The charming hill town of Mount Abu

An oasis amidst the dusty arid landscape of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is the state’s only hill station. Perched at an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by verdant forests and watered by the serene Nakki Lake. Of the many attractions in Mount Abu, this lake is probably the most famous of all.

Believed to have been dug out by gods using their nails, the sacred Nakki Lake in Mount Abu is the perfect place for an early morning outing or a late evening excursion. Go on a boat ride, bargain at the lakeside market or simply carry your own picnic basket for a fun-filled outing.

The many attractions of Mount Abu will have something for one and all; its very settings are enough to lure solitude and nature lovers.

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Dilwara Temples are one of the prime attractions of Mount Abu.

These temples are located about 2.5 km away from the bustling town of Mount Abu. A sacred pilgrimage spot for the Jain community, they are one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. The complex comprises of five temples—Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Parshvanath, Mahavir Swami—each of which is dedicated to a revered Jain guru. Take a walk through each and admire the opulent entrances, minutely-carved ceilings, doorways, pillars, panels and domes.

Best visited at dusk, Sunset Point in Mount Abu offers a spectacular sight of the colour-changing skyline against the Aravali Hills. Grab your camera and walk up the cobblestone pathways along Nakki Lake for about a km to reach this picturesque spot.

Those who do not wish to take a walk can also take a pony ride. Out of all the attractions of Mount Abu, this is the one for you if you are into photography or people watching, for it offers plenty of options for both.

With its mix of street shops and handicraft emporiums, Mount Abu offers eclectic shopping experiences. Popular picks include the Nakki Lake market for bargains, the handicraft hub Rajasthali Emporium, Khadi Bhandar for textiles, the Chacha Museum for wooden and brass artefacts and the Kashmir cottage Emporium for shawls and carpets.

Rich in floral bio-diversity and home to a variety of birds and animals, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary stretches up to 19 km in length and 6 km in breadth. The altitude varies from 300 m to 1722 m at Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan.

The sanctuary in Mount Abu is a nature-lover’s paradise—visitors can spot wolves, hyenas, fox, langurs, bears, mongoose, porcupines and hedgehogs here, but its highlight is its dense population of grey jungle fowls.

Providing interesting glimpses of the Mewar architecture, the Achalgarh Fort transports you to the 15th century with its intricately-carved buildings and temples. Take in the majestic views of Mount Abu’s skyline, picturesque sunsets and the majestic Aravali ranges from the highest point on the fort.

If a quick tour of all the attractions of Mount Abu is on your mind, there is no skipping this one.

Located three kms away from Mount Abu, the Adhar Devi Temple is constructed out of a large rock and is dedicated to goddess Durga. Once you finish climbing 365 steep steps and crawl your way into the inner shrine, you can feast your eyes on panoramic views of the hill-station.

From small eateries that serve delicious street food to fine dining, and multi-cuisine, the restaurants in Mount Abu has something for every kind of food lover. Some popular joints here are Café Shikibo, Mulberry Tree Restaurant and Daawat Restaurant.

Adrenaline addicts can go for an adventurous trek to the Guru Shikhar Mountain which is Rajasthan’s highest peak. Standing tall at a height of 5000 ft above the sea level, the peak is also home to the temple of Dattatreya (an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu).

One of the most scenic attractions of Mount Abu, this peak is a perfect vantage point if you are into photography or for the sheer love of hiking.