Rajasthan · South-west Rajasthan (Aravalli hills)
Mount Abu
Rajasthan's only hill station, with a lake, sunset viewpoints and some of India's finest marble temples
- Best time
- September to March, and monsoon for green scenery
- Ideal stay
- 1 to 2 nights
- Nearest airport
- Udaipur (about 165 km) or Ahmedabad (about 220 km)
- Railway
- Abu Road, about 27 km below the plateau
- From Udaipur
- About 165 to 185 km. 4 hours by road
- Known for
- Dilwara Jain temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, sunset points
Mount Abu at a glance
Mount Abu is a hill station on a rocky plateau in the Aravalli range, close to the border with Gujarat. It is the only hill station in Rajasthan, and sits at around 1,200 metres, noticeably cooler than the plains during the hot months. Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 metres, is the highest point in the Aravalli range.
The town is small and works around a lake. Most visitors come for a weekend or two nights: a boat ride on Nakki Lake, a sunset from one of the viewpoints, and the Dilwara temples, which are widely regarded as some of the most finely carved Jain temples in India. The Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation has its world headquarters here, which gives the town a distinct character.
Weekends and school holidays are busy, especially with visitors from Gujarat. Midweek visits are calmer and cheaper.
Best time to visit Mount Abu
Because of the altitude, Mount Abu is cooler than most of Rajasthan year-round. The end of the monsoon and the winter months are the most comfortable, and summers are a popular escape from the plains.
| Months | Weather | What it means for a trip |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – Feb | Pleasant days of 15 to 28°C, cold nights that can drop to single digits | Good visibility and comfortable sightseeing. Winter mornings can be very cool; bring a jacket. |
| Mar – Jun | Warm, about 25 to 34°C, far cooler than the Rajasthan plains | Popular with families during school holidays. A summer festival is usually held around Buddha Purnima. |
| Jul – Sep | Cool and misty with heavy rain | The hills are green and Nakki Lake is full, but rain and mist can hide the viewpoints. Roads may be slippery. |
How to reach Mount Abu
- By air
- Udaipur (about 165 km) is the closest airport with regular flights, followed by Ahmedabad (about 220 km). From either, you'll need a taxi, which takes about 4 hours.
- By train
- The railhead is Abu Road, about 27 km from the hill station, on the Ahmedabad–Jaipur–Delhi line. Taxis, shared jeeps and buses climb to Mount Abu in about 45 minutes. Evening transport is limited, so plan arrival before dark.
- By road
- Udaipur is about 165 to 185 km, Ahmedabad about 220 km, Jodhpur about 270 km and Delhi about 760 km. Buses run from Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Jodhpur, and many visitors come by car on a Rajasthan–Gujarat circuit.
Things to do in Mount Abu
1.Dilwara Jain Temples
A group of five white-marble temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries, with ceilings carved so finely that the marble looks translucent. The interiors are strikingly detailed, and the carvings are the main attraction.
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours·Tip: Non-Jain visitors are admitted only during set hours in the afternoon. Cameras, phones and leather items are not allowed inside. Confirm the current schedule before you go.
2.Nakki Lake
A lake in the centre of town, surrounded by hills and boulders, with paddle boats and a walkway around it. According to legend it was dug by gods using their nails, which is where the name comes from.
Time needed: 1 hour
3.Sunset Point
A viewpoint on the western edge of town where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun go down over the plains. It is very busy in season, with stalls and pony rides.
Time needed: 1 hour
4.Guru Shikhar
The highest peak in the Aravallis at 1,722 metres, with a temple and a view over the plateau. You can drive most of the way and walk the last steps.
Time needed: 1.5 hours
5.Achalgarh and Adhar Devi Temple
Achalgarh is a fort rebuilt in the 15th century, with old temples nearby. Adhar Devi Temple is carved into a rock face and reached by a long staircase of about 365 steps.
Time needed: 2 hours
6.Brahma Kumaris Global Harmony House
The world headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris. Visitors can see a museum and short introductory sessions on meditation. It's free.
Time needed: 1 hour
7.Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
A protected area of forest with leopards, sloth bears, sambar and many birds. It's a good place for a walk or a short trek, but you need forest department permissions and a guide.
Time needed: Half a day
8.Toad Rock and Honeymoon Point
Two smaller viewpoints. Toad Rock is a rock formation that looks like a toad from some angles, and Honeymoon Point has an open view over the valley.
Time needed: 30 minutes each
Sample itineraries for Mount Abu
One night
- Arrive by midday and check in.
- Afternoon: Dilwara temples (during non-Jain hours), then Nakki Lake.
- Sunset: Sunset Point.
- Morning: Guru Shikhar or Achalgarh, then leave.
Two nights
- Day 1: Nakki Lake, Sunset Point.
- Day 2 morning: Dilwara, then Brahma Kumaris centre.
- Day 2 afternoon: Achalgarh and Adhar Devi.
- Day 3 morning: Guru Shikhar at sunrise, then leave.
Where to stay in Mount Abu
- Around Nakki Lake
- The most convenient area, with hotels of all sizes within walking distance of the lake and market. Lake-view rooms cost more.
- Sunset Road and quieter roads
- Resorts and guesthouses with gardens and a bit more space. You'll need a car or auto to get into town.
- Heritage palaces
- Former royal summer residences, some now hotels, offer grand rooms and gardens at higher prices.
What to eat and buy in Mount Abu
- Gujarati and Rajasthani thalis
- Because of the visitors from Gujarat, thalis with sweet and savoury dishes are common. Most hotels serve vegetarian food.
- Snacks around Nakki Lake
- Corn on the cob, ice cream, bhel and chai stalls line the lakeside. Choose busy stalls.
- Handicrafts and marble items
- The market sells marble curios, Rajasthani textiles and puppets. Prices are higher than in cities, so compare before buying.
Day trips and stops near Mount Abu
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Road | 27 km | The railhead at the base of the hill. |
| Ambaji Temple | About 45 km | A major Shakti pilgrimage site across the Gujarat border. |
| Udaipur | About 165 to 185 km | Lakes and palaces. |
| Ranakpur | About 140 to 160 km | The marble Jain temple. |
| Ahmedabad | About 220 km | Gujarat's largest city. |
What Mount Abu costs
| Budget hotel (per room, per night) | About ₹1,000 to ₹2,500; more at weekends |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel or resort | About ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 |
| Boat on Nakki Lake | Roughly ₹100 to ₹300 depending on boat and length |
| Local taxi for sightseeing | About ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 for a day |
| Dilwara temples | No ticket for temples; check current visiting hours and any charges for audio guides or storage |
Fees, timings and prices last checked in September 2026. They change from season to season, so treat them as a guide and confirm at the ticket counter or with us when we plan your trip.
Practical tips
- Plan the Dilwara visit around the afternoon slot for non-Jain visitors, and leave phones, cameras and leather items at the deposit counter.
- Weekends are busy and hotel rates go up. If you can, come midweek.
- Evening transport from Abu Road is limited. Arrive before dark or pre-arrange a taxi.
- In the monsoon, roads can be slippery and viewpoints hidden by mist.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many viewpoints involve steps.
Mount Abu travel FAQs
Is Mount Abu worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a cooler break from the plains and the Dilwara temples. It's best as a 1 to 2 night stop, ideally combined with Udaipur or Ranakpur.
How far is Mount Abu from Udaipur?
About 165 to 185 km, roughly 4 hours by road.
What is the best time to visit Mount Abu?
October to February for clear weather, and the monsoon for green views if you don't mind rain. Summers are a popular escape from the plains.
Can non-Jains visit the Dilwara temples?
Yes, during set hours in the afternoon. Phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside.
Is Mount Abu suitable for families?
Yes. There's a lake, viewpoints and short walks, and it's cool in summer. Weekends can be crowded.
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