TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN MOUNT ABU
MOUNT ABU
Taking pride of being the only hill station of the state, Mount Abu is a very beautiful place located in Rajasthan, India. Located on a high rocky plateau, this city experiences colder climates and offers pretty amazing sceneries. Well connected to other parts of the country, this city has been a popular tourist destination for various adventures and sightseeing.
Located on the beautiful Aravali Plateau, the city of Mount Abu is adorned by lush green forests and loaded with pristine beauty of lakes, architecture of temples and heritage of ancient forts and havelis. Exhibiting the best royalty of bygone times, this city is home to numerous marvels loaded with artistic features and picture worthy craftsmanship. Amidst these enchanting surroundings, the life here is very calm and the locals are friendly as well.
Mount Abu, home to numerous intriguing landmarks, has been thrilling visitors and tourists for centuries. Whether it's the reflection of the starry sky on Nakki Lake or the flawless ornamental carvings of Dilwara Jain Temple, we'll find some of the best scenery to soothe our eyes and souls here. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Peace Park, Guru Shikhar Peak, Sunset Point, Abu Road, Trevour's Tank Toad Rock, and many other tranquil spots can be found here.
Haven for the adrenaline junkies, the city of Mount Abu has been blessed with beautiful surroundings as well as a plethora of adventures. Attracting flocks of tourists, one can try their hands on a number of adventures here. From camping below the starry nights to rowing the boat in Nakki Lake, Mount Abu is bestowed with some of the best adrenaline rushing activities.
The climate of Mount Abu remains comparatively colder than the other parts of the state. Being a state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu also experiences some hot days even after being a hill station. The average annual temperature here stays around 20 degree celsius and can fluctuate with change in the seasons.
- HOW TO REACH MOUNT Abu
by Air
Udaipur Airport serves as the nearest airport to Mount Abu. Daily direct flights from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai are available till Udaipur. Stopover flights from other Indian cities can be availed to reach Udaipur or direct flights can be availed till Ahmedabad. From Udaipur and Ahmedabad, local taxis are available for Mount Abu.
by RaiL
ABu Road railway station, located around 25 km away, serves the hill town of Mount Abu. Good number of trains connect Mount Abu with major Indian cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai etc. to name a few. Visitors can hire private or shared taxis from outside the station for reaching the town.
by Road
Many state transport and private buses operate from nearby cities of Mount Abu. Daily direct bus service to the hill station is available from Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Baroda. Depending on budget, passengers can avail AC, deluxe or semi-deluxe buses.
1. Dilwara Jain Temples
Located amidst the lush green Aravalli hills of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temple is the most beautiful pilgrimage site for the Jains. Designed by Vastupal Tejpal and built by Vimal Shah between the 11th and 13th century, this temple is renowned for the opulent use of marble and intricate carvings on every hook and corner. From the outside, the Dilwara Temple looks quite austere but, once you enter the inside, you will go head over heels with the stunning designs and patterns carved on roofs, walls, archways and pillars.
Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha, and Mahavir Swami Temples are located within the Dilwara Temple and are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami, and Lord Parshvanath, respectively. Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most well-known of these five. Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where the Lord resides, and Navchowki, a group of nine heavily decorated ceilings, can be found in each of these shrines. Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala are two other spell binding structures. Dilwara Temple teaches you about Jain values and principles through its simplicity and austerity.
Location: Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
2. Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the entire Aravali Range and is located a little more than 15 km away from the city’s outskirts. Perched atop a height of 1722 mts above sea level, Guru Shikhar is a must visit. The views one can have from the top is something to write home about. Having the entire city spread out below your feet makes you feel like you are on top of the world. The lush greenery all around will make you fall even deeper in love with the city.
It is ideal to visit Guru Shikhar in the early morning or late afternoon for panoramic views. Although some honeymooners frequent the Sunset Point in Mount Abu. There are some 300 steps at Guru Shikhar to reach the top of the mountain where a temple and a large bell is located.
In Mount Abu, there is also a temple at Guru Shikhar, which is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The Guru Dattatreya Temple honours an incarnation of the Divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. During festivals and special occasions, devotees flock to the temple to celebrate and worship the deity.
There are no official Guru Shikhar Mount Abu hours for visitors, but the best times to visit are early in the morning for a spectacular sunrise or late in the evening for an equally stunning sunset. If you are visiting the beautiful city of Mount Abu, a visit to Guru Shikhar is a must, so leave a couple of hours in your itinerary.
Location: Uttaraj path, Uttaraj, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
3. Achalgarh
Situated at a distance of 11 km from Mount Abu, Achalagarh Fort was built under the reign of the Paramara dynasty. Later it was renovated by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE. The fort was made with the purpose to keep an eye on enemy movements.
There is a famous Shiv temple, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Mandakini Lake within the complex of fort. In the center of Achaleshwar Mahadev there is a sculptured image of Nandi (the white bull on which Lord Shiva rides) which is made of 5 meats (bronze, gold, zinc, copper & brass).
Location: Achalgarh, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
4. Nakka Lake
Nakki Lake in Mount Abu epitomises Rajasthani romance. Mount Abu's Love Lake is the largest man-made lake in India, rising 11,000 metres above sea level. It is also a sacred lake for the Garacia tribe of Rajasthan, and during their Shukla paksha festival in April, it is a place of worship and remembrance of their ancestors. At this festival, people consecrate their nails in the lake. It is the reason for the lake's name, Nakki.
Nakka Lake History
Nakki Lake is about a half mile in length and a quarter of mile broad also has a quite interesting history as well. One historical story explained that it was dug out from nails by gods for the protection against demon ‘Bashkali’.
Another romantic history was of Rasia Balam, a sculpture of Dilwara Jain temple and Kings daughter name Kunwari Kanya. King put up the challenge of digging of the lake in one night and he will marry his daughter to that one. It is believed that Rasia Balam dug a lake overnight with his nails. Later Queen refused to marry their daughter.
Some also believed that Rasia Balam was an aged sage and was the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the teenager was the embodiment of Ma Parvati. Due to betrayal, they will again come back to complete their love. The famous poem ‘Lost Love’ describe their story very well.
Location: Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
5. Sunset Point
A destination isn't complete unless it has a Sunset Point, and Mount Abu is no exception. The breathtaking view of the rugged Aravali ranges, sunkissed by the setting sun, is what draws crowds to this picturesque location near the famous Nakki Lake. Nature lovers flock to Mount Abu's Sunset Point to take in the sun's setting rays. This is an ideal picnic spot because one can marvel at the magic of the coloured sky as the sun sets, painted in red and orange hues against the lush greenery of the Aravali Ranges in the background.
The climate makes it favourable to enjoy the sunset from Mount Abu Sunset Point in peace without any of the pressure and noise of the city. Bailey's Walk nearby offers pony rides, famous among visiting tourists and kids. Tourists also prefer to come out here early in order to get an undisturbed and clear view. Some visitors even bring a blanket along with a few munchies, making it the most picturesque picnic setting in Mount Abu. A wide range of marble statues, sandalwood idols and wooden toys can be bought from the temporary stalls set up here. The Sunset Point in Mount Abu is protected by railings and has staircases built for the people to sit and soak in the tranquillity.
Location: Sunset Point Rd, Machgoan, Mount Abu.
Entry fee: free.
6. Akhileswar Mahadev Temple
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located outside the fort of Akalgarh, which is located in Abu Road Tehsil of Sirohi district, Rajasthan. It is believed that this temple was built in the 9th century by the Parmar dynasty. Later, in 1452, Maharana Kumbh rebuilt it and named it Achalgarh.
'Achaleshwar' is a word that reflects the Sanskrit word and the Sanskrit word 'Achal' which can not be move or immovable, and 'Ishwar' means 'God', While separating the word 'Mahadev', the great (Maha) Lord (Dev), which shows Lord Shiva. The god whom this temple is dedicated to.
The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is especially that the thumb of Lord Shiva's feet is worshiped in this temple. In all the temples of Lord Shiva worshiped as Shiva Ling or Lord Shiva idol but in this temple the thumb of Lord Shiva is worshiped.
Location: JQ98+7M9, Achal Gadh, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
7. Trevor’s Tank
5km from the heart of Mount Abu town, Trevor's Tank is a man-made crocodile breeding site and wildlife sanctuary. It is also known as Trevor's Crocodile Park and is a popular picnic spot with picturesque views. A jungle safari is available up to a certain point from where you can walk and explore the pond housing the crocodiles. Trevor's Tank is also known for birdwatching.
There are multiple viewing stations created inside the forest to watch the wildlife in its natural habitat. A guide is available for the safari which can cost around IN6R 600. There is limited wildlife sighting here which includes black bear. Trevor's Tank was designed by an engineer named Col. G H Trevor who used it to breed crocodiles.
Location: Trevor Tank Road, Block No. 3, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: Rs 50 per person for [Indians].
Rs 100 per person for [Foreign tourists].
8. Mount Abu Bazaars
Markets in Mount Abu Bhandar Khadi This is your one-stop shop for all things Khadi. From traditional Rajasthani clothing to classic souvenirs, there are numerous items available to commemorate your visit to this bazaar. Without classy ethnic wear from the Bhandar, shopping here is incomplete. This is a great place to look for sandalwood, handloom, mirror-work, and cotton textiles. Piccadilly Circus The two-story store sells handicrafts as well as the finest bronze and silver antiques. The enormously popular plaza is especially well-known for its silver jewellery, and it is widely regarded as Mount Abu's best emporium for Rajasthani handicrafts. Once upon a time, there was a Chacha Museum. the main shopping market of Mount Abu, this 40-year-old shop offers a range of gift items, souvenirs, handicrafts and local arts. The shop mainly promotes Rajasthani handicrafts such as exquisite brass artefacts, wooden items and the most colourful quilts which anyone would love to take home with them. Fair Price Rajasthan Emporium An ancestral antique shop with a rich tradition, this bazaar possess some of the highly sought after rare items coveted by visitors in Mount Abu. The designs will take you back to a different era, being worth every penny. You can have a glance at the rare metals, stonework and handicrafts which are offered here. Rajasthali The government Emporium is a hub for handicrafts who have a family heritage, having served as craftsmen during the Rajputana Dynasty. The products display the rich history, culture, folklore, climate and religion of Rajasthan.
Location: HPV4+3VX, Nakki Lake Rd, Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.
9. Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on a plateau, Mount Abu Sanctuary is on one of India’s oldest mountain ranges, Aravallis. Sprawling in an area of 288 sq km, Mount Abu Sanctuary also houses the highest peak in Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar (1722 m). The popular sanctuary in Rajasthan is primarily known for its biodiversity of flora. Mount Abu Sanctuary was established in the year 1980.
Around 820 floral species can be found at Mount Abu Sanctuary. It is the only place in Rajasthan where one can sight a variety of orchids. The sanctuary boasts 3 species of wild roses and 16 species of feras some of which are rare. The south-west part of the sanctuary is known for its rich bamboo forests.
Apart from the flora, Mount Abu Sanctuary is also home to a variety of animals including Indian Leopard, sloth bear, Sambar deer, wild boar and chinkara. The sanctuary also houses around 250 species of birds that include grey jungle fowl and the rare green avadavat.
Location: Shergaon Path, Block No. 2, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: Rs 300 to Rs 600 per person for Jeep Safari.
10. Toad Rock
Located south of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu, the Toad Rock is a colossal rock piece which looks like a toad about to jump into the waters of the lake. Known as the mascot of Mount Abu, this is one of the most frequented points in the itinerary of all visitors. To see the panoramic beauty of the surrounding lake and greenish hilly regions you can climb up the rock and capture the breathtaking scenery.
The path to Toad Rock starts near the Nakki Lake and includes climbing 250 steps to the top. The pathway is nestled in lush greenery which makes for a calming walk, though some people might find it intimidating. The staircase is broken in parts, so the climb is not recommended for old people and toddlers.
Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501.
Entry fee: free.