Tourist Places To Visit In Mount Abu

Mount Abu is nestled cozily in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Labeled ‘an oasis in the desert’, Mount Abu is home to a number of tourist attractions that cater to all sorts of tastes, preferences and budget. From Nakki lake, Gurushikhar, Mount Abu wild life sanctuary to the architectural delights like Dilwara Jain Temples, Adhar devi temple, AchalGarh fort, etc, the hill station has it all to keep you interested. 

Till a few years back, Mount Abu used to be one of the most talked about holiday spot in the Bollywood movies. Popular daily soaps further highlighted its quintessential charm, and that’s how this ‘once-not-so-known-place’ emerged as one of the sought-after destinations among weekenders and travelers from different parts of the world. Here are the top tourist places to visit in Mount Abu.

One of the finest and the most renowned Jain temples in the world, Dilwara Jain Temples are known for their intricately designed architecture and meticulously crafted marble stone carvings. An interesting fact reveals that some experts infact consider these temples to be architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. Initial impressions of the temples would be fairly basic but the interiors are sure to keep you mesmerized. Believed to be constructed around 11th-13th Century AD, the temples are surrounded by green hills that add to their charm. At a time when no transports were available, huge blocks of marbles were transported here from Arasoori Hills at Ambaji. The more you try to discover this place, the more interesting tales it will reveal to you. The temples at this popular Jain pilgrimage are open from 12 pm to 3 pm, and there is no entry ticket for admission.

The Jain Temples include:

1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple

2. Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple

3. Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple

4. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple

5. Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple

This mythical lake has interesting stories attached to it about its creation. The legend has it that this lake was originally created by Devtas (Gods) using their nakkh (nails) that's how it derived its name ‘Nakki Lake’. Few local tribes in Mount Abu consider the Lake to be a pious one and they worship it. Interestingly, Nakki lake is the only Indian artificial lake located at a height of 1200 Meters above the sea level.

Aptly considered to be the heart of Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is at the center of market areas and hotels in the region. After spending a whole day exploring the nearby destinations in Mount Abu, Nakki lake is the place where you should spend your lazy evenings by indulging in family picnics, boating, etc.

Sunset point could be a stopover for those who wish to see the evening sun hide itself in the Aravali Hills. This place is a photographer’s delight and after a hectic day of explorations, this will come across as a perfect escape. This typical Sunset point has a proper seating arrangement for its patrons so you can easily grab a seat/platform for yourself to experience the one-of-its-kind sunset.

A perfect place to appreciate the architectural brilliance of the medieval monuments, Achal Garh was commissioned by Rana Kumbha (the popular designer who created many magnificent fortresses in Southern Rajasthan. Situated at the top of a steep meandering path, Achal Garh encloses ancient monuments and temples within fortified walls that make way for scenic peaks into the countryside.

Located at a distance of 8 Kilometres from the downtown, Achal Garh is well connected by road. The historic Jain Temples are at a walking distance from the fortress.

Bejewelled with the pride of being the highest peak of the magnificent Aravali mountains, Gurushikhar is looming 1722 meters above the sea-level. Gurushikar offers a panoramic view of Mount Abu town and lush green Aravali ranges. Apart from picture-perfect Mount Abu sceneries, Guru Shikhar also features many beautiful and ancient temples of great historic significance.

Dedicated to the hindu goddess Durga, The Adhar Devi Temple is skilfully constructed inside rocky cleave. A 30-mins drive from the main town of Mount Abu, The Adhar Devi Temple can be reached by climbing up approximately 365 stairs. It is indeed a task to climb up a huge number of stairs but this task comes with its own rewards in the form of awe-inspiring sceneries.

A popular pilgrim among tourists as well as locals, Adhar devi is also known as Arbuda Devi Temple. Huge flocks of tourists from all across India can be witnessed here during the auspicious Navratra season.

5 kilometres from the Mount Abu town area you will find this nature lover’s paradise which is known for a variety of tourist attractions it features. Named after one of the British agent “Trevor” who served the then Governor General from 1890 to 1895 A.D, Trevor’s Tank features a tubular watch tower that has been constructed behind a huge rock to enable a brilliant experience of watching wild animals at close quarters. Panther, Grey Jungle Fowl, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, etc. can be spotted here along with Crocodiles. The rare sight of Crocodiles sun bathing on rocks can also be witnessed here.

One of the oldest regions of the Mount Abu mountain ranges, The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of sightseeing spots offering ecstatic views. Undoubtedly, there are a number of tourists who visit the Sanctuary to enjoy scenic views of the town. This 7 kilometres long and 300-metres wide wild life sanctuary houses a great number of animal and bird species.

The Raghunath Temple by Nakki Lake is a 14th Century shrine that is dedicated to Lord Ram. Along with celebrating this 7th avatar of Vishnu, the temple is also a part of legends that state that it has healing powers. The architecture and beauty of its build is also worth seeing, so make sure you visit it when you are exploring Nakki Lake.

Couples coming to Mount Abu, here’s a destination for you. Located 4000 feet above ground, the Honeymoon Point affords you gorgeous views of the Old gateway and Nakki Lake. You also are free from family crowds and can enjoy some privacy for some time as the sun sets in the sky behind. The place is also called Anadara Point locally and one of the most coveted by honeymooners and couples.

Peace Park is an initiative by the Brahma Kumaris. It is a tranquil peaceful place that brings you great solitude in the hustle and bustle of Mount Abu. It has a recreation centre where the Brahma Kumars and Kumaris invite people to learn about the human soul, its capabilities and its power through a series of amusing activities and videos. You can also take a walk around their complex.

Toad Rock is situated near Lake Nakki, a high platform for you to sit and enjoy by the bank. Locals and divers use the Toad Rock to launch themselves into the water with graceful dives. Photographers use it to capture breathtaking shots of Mount Abu’s scenic beauty, while families use it to open a picnic basket. You will need to trek up some way to reach Toad Rock, but once there, you wouldn’t want to leave.

As is the case with all Rajasthan towns and cities, the shopping just doesn’t leave you be! You can be anyone, even someone who detests shopping — and yet you can’t resist the pull of these bazars. From ethnic jewellery to gemstones, handicrafts and homeware, mojris to meenakari to marble artefacts and fabrics, Mount Abu Bazar is ripe with things to offer. Khadi Bhandar (for linens, cottons and khadi), Kashmiri Cottage Emporium and Government Handicraft Emporium are great for high quality branded products. You can also find a hoard of Ayurvedic and organic self care items. For local shopping and endless street haggling, visit Bikki Lake Market.

Gaumukh or the ‘cow’s mouth’ Temple was commissioned in honour of Rishi Vashisht because he had overseen a yagya on that land for Rajput clans. The agni kund can still be seen where this yagya was performed. It is believed that four Rajput clans were born from this very fire pit, imparting more legendary status to this temple. When you are in Mount Abu, a little tour of Gaumukh Temple is quite enlightening.

The Ambaji Temple of Mount Abu is one of the shakti peeths of the subcontinent. It is dedicated to Amba mata, the pre-vedic swaroop of Durga, who killed asuras and also blessed the womenkind. Even so, this temple does not house an idol of Ambaji, instead, it worships a triangle Yantra which symbolises her. The temple architecture is all marble and beautifully designed, so you can soak your eyes on it all you want.