By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! After conquering the frozen plains of Sikkim, we needed some warmth, but still craved elevation. So, we headed to Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s sole hill station—a lush, green oasis perched high in the Aravalli Range. This trip was a perfect cocktail of spiritual calm, natural beauty, and classic hill station fun. This was our epic high-desert retreat, filled with lovely views and great fun with the crew: Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and me.
The Marble Miracle (The Epic Start)
Our first stop, and the undisputed highlight of any Mount Abu travel guide, was the Dilwara Jain Temples. Even after seeing the grand temples of South India, these caves were absolutely breathtaking. This was the Epic moment of pure architectural awe.
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples are famous for their unbelievably intricate marble carvings. Every pillar, ceiling, and doorway is sculpted with minute detail—so fine they look like they were carved from ivory rather than stone. We walked through the temples in hushed reverence, marveling at the sheer labor and artistry involved.
The sheer patience required for that level of craftsmanship humbled us all. The Lovely feeling here was the immediate sense of peace and devotion that settled over the group as we absorbed the spiritual beauty.
Sunset at Guru Shikhar and Nakki Lake
We dedicated the next day to exploring the natural beauty. We drove to Guru Shikhar, the highest point in the Aravalli Range. The 360-degree views from the top, stretching across the dusty plains and the green Aravalli Hills, were magnificent.
The most Beautiful Moment was spending the evening at Nakki Lake. Legend says this lake was dug by the gods with their fingernails (nakh). We rented paddle boats and circled the tranquil water, watching the surrounding hills and the iconic Toad Rock (a massive boulder shaped exactly like a toad) reflect perfectly on the surface.
This was prime fun with friends. We timed our boat ride to catch the sunset, watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink over the water. It was a classic hill station moment—simple, serene, and perfectly shared.
Wildlife, Markets, and Retreat
Beyond the major sights, we explored the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, taking a short nature walk, hoping to spot some of the local wildlife. We wrapped up the trip by walking through the local markets, where we found quirky Rajasthani artifacts and unique local honey.
Mount Abu successfully delivers an incredible contrast: the profound quiet and spiritual complexity of the Dilwara Temples, juxtaposed with the relaxed, boating culture of Nakki Lake. It’s the perfect, accessible retreat from the desert heat.
What’s your favorite hill station for a quick getaway? Let me know below!
Stay cool, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
