Mount Abu Tour from Jaipur

Rajasthan's Only Hill Station

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, perched at an altitude of 1,220 meters on a high plateau in the Aravalli Range near the Gujarat border. While most of Rajasthan bakes in 45°C summer heat, Mount Abu enjoys a pleasantly cool climate year-round (15°C–33°C), making it a much-loved escape for Rajasthani families and a unique addition to any Rajasthan tour itinerary. The hill station sits amid dense sub-tropical forests, rocky outcrops draped in mist, and a serene artificial lake — a striking contrast to the desert landscape below.

Dilwara Jain Temples — Marble Masterpieces

The Dilwara Temples are undoubtedly Mount Abu's greatest treasure — and one of the finest examples of marble craftsmanship anywhere in the world. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries by the Solanki rulers and wealthy Jain merchants, these five temples are dedicated to different Jain tirthankaras (enlightened beings). What makes them extraordinary is not their exterior — which is deliberately plain — but their interiors, which are covered from floor to ceiling in the most breathtakingly intricate marble carving imaginable.

The Vimal Vasahi temple (1031 AD), dedicated to Adinatha, and the Luna Vasahi temple (1230 AD), dedicated to Neminatha, are considered the masterpieces. The ornate pillars, intricately carved ceilings with hanging pendants that seem impossibly delicate in stone, the figurines in niches so detailed that individual eyelashes are carved, and the central dome of the Luna Vasahi — all executed in pure white marble — represent a pinnacle of human artistic achievement. Photography is not permitted inside but the memory will stay with you forever.

Nakki Lake

Nakki Lake is a sacred artificial lake at the heart of Mount Abu town, surrounded by parks, gardens, and the Abu bazaar. Hindu legend holds that the gods dug this lake with their nails (nakhi = nails in Hindi) to create a hiding place. The lake is pleasant for boat rides (paddleboats and rowboats available), and the lakeside promenade is perfect for evening walks. The Toad Rock — a large rock formation near the lake that resembles a toad — is a popular photo spot. The lake and surrounding gardens are most beautiful in the early morning when mist rolls down from the surrounding hills.

Guru Shikhar — Highest Peak of the Aravalli

At 1,722 meters, Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range and the highest point in Rajasthan. Located 15 km from Abu Road, it offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Aravalli landscape, the Gujarat plains to the south, and on exceptionally clear days, glimpses of the distant Rann of Kutch. A temple dedicated to Dattatreya (a combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) stands at the summit. The drive up through the forest to Guru Shikhar is itself beautiful, with viewpoints along the way.

Achalgarh Fort & Mandakini Kund

Achalgarh Fort, built in the 14th century by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar, is located 11 km from Mount Abu. Though partly ruined, its massive walls and bastions are impressive, and the views of the surrounding Aravalli landscape are outstanding. Within the fort complex is the ancient Achaleshwar Mahadev temple — one of the most important Shiva temples in the region — and the Mandakini Kund, a sacred pond surrounded by ornate marble buffalo sculptures.

Sunset Point & Honeymoon Point

Mount Abu's Sunset Point, overlooking the Aravalli hills to the west, is the most popular evening gathering spot in town. As the sun sets over the distant plains and the sky turns from orange to crimson to purple, the silhouettes of the rocky Aravalli peaks create a spectacular natural panorama. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best position. Honeymoon Point (also called Anadra Point) is a quieter alternative viewpoint with equally beautiful valley views and a more intimate atmosphere.

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Mount Abu is the world headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris — a global spiritual organization with centers in 140 countries. The main campus at Pandav Bhawan and the Om Shanti Bhawan (Peace Hall) can be visited for free guided tours, meditation sessions, and an introduction to the organization's teachings. The campus is open to all visitors regardless of religious background and the sessions are genuinely interesting and peaceful.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Jaipur early. Drive to Mount Abu via Udaipur (490 km, ~7 hours). Afternoon: Nakki Lake boat ride and Abu Bazaar. Evening: Sunset Point.

Day 2: Morning: Dilwara Jain Temples (open 12–5 PM; arrive by noon). Afternoon: Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh Fort. Return to Jaipur or extend to Udaipur (75 km from Mount Abu) for an additional day.