Mount Abu

About Mount Abu — Rajasthan’s Only Hill Station

At 1,220 m in the lush Aravali range, Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station — and a refreshing oasis after the desert plains. The town is famous for the Dilwara Jain Temples, considered some of the most exquisitely carved marble temples in the world (built between the 11th and 13th centuries). Add a serene lake, evergreen forests, sunset points and the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, and Mount Abu becomes a perfect 2-day pause on any Rajasthan tour.

Best Time to Visit

• October – March — pleasant (10–25 °C). Ideal for sightseeing.
• April – June — popular summer escape (20–32 °C) when the desert plains hit 45+ °C.
• July – September — monsoon brings mist, waterfalls and Aravali greenery — beautiful but slippery.
• December – January — can drop to 0 °C; the only place in Rajasthan that sometimes sees frost.

Top Attractions

Dilwara Jain Temples

The crown jewel — five marble temples built between 1031 and 1582, considered the finest Jain temples in India and arguably the most exquisite marble carving on earth. The Vimal Vasahi (1031) and Luna Vasahi (1230) temples have ceilings carved so finely the marble appears translucent. Strict rules: no leather, no photography, no menstruating women — closed to non-Jains in the morning, open to all from 12:00–17:00.

Nakki Lake

The town’s iconic centrepiece — a small lake with paddle boats and pleasant evening promenades. According to legend, it was dug out by the gods using their fingernails (hence “nakki”). Toad Rock and Nun Rock dramatically overlook the water.

Guru Shikhar

The highest peak in Rajasthan at 1,722 m. A 15-minute climb up steps leads to a temple of Dattatreya, with panoramic views across the Aravali hills.

Sunset Point

One of the most popular spots — sweeping views of the Aravali range turning purple-gold at dusk. Get there 45 minutes early for a good seat. Honey Moon Point nearby is similar but quieter.

Achalgarh Fort & Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple

11 km from town — a 14th-century fort built by Rana Kumbha, with the unusual Achaleshwar Temple housing a toe-print of Lord Shiva (instead of the usual lingam) and three brass buffalo statues.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

289 sq km of forest — home to leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and 250+ bird species. Less famous than other Rajasthan parks but excellent for nature walks.

Brahma Kumaris Peace Park & Universal Peace Hall

Headquarters of the global Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement. The Peace Park is a tranquil garden retreat; the Universal Peace Hall hosts meditation sessions open to visitors.

Things to Do

• Pedal-boat on Nakki Lake at sunset
• Tour the Dilwara temples (12:00–17:00 only)
• Trek to Guru Shikhar peak
• Sunset at Sunset Point or Honey Moon Point
• Visit the Brahma Kumaris peace centre
• Wildlife safari at Mount Abu Sanctuary
• Horse-riding around Nakki Lake

Local Food

• Aabu Bhajiya — the local specialty — crispy potato bhajiya with chutneys
• Rajasthani thali at Sankalp, Arbuda Restaurant
• Sweets at Madras Café (despite the name, Indian sweets!)
• Gujarati & Punjabi food — most travellers here are from Gujarat
• Hot chocolate at Café Coffee Day overlooking Nakki Lake on chilly evenings

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airport: Udaipur (UDR) — 185 km / 4 hr drive. Ahmedabad (AMD) is also popular at 220 km.

By Rail

Closest station: Abu Road (ABR) — 28 km / 45 min drive. Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur.

By Road

Udaipur 185 km (4 hr), Ahmedabad 220 km (4 hr), Jaipur 500 km (8 hr). The drive up the Aravali ghat road is steep with hairpin bends. Book our experienced drivers.

Travel Tips

• 2 days is the perfect length for Mount Abu
• Carry warm clothes Nov–Feb evenings — surprisingly cold at night
• Combine with Udaipur for a Mewar circuit
• Dilwara Temples are strictly closed in the mornings to non-Jains — plan accordingly
• Avoid weekends — Gujarati tourist crowds peak
• Stay near Nakki Lake for atmosphere; quiet stays available at Connaught House or Cama Rajputana

Ready for Rajasthan’s hill escape? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll plan your Udaipur–Mount Abu circuit with a heritage stay near Nakki Lake.