Mount Abu

Mount Abu is like a breath of fresh air in the parched desert of Rajasthan. The only hill station in Rajasthan, it is located 1,722 metres above sea level and is situated amidst the lush green hills on the highest point of the Aravallis range. It used to be a preferred leisure destination of the ruling royal family back when the Maharajas reigned. A striking feature about Mount Abu is posh houses, which are a blend of British style bungalows and holiday lodges of the royals, sharing space with the rustic abodes of various tribal communities residing in the forests. Possessing great scenic beauty, this quaint hill station is home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests. You can also enjoy blossoming flowers and trees that are indigenous to this region. Mount Abu also houses a sanctuary where you can spot animals such as langur, sambar, wild boar and leopards. Mount Abu is home to many religious monuments, the most famous being the Dilwara temple, Brahmakumari Ashram, Guru Shikhar and the shrines of Jainism. This hill station is not only a peaceful and beauty-laden getaway but also an ideal place for a sacred pilgrimage.

Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India, near the border with Gujarat. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m (5,650 ft) above sea level.

In historic times, Mount Abu was leased by the The East-India Company (British empire) from the Maharajah of Sirohi, Mount Abu was used as the headquarters for the resident of Rajputana until 1947, and as a sanatorium for troops.

Mount Abu Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

How to reach Mount Abu

Mount Abu is well connected with the major cities and towns in Rajasthan via roads and railways. The nearest domestic airport is located 185 kilometers away in the lake town of Udaipur which is connected to Mount Abu via express highways. The Mount Abu railway station is well connected to the other cities and accessible via Jaipur and Delhi. Buses are available from most major cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Baroda along with taxi services.

1. Udaipur to Mount Abu – 161 Kilometers

2. Jodhpur to Mount Abu – 278 Kilometers

3. Jaipur to Mount Abu – 510 Kilometers

4. Ahmedabad to Mount Abu – 225 Kilometers

The nearest airport is Udaipur at a distance of 185 km, and Ahmedabad at a distance of 221 km from Mount Abu

Abu Road Railway Station is located a distance of 28 km from the main city.

 

Location Map

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN MOUNT ABU

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu

Located at the heart of Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is the first manmade lake in India. 11,000 meters deep and about a quarter of a mile wide, a trip to Mount Abu is considered incomplete without visiting Nakki Lake. A number of legends surround the origin of the lake, including one that states that Nakki Lake is said to be a sacred lake for the proud Garacia Tribe; but the fact is undeniable that a visit to this place brings you close to the beauty of nature and serenity. As you take a boat ride over the tranquil waters, you can gaze at the mesmerizing hills, the interestingly shaped rocks, and the lush greenery that surrounds the lake. It was the Nakki Lake where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed back in 1948 and the Gandhi Ghat was constructed nearby, that’s all the more reason to visit this place. From nature lovers to photographers, the Nakki Lake has clean blue waters and beautiful surroundings that add to the romantic element of the lake, making it a must visit destination for everyone.

Guru Shikha, Mount Abur

Guru Shikhar is one of the peaks of the Aravalis, which has the honor of not only being the highest point in Mount Abu, but in the entire Aravali Range. Standing at 1722 meters above sea level, Guru Shikhar is a must visit destination in Mount Abu for the amazing panoramic views it offers of Mount Abu and the surrounding Aravalis, and also for spiritual reasons. Right before you reach the peak, you will find a temple dedicated to Dattatreya, who is believed to be the son that was given to the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya by the holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The peak itself is dedicated to Dattatreya and the temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an important pilgrimage point for Vaishnavites. Right near the peak is another temple, this one dedicated to Ahilya. On the peak, there is also a huge bell with ‘1141 AD’ inscribed on it. While the original bell had begun to disintegrate and was replaced by a newer bell, its tones are still very captivating and reach a long distance. It is a common practice among visitors to head the peak to try and ring the bell as hard as they can, only to witness the sound-filled serenity in it.

Toad Rock View Point, Mount Abu

Known for being surrounded by a number of strangely shaped rocks, Nakki Lake offers numerous photo ops to visitors. One of the most popular destinations near Nakki Lake however, has to be the Toad Rock View Point. Located on the main trekking trail near the Lake, the Toad Rock has often been referred to as the mascot of Mount Abu. The massive rock structure is an excellent illustration of igneous rocks found in amazing shapes and is shaped, as the name suggests, like a toad. One of the most frequented places in the hill station; people visit this place out of sheer curiosity. It is pretty easy to climb the rock and the views that it offers of the Nakki Lake and the surrounding greenery are unparalleled. Apart from the novelty of the rock itself, the breathtaking scenery from atop just adds to whole experience, making it well worth your while.

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu

The Dilawara Jain Temple in Mount Abu is considered to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the entire world. While it looks like a basic temple from the outside, when you enter, you can marvel at the extraordinary architecture and the marvelous stone carvings that grace the temple. The interiors of the temple truly showcase craftsmanship at its best. Built between the 11 th and the 13 th centuries AD, the temples display intricately carved ceilings and pillars that won’t fail to inspire you. Surrounded by lush green hills, the ambiance of serenity and peace at the Dilwara Temples is unparalleled. The temple is divided into 5 sections, namely: 1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple: Constructed in 1582, this temple is devoted to Lord Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankara of Jain's. 2. Shri AdiNath Temple/Vimal Vasahi Temple: Built by Vimal Shah, the Minister of the Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D., this is the oldest temple of all, and is dedicated to Shri Adinath Ji, the first Jain Trithankara. 3. Shri ParshavNath Temple/Khartar Vasahi Temple: Built by the Mandika clan in between 1458-59 A.D., this temple features a tall pinnacle along with four big Mandapas. 4. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple/Peethalhar Temple: Most of the statues here are built using ‘Pittal’ (Brass), and has been built by Bhima Shah, a minister from the Gujarat dynasty. 4. Shri Nemi Nath Ji Temple/Luna Vasahi Temple: Built in 1230 A.D. by two brothers, Tejpal and Vastupal, this temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism - Shri Nemi Nathji. Open every day from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm, the temple is open to all, and is quite an exquisite sight to behold when in Mount Abu.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

There is hardly any dearth of wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan, and among them is this gem named the Mount Abu Sanctuary. Located across the oldest hill range in the country, the Aravalis, the sanctuary covers a huge area, and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. From the flora, fauna, and the avian species that can be seen here to the breathtaking views and sceneries offered, as well as the eco-tourism opportunities, the sanctuary is definitely a favorite among the many visitors to Mount Abu. The vegetation starts from being sub-tropical thorn forests at the foothill region, and varies up to sub-tropical evergreen forests at higher altitudes. Home to a number of rare and endangered species of animals, the sanctuary houses leopards, jungle cats, sambhar, wolves, Indian civets, hyenas, Indian foxes, jackals, bears, wild boars, common langurs, pangolins, Indian hares, mongoose, hedgehogs, and porcupines, among others. With the presence of over 250 avian species, the sanctuary also makes for an amazing destination for bird watchers.

Peace Park, Mount Abu

Nestled in between two famous Aravali peaks, the Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh, the Peace Park in Mount Abu is a part of the Brahma Kumaris’ establishment. With an ambiance that creates the perfect blend of serenity and tranquillity, the park offers a beautiful backdrop for silence and peaceful recreation. At the Peace Park, one can visit the rock garden that houses a wide variety of Cactaceae, the orchard, citrus corner, and view the numerous floral displays that include coleus, shrubs, hibiscus, creepers and climbers, and an exquisitely beautiful rose garden. The park also has a number of areas, like a stone cave and huts, where people can meditate in a tranquil environment. The Brahma Kumaris also provide a guided tour of the park, and you can also watch a short video film that explains interesting meditation concepts. This place of solitude in the lap of nature is something you must experience.

Lal Mandir, Mount Abu

Located on Delwara Road, near the Delwara Jain Temple, is this small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple offers a very peaceful ambiance and is considered as one of the most ancient holy places located in Mount Abu. A small and beautiful temple, the Lal Mandir gets its name from the fact that all the walls of the temple have been painted red. The temple is one of the must visit spots in Mount Abu, popular among the religious tourists as well as others. The temple is also quite well-known for being a Swayambhu ‘ Shiva Temple, so named because the idol placed inside the temple can be seen wearing a ‘jenau’.

Achalgarh Fort, Mount Abu

AchalGarh, sometimes spelt Achalgadh, is one of the many beautiful medieval monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, located in the desert in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the esteemed designer who was responsible for many huge fortresses in Southern Rajasthan. Achalgarh is just 8 Kilometers from the main Mount Abu town and is well connected by road.

The fortress AchalGarh is surrounded by massive battlement walls. It is situated at the top of a mountain peak and offers picturesque views all year round. AchalGarh is found at the top of a steep winding path, whereby the 15th century fortresses and the temples are enclosed within the fortified walls. These fortified walls provide scenic lookouts onto the countryside.

Sunset Point, Mount Abu

Lying south west of Nakki Lake, Sunset point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mount Abu. This viewpoint gets thronged by tourists from all around at the time of sunset. Enjoy the site of orange-colored sun setting behind the Aravali Ranges. Serene surrounding and a pleasant climate make the experience even more memorable. Treat your eyes to the picturesque views of the surrounding area including villages and green valleys while the sun is setting down. After enjoying a nice sunset view, you can shop for souvenirs from the shops near the point. Get your hands on trinkets, wooden toys, marble statues, sandalwood idols and other knick-knacks.