Mount Abu - Explore Rajasthan’s Treasured Hill Station

Mount Abu, a hill station in the Aravali Range, is a picturesque retreat that attracts tourists from all over the world. Set on top of a rocky plateau near the Gujarat border, this region is a surprisingly cool place in Rajasthan. Amidst the heat of the magnificent Thar Desert, Mount Abu is a pleasant surprise. Besides having a pleasant atmosphere, there are several tourist attractions and things to do in this hill station. The charming resorts in Mount Abu also entice a lot of travellers to spend time in the only hill station of Rajasthan and then explore other cities.

Top Places to See in Mount Abu

From paying homage to deities to observing wildlife on a jungle safari, there is something for everyone! Let us explore 10 places to visit in Mount Abu on your next vacation.

• Nakki Lake
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
• Achalgarh Fort
• Guru Shikhar
• Khadi Bazaar
• Dilwara Temples
• Toad Rock
• Brahma Kumaris Peace Park
• Trevor’s Tank
• The Grand Arbuda

1. Nakki Lake

Legend has it that deities made Nakki Lake with nails or “nakhs”, to protect themselves from the Bashkali demon, and that’s how this lake got its name. On the other hand, it is believed that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were spread in this lake. Undeniably, Nakki Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Mount Abu. This 11,00 m-deep waterbody also happens to be the largest man-made lake in India. That’s right! If its magnificence isn’t enough, you should know that taking a pedal-boat ride or cruising in a Shikhara is also possible for visitors all year round. Since this is among the best places in Mount Abu to appreciate nature at its finest, you will spot a number of tourists as well as locals enjoying a picnic in the daytime.

2. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the Aravalli Range is a wildlife sanctuary unique from its counterparts in India. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden treasure that only the most devout travellers will have on their itinerary. So, if you want to have a well-rounded sightseeing experience in Mount Abu, then exploring this park is highly recommended. Open to the public between 9 am to 5.30 pm every day, there is provision for a jungle safari that tourists can enjoy by paying Rs. 300 per head.

3. Achalgarh Fort

Located 11 km from Mount Abu, this fort is a medieval monument that should be on your itinerary. Built by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE, the main purpose of this fortress was to keep an eye on the enemies. A unique characteristic of Achalgarh Fort is that it has a few Jain temples situated within its complex. Travellers are encouraged to choose a reputed travel company that offers Mount Abu and Udaipur tour package deals so that you can explore this fort among others in the neighbouring cities. With tourism rising in Mount Abu, this fort and the village surrounding it have also become very popular in recent times. It is open to the public all days of the week between 10 am to 5 pm respectively.

4. Guru Shikhar

Touted as the highest point in the Aravali Range, Guru Shikhar is one of the most famous places to visit in Mount Abu. This is because of its natural beauty that is still untouched by the hustle and bustle of big cities and towns. Standing tall at an altitude of  1722 m, Guru Shikhar has recently become one of the most sought-after places to see in Mount Abu as the trekking trail to reach this peak is a memorable experience. Besides visiting the Achalgarh Fort situated close by, you can pay homage to Raghunathji Temple as well. Folks obsessed with telescopes can have a gala at Mount Abu Observatory.

5. Khadi Bazaar

While exploring several tourist places in Mount Abu, a lot of travellers like to spend time among the locals. For this purpose, it is suggested to visit Khadi Bazaar. This market is renowned for its pure cotton clothing, bedsheets, and what have you! Is it really a fulfilling trip to any part of Rajashtan without buying a bedazzled ghagra-choli? Khadi Bazaar has a number of colourful options for you at affordable prices. Moreover, you can buy authentic handicrafts from the Government Handicrafts Emporium nearby. Street food stalls selling mouth-watering local delicacies should also be on your to-do list.

6. Dilwara Temples

Dilwara Jain Temples is a complex consisting of Vimal Vasahi Temple, Luna Vasahi Temple, Pittalhar Temple, Shri Parshvanatha Temple, and Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple. This complex was constructed to depict a collection of manuscripts. Every temple has 48 pillars showcasing dancing female figurines. The history of Dilwara Temples dates back to the 10th century when Vimal Shah began construction of the first temple in this complex. By the sixteenth century, all five temples were standing tall and adorned with white marble carvings. Dilwara Temples are open round the clock so you can plan your visit according to the aarti timings.

7. Toad Rock

Who would have thought that a 6-billion-year-old rock would become one of the most visited tourist places in Mount Abu? Toad Rock is a massive rock that resembles the shape of a toad. Its rare form is the main reason why it is considered one of the most unique places in Mount Abu. A lot of travellers enjoy trekking to this rock formation, setting up their tents, and having a memorable experience under the stars. Our recommendation is to hike to this tourist spot early morning when there are only a handful of people around.

8. Brahma Kumaris Peace Park

Only a few minutes away from the headquarters of Brahma Kumaris is a park that exudes serenity in its purest form. The Peace Park is a complex with several things to see, observe, and appreciate. Its rock garden, orchard corner, rose garden, and short film screenings are must-have experiences for travellers who like to understand the world around them. The sheer respect given to all visitors by Brahm Kumars and Kumaris has made this park one of the most cherished places to visit in Mount Abu.

9. Trevor’s Tank

An unexpected tourist attraction in Mount Abu is Trevor’s Tank, a crocodile park basking in all its glory! You read that right. Situated 5 km from the city centre, this natural haven of gators, birds, and wildlife will make your trip a little more adventurous! This undisturbed jungle has several viewing stations to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat without being dangerously close to them. With Rs. 30 entry charge per head, Trevor’s Tank is open between 9 am to 5 pm in all seasons.

10. The Grand Arbuda

Raved as one of the most charming places to eat in Mount Abu by tourists and locals alike, dining at The Grand Arbuda should be on your itinerary. This multi-cuisine restaurant serves pure vegetarian fare that will make your tummy and soul experience pure joy. Kathyawaadi delights like dahi tikkari, kaju ghatiya, and lasniya bataka are a hit among the tourists here. Besides this, international food items like sandwiches, pizza, pasta, etc., are also available at The Grand Arbuda.

Best Time to Visit Mount Abu

To enjoy the best places to visit in Mount Abu, it is highly encouraged to plan your vacation properly.  Tourists who wish to get some relief from the summer heat should plan a trip between the months of March and June. Since this hill station is an erstwhile summer capital for the Rajputana rulers, it is a perfect place for folks from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, etc., to relax and unwind. The monsoon season (July to October) in Mount Abu is pleasant so it can be a great time for planning a weekend getaway. The most popular time to visit this hill station in Rajasthan is the winter season between November and February. Although there is no snowfall in Mount Abu, this time of the year is simply magical.

With so many places to visit in Mount Abu, planning your dream vacation should be a breeze, right? Get on it and explore the beauty of this hidden hill station in Rajasthan.