Places to visit in Mount Abu are extensive. Being the only hill station in Rajasthan, this is a traveler’s paradise with vibrant landscapes. Located in the picturesque Aravalli Mountain range, the best time to visit Mount Abu is all year round, thanks to its pleasant weather. This year, we undertook a road trip from Mumbai to Mount Abu, and what a refreshing summer break we had. The temperature was close to 20 degrees, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Mount Abu is well-connected via road, rail, and air. We chose a road trip as getting around Mount Abu might otherwise become a costly affair. With a plethora of places to visit and explore, I have sorted out must-visit places in Mount Abu that you should not miss.
Top Places to Visit in Mount Abu
1. Achalgarh Fort: A Morning Trek to the Clouds
Located close to Club Mahindra Hummingbird, this was the first place we visited, and I fell in love with the view. At a five-minute walking distance from our resort, we trekked to this fort in the morning, and it took us around an hour to reach the top. Beware of the several jeep services here that rob you with a promise to take you to the top. All they do is cover a ten-minute distance, as there are hundreds of stairs from there. So, my advice is to avoid the jeep service and walk along. The route is scenic, and you will come across beautiful structures in between.
Start by visiting the Achala Devi Temple at the base, and halt at the Jain Temple. This, by far, is my favorite view of Mount Abu. The peace that I felt here is beyond words. From here, there are a few more hundred steps to reach the fort, which is in a dilapidated state but still an architectural delight.
Don’t forget to catch the three stone buffaloes standing at the base while coming down from your trek to Achalgarh Fort. Also, if you are a fan of hoarding jewelry and other household artifacts, explore the market at the base. I purchased a few sets of bangles and beautiful mojari shoes from here at a throwaway cost.
Time: 6 am to 6 pm, a night trek is not advisable as it is surrounded by forest.
Charges: Free, if you don’t get duped by jeep services.
Must-do activities: Shopping for jewelry, souvenirs, shoes, and winterwear.
Must-try food delicacy: Mount Abu’s famous rabri (Oh god! I gorged on Abu Road Ki Famous Rabdi every single evening during our stay here. I so miss it now that I reminisce about it).
Car parking: Yes, it is available at a minimal price. Free parking at your own risk is also an option.
2. Nakki Lake: Evening boat ride
A serene boat ride in the blue waters of Nakki Lake is a must-do activity at this hill station. Nakki Jheel is the most famous place in Mount Abu, and for good reason. You can enjoy various types of boating, such as paddle boats and shikara. From half an hour to an hour, you can choose the boat you like and experience the cool vibes of this place, located at the heart of the hill station. The lake is huge, and the surrounding promenade and adjoining market area add to its charm. You can also indulge in horse riding and shopping on the bank of this lake. A good three hours can be spent here, and after sunset, you can enjoy the food at the restaurants, with the most popular ones encircling the Nakki Lake area.
Both evenings, we spent our time near the bank of this lake, enjoying a delicious dinner and shopping.
Boating time: 8 am to 6 pm
Charges: Starting from Rs. 50, varying based on the boat and ride duration
Car parking: Difficult to find a spot, especially in the evenings.
3. Guru Sikhar: A Morning or Sunset trek
Guru Shikhar is located at the highest peak in the Aravalli Range, at a height of 1722 meters. Rightly so, the view you get along the hike and from the top is mesmerizing. Lined with shops selling myriad artifacts, ranging from guns to colorful paintings, buttery smooth buttermilk, and jewelry, a trek to this place offers you the most enchanting colors of this quaint hill station. While I found the prices of most items a little on the high side compared to Achalgarh Fort, the variety here was vast.
Be ready to walk a lot of steps when you trek to Guru Shikhar. Needless to say, wear comfortable shoes and keep yourself hydrated, as the fleet of stairs is exhausting. But the reward you see from the peak is beyond magical. The 360-degree vista of the mountain range left me speechless.
Time: An early morning or sunset trek is advisable. Afternoons can be too hot.
Charges: Free, unless you indulge in shopping.
Car parking: Ample car parking is available here at a minimal price.
4. Dilwara Jain Temples: A Spiritual Journey
I visited this temple for the first time almost ten years ago, but the memory is still fresh. The magnificent Dilwara Temples are architectural marvels. The intricate designs on marble that you see here are beyond comparison. Jain temples around the world are known as pure spiritual places, and you will experience the same here. You are not allowed to carry your phone or any gadget inside. Just spend a few minutes here marveling at the beauty and delving deep within. However, the security here does not let you sit inside the vicinity for long.
Enjoy the cool Banta soda and lemonade after your visit. We had our best cool drinks here, truly relishing them. We visited in the afternoon hours, and the wait time was not much. Photography is not allowed, so you have to capture memories in your mind.
Timings: 12 pm to 5 pm
Charges: No entry fee
Car parking: Free roadside parking is allowed at a five-minute distance from the temple.
5. Peace Park: A Serene Garden
Brahmakumaris Universal Peace Hall and Peace Park are among the most famous places in Mount Abu. Situated between Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh Fort, it is a well-maintained vicinity, featuring a spiritual sanctum for people to learn more about themselves and nature. Besides meditation and discourses, there are several things to experience here in a short few hours’ trip.
First, we walked through the impressive display of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. After the display, we reached a hall where we caught a show emphasizing the importance of ‘Dharma’ through the characters of Kumbhkaran and the Brahmakumaris.
Next, we explored the Peace Park. The sheer variety of flora on display here gives a glimpse into the rich landscape of Mount Abu. Exhausted after our visit, we had a Dal Baati Churma thali at the famous Chamunda restaurant, just opposite the entry gate of Universal Peace Hall.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Charges: No entry fees
Car parking: Available, both free and paid
A Final Note
Mount Abu is a beautiful hill station and by far the best for shopping and sightseeing. There are many places to visit in Mount Abu but these five are the most famous ones. Summers might not be ideal for visiting Rajasthan, but Mount Abu is a refreshing escape. For a road trip itinerary to Mount Abu, check this Mumbai to Mount Abu – Road trip itinerary.
To get a glimpse of Hummingbird Resorts in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, watch this video!
Thank you for reading the blog and supporting my writing. Stay tuned for more raw and rugged places to visit in India.
