Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu is surely an oasis in the state of Rajasthan. Nestled in the Aravalli ranges in the western part of India, the place is the only hill station in the royal state. Situated amidst lush green forest hills, the climate of the hill town is really soothing. Over time, the destination has developed into a full-fledged tourist spot. Call it a great holiday escape, or a honeymoon destination, the hill station is packed with all the world-class tourist facilities. Hotels ranging from the heritage ones to the three-star and budgetary accommodations are on a high rise in the region.
Home to a number of tourist attractions, Mount Abu is world-renowned for its natural beauty and architectural temples. The trip to Mount Abu surely calls for a visit to the Dilwara Jain Temples which is a historical white marble creation. Quite simple from the outside, but marvellous on the inside, the Dilwara Jain temple is a true example of craftsmanship at its very best. The details of the stone carvings are phenomenal and it gives a deep satisfaction in observing the other structures of the temple.
Dedicated towards the five Jain saints, the temple complex is divided into five major sections. These are Shri Mahaveer temple, Shri Adinath temple or Vimal Vasahi temple, Shri Rishabhdeo temple, Shri Parshavnath temple and Luna Vasahi temple. Entry into these shrines has been kept free of cost and the timings are 12 to 3 in the afternoon.
So, if you want to know more about Mount Abu, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Mount Abu travel guide.
Nakki Lake
If you are in Mount Abu, then you can’t skip this lake. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mount Abu. According to Hindu Mythology, this ancient lake was dug out from nails by gods for the protection against the demon ‘Bashkali’. Apart from its mythological story, this lake also named as love lake of Mount Abu. Nakki Lake has a very peaceful and romantic atmosphere around it. Sunset Point, Toad Rock, and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace in Mount Abu are very close to it.
The lake is in the length of about a half-mile and in width about a quarter of a mile and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards the dam on the west. It is also one of the largest manmade lakes at the height of 11,000 meters in India. You can do boating do in this Nakki Lake and timings are 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM. Mount Abu Tour Packages is also known for its relaxed culture and there are several markets and shops near Nakki Lake, known for its souvenirs, sandalwood products, and other handicraft items.
Ideal for: Picnic, Photography, boating, relaxation
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Duration: 1-3 hours
Tickets: No entry fee. Boating charges applicable
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar, a prominent peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to a height of 1,722 metres 5,650 ft. It is 15 km from Mount Abu and a road from there leads nearly to the top of the mountain. Guru-Shikhar or ‘the peak of the guru’ named after Dattatreya, a manifestation of Vishnu, and a cave at the summit contains a temple dedicated to him, built in the early 14th Century, plus one dedicated his mother, Anasuya, wife of sage Atri nearby.
The Mount Abu Observatory is also located in this place which is under the management of Physical Research Laboratory, and is famous for conducting research and experiments regarding astronomical findings. Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu This makes it a frequented tourist destination and popular all over the country.
Ideal for: Trekking, picnic, pilgrims, Viewpoint, photography
Timings: Open all days(9:30 am to 5:30 pm)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: No entry fee
Sunset Point
The Mount Abu Sunset Point is a famous places to visit in Mount Abu, which lies to the south-west of Ionic Nakki Lake. This spot is popular for watching a scenic view of the sunset every day. It has delightful weather throughout the year so you can visit it during any season Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu.
The central point which is famous for its sunset charm is the one at approx 5 to 10 minutes drive and around thirty minutes walking distance from the Nakki Bazar circle, at the southwest of Nakki Lake. Cabs are available on a sharing basis from the city center to this place at a cost of Rs 10/- per person. It is approx 15 minutes ride to a convenient road, from where one has to walk his way up. This cheery trek of 1km may take about 20 minutes to reach. Make sure to reach the place much before the sunset time, to find a good spot for yourself to enjoy the view.
Ideal for: Relaxation, Photography, spectacular sunset view
Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset
Tickets: No entry fee
Duration: 30 to 45 Minutes
Dilwara Jain Temples
This temple is famous for its architecture & history. Located at the distance of approx 2.5 KMs from mount Abu and built by the ministers of Solanki rulers of Gujarat in the 13th century. Dilwara Temple is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings. You will seem this temple is fairly basic from outside but you must hear that every cloud has a silver lining, the interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship. Beautiful lush green mountains surrounds the temple which gives you a very pleasant feeling. If you know the value of art then you will spend your many hours just looking at minutely carved ceilings and the pillars.
This temple opens daily even on public holidays and opening time is 12:00 PM and closing time is 06:00 PM. No fees for tourists but Photography is not allowed inside the temple Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu.
Ideal for: History lovers, art lovers, pilgrims
Timings: 12 noon to 6 pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: No entry fee
Wildlife Sanctuary
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary spreads out into a plateau which is about 19 km long and 6 km wide. In altitude, it ranges from 300m to 1,722m at Guru Shikhar. The popular sanctuary in Rajasthan, established in 1980 and well known for its biodiversity of flora. Around 800 floral species can be found at Mount Abu Sanctuary. It is the only place in Rajasthan where one can sight a variety of orchids.
Wildlife sanctuary is the habitat for many animals and birds and is considered a paradise for nature lovers. This place, divided into many different parts, and Trevor’s Tank is the most popular one. This man-made edifice is home to many crocodiles who are kept here for safe breeding Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu.
Ideal for: Nature, Photography, Adventure
Opening Timings: Open all days (9am – 5:30pm).
Tickets: 300 INR per person for a jeep safari.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Achalgarh Fort
The Achaleshwar Mahandeva is a Shiva temple situated 11kms north of Mt Abu. Pilgrims believe the temple was built around a toe print of Lord Shiva. There is a hollow where the lingam should be and devotees believe this tunnel leads all the way to the underworld.
You’ll notice three stone buffaloes outside the temple near the tank, with the statue of a king taking aim at them with a bow and arrow. Legend has it that demons, in the shape of buffaloes, came to contaminate this tank that was filled with ghee. Their evil plan was unsuccessful because the king managed to kill them Top 6 Places to Visit in Mount Abu.
A short distance from here is the Achalgarh Fort, the beautiful ruins of a fort reconstructed in 1452. This is the destination for those who want to click beautiful photographs of a crumbling royal fort.
