Mount Abu

Mount Abu (Hindi: माउंट आबू) is Rajasthan's only hill station, perched at about 1,220 m in the Aravalli range near the Gujarat border in the state's southwest. A cool, green refuge from the desert heat, it has long been a summer retreat and honeymoon destination, set around the pretty Nakki Lake. Its greatest treasures are the Dilwara Jain Temples, a group of 11th–13th-century marble temples whose carving is among the finest in India.

The town has religious significance for both Jains and Hindus and is the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation. The surrounding hills hold the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary and scenic viewpoints such as Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in the Aravallis.

Being a hill station, Mount Abu is pleasant for much of the year. October to March brings cool, clear weather (winter nights can be cold, occasionally near freezing); the summer months (April–June) are mild and busy with domestic tourists escaping the plains; the monsoon (July–September) is lush but misty.

By Plane

Mount Abu has no airport. The nearest is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR), about 165 km away (roughly 3.5 hours). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad is about 220 km away with broader connections.

By Train

The nearest railhead is Abu Road (ABR), about 28 km downhill, on the main Delhi–Ahmedabad line with frequent trains to Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Mumbai. From Abu Road, shared jeeps, taxis and buses make the winding climb to the town in about 45 minutes.

By Car / Road

Mount Abu is reached by a winding hill road from Abu Road (28 km). From Udaipur it is about 165 km (3.5 hours); from Ahmedabad about 220 km (4.5 hours); from Jodhpur about 255 km (5 hours). RSRTC and Gujarat state buses, plus private operators, serve Mount Abu from Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Abu Road.

The town centre around Nakki Lake is compact and walkable. Autorickshaws and shared jeeps handle trips to Dilwara, Guru Shikhar and the viewpoints; agree fares first. Taxis can be hired for a half- or full-day sightseeing circuit. Note that private vehicles may face restrictions at certain sights, and the hill roads are narrow and winding.

• Dilwara Jain Temples — five exquisite marble temples (notably Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi) renowned for their astonishingly intricate ceilings and pillars; entry is free but photography is prohibited and modest dress required. Open to non-Jains in the afternoon.

• Nakki Lake — the town's scenic central lake, ringed by hills, with boating and the curious Toad Rock above it.

• Guru Shikhar — at about 1,722 m, the highest point in the Aravallis, with a small temple and sweeping views.

• Sunset Point — a classic viewpoint for the evening sun over the hills.

• Achalgarh Fort & Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple — a ruined fort and ancient Shiva temple about 11 km out.

• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary — forested hills home to leopards, sloth bears and rich birdlife.

• Tour the Dilwara Temples to admire the marble carving.

• Boat on Nakki Lake and walk to Toad Rock and Sunset Point.

• Drive up to Guru Shikhar for the views over the Aravallis.

• Visit the Brahma Kumaris Peace Park and meditation centres.

• Walk or jeep through the wildlife sanctuary for birding and forest scenery.

As a hill station near the Gujarat border, Mount Abu has a strong Gujarati and Rajasthani vegetarian streak, plus traveller cafés. Recommendations:

• Jaipur House (heritage hotel) restaurant — Indian dishes with lake and valley views (mid-range to upscale).
• Kanak Dining Hall — popular unlimited Gujarati–Rajasthani thali (budget).
• Sankalp / Chacha Museum Restaurant — South Indian and multi-cuisine options around the market (budget–mid).
• Mulberry Tree and similar cafés for continental fare and coffee (mid-range). Food is overwhelmingly vegetarian; Jain options are easy to find.

Try masala chai, lassi and fresh juices; cafés around Nakki Lake serve coffee and cold drinks. As a temple town and Brahma Kumaris centre, alcohol is restricted and largely unavailable in the town centre, though some licensed hotels may serve it. Use bottled or filtered water; the hill climate means cool evenings, so hot drinks are welcome.

• Budget: many guesthouses and budget hotels near Nakki Lake and the market offer rooms from roughly ₹800–2,000 (rates rise sharply in summer peak).
• Mid-range: Hotel Hilltone and Hotel Sunset Inn are reliable comfortable options — roughly ₹2,500–5,500.
• Upscale / heritage: WelcomHeritage Connaught House and Jaipur House (a former royal summer palace overlooking Nakki Lake) — typically ₹6,000 and up.

Mount Abu's bazaars near Nakki Lake sell Rajasthani handicrafts, marble figurines, woollens and shawls, costume jewellery and souvenirs. Local specialities include items of sandalwood and marble, and shops cater to the steady flow of pilgrims and honeymooners. Bargaining is normal in the main market. There are also outlets for Gujarati and Rajasthani sweets and snacks.

• Udaipur (~165 km, ~3.5 hr) — the City of Lakes.
• Abu Road (~28 km, ~45 min) — the railhead and gateway down to the plains.
• Ranakpur (~165 km, ~3.5 hr) — the great marble Jain temple, en route to Udaipur.
• Kumbhalgarh (~190 km, ~4 hr) — a great hill fort with a vast wall.
• Ambaji (Gujarat) (~45 km, ~1.5 hr) — a major Shakti-peetha temple just across the border.
• Jodhpur (~255 km, ~5 hr) — the Blue City.