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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Dilwara Temples

Intricate marble carvings, pillars and interiors provide stunning close-up architectural photography; best early morning or late afternoon for softer light.

Nakki Lake

Lakeside reflections, boating scenes and vibrant market stalls make for colorful daytime and golden-hour shots.

Sunset Point & Honeymoon Point

Panoramic views across the valleys ideal for sunset silhouettes, landscape panoramas and long-exposure sky shots.

Guru Shikhar

Highest point in the region with expansive views over the Aravalli ranges — great for wide-angle landscape photography.

Toad Rock

A naturally shaped rock formation near Nakki Lake offering fun foreground interest against town and valley backdrops.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

Forest trails, birds and occasional mammals — good for wildlife and nature photography, especially early morning.

Culinary Guide

Food in Abu

Mount Abu's food scene is driven by Rajasthani and Gujarati influences, with hearty vegetarian dishes, spicy curries and sweet desserts. Local eateries, lakeside cafés and hotel restaurants serve regional specialties alongside standard North Indian fare. Street food and small dhabas offer quick snacks for sightseeing days, while some hotels provide more diverse menus including continental options. Fresh mountain air and herbs give local dishes a fragrant touch.

Abu Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dal Baati Churma

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!

Gatte ki Sabzi

Gram flour dumplings cooked in a tangy yogurt-based curry; commonly found in local eateries and thali meals.

Laal Maas

A spicy mutton curry from Rajasthan (non-vegetarian option) — order at dhabas and full-service restaurants that serve traditional meat dishes.

Kachori & Samosa

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

Nakki Lake Market / Temple Road Stalls

A cluster of street vendors and small shops selling chaat, kachori, jalebi and local sweets — ideal for quick bites during sightseeing.

Old Bazaar

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.

Climate Guide

Weather

Mount Abu has a subtropical highland climate: summers are warm but milder than the plains, monsoon brings seasonal rains and vivid greenery, and winters are cool to chilly with clear skies. Temperature ranges roughly from 5–35°C across the year, with nights notably cooler during winter. Rainfall is concentrated in July–September and can make some trails slippery.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Manners

Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow any photography rules — avoid loud behavior during prayers.

Greetings & Respect

A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is polite; show respect to elders and accept items (like prasad) with the right hand.

Dress & Conduct

Dress conservatively in public areas; public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially near temples or conservative neighborhoods.

Bargaining

Haggle politely in bazaars and with street vendors; fixed prices are normal in established shops.

Safety Guide

Safety

Mount Abu is generally safe for tourists; petty theft is uncommon but keep usual precautions with belongings in crowded markets. During monsoon watch for slippery trails, and avoid risky cliff edges at viewpoints. Use licensed drivers for remote excursions, drink bottled water if unsure about local supply, and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. For serious medical emergencies, larger hospitals in Udaipur are the nearest major facilities.

Tipping in Abu

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer (March–June)

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.

Monsoon (July–September)

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.

Winter (November–February)

Cool to chilly nights (5–15°C) with crisp days; ideal time for sightseeing and photography. Pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Shoulder Seasons (October & February–March)

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and clear skies — excellent for hiking, temple visits and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Abu at Night

Nightlife in Mount Abu is low-key and family-oriented: expect relaxed rooftop dinners, lakeside walks, hotel bars and occasional cultural performances. There are few late-night clubs; most entertainment centers around restaurants, terraces and scheduled events at larger hotels. For livelier nightlife, travelers sometimes go to larger cities like Udaipur, but in Mount Abu evenings are best for quiet socializing and stargazing.

Hiking in Abu

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Guru Shikhar Trail

Trail to the highest peak in the Aravalli range with marked paths, temple at the top and panoramic views — moderate difficulty.

Nakki Lake to Toad Rock Walk

Short, easy walk from the lake to the unique Toad Rock formation and nearby viewpoints — great for families and sunset photos.

Achalgarh Fort Trails

Network of paths around the Achalgarh Fort area with historic ruins and scenic overlooks; options for short hikes and exploration.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary Loops

Various forest trails through the sanctuary suitable for birdwatching and nature walks; best with a local guide for wildlife spotting.

Trevor's Tank and Surrounding Ridges

Easy to moderate ridge walks offering quiet spots for picnics, birding and panoramic valley views.

Airports

How to reach Abu by plane.

Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur)

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.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad)

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.

Jaipur International Airport

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The core tourist areas (Nakki Lake, Temple Road, Old Bazaar) are very walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets and short distances between sights. However, many viewpoints and temples are on hilly terrain with steps and rocky paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. For excursions to Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh or dispersed sites, a vehicle or taxi is often more practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Rajasthani Communities

Long-standing residents include Marwari and Rajasthani-speaking families involved in hospitality, crafts and trade.

Tribal Groups

Nearby districts have tribal populations (for example Bhil communities) with distinct cultural traditions and crafts influencing regional life.

Pilgrims & Jain Community

Mount Abu is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains because of the Dilwara Temples; the town sees many religious visitors throughout the year.

Tourists

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

Cricket is the most popular sport across the region, played informally in parks and open grounds and followed passionately by locals.

Football & Volleyball

Common recreational sports among youth, often played in school grounds and community fields.

Trekking & Nature Activities

Not a conventional sport but hiking, trail-walking and informal adventure activities are popular among visitors and locals who enjoy the surrounding hills.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Mount Abu is generally light but roads are narrow and winding; congestion can occur around Nakki Lake and on weekends. Public transportation includes local buses, shared tempos and auto-rickshaws for short trips, while taxis and private cars are commonly used for day tours. Drive cautiously on steep and curvy roads, especially in monsoon or after dark.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Abu.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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 & Gluten-Free

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.

Halal / Pork-Free

Many eateries are vegetarian or serve predominantly poultry and mutton; for certified halal meat, ask locally or stick to vegetarian cuisine if uncertain.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Mount Abu has a government hospital and several clinics and pharmacies for basic medical needs; private practitioners can handle minor ailments. For specialized care or major emergencies, the larger hospitals in Udaipur (Maharana Pratap Medical College & Hospital and others) are the nearest full-service facilities. Travelers should carry essential medications, a basic first-aid kit and travel insurance that covers evacuation if needed.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide