Road to MOUNT ABU

About Mount Abu Tourism

Mount Abu is the most famous hill destination in Rajasthan. It is located in the Sihori district, and is 58 km from Palanpur. Known earlier as Arbudaanchal, Mount Abu has its throne fixed as the highest peak in Aravali Range of Rajasthan.

Mount Abu has an interesting history. Historians believe that the original residents of Mount Abu were Gurjars. The association of Gurjars with Arbuda mountain (Mt Abu) dates back in many inscriptions and epigraphs found from this region. As early as in 6th century AD, Gurjars located themselves in Arbuda Mountain and many parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. In mythology, it is said that Saint Vasistha performed his final recites and retired to the hills of Mount Abu due to his differences with sage Vishvamitra. 

Located at a height of 1220 meters from sea level, Mount Abu definitely gets an extra advantage as a tourist spot because this is the only single hill station in Rajasthan. Visitors come here from nearby parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat to get away from the summer heat and relax and unwind in the pleasant weather and comfortable climate of the place. The greenery all around adds to the beauty of the hill town.  

Mount Abu has many other spots that require special mention. This hill station is a place for many Jain Temples. The internationally acclaimed Dilwara Temples are a group of temples with beautifully carved white marble, which were built during 11th and 13th centuries AD. Achalgargh, an old fort, built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, is also a spot that can be visited. The fort in itself encloses many Jain Temples - Achaleshwar Mahadev Temples and Kantinath Temple. For the devotees of Hindu goddesses, there is the Durga Temple and Ambika Mata Temple, which is located on a cliff in Jagat, near Mt Abu.

Another popular location is Nakki Lake in Mount Abu. There are toad rock stands near the hilly area surrounding the Nakki Lake region. Within a few kilometers from Nakki Lake are Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace where the Emperor of Jaipur lived for several years.

Mount Abu has the World Spiritual University and head quarter of the Bhrama Kumaris, a well known sect, and their followers located at Madhuban. There are lectures and spiritual courses for devotees and interested students.

The best way to get around Mount Abu is either on foot, or preferably, by hiring a two-wheeler which most of the hotels organise for their guests. Tourists can shop for many items but the silver jewellery sold here is worth a mention. The market adjoining the Nakki Lake is where tourists can buy silver jewellery in various interesting and intricate designs, but bargaining is a must.

Food available in Mount Abu is nothing exceptional. But, the hill station does have many ice cream shops that offer locally made and branded ice creams, which tourists can enjoy on a chilly evening. 

February to June and September to December is the peak tourist season of Mount Abu. However, many also visit Mount Abu during the summer season to escape the heat of the plain areas.

Mount Abu is well connected to major cities of the country. The nearest railway station is on Abu Road, 28 km from the hill station, which connects it to many cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur. The nearest airport to Mount Abu is in Ahmedabad and Udaipur. The Sardar Vallabhai International Airport in Ahmedabad is well connected to other cities in India. Regular buses from Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad travel to Mount Abu.