Rajasthan is usually remembered for its deserts and blistering heat, yet the moment the monsoon arrives, the state's only hill station, Mount Abu, transforms into a lush green paradise. A well-known travel website recently placed it on its list of India's top monsoon destinations, and ever since, more and more travellers have been planning a rainy-season trip here. If you too want to soak in the greenery, clouds and waterfalls this season, here are the places you simply should not miss.
Golden Horn View Point
For visitors arriving in Mount Abu, the very first and biggest draw is the Golden Horn View Point. This is an unusual hill that earned its name for two reasons. First, the morning sunlight gives it a golden, gold-like shimmer, and second, its shape resembles a horn. For this reason it is also called the largest natural chimney. Reaching it involves a beautiful walking trek of about 5 kilometres, and it is along this trail that the enchanting monsoon views slowly unfold before your eyes.
Gomukh Temple and a journey of 750 steps
Tucked among the hills in the forest area, Gomukh Temple is one of the most peaceful spots to visit in Mount Abu during the monsoon. Getting there means descending around 750 steps, and the greenery spread all around along with sweeping mountain views turns the climb down into a beautiful experience rather than a tiring one. According to religious belief, this place was the penance ground of sage Vashishtha, the guru of Lord Ram. A lovely Gomukh Kund here features a cow-mouth-shaped spout from which a natural stream of water flows continuously throughout the year. It is this constantly flowing water from the cow's mouth that gave the famous site its name, Gomukh Temple.
Toad Rock, where the whole of Nakki Lake comes into view
About 100 metres above the circumambulation path of Mount Abu's famous Nakki Lake stands a hill that looks exactly like the shape of a frog. It is this unusual form that earned it the name Toad Rock. Reaching its peak requires climbing around 150 steps, but once at the top, the spectacular combined view of Nakki Lake and the entire town makes every bit of effort worthwhile. During the monsoon, when the whole surrounding area is draped in greenery, the beauty of this point grows even more.
The thrilling 7-kilometre trek from Guru Shikhar
For travellers who enjoy a longer, more adventurous outing, the roughly 7-kilometre trek starting from Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu, is the finest option in the rainy season. Along this route, beautiful waterfalls, dense greenery and cloud-wrapped mountains appear at every step. The sacred temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath also fall along the way, while Shergaon's famous Ishan Bheru cave is a major point of interest here. Moving further ahead, remote villages such as Bada Utraj and Shergaon come into view, where, far from the internet and modern conveniences, local families can still be seen living a simple life in their traditional homes.
Shergaon, the highest village in Rajasthan
Shergaon is the highest-altitude village in Rajasthan. During the rains, nature lovers and tourists arrive here especially to enjoy trekking and the natural scenery. Its height and far-flung setting make it special for those seeking calm away from the crowds.
What to keep in mind before you trek
As beautiful as it is to explore Mount Abu in the monsoon, it calls for equal caution. The rain greatly increases the risk of slipping on the hilly paths, so wearing shoes with a good grip is absolutely essential. Beyond that, having a trained guide with you while trekking through the dense forests is also a must. With a guide along, there is no fear of losing your way in the jungle and no worry of mishaps, keeping the entire trip safe.
