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HILL STATION · RAJASTHANMount Abu
Rajasthan's only hill station — cool green air, a sacred lake and the astonishing Dilwara Jain temples, just across the Gujarat border.
A cool green retreat above the plains
Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station, and for travellers from Gujarat it is the easiest cool escape there is, sitting right on the border above the plains of Banaskantha. Perched at around 1,200 metres in the ancient Aravalli range, it swaps the heat of the lowlands for pine-scented air, green slopes and a relaxed resort-town pace built around Nakki Lake.
What lifts Mount Abu above an ordinary hill town is the Dilwara temples, a group of Jain temples carved from white marble in a fineness of detail that has to be seen to be believed. For generations of families from Ahmedabad and beyond it has been the classic summer weekend, equally good as a relaxed break, a pilgrimage or a family holiday.
Compact and walkable, the town rewards an unhurried day or two: mornings at the temples, afternoons by the lake, and evenings watching the light drop from a sunset point over the plains. Add the short drive up from Gujarat, and it is one of the most convenient hill getaways in the region.
The marble Jain temples of Dilwara are Mount Abu’s crowning glory.
Reasons to make the time
Dilwara temples
Marble Jain carving so fine the stone looks translucent.
Cool mountain air
A genuine escape from the heat of the plains.
Nakki Lake
Boating and easy evening strolls in the town's heart.
Sunset points
Sweeping views over the plains at golden hour.
Guru Shikhar
The highest peak in the Aravalli range.
Family-friendly
Compact, relaxed and easy to get around.
Top sights in Mount Abu
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
See the Dilwara temples
Marvel at the intricately carved marble; note the dress code and afternoon-only entry for visitors.
Boat on Nakki Lake
Take a paddle boat and walk the lakeside past curious rock formations like Toad Rock.
Catch a sunset
Reach Sunset Point early for the golden-hour view over the plains.
Drive to Guru Shikhar
Head to the Aravallis' highest peak for cool air and long views.
Climb to Adhar Devi
A hillside temple reached by a long, rewarding flight of steps.
Spot wildlife
Explore the plateau's wildlife sanctuary for birds and forest walks.
When to go
Crisp, clear and comfortable — the ideal time for temples and viewpoints.
Busy as a hill refuge from the heat; cooler than the plains but crowded.
Lush and green with misty slopes, though showers can interrupt plans.
⛄ Winter nights get genuinely cold up here — carry a warm layer even if Gujarat is hot.
Timings & entry
- Dilwara opens to non-Jain visitors only in the afternoon, with set hours; check before you go.
- Photography is banned and a dress code applies inside the Dilwara temples.
Getting there
By Air
Udaipur (~165 km) and Ahmedabad are the nearest major airports.
By Rail
Abu Road, about 27 km below town, is the railhead, with taxis and buses up the ghat.
By Road
Roughly 220 km from Ahmedabad, a four to five hour drive up a winding hill road.
Know before you go
Mount Abu FAQ
How far is Mount Abu from Ahmedabad?
About 220 km, roughly a four to five hour drive, or a train to Abu Road and a short climb up to the town.
Why is Mount Abu famous?
For being Rajasthan's only hill station and for the Dilwara Jain temples, renowned for their extraordinarily intricate marble carving.
Is Mount Abu good for a summer trip?
Yes. It stays cooler than the surrounding plains and is a hugely popular summer escape from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
When do the Dilwara temples open to visitors?
Non-Jain visitors are usually admitted only in the afternoon, with a dress code and no photography inside; check the day's timings.
How many days do you need in Mount Abu?
One to two days is enough to cover the Dilwara temples, Nakki Lake, a sunset point and Guru Shikhar without rushing.
What is the nearest railway station?
Abu Road, about 27 km below the town, connected by train from Ahmedabad and beyond, with taxis and buses up to Mount Abu.
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