This retreat in the hills nestles at a height of 3,500 ft. in the scraggy Aravallis and is Rajasthan's most popular summer resort. At the heart of the town is Nakki Lake that, according to legend, was gouged out by a divine finger nail. Around its still expanse are the hills, somewhat dry in summer, lush green in the rains, as well as parks and natural rock formations. While the rocks add character to the resort, Mount Abu has come to be known for its Raghunath temple on the lake's banks, and the 11th-13th century Dilwara Jain temples with their marvellous carvings which are an important point of Jain pilgrimage. Entry is open to everybody from noon to 6 p.m.

Boating is available in the lake on row boats, while horse rides, ice-cream vendors and a host of other attractions add some gaiety to the lake's edge near the town side. Most people seem to gather at Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point at dusk and at Crags, Robert's Spur and Shanti Shikhar for panoramic views. The more dedicated may wish to visit the Museum with its Jain bronzes and carvings. There is also a Brahma Kumari Spiritual University where you may wish to take an introductory course on spiritual knowledge.

Just outside Mount Abu, visitors can visit Achalgarh, II kms, which has an interesting Shiva temple. Close to Abu Road, visitors will find the Gaumukh temple where, according to legend, the sage Vasishta performed the great sacrificial fire from which four of the Rajput clans trace their origin.

The Mt. Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, 8 kms., stretches over 290 sq. kms. and has a variety of wildlife that includes leopard, bear, wild boar, fox, deer and a good deal of avifauna. Also within the sanctuary is Gum Shikhar, 15 kms., the highest point in Rajasthan, which has a motorable road for most of the way. Also a part of the sanctuary is Trevor's Tank, a reservoir built by an Englishman in the 18th century.

Getting There :

Mount Abu's closest railway station is Abu Road, 27 kms., on a broad gauge track that connects it with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer and Ahmedabad. There are direct trains from Jodhpur and Agra. Visitors can hire cars or travel by bus from Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur.

Local Transport :

Abu Road is the railhead and principal roadhead. From here, visitors take buses to Mount Abu or can hire a shared taxi. Within the hill station, there is no local transport, and coolies carry your baggage for a small fee, while you can walk round this tiny town with relative ease.