Mount Abu sits at around 1,200 metres on a plateau in the Aravalli range in south-western Rajasthan, close to the Gujarat border. It has been a retreat from the summer heat since the days of the Rajput rulers and the British, and it is Rajasthan's only hill station.
The town is small and walkable, centred on Nakki Lake. Its most important sight is the group of Dilwara Jain temples, carved from white marble between the 11th and 13th centuries. Around them are viewpoints, temples on the higher peaks and a wildlife sanctuary covering much of the plateau. Two days is enough to see the main things.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Mount Abu travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Mount Abu
- See the marble carving of the Dilwara Jain Temples
- Go boating on Nakki Lake
- Watch sunset from Sunset Point or Honeymoon Point
- Drive up to Guru Shikhar, the highest point in the Aravallis
- Visit Achalgarh Fort and the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
- Climb to the Adhar Devi cave temple
- Walk a trail in Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in western and central India.
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to the Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Planning a wildlife trip? See our guide to the best wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Must-see experiences
See the Dilwara Jain Temples
The five Dilwara temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, contain some of the most intricate marble carving in the world. The Vimal Vasahi (dedicated to Adinatha) and Luna Vasahi (dedicated to Neminatha) are the most celebrated, with domed ceilings carved so finely that the marble looks almost translucent.
Photography is not allowed inside, and the temples open to non-Jain visitors only for set hours in the afternoon, so check timings before you go. Leather items are not permitted.
- Where
- About 2.5 km from the town centre
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good to know
- No photography; limited visiting hours for tourists
Go boating on Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is the heart of Mount Abu, ringed by hills and rock formations such as Toad Rock. Pedal and rowing boats are available, and the lakeside promenade with its snack stalls is busy every evening. Walk up to Toad Rock for a view over the lake.
- Time needed
- 1β2 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon
- Good for
- Families, couples
Watch the sunset
Sunset Point, a short walk or pony ride from the town, is where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun drop over the plains. Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) is quieter and also gives views over the valley. Arrive early in peak season.
- Best time
- Sunset
- Good for
- Couples, families
Peaks, forts and temples
Drive up to Guru Shikhar
At about 1,722 metres, Guru Shikhar is the highest point in the Aravalli range. A road goes most of the way, followed by steps to a small Dattatreya temple and a large bell. On clear days the views over the plateau are wide. The Mount Abu observatory is nearby.
- Where
- About 15 km from town
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning, for clear air
Visit Achalgarh Fort
Achalgarh is a ruined fort rebuilt by Rana Kumbha of Mewar in the 15th century. At its base, the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is unusual for worshipping what is believed to be the toe of Shiva, with a large brass Nandi outside. The climb to the upper fort is steep but short.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
Climb to Adhar Devi Temple
Also called Arbuda Devi, this temple is set in a natural cave on a cliff, reached by around 350 steps. It is one of the town's oldest shrines and has good views from the top.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good to know
- The final passage into the cave is low
Visit the Brahma Kumaris centre
Mount Abu is the world headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement. Its Peace Park, between Guru Shikhar and the town, has gardens and meditation spaces open to visitors.
Visit the Mount Abu Government Museum
The small museum near Raj Bhavan displays sculptures and artefacts from the region, including pieces from nearby temple sites. It is a short, cool stop on a hot afternoon.
Nature and wildlife
Walk in Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary covers most of the Mount Abu plateau and has forests unusual for Rajasthan, with bamboo, wild roses and orchids. Sloth bears, leopards, langurs and many birds live here, though sightings of larger mammals are rare. Guided nature walks and trails such as the one to Trevor's Tank, a small lake with crocodiles and birdlife, are the best way to explore.
- Time needed
- 2β3 hours
- Good for
- Nature lovers, birdwatchers
Trek to Toad Rock and the Nakki trails
Short trails lead from Nakki Lake up to Toad Rock and other granite outcrops, with views over the lake and town. Longer guided treks through the sanctuary's forests can be arranged in town. Go with a guide on longer routes, as trails are not always marked.
- Time needed
- 1β4 hours
- Good for
- Active travellers
Things to do in Mount Abu by type of traveller
Families: Nakki Lake boating, Sunset Point, the Peace Park and a drive to Guru Shikhar keep children busy without long walks.
Couples: Honeymoon Point at sunset, a quiet boat on Nakki Lake in the morning, and a heritage hotel stay.
Weekenders from Gujarat: Mount Abu is a short drive from Palanpur and Abu Road, making it a popular long-weekend escape. Book early for Diwali and summer holidays, when the town is at its busiest.
What to do in Mount Abu with one day
Visit Guru Shikhar in the morning for clear views, stopping at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Park and Achalgarh on the way back. After lunch, see the Dilwara Temples during the afternoon visiting hours, then take a boat on Nakki Lake and finish at Sunset Point.
Practical tips for Mount Abu
- Abu Road, about 27 km below the town, is the nearest railway station, with frequent trains from Ahmedabad and Jaipur.
- Check the Dilwara Temples' tourist visiting hours before you go, as non-Jain visitors are admitted only for part of the day.
- Weekends and Gujarati festival holidays are very busy; weekdays are much quieter.
- Evenings are cool even in summer, so pack a light jacket.
Plan the rest of your Mount Abu trip
Mount Abu things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Mount Abu?
See the Dilwara Jain Temples, go boating on Nakki Lake, watch sunset from Sunset Point, drive up to Guru Shikhar, visit Achalgarh and walk in the wildlife sanctuary.
How many days are enough for Mount Abu?
Two days is enough for the main sights at a relaxed pace.
Can you take photos inside Dilwara Temples?
No, photography is not allowed inside the Dilwara temples. Bags and phones are usually deposited outside.
What is the best time to visit Mount Abu?
March to June, when it offers relief from the heat of the plains, and September to November after the monsoon.
Things to do near Mount Abu
- Things to do in Udaipur: about three hours to the east
- Things to do in Ahmedabad: Gujarat's heritage city to the south
- Jawai: leopard country between Mount Abu and Jodhpur
More things to do in Rajasthan
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
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