Anyone heading to Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, quickly discovers that the shopping here is just as big a draw as the cool weather and scenic lake views. Visitors almost always want to carry home a piece of Rajasthan, and four markets in particular have built a reputation for delivering exactly that. Topping that list is the bustling stretch of shops around Nakki Lake, where tourists arriving to admire the lake end up spending just as much time browsing the local stores.
Nakki Lake Market: where the shopping spree really begins
Stretching from the Nakki Lake crossing all the way along the scenic path that circles the lake, this market stays lively with colourful stalls at almost every step. Shoppers here find traditional Rajasthani outfits, intricately carved wooden toys, Rajasthani artwork and rare antique pieces all lined up together. The area isn't just about buying things, though, travellers also stop to enjoy local street food and dress up in vibrant traditional Rajasthani outfits for keepsake photographs. Items like Marwari bandhani fabric, lightweight yet warm Jaipuri quilts, and handcrafted wooden toys are such favourites among visitors that hardly anyone leaves without picking up at least one as a memory of the trip.
The Tibetan Market: a stash of warm clothing on the way to Sunset Point
Along the road leading from the Nakki Lake crossing toward the popular Sunset Point sits a smaller but distinctly charming market known locally as the Tibetan Market. Made up of roughly 30 to 35 shops, it is run largely by traders of Tibetan origin selling their own style of goods. The draw here is affordable, good quality warm clothing, including trendy jackets, fashionable sweaters and soft shawls. Handmade items reflecting traditional Tibetan culture are also easy to find in this compact bazaar, which is exactly why it has carved out its own distinct identity within Mount Abu.
The Main Bazaar: jewellery, carved woodwork and everything in between
Mount Abu's Main Bazaar is the go-to shopping spot for locals and tourists alike, largely because it offers something for every kind of buyer under one roof. Its shops stock eye-catching traditional jewellery, Rajasthani garments, artistic handicrafts, carved wooden items, striking Rajasthani paintings, stone art and craft pieces, and durable leather goods. The market is easy to reach by walking from the Nakki Lake crossing toward the SDM office, and it doubles as the main shopping destination for residents handling their everyday needs. Shoppers can pick up the region's well-known Kota sarees, bangles decorated with lac and colourful stone work, traditional Sanganeri print fabric, and the famous lightweight, warm quilts from Jaipur. For anyone wanting to bring a touch of Rajasthan home, fragrant sandalwood pieces along with decorative and gift items crafted from marble and sandstone are also sold here at reasonable prices.
The market right outside Abu Road station: the easiest stop for train travellers
Travellers arriving by train get off at Abu Road railway station, and just 50 metres directly across from it sits the city's busiest market. What makes this stretch stand out is how affordably it offers everything from everyday local products to striking antique pieces. Rajasthani handmade art, fresh and fragrant spices, handloom products, traditional Rajasthani safas (turbans) and colourful traditional outfits are all readily available here, letting train travellers get their shopping done the moment they step off, before their trip into Mount Abu even properly begins.
