Settled among the green timberlands, Rajasthan's only hill station Mt. Abu is a myriad of green forests unlike any other place in the state. Stretching about 19km, it is home to the famous Mt Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling all over the mountain. A sigh of relief from the scorching temperatures, these arid terrains also have a great spiritual importance with more than 80 temples which are 4 to 10 centuries old.
Dilwara Jain Temples
Constructed in the 11th and 13th century AD, the Jain temples of Dilwara have earned a reputation for its intricate marble work, carvings and smooth sculptures. The entire complex has a series of 5 Jain temples named Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Khartar Vasahi, & Mahavir Swami. Its unique structure and captivating design makes it a popular tourist place which is largely visited by pilgrims.
Boating at Nakki Lake
Choose from a pedalo or gondola and take a romantic boat ride in the Nakki Lake. Believed to have been dug out by the gods themselves, this is the place where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. Sail over the quiet waters and see the water changing under the shades of the sky.
Peace Park – The Abode of Brahma Kumaris
An ultimate place to escape from the tensions of daily life; Peace Park allows one to surrender in the calm environment and do some meditation. Spend some time in the natural beauty and take a guided tour to feel the essence of the place.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
A subtropical heaven with an assortment of greenery, this wildlife sanctuary is the home to the ferocious leopards. Rambling over the foothills and subtropical evergreen forests, one will also find here some endangered animal species with 250 species of birds.
Guru Shikhar Peak
Highest in the Aravalli Mountain Range, the Guru Shikhar Peak offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Nearby, one can visit the famous temple of Guru Dattatreya who is the combined incarnation of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Abu Road
On the banks of the Banas River, Abu Road has some Hindu temples that have a strong mythological background. Apart from being a picnic spot, it is also a place for pilgrimage. Don’t forget to taste the famous sweet dish rabri here.
Achalgarh Fort
Find the history of Paramara Dynasty in the remnants of Achalgarh that used to be a majestic fort. Refurbished by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar Kingdom, this structure is still appreciated for its two monumental towers, carved out of grey granite demarcating the entrance. Inside, one will find a temple with a huge foot impression of Lord Shiva, a figurine of the bull Nandi, made up of brass; and three sculptures of buffalos near the pond.
Trevor’s Tank
A man-made crocodile breeding centre amid lush green surroundings, this is Trevor’s Crocodile Park. Apart from being its breeding ground, the park is also a heaven for birdwatchers. A place for nature and photo enthusiasts.
Toad Rock
On the banks of Nakki Lake is a rock formed in the shape of a Toad. Every visitor to Mount Abu climbs up to this nature’s miracle to take pictures of the rock and the Nakki Lake below.
Summer Festival in Mount Abu (April)
The three day Summer festival in the beautiful hill station, brings forth different colours of Rajasthan in form of art, music and cultural performances. Various competitions like Boat Race, Tug-of-War, Matka Race, Panihari, Horse and skating Race are also organized.
Shopping
Apart from the natural wonders, Mount Abu has a good number of markets that are full of Rajasthani and Gujarati products. While here, one can look forward to Kota sarees, linen, bangles, Sanganeri print, Jaipuri quilt and other small products of sandalwood, marble and sandstone.
Some of the most visited markets of Mount Abu are:
Unlike other states of Rajasthan, Mount Abu can be visited any time of the year. Whether Summer, Winter or Monsoons, the misty mountains never fail to mesmerize with its charm.
Winters
November to February, the temperature doesn’t go beyond 12 degree Celsius, hence sightseeing can be enjoyed along with outdoor activities.
Summer
March to June, the days are hot, but the temperature doesn’t go above 33 degree Celsius. Evenings are quite pleasant, hence perfect for boating.
Monsoon
July to October; although the hill station does not receive much of a rainfall, but the hills do come in full bloom during the monsoons. Hence this is the perfect time for nature enthusiasts to plan a trekking tour and stroll around in greenery.
By Air
Mount Abu is 210 km away from Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. One can also take a flight till Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmadabad at 221 km away. Maharana Pratap Airport is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, & Jaipur. Tourists can easily hire a cab/taxi from the airport for Mount Abu.
By Train
Abu Road Railway Station, is the nearest to Mount Abu that connects it with major cities of the country.
By Road
State Government run buses connect Mount Abu to cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jaisalmer &Udaipur. One can simply drive till Mount Abu from major cities via NH 8 and NH 14.
