A verdant oasis in the midst of a desert is what best describes Mount Abu - the one and only hill-station of Rajasthan. Situated at an average height of 1,219 mts above sea level, Mount Abu is known more for its exquisite Dilwara Jain temples than its beautiful sunsets, lakes and lush green forests.

The soothing climate of Mount Abu was probably one of the main reasons why the rishis & munis came here to meditate. Perhaps that is why the Sage Vashishtha chose this place to conduct his famous yagna from where the four Agnikula Rajput clans came forth to save the country from the invaders.

Its pleasant climate, easy accessibility and a host of good options for families and kids alike has made Mount Abu a popular family vacation.

Tourist attractions

The town of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1220 meters. It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat for centuries. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 km² of the mountain.

Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples. The Dilwara Temples are a complex of temples, carved of white marble, that were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. The oldest of these is the Vimal Vasahi temple, built in 1031 AD by Vimal Shah and dedicated to the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The Lun Vasahi Temple were built in 1231 AD by the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, who belonged to the Porwal Jain community. They were ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a local ruler of Gujarat.

The Achalgarh fort, built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, stands nearby. It encloses several beautiful Jain temples, including the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412) and the Kantinath Temple (1513).

Nakki Lake is another popular visitor attraction of Mount Abu.There is the Toad Rock on a hill near the lake. Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are also on hills near Nakki Lake.

The mountain is also home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple; and a shrine and temple to Dattatreya built atop the Guru Shikhar peak. The world headquarters of the Brahma Kumari order of lady renunciates is also located here, as is the World Spiritual University of the same denomination. The Durga temple, Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside of Mount Abu.

Mount Abu - Best Time to Visit

The natural beauty and the lovely landscapes of mount Abu invite tourists throughout the year. Though Mount Abu is the perfect retreat in the summer months for the people from the plains and the deserts. This leads to increase in tariffs in all the hotels, restaurants and transportation charges. All hotels in Mount Abu are available at half rates and the best of rooms can be yours for a rate that suits your budget during winters though.