Mount Abu is a hill station in western India’s Rajasthan state, near the Gujarat border. Set on a high rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range and surrounded by forest, it offers a relatively cool climate and views over the arid plains below. In the center of town, Nakki Lake is a popular spot for boating. Close by are the centuries-old Dilwara Temples, ornately carved from white marble and of great spiritual importance.
Elevation: 1,220 m
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and therefore, you will find it jam-packed during the summer months. If you want to beat the rush and enjoy its cool and calm atmosphere, avoid going here during the peak tourist season between March to June. Another attraction here is the world famous Dilwara temple. These clusters of Jain temples are famous for their delicate lattice work on marble. So, they are worth a visit even if you are not particularly religions. The temples are open only for Jains in the morning. Others can visit them noon onwards.
Apart from the Dilwara temples, there are no tourist points in Mount Abu. But, you will really enjoy this place if you like to appreciate nature in every form! So, come here if you want to beat summers in style!
My stay at Mount Abu was with Tia. It is a peaceful place in an Indian village nearby a spiritual ashram (place of meditation and retreat).After travelling around India for the last 20 years I have found THE place: peaceful, a moderate climate around the year, surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, located in the outskirts of a small town, unobtrusive but very friendly neighbours, wow!
Fondly referred to as just ‘Abu’, it is a great destination to spend a few quiet days away from the city rush and heat. Continuing with the Hitchhiker’s series, here is a handpicked list of travel recommendations and tips for you if you are planning a visit to Mount Abu.Nakki Lake
The highlight of Abu, Nakki Lake is about a kilometer long in length and a top draw among tourists for a variety of reasons. Depending on your mood, you can choose to spend your time boating or atop an air balloon overseeing the Aravalli hills. I chose to sit by the quiet café overlooking the lake and spending some serious lazy moments reading a book over eight cups of coffee. To each his own!!
Aero Balloon & Boating at Nakki Lake
Boating is a favourite activity among tourists and a paddle boat can be hired for Rs. 100/head for a half-hour sortie. The Shikaras charge Rs. 120/head for a half-hour ride and are more popular among couple and families alike.
Jodhpur Bhojanalya was the place I headed to for dinner that evening. As the name suggests, the food here is Rajasthani and the serve the most amazing Daal-Baati-Churma! Many of us are not even aware of what Churma is. Let me explain: Heat and crush the Baati in pure ghee (clarified butter) and add a generous quantity of gud (jaggery) and continue to heat it till all of it melts into the Baati. Serve hot. This is the most amazing dessert I’ve ever eaten. It is simply wow! Arbuda is another popular eatery at Mount Abu.
