Mount Abu 

History of Mount Abu is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan). Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days. Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow's head. According to another legend, once sage Vashishth's cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form - Mount Abu. This place is held in reverence by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city. 

Mount Abu, the only green patch of relief in the brown deserts of Rajasthan. Legend has it that the place derived its name from Arbuda, a serpent who rescued Lord Shiva's bull, Nandi. Situated atop a 1,220 m high plateau in the Aravalli hills, this modest hill resort centred around Lake Nakki is a perfect getaway from the heat of the surrounding deserts and plains. 

How to reach

AIR
Alliance Air has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jet has daily connections from Delhi and Mumbai.

Airport
Nearest airport is located at Udaipur, 185 km away from the hill station. It is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur.

RAIL
Rajdhani Swaran Jayanti Express, Gujarat Mail, Aravali Express, Ashram Express.

Railway station
Abu Road is the nearest railhead. It falls on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Jaipur-Delhi line.

ROAD
About 505 km from Jaipur, 767 km from Delhi, 221 km from Ahmedabad and 185 km from Udaipur. The 29 km winding stretch from Abu Road to Mount Abu is best covered during daylight. You can take a taxi, jeep or bus to the hill station. Unmetered taxis and jeeps are available at Abu Road. Convenient deluxe buses, that cost no more than Rs 200-Rs 250, run regularly to and from nearby cities. State roadways buses ply daily from Abu Road to Mt Abu, 6 am onwards.

Bus terminus
There are two bus terminuses, one is on Abu Road next to the railway station from where private buses start. The other bus terminus is located just south of central Mt Abu, close to the police station.

 

Best time to visit Mount Abu

The best time to visit Mount Abu is during the months of February-June or in between September to December. Though the sole hill station in Rajasthan is a year round destination, these are periods when it is ideal to visit.  March to June are the summer months in Mount Abu. Days are hot here but evenings are pleasant. July to October is the monsoon season. The city receives less amount of rainfall, the scenic beauty of the hill station is at its peak. November to February is the winter season. Winters are not that extreme, just perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities and relaxation. The festivals are also a good time to visit as one can indulge in Rajasthani culture, music, dance and food.

Attractions

Nakki Lake
Set amidst the hills, its the only artificial lake in India that is 1,200 m above sea level. The lake, dotted with several mini islands, is a popular spot for boating. There are plenty of small restaurants around the lake, but dont expect anything exceptional. You can get your picture clicked in traditional Rajasthani garb for Rs 20-30.

Sunset Points
Catch the setting sun at Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point. Both spots are major tourist attractions. Apart from the multihued sunset, the Sunset Road is often visited for an amusement park for children. Swings and rides are individually paid for inside.

Dilwara Temples
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Dilwara Jain temples are known to possess the most intricate marble carving in the world, unequalled in lightness and workmanship. The Vimal Vasahi temple, which took 14 years to complete, is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara. 48 elegantly carved pillars support the ornate interiors of the front hall. Cosmological themes etched into the walls tell stories of the saints in temple Neminath. Entry is free; but no shoes, cameras or transistors are allowed in. Non-Jains can visit between noon and 6 pm daily. The temple complex is located 3 km northeast of Mt Abu. Taxis and jeeps are available at Rs 20 from town centre.

Wildlife Sanctuary
Watch leopards and crocodiles in action at the wildlife sanctuary, a stone s throw from Neminath. 

Brahma Kumari Spiritual University
Situated at the Om Shanti Bhawan, close to Nakki Lake. The museum close by holds free meditation classes daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Adhar Devi Temple
Climb 200-odd steps to visit the famous Adhar Devi temple situated 3 km northeast of the town centre. The temple is built inside a natural cleft in the rock. Enjoy the superb views the temple offers of Mount Abu.

Doodh Baori
This is considered the traditional source of pure milk for gods and sages. It is situated slightly ahead of the Brahma Kumari University.

Guru Shikhar
An important Hindu pilgrimage site, Guru Shikhar, located 15 km northeast of central Abu, is the highest peak of the Aravalli range. Panoramic views attract crowds to this 1,922 m tall peak.

Shopping in Mount Abu

is a nice experience and if you are fond of stylish ethnic wear, then you must visit Khadi Bazaar, one of the popular markets of Mount Abu. Get your hands on some amazing textiles with khadi work, available in a vast variety. A paradise for Khadi-lovers, this market sells several products made in Khadi. The shops in this market sell, cotton material with attractive mirror-work, traditional Rajasthani clothes such as ghagra and choli, tie and dye products etc. Apart from Khadi stuff, you can also find handloom as well as sandalwood products on display in the shops.

Restaurants

Four Season Restaurant

Cuisines: Indian, Italian, Chinese, Cafe, Fast food, Asian, Soups
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

Chacha Inn the Garden Retreat

Cuisines: Indian, Asian
Special diet, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly

 Chacha's Cafe Restro Bar, Pub & Lounge

Cuisines: Indian, Chinese, Pizza, Fast food
Special Diet Vegetarian Friendly

Dawat Restaurant

Cuisines Indian
Meals Dinner, Lunch 
 Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Seating

Tandoori Bites Mount Abu

Indian, Barbecue, Grill
Halal
MEALS
Dinner, Lunch