Mount Abu

Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, offers a cool retreat in the Aravalli range, its combination of lake, viewpoints and the exceptional Dilwara Jain temples giving it a genuinely varied appeal distinct from the desert scenery that defines most of the rest of the state. Nakki Lake, at the centre of the small hill town, offers boating and a pleasant promenade, particularly lively in the evenings.

Sunset Point, offering panoramic views over the surrounding hills, draws crowds each evening, and Mount Abu's relatively cool climate has long made it a favoured summer retreat for Rajasthani royalty and, more recently, for visitors from across neighbouring Gujarat seeking relief from the plains' heat.

Mount Abu has a long association with Hindu and Jain traditions and is mentioned in several ancient legends and texts. The region was historically known as Arbudanchal or Arbuda Mountain and was associated with the sage Vashistha and other religious traditions.

During the medieval period, Mount Abu became an important centre of Jainism, particularly after the construction of the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples between the 11th and 13th centuries. In the colonial era, Mount Abu developed as a British hill station and served as the summer headquarters of the Rajputana Agency. This period further established its reputation as a retreat from the heat of the surrounding plains.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, approximately 175 km away. Ahmedabad Airport is another option for travellers arriving from western India.

By Train: Abu Road Railway Station, around 28 km from Mount Abu, is the nearest major railway station. It has connections with Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other major cities.

By Road: Mount Abu is well connected by road with Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and other cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Taxis and buses are available from Abu Road and nearby cities.