Mount Abu is a hill station perched up in the Aravali Ranges in the state of Rajasthan. It has been a hot spot for tourism since time immemorial. Then, the kings and queens came up to Mount Abu with their processions of courtiers and servants and armies to rest away through an otherwise hot desert summer, while now the travellers from world over wander up here to get away for a day or two. For more on Mount Abu and its vast offerings, here’s a travel guide.

The best and most reasonable way to reach Mount Abu, as with any hill station, is by road.

By Air:

Mount Abu’s nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur, located 185 km away. Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel Airport is a busier airport with more flight options but is farther away at 221 km. The roads from these airports are very well made to Abu.

By Rail:

Abu Road is the railway station of this town, only 28 km away from the city centre, Trains from all over Mewad and Marwad stop here, especially those that run between Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mathura and Indore.

By Road:

You can easily take a ride to Mount Abu by hiring a car of your own from cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Jaisalmer etc. Buses also ply, including the RSRTC ones, private coaches, AC, non-AC etc.

Getting Around:

Mount Abu is a tourist hotspot, hence transport is very well developed within. From auto rickshaws to cabs, taxis and chakkdas; you can traverse the entire town in any one of these.

Mount Abu is best visited during summers and winters, while monsoons are usually avoided. 

Summer (April - June):

Summer season is the most touristy up in Mount Abu as people come to escape the lowland and desert heat. With a cool temperature range of 23°C - 33°C, there is much that you can do in terms of adventure and outdoor expeditions.

Monsoon (July - September):

Rains brings a very romantic vibe to Mount Abu, with the lushness sweeping across the hills. If you are planning on some leisure time, long walks and chilling, then choose monsoon but not if you want to go out exploring or rock climbing or hiking.

Winter (October - March):

Winter is not as cold, but the temperature does go down to around 12°C. This is a good time for all kinds of activities but just be careful of the thick foggy atmosphere.

Trekking:

When in Mount Abu, you cannot just sit by. There are some beautiful trekking trails up here, especially in the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. They cut through the hills of the Aravali Ranges and show you birds, native wild animals and some hidden temples along the way.

Camping:

Camping, bon fires, stargazing and much more is a part of Mount Abu itinerary if you are so inclined. Again, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is the go-to location to pitch tents but you have other options too. 

Go Boating to Nakki Lake:

Nakki Lake of Mount Abu offers visitors many opportunities to go boating and just gliding in a shikara. The quaint feel of the water, chilly winter weather and the sweeping sceneries of the Aravalis; they all somehow make for a memorable experience.

Explore the Achalgarh Fort:

Did you even go to Rajasthan if you did not see a fort? Mount Abu does not disappoint in its full Rajasthani experience. You must visit the Achalgarh Fort and roam around its ramparts, check out the lake in its compounds, go to the Shiv Temple and explore the village of Achalgarh.

Pray at Dilwara Temple:

Dilwara Temple is a Jain Temple made of marble and some very beautiful intricate carvings. Even if you are not spiritually inclined, Dilwara is a hotbed for tourism and should be explored once at least.

Mount Abu offers you some delightful Rajasthani cuisine, made locally and in the most traditional of ways. Since the town is called on by a lot of Jain Gujaratis, there is also a load of Gujarati food found here. The special food of this town is Puri-bhaji, where the bhaji is a watery concoction of potatoes, spices, tomatoes and coriander. Other delicacies are gatte ki sabji, lal maas, mutton, dhokli kadhi, pakodi, samosa and jalebi.

Shopping in this area is not the best and most coveted, but if you wish to buy stuff then focus your efforts on picking up traditional kota saris, linen and mulmul cotton sanganeri printed saris, oxidised silver jewellery, sandalwood and related items and marble products. Other than these knick-knacks, there isn't much to shop around here.