What image comes into your mind when we say “Rajasthan”? Dessert! What if I say, Rajasthan has a Hill Station surrounded by lush green hills valleys with a cool breeze mountain like weather. Mount Abu is a getaway from Rajasthan’s hot environment, the hill station is covered with lakes, waterfalls, forest, and the mesmerizing architecture of Jain temples.
In this blog, will cover the places to visit in Mount Abu and the exotic festivals in both summer and winter seasons. Let’s explore the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu.
Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is the highest point which is situated at the highest point of the mountain and to enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Abu, you need to take a walk on the stairs which would be around 300 steps. While going there are lots of local shops on the stairs, you can buy hats or some fancy items from there. At the top of the Guru Shikhar, a temple of Guru Dattatreya is situated, and people enjoy this place in both spiritual and aspects and the splendid panoramic view of the town Mount Abu.
Dilwara Jain Temple
The famous Dilwara Jain Temple was established in between the 11th and 13th century, the marvelous architecture and white marble mesmerized you. The interior design and the intricate carvings in each corner of the temple are eye catching, and there is a story behind every part of the temple. A guide of the governing body from the Brahmakumari Ashram assists you in the journey and explains to you about the temple.
Nakki Lake
The first manmade lake of India, Nakki Lake is surrounded by hills, and the serene atmosphere with the beautiful view make this place a most preferred place. You can go boating without any driver, and you can enjoy the paddling boat ride with your family, which I did during my visit. You can also watch sunset from the lake viewpoint which looks like a painting.
Toad Rock Viewpoint
Toad Rock Viewpoint is situated near the Nakki Lake, and the strange shape of the rock is an attraction point of tourist. The massive igneous rock like structure attracts the tourist to clear photographs and capture the panoramic view of Mount Abu. The amazing toad like rock shape is at normal height and you can go to the top of the rock point and get the immense beautiful view scenery of the Nakki Lake and the surrounding.
Honeymoon Point
The honeymoon point is famous for the formation of Love Rock and after seeing the rock you feel the lovers are hugging each other. The honeymoon point is also famous for the scenic sunset point from the top where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Abu. At the attraction point there is a huge parking area and without any hustle you can enjoy the rock formation, sunset and the serene beauty.
Lal Mandir Shiva Temple
The religious Lord Shiva temple is renowned as “Swayambu Temple” where Lord Shiva seen wearing a “Janeu” a white cotton thread. The small ancient temple of Lord Shiva is painted in Red colour and the atmosphere around the temple is so peaceful that your whole body feel relaxed. If you are devotee of Lord Shiva then don’t miss to visit Lal Mandir.
Achalgarh Fort
The historian fort was built by Paramara dynasty, but later it was rebuilt by Maharaja Rana Kumbha in 14th century. The fort is situated at the peak of mountains, you need to do trekking to reach the fort and enjoy the mesmerizing view from the top. The fort is only 26 kilometers north of Mount Abu city.
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Mount Abu Achalgarh is also famous for the Achleshwar Temple of Lord Shiva which was built in the 9th century. The shivlinga is shaped like a yoni and the ling occurred naturally which makes it very different from other temples. In the temple various idols of “Nandi Ji” (Bulls) are placed and inside the temple there is a place called narak ka dwar “entryway to narak”. The temple is built around a toe point of Lord Shiva and from the locals’ perspective the history of this temple makes it worth visiting. Nearby Achleshwar Temple, there is a lake surrounded by the rocky hills and the walls are painted with the pictures of Rajput Kings.
Trevors Tank Crocodile Park
A manmade crocodile park is a house of crocodile, birds and other wildlife animals which is situated in the lush green surroundings and at a distance of 5km from Mount Abu. The park is breeding spot of crocodile, and the scenic beauty makes this place a perfect tourist spot or could be said to be a picnic spot. You can visit the Crocodile Park throughout the year except monsoon season which can hinder your trip.
Brahmakumari Ashram
The famous brahmakumari ashram is a peaceful retreat from the hustle bustle city life and at Peace Park, the different kinds of plants, shurbs, herbs, gardens and the tranquil peace and silence adores you. The brahmakumari’s take you on the guided tour of the immense beautiful park and meditation concepts. The Peace Park is situated in nature’s lap is a new experience, thus a must visit this place in Mount Abu.
Aadhar Devi Temple
The famous Aadhar Devi Temple is situated on Mount Abu and to reach the temple climb 365 stairs and the deity is inside the carved mountains. Once you reached the top of the point, crawl with the help of your knees and while your crawling journey, the image of Hindu goddess found hanging in the midair. The pilgrimage is very famous and in Navratri, long queue of devotees witnessed.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 288 sq. km. in the subtropical forest region. In the Wildlife Sanctuary, you will witness flaura, fauna, and exotic species of wild animals like fox, leopard, hyena, and many more.
Gaumukh Temple
The temple is situated in the forest area and dedicated to Saint Vashishta who performed yagna. At the temple the spring comes from the mouth of cow which is in rock form. A large marble status of Nandi is built and the water flows from the mouth of Nandi. The statue of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Vashishta is placed in the temple.
Festivals & Fairs of Mount Abu
Summer Festival
The Summer Festival of Mount Abu is a relief for the Rajasthani people from the scorching summer. In the Summer Festival the glimpse of Rajasthani culture and traditions observed in the Ghoomar Dance, folk singers, and the Rajputana bravery. The event organizes horse races, skating races, tug-of-war, and many other events. At the famous Nakki Lake a boat race was also organized and a great band show by CRPF. Don’t miss the opportunity if you are planning a trip to Rajasthan.
Winter Festival
If you are planning a trip to Mount Abu in winter, then don’t miss the Winter Festival where you can taste the delicious Rajasthani food while enjoying the scenic view of the only hill station of Rajasthan. The eventslike kite flying, poetry session, handicrafts of Rajasthani tradition, rowing competition and cricket are also a part of the event. At the famous Nakki Lake, people aflots ‘Diya’s’ into the water and the whole lake brightens up with hundreds and thousands of Diyas. The Winter Festival is usually celebrated in December, but while planning checks the same from Rajasthan Tourism website.
Best Time to Visit Mount Abu
The best time to visit Mount Abu is from October to February and a peak season due to weather. You can also visit in between March to May, if you want to enjoy the pleasant weather and less crowd.
How to Reach Mount Abu
- Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is nearest airport and only 176 kms from the Mount Abu.
- Nearest Railway Station: Abu Road Railway Station is only 28kms away from the Mount Abhu and the railway station connected with the major cities like Delhi-NCR.
- By Road: Mount Abu is well connected with the major cities and highways are well connected with the major cities. You can enjoy the scenic view while enroute.
Final Thought
Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan famous for its scenic beauty, the lush green environment, the serene lakes, waterfalls, historic Hindu, and Jain temples. In this blog we explored the places to visit and the festivals of Mount Abu which are splendid, and the journey would be unforgettable. Plan a trip and enjoy the one and only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu.
Note: Image Credit – Google and Rajasthan Tourism Website
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema….