Sirohi: Mountain Scenery, Temples and Nakki Lake

With Mount Abu, Sirohi reveals an unusual side of Rajasthan: the hill station is the only one of its kind in the state and lies 1,722 metres above sea level. Lush green hills of the Aravalli Range surround Mount Abu; Guru Shikhar is the highest point in this mountain range. Trip ideas range from Nakki Lake and Jain temples to a historic fort, gardens and a large protected area. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether scenery, culture or activities should be the focus of your trip.

Lake, Rocks and Natural Landscape

Nakki Lake is considered India’s first artificial lake. Boating is available on the lake, and watching the sunset is another possible activity there. The lake offers a different kind of appeal from the striking rock formation known as Toad Rock: it is made of igneous rock and is shaped like a toad. Toad Rock View Point is on the main walking trail near Nakki Lake.

For those interested in the landscape beyond the lake, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary offers a vast natural area: it covers 288 square kilometres and is part of the region’s subtropical forest. The green hills and the sanctuary give the destination a different focus from temples and history. This lets you decide during your trip planning whether to focus more on natural scenery or cultural sites.

Temples and Historic Traces

The Dilwara complex comprises five distinct Jain temples. The Achleshwar Mahadev Temple is also part of Mount Abu’s religious heritage; it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Achalgarh Fort offers a different historical perspective: it was originally built by the Paramara dynasty, later renovated by Maharana Kumbha, and renamed Achalgarh in 1452 AD.

A climb of around 300 steps leads to the temple of Guru Dattatreya at Guru Shikhar. Guru Dattatreya is considered an embodiment of the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The temples and fort therefore represent different religious and historical themes, while the climb to Guru Shikhar adds a distinct landscape experience. If you are travelling with varied interests, this makes it easier to weigh up which experiences you want to shape your days.

Gardens and Events

Peace Park lies in Mount Abu between the peaks of Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh and offers a guided tour. Its features include a rock garden with numerous cacti, an orchard, a citrus corner and various flower gardens. The park offers a distinct focus alongside the temples, lake and sanctuary. The Brahma Kumaris offer the tour.

The Mount Abu Summer Festival features the folk dances Gair, Ghoomar and Daph. If you would like to include this event in your trip plans, check the dates and current programme in advance. This keeps the festival’s traditional features distinct from the specific event details.

Getting There and Choosing the Right Accommodation

Mount Abu does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok, near Udaipur, 176 kilometres away. Check current airport and route information before your trip. Well-maintained roads connect Mount Abu with Ajmer, Bundi and Delhi; state-run buses are also available. Check bus connections and timetables for your travel dates.

When searching for a holiday rental, it helps to have your preferred mix of nature, culture and activities in mind. Compare the location of any accommodation you are considering with the places you actually want to visit. Temples and the fort offer a different focus from the lake and rock formation, while the sanctuary and green hills bring the landscape to the fore.

Discover More Places

Discover more places: Lakhawas, Pindwara, Jamboori, Anadra, Chandrawati.

Discover more destinations: Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Barmer.

See the main travel overview: Rajasthan.