Top Things to Do in Mount Abu: Dilwara Temples, Guru Shikhar & Nakki Lake

Introduction to Mount Abu: Rajasthan's Only Hill Station

Perched high on a rugged granite plateau at an elevation of 1,220 metres in the Sirohi district of southwestern Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a lush mountain oasis amidst the surrounding arid desert plains. As the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu has been revered for centuries as an ancient spiritual sanctuary and a royal summer retreat. Wrapped in subtropical evergreen forests of bamboo, mango, and eucalyptus, the hill station features mist-shrouded viewpoints, serene mountain lakes, ancient fortress ruins, and the world's most intricate marble temple carvings.

Whether you are organizing a weekend retreat using our Mount Abu travel guide or timing your trip according to the best time to visit Mount Abu, this elevated haven offers a rejuvenating change of pace from Rajasthan's desert cities. From marveling at the peerless filigree stonework of Dilwara to standing atop the highest summit in the Aravalli range, here are the absolute top things to do in Mount Abu.

1. Marvel at the Marble Filigree of the Dilwara Jain Temples

Located approximately 2.5 kilometres north of the town centre, the Dilwara Jain Temples are universally considered one of the greatest masterpieces of marble architecture in human history. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries by wealthy Jain ministers Vimal Shah and the brothers Vastupala and Tejapala, this complex of five distinct marble temples rivals even the Taj Mahal in its staggering degree of intricate artistic craftsmanship.

What makes Dilwara truly astonishing is the sheer detail of its carving: solid blocks of pure white Makrana marble were carved into translucent, paper-thin stone filigree that resembles delicate lace rather than stone. Key temples within the complex include:

• Vimal Vasahi Temple (1031 AD): Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha. The central rangamandapa dome is encrusted with 16 Vidyadevis (goddesses of knowledge) and concentric rings of carved lotuses that defy imagination.
• Luna Vasahi Temple (1230 AD): Built by brothers Tejapala and Vastupala in memory of their brother Luna. Its central marble pendant hanging from the ceiling dome is so delicately sculpted that light passes straight through the marble petals.
• Pittalhar & Parshvanatha Temples: Featuring colossal brass statues and multi-storey carved shrines dedicated to Jain sages.

2. Enjoy Boating and Leisure Walks Around Nakki Lake

Situated in the heart of Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is the social and scenic epicenter of the hill station. According to Hindu mythology, the lake is sacred because the gods scooped it out with their bare fingernails (nakh) to create a refuge from the demon Bhashkali. Enclosed by rolling green hills, quirky granite rock formations, and heritage colonial villas, the lake is ideal for an unhurried morning or evening stroll.

Rent a colorful pedal boat, shikara, or motorized boat to cruise across the calm waters, taking in the mountain breeze and picturesque views of royal summer palaces flanking the shore. The lakeside promenade is lined with charming garden parks, local ice cream stalls, toy shops, and popular dining spots. Many travelers choose to stay right along the waterfront at accommodations selected from our guide to the best lake view hotels in Nakki Lake Mount Abu.

3. Hike Up to the Iconic Toad Rock

Perched high on the rocky cliff directly overlooking Nakki Lake, Toad Rock is Mount Abu's most famous natural rock formation. Carved by millions of years of wind and rain erosion into the unmistakable silhouette of a giant frog poised to leap into the lake below, it is an iconic photo spot.

A scenic, well-paved uphill walking trail with approximately 250 stone steps climbs from the edge of Nakki Lake up to the rock outcrop (approx. 20 to 30 minutes). Reaching the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views over the entire expanse of Nakki Lake, the town of Mount Abu, and the surrounding green valleys.

4. Stand on the Highest Peak of the Aravallis at Guru Shikhar

Rising to an altitude of 1,722 metres (5,650 feet), Guru Shikhar is the undisputed highest summit in the entire Aravalli mountain range and the state of Rajasthan. Located 15 kilometres north of Mount Abu, the drive passes through dense oak, pine, and wild rose forests before reaching the summit parking area.

Ascend the remaining stone steps to the summit to visit the historic temple cave dedicated to Guru Dattatreya—an incarnation of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). At the highest rock pinnacle stands a massive brass bell engraved with 1411 AD inscriptions; ringing the bell fills the mountain valley with a resonant hum. On clear days, the summit offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree vista stretching across Rajasthan and Gujarat plains.

5. Watch Golden Hour at Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point

Sunset watching is an institution in Mount Abu. Located roughly 1.5 kilometres southwest of town, Sunset Point sits on a dramatic cliff edge overlooking deep valley gorges and the rolling plains below. As detailed in our Mount Abu Sunset Point guide, hundreds of visitors gather in the late afternoon along stone terraces as the sun transforms into a blazing red orb and slowly sinks beneath the Aravalli horizon.

For a quieter, less crowded alternative, head to Honeymoon Point (Anadara Point) at an elevation of 1,220 metres. Offering romantic views of two rock pillars known as 'Love Rock' and sweeping perspectives of the sun setting over the southwest plains, it is the perfect spot for couples and nature photographers.

6. Explore Achalgarh Fort and Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple

Located 11 kilometres north of Mount Abu, Achalgarh is a historic 15th-century fortress complex originally built by Paramara dynasty rulers and reconstructed in 1452 by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. While the outer battlements and ancient iron gates offer evocative fortress ruins, the main spiritual draw at the base is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient stone temple is unique because devotees worship the toe of Lord Shiva (the right big toe) rather than a traditional Shiva lingam, believed to hold the sacred mountain in place. Adjacent to the temple lies the Mandakini Kund, a sacred water reservoir adorned with carved stone statues of King Adi Pal and three mythical water buffaloes.

7. Spot Wildlife and Crocodiles at Trevor's Tank Sanctuary

Constructed in 1897 by British engineer Col. G.H. Trevor as a dedicated wildlife water reservoir, Trevor's Tank is a serene, secluded eco-tourism sanctuary situated inside the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (5 km from town). Surrounded by dense bamboo thickets and rocky hillocks, the freshwater lake is a protected breeding habitat for marsh crocodiles (muggers).

Visitors can walk along peaceful shaded forest nature trails, climb raised machans (viewing towers) to observe basking crocodiles on the rocks, and spot diverse forest wildlife including Indian leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, wild boars, and rare bird species such as the green avadavat and crested serpent eagle.

8. Find Inner Peace at Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Headquarters

Mount Abu is the international global headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, established in the late 1930s. Spiritual seekers from across the globe visit the Madhuban ashram complex and the expansive Peace Park nestled in the valley between Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh.

Peace Park offers meticulously landscaped meditation gardens, lotus ponds, rock sanctuaries, and quiet audio-visual pavilions where visitors can learn Raja Yoga meditation, stress-management techniques, and inner spiritual philosophy free of charge in an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

9. Relax at Top Hill Resorts and Savor Local Cuisine

Mount Abu boasts a wide range of luxury heritage estates and forest retreats detailed in our curated list of best resorts in Mount Abu. While exploring the town, indulge in hearty Rajasthani and Gujarati vegetarian thalis, sample delicious hot sweet corn at Nakki Lake, and pick up authentic rabri, gulkand, and handcrafted wooden toys in the town markets.

Conclusion

Mount Abu is a truly unique gem in Rajasthan's travel crown—a tranquil mountain sanctuary where breathtaking natural viewpoints, cool alpine breezes, sacred hilltop shrines, and mind-boggling marble artistry come together. Whether you are reflecting before the delicate stone carvings of Dilwara, sailing across Nakki Lake at dusk, or standing at the summit of Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu delivers an enriching, peaceful, and revitalizing mountain holiday.