Things To Do
in Abu
Abu (commonly Mount Abu) is a green hill station in the Aravalli Range and the only hill station in Rajasthan, offering a cool contrast to the surrounding desert plains. It is famous for the intricately carved Dilwara Jain Temples, serene Nakki Lake and panoramic viewpoints like Sunset Point and Guru Shikhar. The town blends natural scenery, pilgrimage sites, and colonial-era buildings, making it popular with pilgrims, families and photographers.
Narrow winding roads, local bazaars and hilltop vistas give Mount Abu a relaxed, small-town hill-station charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Dilwara Temples, known for their exquisite marble carvings. As the sun rises, the tranquil surroundings create a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation. Take your time to appreciate the intricate architecture and learn about the spiritual significance of this sacred site.
After a traditional Rajasthani lunch at a local eatery, head to the Mount Abu Museum to delve into the region's history and culture. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the area, making it an educational experience. Spend some time in the museum's garden, enjoying the pleasant weather and the beauty of nature around you.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the iconic Nakki Lake for a leisurely boat ride. The surrounding hills and the reflections on the water create a picturesque scene perfect for photography. End your evening with a stroll along the lake promenade, where you can enjoy local snacks and vibrant street performances.
Start your day with an invigorating nature walk at the Arbuda Mountains, where lush greenery and diverse flora greet you. The fresh mountain air and chirping birds provide an energizing backdrop as you hike along well-maintained trails. Keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that inhabits this serene environment.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints, soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the landscape below. Spend some time relaxing and taking photos of the stunning views, as the backdrop of rolling hills and valleys is simply captivating. As the afternoon progresses, venture to the nearby Sunset Point, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot at Sunset Point to witness a spectacular sunset over the hills. The sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, creating a magical atmosphere. After the sun sets, head back to the town to enjoy a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cup of coffee / tea | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant dinner for two (3-course) | $20-35 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride (local) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool hill-station climate and lush green scenery uncommon in Rajasthan
- Rich cultural and religious sites (Dilwara Temples, Arbuda Devi)
- Good for short nature escapes, photography and family trips
- Relatively safe and easy to explore with compact town center
- Can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially near Nakki Lake
- Limited nightlife and late-night services
- Some roads and viewpoints involve steep climbs or uneven terrain
- Fewer medical and specialty services compared with larger cities
- "Namaste" - Hello / greeting
- "Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद) / Shukriya (शुक्रिया)" - Thank you
- "Kitna hua? (कितना हुआ?)" - How much is this?
- "Shauchalaya kahaan hai? (शौचालय कहाँ है?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "Kya aap Angrezi bolte/bolti hain? (क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते/बोलती हैं?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Abu
Visit one of these nice places.
Intricate marble carvings, pillars and interiors provide stunning close-up architectural photography; best early morning or late afternoon for softer light.
Lakeside reflections, boating scenes and vibrant market stalls make for colorful daytime and golden-hour shots.
Panoramic views across the valleys ideal for sunset silhouettes, landscape panoramas and long-exposure sky shots.
Highest point in the region with expansive views over the Aravalli ranges — great for wide-angle landscape photography.
A naturally shaped rock formation near Nakki Lake offering fun foreground interest against town and valley backdrops.
Forest trails, birds and occasional mammals — good for wildlife and nature photography, especially early morning.
Food in Abu
Abu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Rajasthani classic — baked whole-wheat baatis (round breads) served with spiced dal and sweet churma; available at traditional restaurants and celebratory meals.
Must-Try!
Gram flour dumplings cooked in a tangy yogurt-based curry; commonly found in local eateries and thali meals.
A spicy mutton curry from Rajasthan (non-vegetarian option) — order at dhabas and full-service restaurants that serve traditional meat dishes.
Popular street snacks; enjoy with chutneys and spicy potato or lentil fillings at local stalls near markets and the lake.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of street vendors and small shops selling chaat, kachori, jalebi and local sweets — ideal for quick bites during sightseeing.
Traditional market area where you can sample local snacks, buy pickles, spices and artisanal sweets; good place to try regional flavors and pick edible souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow any photography rules — avoid loud behavior during prayers.
A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is polite; show respect to elders and accept items (like prasad) with the right hand.
Dress conservatively in public areas; public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially near temples or conservative neighborhoods.
Haggle politely in bazaars and with street vendors; fixed prices are normal in established shops.
Safety
Tipping in Abu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; leave 5–10% in restaurants if service charge is not included. Tip hotel porters (~₹20–₹100 depending on luggage), guides (~₹200–₹500 half-day, more for full-day), and drivers (~₹200–₹500). Small tips for housekeeping are welcome.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used — keep small notes for markets and rural stalls. Debit/credit cards and UPI/mobile payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops; ATMs are available but fewer in the old town so withdraw in advance for day trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmer but still cooler than surrounding plains; days can be warm (20–35°C) while nights stay pleasant. Peak domestic tourist season on weekends and holidays; carry sunscreen, a hat and light layers.
Hill slopes turn lush and green; trails can be slippery and some low-lying roads may have runoff. Expect short heavy showers and occasional fog — bring a rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Cool to chilly nights (5–15°C) with crisp days; ideal time for sightseeing and photography. Pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings.
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and clear skies — excellent for hiking, temple visits and outdoor photography.
Abu at Night
Hiking in Abu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail to the highest peak in the Aravalli range with marked paths, temple at the top and panoramic views — moderate difficulty.
Short, easy walk from the lake to the unique Toad Rock formation and nearby viewpoints — great for families and sunset photos.
Network of paths around the Achalgarh Fort area with historic ruins and scenic overlooks; options for short hikes and exploration.
Various forest trails through the sanctuary suitable for birdwatching and nature walks; best with a local guide for wildlife spotting.
Easy to moderate ridge walks offering quiet spots for picnics, birding and panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Abu by plane.
Closest major airport at about 150–170 km (3–4 hours by road) — regular flights to major Indian cities; from Udaipur hire a taxi or take a bus to Mount Abu.
Larger airport approximately 230–260 km away (4–6 hours drive) with many domestic and international connections; good option for international travelers combining Ahmedabad and Mount Abu.
Major hub in Rajasthan around 480–520 km away (8–10 hours by road); useful if combining a broader Rajasthan itinerary though farther than Udaipur or Ahmedabad.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing residents include Marwari and Rajasthani-speaking families involved in hospitality, crafts and trade.
Nearby districts have tribal populations (for example Bhil communities) with distinct cultural traditions and crafts influencing regional life.
Mount Abu is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains because of the Dilwara Temples; the town sees many religious visitors throughout the year.
Mix of domestic tourists from neighboring states (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra) and some international travelers visiting temples and hill-station attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport across the region, played informally in parks and open grounds and followed passionately by locals.
Common recreational sports among youth, often played in school grounds and community fields.
Not a conventional sport but hiking, trail-walking and informal adventure activities are popular among visitors and locals who enjoy the surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Abu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available across Mount Abu due to regional and temple influences; most thalis and local restaurants offer vegetarian meals and clear menu items.
Vegan options exist but require asking about dairy in curries and breads; gluten-free choices are more limited — communicate needs clearly and prefer simple lentil, rice and vegetable dishes.
Many eateries are vegetarian or serve predominantly poultry and mutton; for certified halal meat, ask locally or stick to vegetarian cuisine if uncertain.