Mount Abu, a surprising mountain retreat in Rajasthan, will take you high above the heat wave – where the air is cool and the weather is pleasant. On a drive through the desert, you’ll suddenly find the sands give way to verdant mountains, the beautiful Nakki Lake fringed with lovely trees, cool breeze, and heavenly environs.  Watered by the serene Nakki Lake and perched at an altitude of 4000 feet, Rajasthan’s only hill station is quite unlike the rest of the state. Offering a perfect respite from the scorching heat of the desert, picturesque Mount Abu is thronged by travelers throughout the year.

There are many things about this quaint and only hill station in Rajasthan. Apart from the famous Jain Dilwara Temples with their intricately carved facades, the town has ancient Gaumukh Temple and the beautiful Nakki Lake.  You can listen to locals reciting fables of ancient Indian sages at the Gaumukh Temple and Adhar Devi Temple and enjoy endless hours deciphering stories of Jainism that are carved intricately on the walls of the Dilwara Temples.
In addition to the temples, the hill station has its own set of peaceful places where you can spend time at. A walk through the Peace Park, which is impeccably maintained by a charitable organization, will cool you off. You can also enjoy picturesque views from the Sunset Point as well as the Honeymoon Point.

The best time to visit:

Although Mount Abu is a year-round destination, the time period between November and March can be considered as the best time to visit this place. Depending on what you want to do, here’s a monthly breakup of Mount Abu’s climatic conditions so that you can plan when to go:

November to February:

These months constitute the winter season in Mount Abu. Although winters in Mount Abu are not that extreme, the lowest temperature here would not go beyond 12 degree Celsius. Hence, it makes sightseeing and other outdoor activities for tourists. Also, many honeymooners plan their visit during this time.

March to June:
These months constitute the summer season in Mount Abu. Days are hot here but the temperature would not go above 33 degree Celsius. Evenings can be pleasant and perfect for boat rides at Nakki Lake and exploring this tiny hill station. If you want to experience the Gangaur festivities, don’t forget to visit the town in March.

July to October:
These months constitute the monsoon season in Mount Abu. Although the city receives less amount of rainfall but the scenic beauty of this pretty hill station doubles as the surroundings are filled with mountain mist and lush green environ. This weather is perfect for nature enthusiasts who love to stroll along the scenic side of Mount Abu and seek solace in simple pleasures of the mountain life.

Places you must visit while in Mount Abu.

Sunset Point:

One of the most well-known spots in Mount Abu, Sunset Point is located to the south-west of Nakki Lake. Best visited at dusk, this picturesque point commands magnificent views of the Aravali ranges. Thronged by travellers throughout the year, it is surrounded by numerous food stalls and souvenir shops. To get to Sunset Point, grab your camera and walk up the cobblestone pathways along the Nakki Lake for about a km. Those who do not wish to take a walk can also opt for pony rides.

Dilwara Temples:

The five marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place for the Jain community, and rank among India’s finest temple architecture. Located in the northern part of the hill-station, these Jain temples are about two-and-a-half-kms away from the bustling town of Mount Abu. They comprise of five temples—Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Parshvanath, Mahavir Swami—each of which is dedicated to a revered Jain guru. Built in 11th and 13th centuries, the temples boast of opulent entrances, minutely-carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels and intricately-designed domes. Mahavir Jayanti, the most important festival of Jains, is celebrated with full vigour here and many Jain pilgrims visit the temples during the festival each year.

Nakki Lake:

Believed to be have been dug out by a god using his nails, the sacred Nakki Lake is one of the landmarks of the hill town of Mount Abu. About half a mile long, the lake is deeper towards the dam on the west. Carry your picnic hamper, a book and camera and spend a peaceful afternoon on the banks of the lake. Boat riding is another activity that interests visitors here. A pleasant stroll around the lake will lead you to Toad Rock, a boulder that looks just like a toad about to hop into the lake. The 14th-century Raghunath Temple stands near the lake’s southern shore.

Achalgarh Fort:

Bordered by massive walls that enclose a few beautiful temples inside, the Achalgarh Fort offers interesting glimpses of Mewar architecture. Built in the year 1452 by the famous Rajput ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, the fort is situated 11 kms to the north of Mount Abu. Various viewpoints from the fort offer scenic lookouts onto the hill town, the Aravali ranges and the picturesque sunset views.

Adhar Devi Temple:

Situated atop a cliff, a visit to the Adhar Devi Temple requires you to climb 365 steep steps, but the strenuous journey is worth the effort. Offering a bird’s eye view of the hill-station from the top, the temple is constructed out of a large rock, and visitors have to stoop and crawl to enter the inner shrine. Located three kms away from Mount Abu, the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga and is considered as one of the prominent religious spots in the hill town. The temple is visited by hordes of Hindu pilgrims during Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival that is celebrated with full gusto.

Enjoy your visit.