The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located 475 km from Jaipur, in the Sirohi district on the highest peak of the Aravalli range and is known for its Dilwara Jain temples. With coniferous trees and flowering shrubs covering the hillside, the climate in Mount Abu remains quite cool making it the summer capital of Rajasthan.
Best known for the unique Rajasthani handicrafts available here, Mount Abu also has a three-day summer festival of classical music and folk dance performances that attract a lot of tourists. Known as Arbudaranya meaning ‘forest of Arbhu’ or ‘hill of wisdom’, the Puranas believe that sage Vasishtha came here following his differences with sage Vishwamitra. During the British rule, Mount Abu was rented by the The East India Company from the Maharaja of Sirohi to be used as the headquarters for the resident of Rajputana until 1947 and as sanatorium for troops.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MOUNT ABU
Even though Mount Abu has accommodation for all budgets, it is advisable to book in advance since it receives visitors almost all year round.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MOUNT ABU
While there are some good restaurants around Nakki Lake for both vegetarians and non vegetarians, the roadside stalls serving local delicacies offer some of the best dishes. Don’t forget to try the ice-cream from the stalls around Nakki lake.
Photograph courtesy: Brahma Kumaris/Creative Commons
BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNT ABU
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Mount Abu is as given below. The best time to visit Mount Abu is also specified.