The Only Hill Station in Rajasthan
Mount Abu is known as one of the prime travel destinations in Rajasthan, quietly nestled in the shelter of the Aravalli Ranges. Being the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located close to the Gujarat border. This little oasis in the otherwise arid landscape of Rajasthan is extremely popular among honeymoon travellers and those seeking short leisure vacations. Flowering shrubs and coniferous trees add charm to this scenic destination. Mount Abu holds major religious and spiritual importance for both Jains and Hindus and is home to more than 80 shrines and temples.
The history of Mount Abu reveals that it served as a preferred summer retreat during the reign of the Chauhans of Rajasthan. It is also believed that Mount Abu was once the abode of numerous saints and sages. Sage Vasistha is known to have stayed here and is believed to have created four Rajput clans under the Agni Kula lineage to protect the earth from demonic forces. According to legend, the name ‘Abu’ is derived from the name of the mythical serpent Arbuada, who protected Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a deep chasm.
Following are the main attractions of Mount Abu:
Nakki Lake: Situated at the heart of Mount Abu, this lake is nearly one kilometre long. Visitors can sit peacefully by the lakeside of Nakki Lake, enjoy boating or even try the aero balloon ride, which offers a grand panoramic view of the entire hill station from above.
Achalgarh Fort: Built by Rana Kumbha, the Achalgarh Fort is one of the most important medieval monuments. Massive battlement walls surround the fort, giving it an imposing and magnificent appearance. Several temples are located within the fort walls, including the Shantinath Jain Temple and a Lord Shiva Temple.
Guru Shikhar: Known as the highest peak of the Aravalli Ranges, Guru Shikhar stands 1,722 metres above sea level and is located 15 km from Mount Abu. The Temple of Dattatreya, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, is built at the summit. Footprints of Guru Dattatreya and Swami Ramnath can also be seen on the surrounding rock caves.
Dilwara Temples: The famous Dilwara Temple complex consists of five exquisitely designed Jain temples. The intricate marble carvings and stunning architectural brilliance are considered by some architectural experts to surpass even the Taj Mahal. These temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. The five temples are: Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shri Adinath Temple, Shri Parshavnath Temple, Shri Rishabdeo Temple and Shri Neminathji Temple.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread across approximately 290 sq km, this sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. Trevor’s Tank (Trevor’s Crocodile Park) is located within the sanctuary and is a popular spot for nature lovers. The sanctuary also offers several trekking trails for visiting tourists.
Excursions from Mount Abu
Nearby destinations include Pindwara (64 km), Palanpur (80.9 km), Sirohi (83.5 km), Udaipur (161.3 km) and Jodhpur (277 km).
Shopping in Mount Abu
Popular items for shopping in Mount Abu include jewellery, Rajasthani paintings, stone crafts and leather goods. Small souvenirs carved from sandstone or marble can be purchased from local markets near Nakki Lake. What makes shopping here unique is the availability of handicrafts from both Rajasthan and nearby Gujarat. Sanganeri prints, Kota sarees and tie-and-dye fabrics also add to the wonderful shopping experience.
When to Reach
The best time to visit Mount Abu is between October and March, although the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Most honeymooners prefer this time as winter temperatures rarely fall below 20°C.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is in Udaipur, located 185 km away.
By Rail: The Mount Abu Road railway station is well connected to major cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur and Delhi.
By Road: Mount Abu is connected via National Highway No. 14. Many visitors prefer hiring a bike upon arrival to explore the region’s attractions.
