Mount Abu Sightseeing | Mount Abu Tourism

Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. Mount Abu is 58 km from Palanpur (Gujarat). The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal"

Mount Abu is a picturesque hill-station which green oasis in the barren desertscape thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. This is also the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north.

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. ‘Abu’ according to a legend.stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.

There are various interesting treks and picnic spots close to Mount Abu.

Fast Fact Sheet of Mount Abu:

Population:

18,000

Languages:

Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Best Time to Visit Mount Abu :

Mid-March to June and Mid-September to December

Std Code:

02974

Location:

Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is 187 km away from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Climate of Mount Abu:

Mount Abu's has a pleasent climate thanks to its rich dense green forest cover. In summers when typical temperature of desertious Rajasthan is around 44°C , Mount Abu's temperature is 31°C to 34°C. In winters the temperature ranges from 10°C to -8°C (in Night) , Mount Abu receives the highest amount of rainfall in Rajasthan, average Rainfall during monsoon is 70-180 cm, It is advised to visit Mount Abu during rainy season in August-September to enjoy the monsoon and nature at its best to enjoy waterfalls, lush green mountains and the romantic mist.

Mount Abu Weather:

View Detailed 9 Day Weather Forecasts for Abu Road, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

How To Reach Mount Abu:

By Rail:

There are direct trains to Abu Road Station (27 km away from Mount Abu) from Delhi, Jodhpur and Agra. A fast train takes four hours between Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Abu Road.

By Road:

Regular buses connect Abu Road to Mount Abu. The journey takes about an hour. Taxis and jeeps are also available to take you to Mount Abu. Direct buses also connect Mount Abu with Udaipur and Ahmedabad.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) 207-km. One can hire a taxi to get to Mount Abu.

Local Transport:

Unmetered taxis are available for local transportation within the city.

Mount Abu Sightseeing - Mount Abu Tourism:

Gaumukh Temple:

A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine its name. The famous ‘yagna’ of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

Delwara Jain Temple:

These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines,each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal, Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community.With door casings, pillars, architraves,and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Adhar Devi Temple:

The temple is chiselled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot in Mount Abu.

Sunset Point:

Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.

Honeymoon Point:

Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.

Shri Raghunathji Temple:

Situated near the ‘Nakki’ lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.

Gardens and Parks:

Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok Vatika, Gandhi park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.

Museum and Art Gallery:

Located at the Raj Bhawan, it was a collection of archaeological excavations dating back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze carvings,brassworks etc. for viewing.

Guru Shikhar (Highest peak):

Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu, is also perhaps the most beautiful. There is certain serenity about the temple built atop this peak. The temple might just have stepped out of a fairy tale, with only a small portion in pink jutting out of an otherwise plain white chalk building.

Nakki Lake (The Lake):

In the heart of the town, at one end of the Mall is Nakki Lake, which has an interesting history. It is said that it was drawn by the finger nails (nakk) of a sage, Balam Rasia, in response to the demands of the stepmother of the girl he wished to marry. The girl, a princess, and a daughter of the then King of Abu, was also in love with the sage, but because of the evil stepmother the affair ended in tragedy, and has been immortalized in a temple of the Kunwari Kanya, alongside which stands a statue of her lover.

The lake too, has survived to tell the tale. Picturesquely set, with the hills rising all around it, the lake has several islets to which you can hire boats. An interesting facet is the many rock formations around the lake. They have been named Toad Rock, Nun Rock, Nandi Rock and Camel Rock because of their resemblance to these figures. The road appears to be looking broodingly down towards the lake, as if contemplating jumping in. Nun Rock is a large smooth rock, as it supposedly looks a woman with a veil. The climb up to these rocks, through the wooded forests is a beautiful one, with each of the rocks on the way making unique formations, fissures and shapes.

There are rumors that you might run into a bear on your way up, but the climb is well worth the risk! And one can take courage from the fact that none of the travelers in the last few years have encountered the animal.

Mount Abu Tourism Information:

Tourist office under the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation is available at the city area from where one can easily get the information easily.

Do's and Dont's in Mount Abu (Alerts):

As you prepare to climb the uphill road please see that your vehicle has up-to-date PUC (Pollution under control Certificate). If found guilty, you could be prevented from climbing up to Mount Abu.
Please do not honk your horn unnecessarily and certainly not the pressure horns.
Kindly do not exceed the approved speed of 30 K. M. P. while climbing to Mount Abu and driving in and around Mount Abu.
Please do not feed any wild animal (including monkeys on the road) on the way to Mount Abu - The offence is punishable with fine and imprisonment.
Please does not light anything on the way to Mount Abu or throw any burning match or any other burning material on the road or into the forest area,
While coming down from Mount Abu please give preference of passage to the vehicle climbing up.
Do not drink alcohal on your journey to Mount Abu and Back. There could be random alcohal test and if found under influence of alcohal on the steering your licence could be confiscated and on three such violations you could be debarred from driving for life.
Adhere to the traffic rules on the way to Mount Abu and also while driving in and around Mount Abu.
Please do not go to the forest area alone and never after dusk. If you still desire to be in the jungle for adventure always have a forest guard with you.
Please keep Mount Abu clean. DO NOT LITTER. The offence is punishable.
Do not carry plastic bags with you in Mount Abu, the offence is punishable.
Do not use high decibel music systems both in your car and also otherwise.
At night lower the beam of your vehicle while driving in and around Mount Abu.
In doubt always take help of the Tourist Police.

Festival in Mount Abu:

Summer Festival Mount Abu:

The Summer festival is held every year during the month of May on Budh Poornima. The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of hill station, who welcome the tourist from the depth of their hearts. The hospitality of the people, their colorful culture and exotic location made this festival a never to be forgotten experience.

The festival begins with a ceremonial procession, which starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gather at the Nakki Lake Chowk followed by folk performances of Rajasthan & Gujrat states. The grand finale of the Festival a display of dazzling fire works all three days. This three day colourful festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism, Municipal Board, Mt.Abu & District Administration.

The second and third day of the festival is more interesting because of various competitions that take place the whole day. Skating Race, skater’s Show, CRPF Band Show, Boat Race, Horse Race, Tug of War, Panihari Matka Race and Deepdan add to the excitements of the celebration.

Winter Festival Mount Abu:

The Winter Festival is held every year during the last week of December. The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of hill station, who welcome the tourist from the depth of their hearts. This three days colorful festival is organised by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board, Mt. Abu.

The hospitality of the people, their colorful culture and exotic location make this festival a never to be forgotten experience. The festival begins with a ceremonial procession, which start from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar. The procession gathers at the Nakki Lake Chowk followed by folk performances of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab & Haryana's folk artists.

The there is a band Show, Boat Race, Skating Race, Panihari Matka Race, Tug of War between Foriegn Tourists and Domestic Tourists, Mehandi Mandana, Musical Chair Race, Deepotsave & in the last Fireworks are very attractive to watch and participate.

The grand finale of the festival is made brighter by a display of dazzling fire works all three days.