A quaint hill station in the royal state of India – Rajasthan, Mount Abu is situated on a high rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range. It is surrounded by lush green forests and has pleasant weather throughout the year. Mount Abu is famous for its serene lakes, exciting wildlife sanctuaries, and religious monuments!
If you are an adventure and nature enthusiast and looking for a nice, cosy place away from the hustle and bustle, then Mount Abu is the ideal choice for you. Not just that, the beautiful weather of the hill station acts as the cherry on top and adds to your overall travel experience.
Here is a list of some of the must-visit places in Mount Abu that will surely elevate your travel experience:
1. Dilwara Jain Temples
Dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries AD, the Dilwara Jain Temples are among the most famous Jain temples. Legend says that the temples were built by Tejpal and Vastupal and exhibit intricate designs and craftsmanship. The radiant marble stone carvings and spectacular detailing on the temples are among the many aspects that attract thousands of tourists to its fold every year!
A fun fact about the temples is that these were built back when easy transportation did not exist in the area. As a result, the workers used elephants and other animals to transport the marble stone from Arasuri Hills at Ambaji to the Mount Abu site. In fact, the detailing has got many visitors comparing Mount Abu to the alluring Taj Mahal in Agra! If you are a history geek, then definitely check out Dilwara Jain Temples on your next solo trip to the hill station.
2. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Well, this wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place for all nature enthusiasts. Considered one of the top tourist spots in the hill station, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is an established part of the Mount Abu Mountain Ranges. The sanctuary is stretched across 300 meters in width and 7 kilometres in length.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is full of a wide variety of flora. There are about 112 plant families, each one prettier than the other. The best parts about the wildlife sanctuary are the bamboo and rose-rich zones that showcase a huge variety of flowers!
3. Nakki Lake
For a truly blissful experience, definitely check out the serene Nakki Lake. This stunning piece of art is famous for many reasons. One, it is the only artificial lake in India situated at a distance of 1200 meters above sea level. Two, it is historically known as the ‘Love Lake’ of Mount Abu as the crystal-clear water and verdant hills exude the romantic vibes. And three, it is a sacred lake for the Garasia Tribe. The people of the Garasia Tribe visit the lake in April for their festival known as ‘Shukla Paksha’ and to remember their ancestors. Quite fascinating, right?
Nakki Lake is surrounded by strangely-shaped rock formations and lush green mountains. The lake is among the top tourist attractions in Mount Abu and is associated with many legends as well. For instance, the Father of Nation – Mahatama Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in this lake. This is among the many reasons that make Nakki Lake a popular and unique gem of Mount Abu!
4. Guru Shikhar
Stationed at an approximate 15 km from Mount Abu, Guru Shikhar is the tallest peak in the Aravalli Range. With a height of 1722 meters above sea level, Guru Shikhar offers breathtaking scenic views of the Aravalli Range and a little part of Mount Abu as well. Guru Shikhar translates to ‘the peak of Guru’ and is named after the famous monk Guru Dattatreya. It is believed that he used to meditate like a monk at the peak, which led to the reason behind the name. The cave where he resided has now been converted to a temple in his remembrance.
The path to the peak is not easy, but it is worth the stunning panoramic views you will witness. Apart from that, there is an old bell with the words – 1411 AD inscribed on it. Ringing the bell after your hike is like an announcement to the hill station of your achievement, which is a surreal experience! The best time to visit Guru Shikhar is between October and November, as the weather is extremely pleasant and a little foggy as well.
Read my blog on top places to visit in Rajasthan on your next solo trip.
5. Achalgarh Village
Treat the history enthusiast in you to a mesmerising visit to this medieval village that houses a beautiful Achalgarh Fort and Achalgarh Temple.
The Achalgarh Fort is a 15th-century fort that, unfortunately, now lies in ruins. It is among the most visited tourist attractions near Mount Abu and makes for a perfect place for all history lovers. The fort is situated on the highest point of the mountain crest and offers stunning visuals of the surroundings. Additionally, the fort also houses a Mandakini Lake and a huge Nandi Statue within its premises.
The Achalgarh Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated within the fort complex. Legends say that the temple was built around the toe print of Lord Shiva from back in the day. The lord is worshipped here in the form of a Shiva Linga. Many people say that the Linga changes its colour thrice a day. In the morning, it’s red. In the afternoon, it’s saffron, and in the evening, it’s wheatish. Are you finding this hard to believe? Well, then definitely pay a visit to this gorgeous temple on your next solo trip to Mount Abu!
To know more about this hill station, check out this post.
Is Mount Abu worth visiting?
While planning a solo trip to any destination, we often find ourselves asking if it’s worth it. Well, I can assure you that Mount Abu is worth visiting. The experience you will have at this gorgeous hill station will stay with you forever!
So, pack your bags, book your tickets and take that solo trip to the beautiful Mount Abu!
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