It is the only Hill Station of Rajasthan rising to 1220 Mts. above sea level, but it is frequented mostly by Gujaratis as their own hill station viz. Saputara is not so developed and that Gujarat is a dry state and Rajasthan is not. Most of the weekends irrespective of the month people from Ahmedabad and North Gujarat flock to Mt. Abu to have a nice weekend. The hill station is located on the southern tip of the Aravali Mountain ranges, which are in fact one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. If we look at it historically even Mt. Everest is a recent phenomenon compared to these ranges. Mt. Abu the hill station is obviously not so old.
Places of Tourist InterestThe most famous place here is the Dilwara Jain temples aptly called a Dream in Marble. These temples built in Nagara style are one of the finest pieces of Architecture in India. If you wish to just spend a few peaceful hours this is the place for you in Mt. Abu. The first temple was built in 1032 AD and the last one in the 13th century.
Like most of the Hill stations this one too has a lake, which is the center of attraction during evenings, and if you like crowds and boating then spend you evenings in and around the lake. The lake has a motorable road around it and it goes to Anadara point, which offer a nice view of the valley. The old Anadara point just before the new one is even better and if you like a quite place to enjoy the beauty of nature then better stop at the old place and enjoy the view in Peace. The lake is called Nakki Lake and legend says that it was dug by using nails (Nakh in Hindi) and hence the name.
The Highest point of Mt. Abu is Guru Shikhar and the whole valley and nearby planes are visible from this place and that is the reason the Air Force has Radar stationed at the top. It is presumably the highest Radar in this region.
Other spots worth visiting are Sunset Point, but if you like to sit quietly then go to this place during daytime and enjoy the view. In the evenings hundreds swarm the place and it is like one big picnic to witness the sun set.
Trevor’s Tank : It is named after the British engineer, who constructed it, Trevor’s tank is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Achalgarh : It is an impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. The fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motorable road, but try and avoid taking you own vehicle as the last time I was there the road wasn’t so good.
Adhar Devi Temple (2 kms north of town): This ancient temple dedicated to the serpent goddess, Arbuda, is carved out of a huge rock.. Arbuda is the patron of the town, who formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi from drowning in an abyss. The black-painted marble idol, riding a solid gold tiger, is claimed to be about 5, 000 years old.
Apart from the regular spots the best way to explore any hill station is to walk around the place and if you like to walk then you can cover all the se spots by foot except Achalgarh and GuruShikhar. It is fun walking around the lake as half the road is blocked for traffic so one can breath the pollution free air and have a nice walk. If you are interested in rock climbing then you can try your hand at the Toad Rock near the Lake. It is a good trek and you can get a birds eye view of the lake and its surroundings. The lakeside is full of nature walks and then you can make your own roads if you so desire. You can even park your car while going to any of the spots and go for a walk or have a nice little picnic in a rock.
Shopping: This place is good for shopping as unlike other hill stations it is not very costly and you can buy good Rajasthani stuff like Bandhej and Printed Bedsheets etc. at bargain price. The most interesting place is Chacha’s Museum and you should visit it at least once. It has got some very interesting stuff.
Accomodation: Rooms with a view are there at Rajasthan Tourism hotel Shikhar which is atop a hill and the rates are very economical but service could be a problem. Other wise it is a good place to stay. Others include Shera Tone Mount View, Aravali in the budget class, Hotel Hillock, Chacha’s Inn and the best and costliest are the Cama Rajputana and Connought House a heritage hotel owned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Getting there: Nearest railway station is Abu Road which is about 29 Kms from the top and all the major trains traveling between Delhi and Ahmedabad stop here. It is about 244 Kms. From Ahmedabad and almost at a similar distance from Jodhpur. Important trains passing through Abu Road are Surya Nagri Express, Delhi Mail, Ashram Express and Rajdhani(Delhi – Ahmedabad) to name a few.
Last but not the least, the best time to go there……
Mt. Abu is at its best during rains and it seems that nature has given through wash to the whole place and the clean green hill station is one of the best places to be in. Winters here are chilling but tolerable and you can get good discounts on room rents during winters. September to November it is pleasantly cold and enjoyable. If you live in Rajasthan or Gujarat even summer season will give the much needed relief from the heat wave during May and June. July an August is the rainy season and winter sets in its full earnest by November.
And if you are going there during weekdays don’t forget to ask for discounts…..