Nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Hill Ranges, Mount Abu is a popular hill station in Rajasthan that can be visited throughout the entire year. Famed for its picturesque views, crystal clear lakes, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, lush green woods, and mouth-watering food items, Mount Abu is capable of spoiling and pampering you while you are vacationing there.
Dubbed the ‘Oasis in the Desert’, the climate here is unlike what the rest of the places in Rajasthan experience. Many people prefer visiting Mount Abu to escape the burning heat of the summer, because of which it has gained the status of the ‘Summer Capital of Rajasthan’. Let us help you make the most out of your vacation with our picks of 9 things to do in Mount Abu.
9 Things To Do In Mount Abu
1. Spend An Evening At The Nakki Lake
One simply cannot visit Mount Abu and skip the most heavenly part of this destination. Known for being the very life and soul of Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is a must-visit for all travelers. The lake, with its tranquil waters and lush green surroundings, is an ideal spot to instantly unwind from the long drive you took to reach Mount Abu.
Go on a dreamy ride in a paddleboat or a Shikhara (which is a spade-shaped, colorful boat) and soak in the blissful beauty of Mount Abu. Apart from boating, horse riding, and zorbing are some of the exhilarating things you can enjoy at Nakki Lake.
After enjoying a peaceful boat ride, stroll around the lake and visit the vibrant marketplaces that sell some of the most authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati items. Indulge in retail therapy and pick up some lovely Gujarati handicrafts, tie and dye textiles, bangles, Kota sarees, marble and wooden decorative pieces, Jaipur quilt, Sanganeri print linens, and so on.
2. Become One With Nature At The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Known to be the biodiversity hotspot of this wonderful hill town, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 290 sq km of woodlands around Mount Abu. Offering some really exhilarating experiences to adults and children alike, this wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and bird watchers.
The wildlife sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic and endangered species of flora and fauna. Tigers used to be the main attraction of these mystical woodlands, but they were last spotted in the 1970s. You can now catch a glimpse of various animals like the leopards, sambhar, hyenas, jungle cats, small Indian civets, hedgehogs, pangolin, porcupines, wolves, and so on.
Apart from that, you can enjoy watching over 250 species of birds here. Don’t forget to carry a good pair of binoculars with you if you wish to observe these animals closely in their natural habitats.
3. Peek Into The History Of Mount Abu At Achalgarh Fort
Located about 11 km away from Mount Abu, Achalgarh Fort is a fine example of the magnificent architectural styles of the past. Constructed during the reign of the glorious Paramara Dynasty, it is believed to have been renovated by the famous Rajput king Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort served an important purpose in those times. The ruler would use it as a watchtower to keep an eye on the movements of enemies and intruders.
Crowning one of the peaks of the Aravalli Ranges, the fort can be reached after a quick climb. Another attraction that draws visitors is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is renowned for housing a Nandi sculpture that’s made out of 5 metals, namely, gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass. After offering your prayers, you can click some perfect snaps along the shores of the Mandakini Lake that rests within the fort complex.
4. Go On A Mesmerizing Hike To Guru Shikhar
The mountainous terrain on which the hill station sits offers you opportunities to go on some exhilarating hikes and treks. Mount Abu houses the highest peak in the Aravalli Ranges and entices hikers and trekkers from all the neighboring regions. Located about 15 km away from Mount Abu, the hiking trail is extremely engaging and incredibly picturesque.
Affectionately named Guru Shikhar after Guru Dattatreya, this peak soars to a height of about 1,722 meters above sea level. The temple dedicated to Guru Dattatreya is the most prominent temple among the other temples that are scattered across the enchanting hiking trails. The incredibly breathtaking view from the top of the peak is the icing on the cake. Don’t forget to ring the massive bell that sits at the top and listen to the ringing sound echoing throughout the entire Aravalli Ranges.
5. Feast On The Rajasthani Delicacies
Relishing the authentic Rajasthani dishes at the local eateries of Mount Abu will surely be the highlight of your trip. Influenced by the dearth of vegetation in the deserts of Rajasthan, the traditional Rajasthani dishes use ingredients that last longer and follow some really creative recipes to cook their scrumptious meals. The usage of oil and chilies is more in these dishes as these ingredients preserve the food items and lessen the need for water. Visit the local eateries and give the following dishes a try while visiting Mount Abu.
- Daal Baati Churma – a type of bread eaten with lentils
- Laal Maas – spicy mutton curry
- Gatte Ki Sabzi – gram flour dumplings cooked in a tangy gravy
- Bajre Ki Roti – Rotis made from black millet flour
- Malpua – a sweet dish
6. Marvel At The Architecture Of The Dilwara Temple
Although Mount Abu is a famous hill station, it is also a favorite pilgrimage site for all the followers of Jainism. The Dilwara Temple, in the lush green hills of the Aravalli, is one of the holiest destinations for the Jains. Erected roughly 700 – 800 years ago, this temple ends up attracting even the non-believers due to its marvelous architecture.
Every feature of the temple, be it the exceedingly detailed carvings on marble to the highly skilled craftsmanship during the construction, makes this temple stand out. You’ll certainly fall in love with the grand entranceways and the spectacular patterns and designs on the arches, walls, pillars, and roofs. Do make sure that you pray at all five shrines (dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavir Swami, Lord Adinath, Lord Neminath, and Lord Rishabdeo) that are housed in the huge temple complex.
7. Set Out On A Day Filled With Adventures
The rugged topography of Mount Abu is ideal for those who love getting an adrenaline rush by participating in adventure activities. Rock climbing is one of the most exciting adventure activities in Mount Abu that ends up making your holiday memorable. Learn to use your full body strength and conquer the peaks of the hillocks of the Aravalli. Perfectly safe for both pros and newbies, this activity is conducted by certified professionals who assist you in having the experience of your lifetime.
Trekking through the enchanting forest trails of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary and camping under the stars are some other activities that attract adventure junkies to Mount Abu. Similarly, enjoying the cool weather along with singing to your favorite tunes with your campmates under a starry blanket is an unparalleled experience.
8. Have The Time Of Your Life At The Winter Festival
Hosted by the Municipal Board of Mount Abu in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, the Winter Festival is the pride of this hill station. The Winter Festival can help you kick your vacation up a notch as it displays the rich cultural legacy of Rajasthan.
Spanning across three days, you can witness a grand parade that tours the hill town and ends at Nakki Lake. You can then attend the Deepdan ceremony performed at the lake, in which the locals set afloat hundreds of lit Diyas (earthen lamps) in the lake.
You get a chance to listen to some classical as well as folk songs by talented artists who hail from Rajasthan and other northern states of India. Apart from that, you can also witness the graceful Sufi Kathak and other traditional folk dances of Rajasthan like the Gair, Ghoomar, and Daph. The soulful Shaam-e-Qawwali and some other sessions of classical poetry recitations put a perfect end to your amazing day.
9. Splash Around In The Dhrudhiya Waterfalls
Water is precious in Rajasthan, and only the lucky ones get to visit a Rajasthani waterfall. Hidden away in the Aravalli hills, the Dhrudiya Waterfall is an unexplored gem of Mount Abu and perfect for those who are looking for an offbeat way to spend their vacation.
The best way to enjoy this waterfall is to first trek through the forest trails of Mount Abu. Once you reach the waterfall site, you’ll be mesmerized by the frothy, crystal-clear water cascading off the hillock of Aravalli with massive force. Splash around in the magical water, refresh yourself after the trek and rejuvenate by melting all your stress away. Snuggled away in the dense woodlands of Mount Abu, Dhrudhiya Waterfalls will appeal to the hearts of all nature lovers, adventure junkies, and avid photographers.
Summing Up
With so many things to do in Mount Abu, you’ll certainly be on your toes the entire time. So don’t forget to add Mount Abu to the bucket list of hill stations you want to visit and experience all the unique things it has to offer.
FAQs
How to Reach Mount Abu From Udaipur?
The fastest way to reach Mount Abu from Udaipur is by cab. You’ll take approximately 3 hours to reach the hill station if you choose to travel by cab. The cheapest way to reach Mount Abu from Udaipur is by bus. It will take you about 3 to 3.5 hours to cover the distance between the places by bus.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Mount Abu?
You can easily cover most of the places and experience most of the things Mount Abu has to offer in the span of 2 to 3 days.
Is There An Airport In Mount Abu?
Although Mount Abu has no airport. However, you can fly to the Dabok Airport, which is in Udaipur. From here, you can then take a cab or a bus to Mount Abu.
How Far Is Mount Abu From Delhi?
Mount Abu is 751 km away from Delhi.
Is Mount Abu Worth Visiting In December?
December is the best time to visit Mount Abu, as the climate is great and it’s not the peak season.
How Far Is Mount Abu From Jaipur?
Mount Abu is 495 km away from Jaipur.
Which Season Is The Best To Visit Mount Abu?
The best time to visit Mount Abu is between November and March.
