurants clustered around the city center. We would recommend you go with the local food flavors and skip the Chinese/Punjabi options, if possible.
What is the best way to reach Mount Abu?
Udaipur is the nearest airport to the city but is still 185km away. Abu Road is the nearest railway station, about 25km from the main city and well connected to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc. Mt Abu is also very well connected by road with all major cities. The most common way to reach Mount Abu is by road. Mount Abu is well connected to major cities by road and the nearest national highway is number 14 which is 24 kilometers away from it.
How much does a package cost for Mount Abu?
The packages for Mount Abu start at INR 5207 which can be further customized based on the number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type, and customizations.
What are the places near Mount Abu?
The top places near Mount Abu are Udaipur which is 98 km from Mount Abu, Danta Ambaji which is located 72 km from Mount Abu, Patan which is located 101 km from Mount Abu, Palanpur which is located 54 km from Mount Abu, Jaisalmer which is located 315 km from Mount Abu.
Can we do boating in Nakki Lake?
Yes, Nakki Lake is a very famous spot for boating and anyone aged above 10 can enjoy this thrilling session. Traversing through its beautiful waters, you might also spot some turtles and fishes swimming in the bottom.