Mount Abu is a renowned hill station in the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, India. The Dilwara Jain Temples are well-known in this area. Waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and evergreen forests abound. Mount Abu is sometimes known as a "desert oasis." Mount Abu also has a pleasant climate. As a result, it is known as the summer capital of Rajasthan,as tourists flock to the area to escape the blistering heat of the state. 'Guru Shikhar' is Mount Abu's highest summit. Over 80 temples, including the Dilwara Jain Temple, Shri Raghunathiji Temple, and Durga Ambika Mata Temple, are located in the area, which has religious significance for both Hindus and Jains. A three-day summer festival of classical music and folk dance is also held at the venue. A large number of tourists attend the festival's performances.

Early History of Mount Abu

Mount Abu was thought to have been part of 'Arbudaanchal' in prehistoric times and to have been the residence of many saints. According to legend, the location has been visited by all Hindu Gods and Goddesses. According to the Puranas, the land was densely forested and sage Vashishth's residence. According to legend, Lord Shiva sent Saraswati to flow like a river, allowing sage Vashishth's cow Nandini to float to safety. This gorge was then filled in with the help of a powerful snake known as 'Arbuda,' giving the area the name Mount Arbud, which was later renamed Mount Abu.

Culture of Mount Abu

Traditional dance forms and folk music are widespread in this area. Dance genres such as 'Daph,' 'Ghoomar,' and 'Gair' attract and engage audiences. The city is known for its Summer Festival, where residents greet visitors with traditional music and dance. Fairs are very popular in this area. In Mount Abu, other festivals such as Holi and Diwali are also observed. Because so many tourists visit during these times, Christmas and New Year are also celebrated in a unique fashion. nnThe cuisine is classic Rajasthani and full of flavor. Other cuisines served include Gujarati, Chinese, and Continental.

Local food of Mount Abu

• Daal Baati Churma - The iconic Rajasthani dish, Dal Bati Churma, requires no introduction. The daal, which is blended with spicy seasoning and ghee, the churma, which is essentially a sour pickle that will thrill your senses, and the bati, which are crunch balls made from gramme flour, make up the food. Because of its unusual flavor, the meal is popular among both locals and international tourists.
• Laal Maas - The Hindi word laal maas literally translates to "red mutton," which is exactly what this meal is. It's not for the faint of heart, this hot dish. Exotic spices such as Rajasthani Lal Mirch, garlic, and a liberal amount of yogurt are used to make this dish. Chapatis (wheat or bajra) are served alongside this meal. During the summer, this dish is mostly prepared.
• Gatte ki Khichdi - Mount Abu's rice dish, Gatte ki Khichdi, is famous. Rice, besan (Gatte) dumplings, and aromatic spices are cooked together. The khichdi is flavored with coriander leaves in some Mount Abu cuisines, which elevates the dish's deliciousness to new heights.
• Bajre ki Roti - It is considered that a dinner in Rajasthani cuisine is incomplete unless it includes a bajre ki roti. The roti is produced with Bajra, a winter crop cultivated in this region. In the arid and dry terrain of Mount Abu, it provides a good source of protein. The meal is primarily prepared in rural households, however it has recently gained popularity due to its nutritional qualities.
• Ghevar - Ghevar is a sweet Indian cake that is a traditional Rajasthani dessert. It's typically prepared during Rajasthani festivities or important events. Ghevar, mawa, or malai ghevar are used to make the cake, which is then soaked in a sweet syrup known as "Chasni." The dish has to be served with chashni. 
• Malpua - When visiting Mount Abu, try the Malpua, a sweet dessert. Its first documented use as a dessert dates back to the Rajwada kingdom. The sweet is produced using flour, milk, khoya, and a variety of dried fruits. In Mount Abu, the meal is usually served as a snack or dessert and is formed like a pancake.

Things to do when in Mount Abu

• Engage in boating - Take a boat tour of Mount Abu's expansive Nakki Lake, which is one of the top things to do in Mount Abu. This location, also known as Nakki Jheel, is notable for paddle boats, row boats, and shikhara, and is located in the center of Mount Abu. One group can rent a boat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Enjoy the surrounding splendor of lush green hills and trees as you sail through this large body of water. 
• Go crocodile and bird watching - Trevor's Tank is a man-made reservoir infested with crocodiles and fish, named after the British engineer who built it. In addition, Trevors Tank is well-known for bird watching, with swarms of peacocks and partridges clearly visible. This location, on Guru Shikhar Road, is surrounded by lush forests and rocky outcroppings and promises breathtaking vistas and tranquility.
• Walking through the woods - Bailey's Walk is one of the top things to do in Mount Abu for people looking for a relaxing but fascinating walk in beautiful surroundings. The trip from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point includes rough trails, zigzag roads, and flights of stairs to ascend, therefore adequate footwear is always recommended.
• Enjoy spelunking at various hill caves - If you enjoy adventure and are looking for something to do in Mount Abu other than trekking and camping, spelunking or adventure caving should be on your list of things to do. There are several mountain caverns in the area, such as Champaa Caves, and what could be better than going on an exciting cave exploring trip? Enjoy the hike, take pictures, feel the rush, and create lifelong memories.
• Witness the sunset views - Sunset Point is 3 kilometers from Nakki Lake and is reached via a relatively steep ascent. This location, which is known for having some of the most stunning sunset views, attracts a lot of nature enthusiasts and peace seekers. To get to this viewpoint, take a cab from Nakki Lake, trek upwards, or ride a horse. Viewing the sunset from Sunset Point is one of the many activities to do at Mount Abu.

Places to visit in Mount Abu

• Nakki Lake - Nakki Lake, also known as the Nakki Jheel, is a nature lover's dream. It is located in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu. This lake is certainly a Mount Abu jewel, surrounded by incredible natural wonders. With a depth of approximately 11,000 meters and a width of a quarter mile, it is India's first man-made lake. The intriguing lake is surrounded by lush foliage, mountains, and oddly formed rocks and is located in the heart of the hill station.
• Guru Shikhar - The highest mountain in the Aravalli Range, Guru Shikhar, is about 15 kilometers from Mount Abu. The peak's elevation is 1722 meters above sea level, providing a beautiful view of the Aravalli range and Mount Abu's hill station. Guru Shikhar means 'guru's peak,' and was called after Guru Dattatreya, who is said to have lived on the summit during his monastic days.
• Dilwara Temples - Between the 11th and 13th century AD, Vastupal and Tejpal constructed the Dilwara temples, which are located around 3 kilometers from Mount Abu. These temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble and are considered by many visitors to be architecturally superior to even the Taj Mahal. They are surrounded by lush greenery and located on a height above the surrounding areas.
• Achalgarh Fort - The Achalgarh fort and Achleshwar temple are both located in Achalgarh village, which is a scenic village on Mount Abu. The fortification of Achalgarh is perched atop a mountain ridge. The majestic and historic Jain Temples are a 10-minute ascent from Achalgarh and are known for their scenic setting and stunning art. 
• Arbuda Devi Temple - Arbuda Devi Temple is the most significant pilgrimage site on Mount Abu, and it is a testament to Rajasthan's rich architectural legacy. According to legend, the goddess's 'Adhar' fell and was discovered hanging in mid-air, which is why the temple is also known as Adhar Devi Temple. Arbuda Devi is thought to be Katyayani Devi.

How to reach ? 

• By Air - The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, which is 210 kilometers away. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad, 221 kilometers away, is also an option. Both airports have flights to all of India's main cities.
• By train - Abu Road, 32 km away, is the closest railhead. From Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and other major cities, there are frequent trains to Abu Road.
• By Bus - Regular buses (both commercial and state-run) run between Mount Abu and Udaipur, Jaipur, and Delhi.