Mount Abu City
City in Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan’s lone hill station, Mount Abu attracts pilgrims and hikers to the white marble Dilwara temples, Nakki Lake, sunrise at Guru Shikhar and monsoon-fed teak forests in the wildlife sanctuary.
Mount Abu at a Glance#
Costs: Budget-friendly hill station: $30-60/day - typical tourist spends $30-60 per day including midrange lodging and meals.
Safety: Generally safe for tourists - low violent crime; watch for petty theft in crowded markets and on trails after dark.
Best Time: October to March (cool, dry) - october-March for cool, dry weather; monsoon July-September offers lush scenery but slips and closures.
Why Visit Mount Abu?#
Set high in the Aravalli hills, this cool hill station attracts travelers seeking a break from Rajasthan’s plains, with serene Nakki Lake, the ornate Dilwara Jain temples and panoramic views from Guru Shikhar. Lush forests and a wildlife sanctuary offer peaceful nature walks, while local Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma and bustling summer markets introduce regional flavors. History and spiritual calm mix with outdoor escape, making it a memorable contrast to nearby desert cities.
Best Things to Do in Mount Abu#
Mount Abu Bucket List#
Dilwara Temples - Intricately carved Jain temples from 11th-13th centuries, famed for marble craftsmanship and peaceful courtyards.
Nakki Lake - Pleasant lake at town center where boat rides, lakeside promenades and sunset views are popular.
Guru Shikhar - Highest peak of Aravalli range offering panoramic views, a small temple, and hiking trails.
Achalgarh Fort and Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple - Ruins and temple complex near Mount Abu offering quiet strolls and historical stone architecture.
Toad Rock - Large natural rock formation beside Nakki Lake, popular for photos and short climbs.
Brahma Kumaris Centre - International spiritual centre with museum, meditation sessions, and informative displays about Raja Yoga.
Arbuda Gardens - Quiet terraced gardens near Dilwara with shaded paths, stone benches, and birdwatching spots.
Kumbhalgarh Fort - Massive Mewar-era fortress with extensive walls, hilltop views, and deer-filled wildlife sanctuary nearby.
Ranakpur Jain Temples - Complex of marble temples renowned for elaborate pillars and serene courtyards in marble.
Udaipur - City of lakes featuring City Palace, boat rides on Lake Pichola, and bustling bazaars.
Best Time to Visit Mount Abu#
Visit Mount Abu in the cooler months (November-February) when hilltop temperatures are pleasant and views are clear after the monsoon. Summers are warm but noticeably milder than the plains; monsoon brings heavy rain and lush scenery.
November - February
8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F)
Crisp, dry days and chilly nights-perfect for walking around Nakki Lake and hill temples; bring a sweater for evening breezes.
March - June
25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
Hot afternoons but much cooler than Rajasthan plains; expect bright skies, crowded viewpoints, and dusty trails-midday shade is welcome often.
July - September
22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
Lush, dramatic landscape with heavy rains and slick trails; many sights misty but spectacular-pack waterproofs and expect frequent afternoon storms.
Mount Abu's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1578 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 9° - 20° | 14° | 4 mm | clear | 30% | 1.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.7h |
| February | Excellent | 11° - 22° | 16° | 2 mm | clear | 25% | 1.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 21° | 2 mm | clear | 23% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 20° - 31° | 25° | 1 mm | clear | 24% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Ideal | 22° - 33° | 28° | 7 mm | clear | 34% | 2.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.2h |
| June | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 26° | 94 mm | some cloud | 51% | 2.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.5h |
| July | Good | 20° - 26° | 23° | 552 mm | overcast | 71% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.4h |
| August | Good | 19° - 24° | 22° | 635 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| September | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 259 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 17° - 27° | 22° | 12 mm | clear | 50% | 1.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Ideal | 13° - 25° | 19° | 7 mm | clear | 38% | 1.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.8h |
| December | Excellent | 10° - 22° | 16° | 3 mm | clear | 33% | 1.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.5h |
How to Get to Mount Abu#
Mount Abu is most commonly reached by rail via Abu Road (ABR) or by road from nearby airports such as Udaipur (UDR) and Ahmedabad (AMD). Abu Road is the practical railhead for most travellers heading up to the hill station.
Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR): The nearest commercial airport is Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR). From Udaipur you can hire a private taxi to Mount Abu (travel time ~3.5-4 hours); typical one-way private-taxi fares are around INR 2,500-3,500. There are also state-run and private buses from Udaipur to Abu Road/Mount Abu area - expect ~4-5 hours total and fares from INR 200-400.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD): Ahmedabad (AMD) is the next major international gateway. A private taxi from Ahmedabad to Mount Abu takes roughly 4-5 hours and typically costs INR 3,500-4,500 one-way; there are also longer-distance buses and occasional coach services that are cheaper but slower.
Train: Abu Road railway station (ABR) is the railhead serving Mount Abu; it is about 27-30 km from the hill station. Many long-distance trains stop at Abu Road; a taxi from Abu Road to Mount Abu takes about 45-60 minutes and typically costs around INR 600-1,000. Local shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws are cheaper alternatives for last-mile travel.
Bus: Regular state-run (RSRTC/RJRTC) and private buses run to Abu Road and some run direct to Mount Abu from nearby cities (Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad). From Abu Road a local bus or shared jeep to Mount Abu takes about 1 hour and costs roughly INR 50-150 depending on vehicle type.
How to Get Around Mount Abu#
Mount Abu is best accessed by train to Abu Road followed by a short road transfer, or by car/taxi from nearby airports (Udaipur, Ahmedabad). Once on the hill, taxis, shared jeeps and walking cover most local needs; private hire is the most convenient for tight schedules.
- Train (to Abu Road) (INR 600-1,000 (taxi)) - Abu Road (ABR) is the nearest station and is served by major trains on the Ahmedabad-Delhi and other routes. From the station you need a taxi or shared jeep for the 27-30 km uphill drive to Mount Abu; book a taxi on arrival or prebook for reliability.
- Intercity bus (INR 50-400) - State-run and private buses link Abu Road and Mount Abu with Udaipur, Ahmedabad and other Rajasthan cities. Buses are cheap and frequent; choose a private or deluxe coach for more comfort on longer runs.
- Taxi / Private car (INR 2,500-4,500) - Hiring a private taxi from Udaipur or Ahmedabad is the fastest and most comfortable option for door-to-door travel. Rates vary widely by operator; negotiate or use an online aggregator to get a confirmed price and fixed travel time.
- Shared jeep / Auto-rickshaw (INR 50-250) - For shorter transfers (Abu Road → Mount Abu) shared jeeps and autos are common, cheaper than private taxis and useful if you are flexible with timing. Expect limited luggage space and variable departure times.
- Walking - Mount Abu itself is compact and walkable around Nakki Lake and the town centre; many attractions are within 20-40 minutes on foot. Wear sensible shoes for short uphill sections.
Where to Stay in Mount Abu#
Nakki Lake / Old Town - INR 800-2,000/night
Basic guesthouses and small hotels near Nakki Lake offer cheap rooms and simple facilities. Options are limited outside peak season and vary in quality.
Budget guesthouses / hostels (various) - Small, basic guesthouses; lake area access.
Family-run guesthouses - Affordable rooms near Nakki Lake.
Sunset Point / Nakki Lake - INR 2,000-5,000/night
Several comfortable hotels and boutique stays around Nakki Lake and the Sunset Point area. Better amenities but book early for weekends.
Comfortable mid-range hotels - Good location, breakfast included often.
Boutique guesthouses - Quieter stays near viewpoints.
Upper Mount Abu / Lakeside - INR 5,000-12,000/night
A handful of resort-style and heritage hotels offer upscale rooms, dining and views. Luxury options are limited compared with larger hill stations.
Resort-style luxury hotels - Lakeside locations, bigger properties.
Heritage-style premium stays - More spacious rooms and gardens.
Where to Eat in Mount Abu#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Mount Abu’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Mount Abu#
Shopping is focused around the Main Bazaar and the Nakki Lake area. Look for Rajasthani textiles, costume jewelry, marble carvings and small souvenir stalls. There are also stores selling woollens and small local handicrafts; bargaining is common at independent stalls.
Nightlife in Mount Abu#
Nightlife in Mount Abu is low‑key - quiet evenings with lakeside restaurants and a few rooftop cafés. There aren’t many late‑night clubs; most visitors enjoy strolls by Nakki Lake or early evening viewpoints.
