Discover Sirohi: Mount Abu, Temples and Nature

One particularly specific travel destination in Sirohi is Mount Abu. The hill station lies 1,722 metres above sea level and is Rajasthan’s only hill station. Lush green Aravalli hills surround it. When looking for a hotel in Sirohi, it helps to decide what you want from your stay: scenery, religious sites, history and activities at Nakki Lake offer different focal points.

Elevation, lake and nature

Guru Shikhar is the highest point in the Aravalli Range. The ascent to the temple of Guru Dattatreya includes about 300 steps. Guru Dattatreya is considered an embodiment of the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The step count gives a concrete sense of the climb, without allowing a walking time to be inferred.

At Nakki Lake, you can go boating and watch the sunset. The lake is considered India’s first man-made lake and is associated with the cremation of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes. This brings together a possible waterside activity and a historical connection in one place. Toad Rock is a toad-shaped igneous rock formation; Toad Rock View Point is on the main hiking trail near the lake. The similar names therefore refer to the rock formation and the landmark on the hiking trail, respectively.

The protected landscape is also part of Mount Abu’s character: Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers 288 square kilometres and is part of the region’s subtropical forest. At Peace Park, you’ll find a rock garden with numerous cacti, an orchard, a citrus corner and various flower gardens. The park lies between the Aravalli peaks Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh; the Brahma Kumaris offer a guided tour there.

Temples and history

The Dilwara complex comprises five separate Jain temples. The number refers to individual temples within one complex and makes this a clearly defined focal point if you’re interested in Jain architecture. Distinct from these is the Achleshwar Mahadev Temple in Mount Abu, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Achalgarh Fort tells a different kind of story. It was originally built by the Paramara dynasty, later renovated by Maharana Kumbha and renamed Achalgarh in 1452 AD. Construction, later renovation and renaming are separate stages; the year refers to the renaming. Together with the religious sites, the fort offers a distinct historical perspective on Mount Abu.

Activities and trip planning

The Mount Abu Summer Festival features the folk dances Gair, Ghoomar and Daph. Since the current programme may change, it’s worth checking the details for the specific event if these dances are important to your trip planning. At Nakki Lake, boating and the sunset are possible experiences instead. This makes cultural events and lake activities distinct interests to consider for your stay.

Mount Abu does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok near Udaipur, 176 kilometres away. Check the airport’s status and your route before travelling. Well-maintained roads connect Mount Abu with Ajmer, Bundi and Delhi; state-run buses are also available. Bus services and timetables may change, so check the latest information before departure.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lakhawas, Pindwara, Jamboori, Anadra, Chandrawati, Sri Ganganagar, Sikar, Jhalawar.

For the broader travel overview: Rajasthan.