Mount Abu is one of the distinct hill stations of incredible India. Deserving to be called ‘the oasis in the desert’, it is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. Located in the Aravalli Hills, Mount Abu has steadily attained a strong position among the top destinations that Northwestern Indian can boast of. With tourist places consisting of architecturally stunning temples, lake and tanks and a variety of picnic spots, the hill resort has a charm distinctive to the fort and palace cities of the state. Festivals and grand celebrations across the year also attract the tourists from distant places.
Tourists visiting the hill station for the first time get surprised by seeing a place in the desert with amazing waterfalls, forests, lakes and other natural treasures. It has the highest artificial lake of India called Nakki Lake. Mount Abu remains cool throughout the year, but experiences extreme dip in temperature during winter months. It attracts tourists around the year and is a popular summer retreat destination for the tourists from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Anciently called Arbudaanchal, the hill station has professional city guides who can converse in English, Spanish as well as French. From honeymooners to family travellers and nature lovers, everyone is welcomed here.
For being close to the border of Gujarat, the cuisines in Mount Abu offer flavours from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Kanak Dining Hall and Jaipur House Restaurant are among the top spots to enjoy these specialties. Arbuda Restaurant is a top-rank place to enjoy Rajasthan special dal bhati and cuisines from Punjab and South India. Shere-e-Punjab is a popular venue for those who wish to have non-vegetarian dishes along with alcoholic beverages. Hollywood Bollywood and US Pizza Takeaway offer relaxing at
Showpieces and decors made of sandalwood and sandstone can be purchased near the lake. Look for beautiful handicrafts at Rajasthan Emporium which is operated by the state government. Shops selling authentic jewelry and souvenirs are located on the Raj Bhawan Road. The area also has shops selling popular Gujarati textiles including sarees, linens and quilts. Paintings and marble crafts are other worthwhile items at various shops.
• Guru Shikhar (15 km.): The highest point in the Aravallis, Guru Shikhar offers stunning views of Mount Abu and has ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.
• Achalgarh (12 km.): Huge battlement walls and medieval period monuments are the noteworthy highlights of Achalgarh. A must visit place while in Mount Abu, as it has beautiful Jain Temples and divine Achaleshwar Temple.
• Ranakpur (132 km.): Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spellbinding beauty of Ranakpur Jain Temple constructed in light colour marble and known for 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars.
• Udaipur (160 km.): The lake city of Rajasthan, Udaipur is a world-famous tourist destination with many beautiful palaces and lakes to its credit.