Located in the Sirohi District, Mount Abu deserves a visit at least once a year. Being the only hill station amidst the arid and desert state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu provides respite from the scorching heat waves. Besides, the place also holds importance in the Hindu and Jain mythology. All these have made Mount Abu a multi-faceted destination in Rajasthan.
The attractions in Mount Abu vary from lakes to temples to wildlife sanctuaries, each possessing their natural beauty and a distinguished history. Here are top ten places that you must visit if you are on a trip to Mount Abu.
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Dilwara Jain Temples:
Located at just 20 minutes distance from Mount Abu, Dilwara Jain Temple is a must visit place in Mount Abu. The brilliant use of marble in the architecture, the perfect stone laying technique and the ornamental carvings has made it one of the most gorgeous pilgrim spots not just in Rajasthan, but the whole of India. But the simplicity of the temples lies in its subtle details. Dilwara Jain temples is basically a complex consisting of five temples; all have their own uniqueness that they boast of. The Chalukyas took more than 200 years to build them. The scenes from the Hindu and Jain mythology and the lotus like engraving will leave you enthralled.
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Wildlife Sanctuary:
The forest between the Aravalli ranges was categorized as the Wildlife Sanctuary in 1980. This subtropical forest is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. You are unlikely to find lions and tigers here as the main predator here is the leopard. The other animals you can find here are wolf, hyena, bear, wild boar, langur, and hedgehog. The forest also has around 250 species of birds, including the gray jungle fowl.
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Nakki Lake:
Nakki Lake is another popular tourist attraction in Mount Abu. It gives the perfect serene environment for people who like relaxing in the greens. This sacred lake was believed to be dug by the Rasiya Balam, the love-struck God, using just his nails. Hence, the name. Some say that the Gods had dug it save themselves from the Bashkali demon. Now, we cannot vouch for its authenticity, but today, Nakki Lake is a great spot to hang out with friends and family. The fountains add to the beauty and the rock carvings add a point of interest. You must take a boat ride on the serene waters of the lake. It will be very relaxing. If not anything, just sit by the banks of the river and marvel the beauty. Even the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the Nakki Lake. Besides, there are a plenty of eateries, restaurants and hotels nearby. So you are sure to feel comfortable here.
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Sunset Point:
When you are in Mount Abu, you cannot afford to miss going to the Sunset Point. Lying to the south of the Nakki Lake, Sunset Point is renowned for offering a beautiful view of the mountain valley. Go for a romantic walk with your loved one to the Sunset Point to get some incredible views of the sunset. The views are sure to spellbind you. In fact, the Sunset Point is one of the few places where you can let your camera take the charge. If walking is not something that excites you, then you can even opt for pony rides. Honeymoon Point is also located nearby, so you can visit here too. They are readily available here. Note- the temperature at Sunset Point is very low, so visit here during the summer season.
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Toad Rock:
The Toad Rock is a rock formation that looks exactly like a toad that is about to jump into the lake. This ‘toad’ has been sitting merrily on the main trekking trail on the Aravalli Mountain. Many people come here just out of curiosity. Sit on the rock to enjoy the views of the Nakki Lake and the city. This rock formation is also ideal for rock climbing and trekking.
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Gaumukh Temple:
The Gaumukh Temple is named after the wish-fulfilling cow gifted by the Devas to Vashishtha. At the entrance of the temple, a spring of flowers flows out through the cow’s mouth carved in the marbled stone. The views from the Gaumukh Temple are simply stunning. So do not miss clicking the pictures. Gaumukh Temple is located just 5 kilometers from the town, so you can easily walk to the temple. On the way, you can also stumble to the Gujarat Bhawan.
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Peace Park:
Peace Park is another fun place to escape the city life to find peace and serenity. The park is a part of the Brahma Kumari spiritual establishment. It has a variety of flowers and plants for you to check out. You can even ask the guided tours to help you reach here and explore the park. The park is not just restricted to spirituality and meditation but is also a great area for playing with kids. Note- the park officials do not allow to sit in the park. You can only walk in the garden.
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Guru Shikhar:
Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli mountains is a must visit place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Renowned for its lush landscape, the Guru Shikhar is located just 15 kilometers from Mount Abu. Climb the hills to get a stunning view of the city. There is also an ancient temple at the peak, which houses an idol of Guru Dattatreya. Guru Dattatreya was an incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. Apart from the temple, even Mount Abu Observatory is located atop the peak. The observatory is handled by the Physical Research Laboratory.
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Abu Road:
Abu Road is a town located near the Banas River. Yes, it is a different city, but it is a must visit. Abu Road is home to a plethora of temples significant to the Hindu mythology. The temples are testimony to the brilliance of Indian architecture. There aren’t any typical malls in Abu Road, as they prefer to preserve the aesthetics of Indian bazaar. Even the Banas Riverbank serves as an excellent picnic spot, especially during mild drizzling. The weather is pleasant in Abu Road anytime of the year but is particularly pleasing during the months of November and December. Most of you may find this place dull and tedious, but if you are a sucker for peace and serenity, then Abu Road has many things to offer to you.
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Adhar Devi Temple:
The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the prime pilgrimages for the Jain. It was named after ‘Adhar’, Goddess Durga. Since the temple is located on top of the cliff, you’ll have to climb more than 360 stairs to reach the place. You can approach the temple through a narrow cave. The unique feature about this temple is that it is carved from just one piece of rock, which we believe is one-of-its-kind architecture in the whole of India. Navratri is the best time to visit the Adhar Devi temple.
The best seasons to visit Mount Abu are from February to December. The easy accessibility from northern and western India and cold climate are sure to give you a comfortable trip. Even the hotels are nominally priced, so it’s a great choice for travelers who are tight on budget. Have you been to Mount Abu? Which places would you recommend our readers to see here? Share with us in the comment section.