Location Highlights
Mount Abu, about twenty five kilometres up the winding ghat road, is Rajasthan's only hill station, a green refuge from the heat of the plains. Its cool climate, lakes and forests have attracted visitors since the British era, and it remains the favourite weekend escape for families from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The drive up offers views over the plains and the Aravalli ridges.
The Dilwara Jain Temples, built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries, are the highlight of Mount Abu. Their white marble interiors are carved with breathtaking detail, especially the ceilings and pillars of the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples. Photography is forbidden inside, visiting hours for non Jains are limited, and leather items must be left outside.
Nakki Lake, in the heart of Mount Abu, is surrounded by hills, shops and food stalls. Boating is popular, and a walk around the lake gives views of the curious rock formations such as Toad Rock. Sunset Point, a short drive away, draws large crowds in the evening.
Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli range at about one thousand seven hundred metres, lies around fifteen kilometres beyond Mount Abu town. A small temple sits at the summit, reached by steps, with wide views over the hills. Achalgarh Fort and its Shiva temple are on the way.
The Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement has major campuses in both Abu Road and Mount Abu, including the large Shantivan complex near Talheti. Thousands of followers attend events and meditation programmes throughout the year. Visitors interested in meditation can join introductory sessions.
Ambaji, across the border in Gujarat, about twenty kilometres from Abu Road, is one of the most important Shakti Peeth temples in India. Pilgrims flock there especially during the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, when the roads fill with walking devotees. The nearby Gabbar hill offers a ropeway to another shrine.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers the forests around the hill station, home to leopards, sloth bears and many bird species. Guided walks and drives can be arranged in Mount Abu. Early morning offers the best chance of seeing wildlife.