Mount Abu
Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu is a wildly popular summer escape, especially for Rajasthani and Gujarati families who flock here to enjoy the cool temperatures of this 3,937-foot-high (1,200-meter) town. Apart from its natural beauty, Mount Abu also has several Jain temples with some of the most amazingly intricate carvings.
How to Get There
Buses from various Rajasthani towns make the trip to Mount Abu, but make sure you get one of the buses that go all the way up, as many stop at the base of the mountain (Abu Road) and require a change of bus. Share-jeeps frequently make the 17-mile (27-kilometer) ascent from Abu Road. There are train services (from Abu Road) including to/from Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
How to Get Around
You can get around by foot or take a share-jeep for longer trips. Mount Abu does not have any autorickshaws. Local buses travel to nearby attractions.
Attractions
With their exquisite carvings, the Jain Dilwara Temples are a must-see. Among the temples, the most stunning include the 11th-century Vimal Vasahi and the 13th-century Luna Vasahi; each of these temples took workers about 15 years to complete. Photography is prohibited.
With its beautiful woodland scenery, Mount Abu is a great place to simply stroll about at leisure. Apart from Nakki Lake, there are some popular viewpoints, such as Sunset Point, Honeymoon Point, Shanti Shikhar, and the Crags.
Places to Eat
There's a bounty of (mostly run-of-the-mill) eateries in Mount Abu, with most focusing on Indian cuisine.
One of the most popular places among locals and foreigners alike is the Kanak Dining Hall, which has super Gujarati thalis (all-you-can-eat meals) that cost about one dollar. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Rajendra Road.
For scrumptious South Indian fare (the dosas are terrific) try the busy Madras Café, which also does a good job of Punjabi food (the restaurant is strictly vegetarian). Prices are delightfully low. Rajendra Road.
Places to Stay
Hotel tariffs spiral upwards in the peak season from around April to late June, and during the time around the Diwali Festival (see the "General Tips" section, following). At other times, you should be able to negotiate a discount.
With a sterling position, atop a hill overlooking the lake, 19th-century Jaipur House has elegant suites—avoid the rather plain standard rooms. Located on a hill south of Nakki Lake; tel. +91 (0)2974 235176.
An interesting option is Connaught House, which belongs to the maharaja of Jodhpur. It's a colonial-flavored cottage in a nice garden, which has cozy living areas and rooms. The rooms in the main house are more charming than those in the new wing. Off Rajendra Road; tel. +91 (0)2974 238560; e-mail welcom@ndf.vsnl.net.in.
The lovely 19th-century Palace Hotel (Bikaner House) is set in large, leafy grounds (there's even a small lake here) and has well-furnished rooms. Good meals are available in the dining hall. Bikaner House, Delwara Road; tel. +91 (0)2974 238673.
General Tips
Plan your trip so you don't visit Mount Abu during, and a week or so after, the Diwali festival (October/November; for exact dates, which vary annually, consult any Indian tourist office), as Mount Abu attracts swarms of vacationers at this time. The hotel rates and noise level both rise significantly.
For More Information
Tourist Reception Center Rajendra Road, opposite the bus stand; tel. +91 (0)2974 235151.
Rajasthan Tourism
