When summer arrives in Jaipur, the city does not ease up. Temperatures cross 44°C by May. The forts bake in the afternoon sun. Even the evenings stay warm. And every family in the Pink City starts asking the same question: where do we go?
The answer, for generations of Rajasthanis, has been Mount Abu. Rajasthan's only hill station sits in the Aravalli Range at an elevation of 1,220 metres above sea level. While Jaipur swelters, Mount Abu stays cool - temperatures rarely cross 33°C even in peak summer. There are lakes, forests, ancient temples and winding hill roads. It is the one place in Rajasthan that genuinely feels like a different world.
This guide covers everything you need to plan the Jaipur to Mount Abu road trip properly: exact distance, best route, en-route stops worth making, places to visit in Mount Abu, travel costs and practical tips that save you time and money.
The Jaipur to Mount Abu distance by road is approximately 490 to 510 kilometres, depending on which route you take. The most commonly driven route - via Ajmer and Beawar - covers around 495 kilometres and takes 8 to 9 hours by car under normal driving conditions, including short breaks.
This is an important number to keep in mind while planning. It is a long drive, but it is one of the most rewarding road trips in Rajasthan. The landscape shifts gradually as you move south - from the flat plains of Jaipur, through the semi-arid belt of Ajmer, past the rolling terrain near Pali and finally into the green Aravalli foothills as you approach Abu Road and the hill station above it.
| Mode of Travel | Distance | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Car / Private Cab | ~495 km | 8–9 hours |
| By Train (to Abu Road) | ~435 km (rail) | 5.5–6.5 hours |
| By Bus | ~495 km | 10–12 hours |
For families, groups and anyone who values comfort - a private car is the best choice. You control your stops, your pace and your time. The last 28 kilometres from Abu Road station up to Mount Abu are steep, winding hill roads that are far more comfortable in a well-maintained private vehicle than in any crowded bus.
There are three possible road routes for Jaipur to Mount Abu by road. Here is a breakdown of all three, with an honest recommendation.
Route 1 - Via Ajmer and Beawar (Recommended)
Distance: ~495 km | Time: 8–9 hours
Jaipur → Ajmer (135 km) → Beawar (170 km) → Pali (250 km) → Sirohi (430 km) → Abu Road (467 km) → Mount Abu (495 km)
This is the standard and most travelled route. The roads are national highway for most of the stretch - well-maintained, four-lane and clearly marked. You pass through Ajmer and can add a quick stop at Pushkar (15 km off the main road). After Beawar, traffic thins out considerably and the drive becomes genuinely pleasant
Route 2 - Via NH 58 (Longer, More Scenic)
Distance: ~510 km | Time: 10–11 hours
This route goes through Ajmer Bypass and adds extra distance. It is more scenic in parts but not more efficient. Only recommended if you want a leisurely two-day drive and plan to stay overnight in Udaipur.
Route 3 - Via Tonk and Udaipur
Distance: ~560 km | Time: 12+ hours
The longest option. Takes you through Tonk, Chittorgarh and Udaipur before heading to Mount Abu. Worth it only if you plan a multi-destination trip and want to cover Udaipur on the way.
For most travellers, Route 1 is the right call. It is the shortest, the fastest and the most road-friendly.
One of the best things about the Jaipur to Mount Abu road trip is that the route itself has good stops. Do not just sit in the car for 9 hours - break the journey at these points .
Ajmer (135 km from Jaipur)
Ajmer is a natural first stop about two hours into the drive. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah - the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti - is one of the most significant religious sites in India and is worth a 45-minute visit. If you start from Jaipur at 6 AM, you reach Ajmer around 8:30 AM, visit the Dargah, have breakfast at one of the restaurants near the gate and continue by 9:30 AM.
Pushkar (150 km from Jaipur)
Pushkar is just 15 kilometres from Ajmer. If your group includes first-time visitors or anyone who has not seen the Brahma Temple or Pushkar Lake, add this 45-minute detour. It adds an hour to the total journey but is worth it for the experience
Pali (250 km from Jaipur)
A good midpoint for lunch. Pali is a town on NH 62 with multiple highway dhabas and restaurants. This is roughly the halfway mark - ideal for a proper lunch break and a 20-minute rest before continuing south.
Abu Road (467 km from Jaipur)
Abu Road is the town at the base of the mountain, 28 kilometres below Mount Abu. This is where the train station is. If you are driving, fill your fuel tank here before starting the ascent - petrol stations on the mountain road are limited. The final stretch from Abu Road to Mount Abu is all winding uphill road through the Aravalli forest. It takes about 45 minutes and is genuinely beautiful.
Once you arrive, Mount Abu has enough to keep you busy for two full days. Here are the key attractions:
Nakki Lake
The centre of Mount Abu's social life. Nakki Lake sits in the middle of the hill station and is surrounded by gardens, shops and viewpoints. Boating is available, the sunsets over the water are excellent and the evening walks around the lake are what most visitors remember most. Entry is free.
Dilwara Jain Temples (5 km from Mount Abu)
These are the architectural highlight of the entire trip. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Dilwara Temples are considered among the finest examples of marble temple architecture in India. The level of detail in the marble carvings - every ceiling, pillar and wall - is genuinely astonishing. Entry is free, but cameras are not permitted inside. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Guru Shikhar (15 km from Mount Abu)
At 1,722 metres, Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range and the highest point in all of Rajasthan. The views from the top are panoramic - on a clear day you can see well into Gujarat. A road runs almost all the way to the summit. Worth the 30-minute drive from the town centre.
Sunset Point
Every visitor to Mount Abu ends up at Sunset Point at least once. The western-facing viewpoint offers an unobstructed view of the sun going down over the Aravalli hills. Reaches peak crowd around 6:30 PM. Arrive by 6 PM for a good spot.
Achalgarh Fort (11 km from Mount Abu)
A historic fort with a small but well-preserved complex, including the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. Less crowded than the main tourist spots and a good option for those who want to escape the town centre for a few hours.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
The forest surrounding Mount Abu is a protected sanctuary home to leopards, wild boars, various deer species and over 250 species of birds. If your group includes nature enthusiasts or children, a short jungle walk or jeep safari here is a good use of two hours.
Trevor's Tank
A picturesque reservoir built during the British era, surrounded by dense forest. It is one of the quietest spots on the mountain - ideal for photography and a peaceful afternoon walk.
Summer (April to June)
This is when Jaipur residents flock to Mount Abu. Temperatures in Mount Abu stay between 23°C and 33°C even when Jaipur is at 45°C. The town is busy but the weather contrast makes it genuinely refreshing. If you are planning a Jaipur to Mount Abu trip specifically to escape the summer heat, this works well.
Winter (October to March)
The best overall weather. Clear skies, cool temperatures (sometimes dropping to 4°C at night in January), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Peak tourist season - book accommodation well in advance.
Monsoon (July to September)
The mountain turns intensely green. Waterfalls appear throughout the hills. Fewer tourists. The roads can get slippery and some viewpoints may be cloudy, but the landscape is stunning. A good choice for those who do not mind occasional rain.
By Private Car (Best Option)
The Jaipur to Mount Abu by road in a private car gives you full control - you stop where you want, carry your luggage comfortably and do not depend on bus or train schedules. The hill road from Abu Road to Mount Abu is steep and winding; a well-maintained private car handles it far better than any shared transport. For families with elderly members or children, this is the clear choice.
By Train
Take a train from Jaipur Junction to Abu Road station - around 5.5 to 6.5 hours. From Abu Road, hire a local taxi for the 28 km climb to Mount Abu (~₹400–600). Good for solo travellers or couples on a tight budget. The downside: you give up flexibility for the en-route stops and need to arrange a local cab at Abu Road.
By Bus
Direct buses from Jaipur to Mount Abu are available but take 10 to 12 hours. The journey is long and tiring, especially on the mountain section. Not recommended for families with young children or elderly travellers.
Private Car Hire (One Way)
| Vehicle | Suitable For | Approximate Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios) | 1–3 people | ₹5,500–₹7,000 |
| SUV (Innova Crysta) | 4–6 people | ₹8,000–₹11,000 |
| Premium MPV (Kia Carnival) | 6–8 people | ₹12,000–₹16,000 |
| Luxury (Mercedes, Audi) | Couples / Executives | ₹18,000–₹28,000 |
Per person cost drops significantly when split across a group. A family of five sharing an Innova pays roughly ₹1,600–₹2,200 per person one way - comparable to a bus ticket, but with a completely different level of comfort and flexibility.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (2 nights) | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | ₹5,000–₹12,000 | ₹15,000–₹35,000 |
| Food (all meals) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Transport (private car, round trip) | ₹10,000–₹14,000 | ₹16,000–₹22,000 | ₹30,000–₹50,000 |
| Entry fees & activities | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Total (couple) | ₹14,000–₹21,500 | ₹25,000–₹41,000 | ₹53,000–₹1,01,000 |
The Jaipur to Mount Abu route covers some of Rajasthan's finest destinations. Many travellers extend this into a multi-city trip using Jaipur Holiday Packages that combine Jaipur sightseeing with the Mount Abu road trip and stops at Ajmer, Pushkar and sometimes Udaipur.
A 5-day itinerary looks like this:
Day 1: Jaipur city sightseeing - Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace
Day 2: Drive Jaipur to Ajmer → Pushkar (overnight in Pushkar)
Day 3: Pushkar to Pali to Mount Abu (afternoon arrival, evening at Nakki Lake)
Day 4: Full day Mount Abu - Dilwara Temples, Guru Shikhar, Sunset Point
Day 5: Mount Abu to Jaipur (direct return, ~9 hours)
This kind of itinerary is best done with a pre-arranged private car - the same vehicle and driver throughout, so you do not need to renegotiate or find new transport at each stop.
Most people search for a cab after reading the route. The mistake they make is booking the cheapest option they find online without checking if the driver knows the Abu Road mountain stretch. That last 28 km is steep and winding - driver experience matters.
Mann Luxury Cars has been running this route since 2005. AC cars, experienced drivers, transparent pricing, no surprise charges at destination. Call or WhatsApp +91 9800003450 to confirm your dates and get a quote.
The Jaipur to Mount Abu drive is one of Rajasthan's great road trips - not just because of where it ends, but because of what it passes through. Ajmer's Dargah, Pushkar's lake, the semi-arid Pali plains, the green Aravalli foothills and finally that winding mountain road through the forest to a hill station that has been welcoming Rajasthan's summer travellers for over a century.
Plan it right. Leave early. Break the journey at the right points. And choose a vehicle and driver who know the route - because the last 28 kilometres up to Mount Abu are not the place to figure out that your car or your driver are not up to it.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 9800003450 🚗 Book your Jaipur to Mount Abu cab today
