Mount Abu

Serving as a source of comfort from the sultry dessert climate of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, the state’s only hill station stands at a height of 1722 metres above sea level, and is embraced by lush green hills of the Aravali range. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. Travellers can enjoy calm and relaxed boating in Nakki Lake and a view of the sunset from the vista points. The highest peak of the Aravali Range - Guru Shikhar also lies in Mt. Abu. Mount Abu Forest Sanctuary with an abundance of flora and fauna is also a highlight.

WEATHER

BEST TIME TO VISIT

October through February remains the ideal time to visit Mount Abu. The month of October experiences temperature as low as 21 Degree Celsius with a high of 33 Degrees Celsius making everything pleasant. The months ahead up till January are colder experiencing temperatures as low as 11 Degrees Celsius and the higher being 33 Degrees Celsius. Winter months, especially December and January, make the hill station in Rajasthan very popular among the honeymooners and families. Although there is no snowfall in Mount Abu in winter, the weather remains pretty cold. Summer is another time of the year to visit Mount Abu to catch a break from the heat. Just make sure to find out the best season for Mount Abu tourism before going.

Mount Abu, a place that serves as an escape destination from the extreme heat of the summer is one of the hill stations that are marked with a pleasant climate throughout the year. The lush green environment of this hill station with the rich dense forests keeps the place cool and comfortable for traveller visiting any time of the year.

CUISINE

Just as in the entire state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu offers mostly vegetarian food, though some non-vegetarian foods are popular, too. The most traditional dish to try is Dal Bati Churma, which is loaded with top-quality spices. Other dishes to try are Googri, Chaavadi, Besan Chakki, Bail Gate, Paapasi and others. Famous desserts such as Lapsi, Ghevar, Malpua, and the famous Makhaniya Lassi. Jain Pilgrimage, it is famously known for Jain food as well where you get varieties such as Kicha ki Sabji and Kikoda ki Sabji. For all the Gujarati food eaters, many restaurants do serve Gujarati food including local beverages and sweets. In the city side, there are many street foods setting corners where one can taste the famous Pyaaz ki Kachori, Veg Biryani, Tandoori Tea, and Hencky Francky Softies.

SHOPPING

You can bring back some of the handicraft items in the memory of Mount Abu. A day trip is enough to shop from its Bazaars. The Kota drapes, Sanganeri block printed Sarees, Rajasthani, and Guajarati handicrafts are most bought products from Mount Abu shopping by travellers. Right from the Nakki Lake market to the Tibetan market in Mount Abu, this hill station in Rajasthan is a shopaholic’s paradise.

LANGUAGE

Rajasthani, Hindi and English are the major languages spoken in Mount Abu.

THINGS TO DO

1. BOATING AT NAKKI LAKE

Nakki Lake is one of the most popular attractions of the city of Mount Abu. When in the city make sure to visit this place for unlimited fun with the family or quiet moments of solitude on your own. There are several places of attraction near the lake, such as food joints and a park that is full of lush greenery. There are also boating opportunities at the lake. There are several boats that are available for hire, starting from INR 50 to INR 100 for a 30-minute ride. You can enjoy pedaling over to the banks of the lakes, enjoy the cool breeze that caresses your face, and take the perfect selfies.

The boats available include pedal boats that you can control on their own, as well as rowboats, on which an oarsman always goes with you. Choose from them as per your requirement and budget. Although the depth of the lake is not much, it is mandatory to wear a life vest for safety reasons.

2. RAPPELLING 

Rappelling in Mount Abu is one of the most adventurous things to do when in the city. Rappelling refers to hiking off a steep slope with the aid of a rope that is tethered to the summit. Hardcore mountain climbing skills are not required for this adventure activity, although it does help if you are experienced in the matters of light trekking, rock climbing and mountaineering, and have tried your hands at some of them. Even if you don’t know how to do it, it is a perfectly safe activity for novices as well as experts, since you will be harnessed to all required safety gears. Rappelling, also known as Abseiling, is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities to do in Mount Abu. There are around 17 nature trails in and near Mount Abu, of which only 2 offer chances of enjoying a rappelling experience. 

3. ROCK CLIMBING

Rock Climbing in Mount Abu is quickly becoming a popular adventure activity among tourists and locals of the city. Rock climbing is a safe enough activity to indulge in, and yet it offers a rush of adrenaline that is sure to make you feel on top of the world. There are several nature trails in Mount Abu that can be the perfect place to enjoy a bout of rock climbing, with proper safety measures in place, of course. These nature trails also offer various other adventure activities as well such as hiking and rappelling, supervised by expert trainers and medical professionals.

4. SUNSET POINT: WATCHING SUNDOWN

At a distance of 3 km from Nakki Lake, a moderately steep ascend will take you to Sunset Point. Famous for most photogenic sunset views, this place allures nature lovers and peace seekers to a great extent. One can take a cab from Nakki Lake, hike uphill or ride on horseback to reach this viewpoint. Of the many things to do in Mount Abu, viewing sundown from Sunset Point is a must.

5. WITNESS WILDLIFE

Visiting Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary and spotting exotic wildlife and birds is a matter of delight and excitement for people of all age groups. Sprawling over 290 sq. km, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of endangered species of flora and fauna and makes a perfect paradise for bird and wildlife lovers.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. NAKKI LAKE

Recognized as the first ever manmade lake in India, Nakki Lake is also a preferred place to see in Mount Abu. You can choose to take a boat ride at the lake and watch the sun set past the beautiful hills surrounding this place. Nakki Lake is also popular for being the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi had been immersed. Toad rock, a place for sightseeing in Mount Abu is located close to Nakki Lake.

2. GURU SHIKHAR

Recognized as the highest point on this mountain range, Guru Shikhar is an exquisite place for sightseeing in Mount Abu. Taking about 300 steps up to Guru Shikhar, you reach the temple of Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of the Divine Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). People flock to this place both for its religious aspects and the panoramic views.

3. DILWARA 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.

The Dilwara Temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahavir Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively. Out of these five, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous. Each of these shrines has Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where Lord resides and Navchowki, a group of nine heavily decorated ceilings. Some other spell bounding structures include Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala. With its simplicity and austerity, Dilwara Temple tells you about Jain values and principles.

4. TOAD ROCK VIEW POINT

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.

5. MOUNT ABU SANCTUARY

Covering 288 square kilometres of area, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the subtropical forest in this region. Containing rich flora and fauna, this sanctuary allows you to come close to some rare and exotic species of wild animals, including the Indian fox, pangolin, grey jungle fowl, striped hyena, and also Indian leopard, the apex predator here.

6. RAGHUNATH TEMPLE

Shri Raghunath Ji Temple is a 650-year-old temple on the shores of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu dedicated to the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Predominantly, it visited by Vaishnavites who consider the temple as one of the most sacred places on Earth. Raghunath Ji is believed to save his followers from all the natural calamities and believed to liberate one from the pain and problems of life. The architectural heritage of Mewar can be seen through several wall inscriptions and delicate paintings and carvings can be found at the Raghunath Temple. The exquisitely carved idol of Shri Raghunath Ji is one of the main attractions.

7. BRAHMA KUMARIS ASHRAM

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is an international, non-governmental spiritual organization founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani in the 1930s, with its headquarters located in Mount Abu. The hill of the Brahma Kumaris is also called 'Madhuban' (forest of honey). The group is a largely self-sufficient community, with a large international family of practising yogis who come here each year.

8. HONEYMOON POINT

The Honeymoon Point in Mount Abu, at an elevation of 4000 foot, offers an exquisite view of the setting sun, painting the sky yellow and red. Also known as Anadara Point, this scenic location is considered an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of travel and sightseeing. The beauty lies in the backdrop of the gorgeous Nakki Lake and the Old gateway to Mount Abu. This picturesque place is perfect to capture not only the sun shining at a distance but also to feel the brush of air while gazing at the endless horizon.

9. ACHALGARH VILLAGE

Achalgarh village is a picturesque village in Mount Abu which is famous for the Achalgarh fort and Achleshwar temple. The fortress Achalgarh is situated at the top of a mountain peak.

A 10 minute climb from Achalgarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples which are famous for scenic location and beautiful sculpture. The Achleshwar temple is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc.

10. TREVORS TANK

Trevor's Tank is a man-made crocodile breeding site and wildlife sanctuary. It 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.

11. GAUMUKH TEMPLE

Gaumukh temple has a sacred climb of 700 stairs as it offers both a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and is famous for the religious pilgrimages and meditation throughout the year. The mysterious water stream falling from the mouth of the marble bull is dedicated to Nandi, the divine bull of Lord Shiva in the Hindu mythology.