Mount Abu Travel Guide — Rajasthan's Only Hill Station & Dilwara Temples

Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station — a cool forested plateau at 1,220m in the Aravalli ranges that has served as a summer escape for maharajas and British officers for centuries. But Mount Abu's true glory is the Dilwara Jain Temples — considered by many to be the finest marble temple architecture in the world. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries by wealthy Jain merchants, the Dilwara temples contain carved marble of almost incomprehensible intricacy: ceilings with hanging marble lotus flowers of 48 petals, columns with translucent-thin dancing figures, and domes that took master craftsmen decades to complete. They are genuinely one of the greatest achievements of Indian art. Beyond Dilwara, Mount Abu has Nakki Lake, the dramatic Guru Shikhar peak (1,722m — highest in Rajasthan), wildlife sanctuary walks, and the comfortable atmosphere of a proper hill retreat — 15°C cooler than the Rajasthan plains in summer.

Places to Visit in Mount Abu

Dilwara Jain Temples (11th–13th c.)

Five marble temples of extraordinary beauty. Vimal Vasahi (1031 CE) has a hanging marble lotus flower of 48 petals. Luna Vasahi (1230 CE) is equally astonishing. No photography inside. Entry free. Open 12–6 PM for non-Jains only.

Nakki Lake & Sunset Point

The sacred lake at the heart of Mount Abu. Boating (₹100–150). Toad Rock and Nun Rock formations are photogenic. Sunset Point (2 km) has spectacular views over the Rajasthan plains — vivid orange and gold evenings.

Guru Shikhar (1,722m)

Rajasthan's highest peak — 15 km from Abu. Short drive and walk to summit. Views extend over Gujarat and Rajasthan on clear days. Dattatreya temple at summit is sacred to all three major Hindu faiths.

Achalgarh Fort & Achaleswar Temple

14th-century Paramara fort (15 km) with a magnificent Shiva temple. The monumental carved Nandi is extraordinary. Fort ruins have excellent views and are largely unvisited.

Experiences & Activities

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  Dilwara Temple Visit: Non-Jains 12–6 PM only. No photography. No leather items (belt, wallet) — shoes removed at gate. Allow 2 hours. The Vimal Vasahi ceiling alone takes 30 minutes to absorb. One of the greatest artistic achievements you will ever see.
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  Nakki Lake Boating: Pedal and rowboats (₹100–200 for 30 min). Toad Rock — a boulder exactly shaped like a toad — is the most photographed spot in Mount Abu.
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  Guru Shikhar Sunrise: Drive before dawn (15 km). Watch sunrise over Rajasthan and Gujarat from Rajasthan's highest point. Return for breakfast. One of Rajasthan's most peaceful morning experiences.
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  Wildlife Sanctuary Walk: Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the town — leopard, sloth bear, sambar, rare orchids. Dawn walks along Trevor's Tank road are excellent for wildlife and birding.

When to Visit Mount Abu

Delhi to Mount Abu Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Mount Abu Trip

Essential Mount Abu Tips

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  Dilwara Entry Rules: No photography, no leather, non-Jains 12–6 PM only, covered clothing. Donation box at entry — these temples deserve generous contributions.
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  Abu Road vs Mount Abu: Train station is Abu Road (27 km below). EZPZ drops directly to Mount Abu town — no transfer needed.
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  Book Well Ahead: Very popular with Gujarati and Rajasthani families — weekends and school holidays book out entirely.