Wrestling with the thought of whether to choose Udaipur or Mount Abu for your Rajasthan getaway? You’re not alone! After visiting both destinations multiple times over the past 8 years and helping travellers plan their perfect trips, I understand this dilemma completely. If you prefer historical grandeur and lakeside romance, choose Udaipur. For mountain serenity and a cooler climate, Mount Abu is an ideal destination. Both destinations promise unforgettable experiences, but which one deserves the top spot on your itinerary?
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Mount Abu | Udaipur |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | April-June, Sept-Nov | October-March |
| Budget Range | ₹3,000-₹15,000/day | ₹4,000-₹25,000/day |
| Activities & Experiences | Trekking, sunset points, and boating | Palace tours, boat rides, heritage & cultural tours |
| Who It’s For | Nature lovers, spiritual seekers | Couples, heritage buffs, luxury travellers |
| Travel Ease | Road access from major cities | Well-connected by air, rail, and road |
Planning a trip? See whether Jaipur Or Udaipur suits your travel style.
A quick guide to choosing between Udaipur and Mount Abu
Choose Udaipur If You Want:
- Historical palaces and architectural marvels
- Romantic lakeside boat rides
- Luxury heritage hotel experiences
- Vibrant cultural festivals
- Shopping for traditional crafts
- Photography opportunities with palaces
Choose Mount Abu If You Want:
- Cool mountain climate (especially in summer)
- Spiritual experiences at Jain temples
- Budget-friendly accommodation
- Trekking and nature walks
- Peaceful, less crowded atmosphere
- Wildlife sanctuary visits
Destination Overview
Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur served as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Known as the “Venice of the East,” this romantic city is built around seven lakes, with the Aravalli Range providing a stunning backdrop.
Key Highlights:
- 7 interconnected lakes, including the famous Lake Pichola
- City Palace complex spanning 400 years of architecture
- 65+ palaces, temples, and havelis
- UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby (Chittorgarh Fort)
Planning a trip? See whether Pushkar or Mount Abu suits your travel style.
Mount Abu: Rajasthan’s Only Hill Station
Perched at 1,220 meters above sea level in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu has been a retreat for royals and sages since ancient times. Named after the sage Arbuda, it offers a refreshing escape from Rajasthan’s desert heat.
Key Highlights:
- Rajasthan’s only hill station with a pleasant year-round climate
- Famous Dilwara Jain Temples (11th-13th century)
- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (290 sq km)
- Guru Shikhar – the highest peak in Rajasthan (1,722m)
Mount Abu vs Udaipur: A Detailed Comparison
Climate & Weather
| Aspect | Udaipur | Mount Abu |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr-Jun) | 23°C-44°C (Hot & Dry) | 23°C-34°C (Pleasant) |
| Monsoon (Jul-Sep) | 24°C-35°C (Humid) | 20°C-30°C (Cool & Green) |
| Winter (Oct-Mar) | 10°C-26°C (Perfect) | 12°C-23°C (Cool) |
| Best Time | October-March | Year-round (Peak: Nov-Jun) |
Winner: Mount Abu for year-round comfort, Udaipur for winter travel
Accessibility & Transportation
| Transport Mode | Udaipur | Mount Abu |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Udaipur Airport (22km) | Udaipur Airport (165km) |
| Railway Station | Udaipur City (Central) | Abu Road (28km away) |
| Road Connectivity | Excellent (NH8, NH76) | Good (Via Abu Road) |
| Distance from Delhi | 650km (8 hours) | 850km (10 hours) |
Winner: Udaipur for accessibility
Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Per Day)
1. Accommodation Costs
| Category | Udaipur | Mount Abu |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | ₹800-1,500 | ₹600-1,200 |
| Mid-Range Hotels | ₹2,000-4,000 | ₹1,500-3,000 |
| Luxury Heritage | ₹5,000-25,000 | ₹3,000-8,000 |
| Average Cost | ₹2,500 | ₹1,800 |
2. Food & Dining
| Meal Type | Udaipur | Mount Abu |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food | ₹50-150 | ₹40-120 |
| Local Restaurants | ₹300-800 | ₹200-600 |
| Fine Dining | ₹1,000-3,000 | ₹600-1,500 |
| Daily Food Budget | ₹800-1,200 | ₹500-900 |
3. Activities & Attractions
| Activity | Udaipur Cost | Mount Abu Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Rides | ₹400-600 | ₹75-150 |
| Palace Entries | ₹300-500 | ₹200-300 |
| Museums | ₹100-200 | ₹50-100 |
| Adventure Activities | ₹500-2,000 | ₹300-1,000 |
Total Daily Budget:
Udaipur: ₹2,500-4,000 (Mid-range traveller)
Mount Abu: ₹1,800-3,000 (Mid-range traveller)
Winner: Mount Abu for budget-conscious travelers
Best Time to Visit
Udaipur Travel Calendar
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct-Nov | Perfect (15-28°C) | Moderate | High |
| Dec-Feb | Cool (8-25°C) | High | Peak |
| Mar | Pleasant (18-32°C) | Moderate | High |
| Apr-Jun | Hot (25-44°C) | Low | Low |
| Jul-Sep | Humid (24-35°C) | Low | Low |
To know more, check out our Best Time to Visit Udaipur guide
Mount Abu Travel Calendar
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-Feb | Cool (12-23°C) | High | Peak |
| Mar-May | Pleasant (18-30°C) | Moderate | High |
| Jun | Warm (23-34°C) | High (Escape heat) | Peak |
| Jul-Sep | Cool & Green (20-28°C) | Low | Low |
| Oct | Pleasant (18-28°C) | Moderate | High |
Take a look at our guide on the best time to visit Mount Abu.
Top Attractions Comprehensive Guide
Udaipur Must-Visit Places
1. City Palace Complex
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a magnificent fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It contains 11 palaces, courtyards, and gardens built over 400 years by successive Maharanas. The palace boasts of intricate peacock mosaics, mirror work, and crystal galleries, and it offers breathtaking views of the lake and city.
2. Lake Palace (Jag Niwas)
Access: Boat rides available
Best View: From the City Palace or a boat
Photography: Sunset golden hour (6-7 pm)
On Lake Pichola, Lake Palace floats like a white marble dream, often referred to as the most romantic palace in the world. The architectural wonder, built by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer retreat, is now a luxury hotel. As the sun sets on the lake, the palace’s white marble walls reflect beautifully in the water, creating a magical ambiance.
3. Jag Mandir Palace
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
Highlights: Garden restaurant, marble pavilions
The Jag Mandir is an island palace on Lake Pichola, that is known for playing a pivotal role in the design inspiration of the Taj Mahal. During his rebellion against his father, Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) stayed here as a refuge.
4. Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Best For: Sunset views over the Aravalli hills
Udaipur’s Monsoon Palace sits atop the Bansdara peak of the Aravalli Hills. The palace, built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, overlooks the monsoon clouds and serves as an astronomical observatory. The sunsets here are particularly breathtaking, making it a photographer’s paradise and a romantic spot.
5. Lake Pichola
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Best Time: Sunset boat ride (5-6 pm)
Lake Pichola, the crown jewel of Udaipur’s lakes, was created in 1362 AD. This 3-mile-long lake is situated in the heart of Udaipur and is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, and ghats. It features two island palaces: Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir (Lake Temple).
6. Fateh Sagar Lake
Island Visits: Nehru Park
Best Activity: Evening boat rides
Fateh Sagar Lake is the second-largest lake in Udaipur and a popular recreational destination. It was constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678 and later reconstructed by him. The cool breezes and surrounding hills create a delightful atmosphere for evening strolls along the lake’s promenade.
7. Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of Maidens)
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm
Highlights: Fountains, lotus pool, marble pavilions
Built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a beautiful ornamental garden that showcases the artistic taste of the royal era. The garden features rain fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool. There is also a small museum located in the garden that displays ancient artefacts.
8. Bagore Ki Haveli
Cultural Show: 7-8 pm daily
Museum: Traditional Rajasthani artefacts
Bagore Ki Haveli, a 17th-century haveli located at the Gangori Ghat, has been converted into an art museum featuring royal artefacts. This haveli, built by Mewar’s Prime Minister, Amir Chand Badwa, features costumes, modern art, and Rajasthani culture. The haveli’s 138 rooms, courtyards, and terraces offer insights into the lifestyle of the Mewar nobility.
9. Vintage Car Museum
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Highlights: Rolls-Royce collection of Maharajas
It displays a remarkable collection of classic cars owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur in its Vintage Car Museum. The museum displays rare vintage vehicles, including Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, and Mercedes-Benzes, as well as a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was featured in the James Bond film “Octopussy.”
10. Jagdish Temple
Entry: Free
Timings: 4 am – 10 pm
Architecture: Indo-Aryan style temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Jagannath), Jagdish Temple was constructed in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan architectural marvel features an impressive pyramidal spire, intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures. The main shrine contains an image of Lord Vishnu with four arms.
Mount Abu Must-Visit Places
1. Dilwara Jain Temples
Timings: 11 am – 5 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Photography: Not allowed inside
Dress Code: Covered clothing required
The group of five Jain temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With their incredibly intricate marble carvings, these architectural marvels seem almost impossible to create. The temples showcase exquisite artwork on pillars, doorways, panels, and ceilings, notably in the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples.
2. Guru Shikhar Temple
Entry: Free
Timings: 6 am – 8 pm
Height: 1,722 meters (Highest point in Rajasthan)
Climb: 300-400 steps
Best Time: Early morning or evening
Guru Shikhar, standing at 1,722 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Rajasthan. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Mount Abu region. At the summit, a temple dedicated to Guru Dattatreya is located, who is regarded as an incarnation of the Hindu trinity, comprising Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
3. Achalgarh Fort & Temple
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Distance: 11km from Mount Abu
Highlights: Chamunda Mata Temple
Maharana Kumbha of Mewar built Achalgarh Fort in 1452 to demonstrate his architectural brilliance and strategic planning skills. Within the fort, the renowned Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is located, featuring a natural Shiva Linga. Several ancient temples, palaces, and stepwells exemplify the medieval Indian architectural and engineering heritage.
Natural Attractions
1. Nakki Lake
Activities: Paddle boating, horse riding
Food: Lakeside cafes and stalls
According to Hindu mythology, Nakki Lake was carved out by the gods using their nails (nakh). This ancient, sacred lake is the centre of Mount Abu, surrounded by unusual rock formations and hills. The lake is ideal for boating with family and friends, offering paddleboats and rowboats for a tranquil experience.
2. Sunset Point
Entry: Free
Best Time: 6-7 pm
Crowd: High during sunset
Sunset Point, one of Mount Abu’s most popular attractions, offers stunning views of the sun setting behind the Aravalli hills. Located on a rocky outcrop, this viewpoint provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
3. Honeymoon Point
Entry: Free
Best For: Couples, photography
View: Aravalli ranges and valleys
Honeymoon Point, known initially as Anadra Point, received its romantic name due to its popularity among newlyweds and couples. This scenic viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the lush green Aravalli ranges and the plains of Gujarat. The area looks especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the entire landscape is illuminated in a golden light.
4. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Wildlife: Leopards, sloth bears, 250+ bird species
Located in the Aravalli mountain ranges, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 square kilometres of lush green forest. There are over 250 species of birds in the sanctuary, as well as leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and sambhar deer.
Accommodation Options
Where to stay in Mount Abu for a luxury experience?
- Palace Hotel (Bikaner House)
- Cama Rajputana Club
- The Colonial Manek Manor
Choose from colonial-style resorts that offer an old-world charm nestled amid green hills.
Best heritage hotels and resorts in Udaipur?
- Taj Lake Palace (floating on Lake Pichola!)
- The Leela Palace Udaipur
- Fateh Garh
- RAAS Devigarh
- Trident Udaipur
Many of these are available in IndianHoliday’s Rajasthan luxury packages with perks and flexible add-ons.
Which is Better for Your Travel Style?
For Couples: Udaipur offers unmatched romantic vibes, candlelit dinners, and luxury stays
For Nature Lovers: Mount Abu delivers peace, trails, and greenery
For Culture & History Buffs: Udaipur wins with palaces, museums, and traditional art
For Summer Escapes: Mount Abu’s cooler climate is a perfect getaway
For Short Weekend Trips: Mount Abu is easier for quick road trips
Plan your trip with top-rated Udaipur tour packages and Mount Abu tour packages.
Still confused about whether to choose Udaipur or Mount Abu?
Let IndianHoliday’s Rajasthan experts help you choose or combine both in a seamless itinerary. Whether you’re after royal romance or a peaceful retreat, we customise trips based on your travel mood, time, and budget.
