Best Tourist Places to Visit Near Abu Road You Must See

Abu Road serves as the primary railway head and gateway to southern Rajasthan, nestled comfortably in the foothills of the ancient Aravalli range. While widely recognised as the transit stop for travellers heading up to Rajasthan’s lone hill station, there is far more to this scenic town than meets the eye. From hidden historical ruins and serene riverbanks to spiritual sanctuaries and mountain viewpoints, discovering the places to visit in Abu Road and its immediate surroundings makes for an unforgettable itinerary.

Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a spiritual pilgrimage, or a nature trail, knowing the top places to visit near Abu Road will help you unlock hidden gems that many rushed travellers overlook. Here is your definitive guide to the top Abu Road tourist places, mountain retreats, and neighbouring attractions.

Why Explore Abu Road and Its Surroundings?

Most travellers alight at Abu Road railway station and head straight up the ghats, but the foothills hold immense historical, cultural, and geographic charm. Choosing to explore the key places to visit in Abu Road before ascending the plateau allows you to witness centuries of heritage without battling hill-station crowds.

From ancient architectural sites along the West Banas River to pristine picnic spots, the collection of Abu Road tourist places offers an authentic glimpse into local Rajasthani and Gujarati cross-border culture. Moreover, its strategic position makes it effortless to branch out to iconic places near Mount Abu and sacred regional pilgrimage hubs within an hour’s drive.

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Abu Road

Before venturing higher into the hills, take time to tour the local marvels stationed right in and around the city limits.

1. Chandravati Archaeological Site

Located along the banks of the Banas River just outside town, Chandravati is a historical wonder. It served as the capital of the Parmaras of Abu between the 10th and 13th centuries. Today, extensive excavations have revealed intricate temple plinths, stone carvings, and ruined gateways, making it one of the most culturally significant places to visit in Abu Road for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

2. Rishikesh Temple

Tucked into the lush foothills off the Abu-Ambaji highway, the ancient Rishikesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The legend holds that King Ambarisha founded this sanctuary thousands of years ago in the picturesque forested valley. The temple complex features marble shrines, an ancient yajna kund, and surrounding river streams, standing tall as one of the most serene Abu Dhabi tourist places for peaceful contemplation.

3. Brahma Kumaris Shantivan Campus

Shantivan is the massive international headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation, situated along National Highway 27 in Abu Road. Renowned for its spotless cleanliness, sprawling meditation halls, solar energy plants, and peaceful landscaped gardens, a walk through Shantivan is among the most calming things to do in Abu Road. The complex welcomes visitors of all backgrounds seeking spiritual learning and meditation.

4. Bheru Tarak Dham

A notable white marble temple complex located just off the highway, Bheru Tarak Dham is dedicated to Sahasrafana Parshwanath and Bhairav Dev. Built in immaculate marble architecture, it is a prominent Jain pilgrimage destination that features expansive courtyards and tranquil prayer halls, making it one of the premier places to visit in Abu Road for architectural admiration and spiritual seekers.

5. Kui Dam and Mandodari Dam

For outdoor lovers seeking uncrowded nature spots, Kui Dam and Mandodari Dam are top picks. Surrounded by rugged hills, these water reservoirs come alive during and immediately after the monsoon season. Spending a quiet afternoon watching migratory birds or enjoying a lakeside picnic ranks high among the relaxing things to do in Abu Road.

Must-See Places to Visit Near Abu Road

Expanding your radius slightly opens the door to sacred pilgrim shrines, wildlife getaways, and famous hill retreats. Here are the finest places to visit near Abu Road:

1. Ambaji Shaktipeeth and Gabbar Hill

Located approximately 20 km from Abu Road, Ambaji straddles the Gujarat-Rajasthan border and stands as one of the 51 revered Shaktipeeth shrines of India. Uniquely, the inner sanctum of the Ambaji temple houses no idol; instead, devotees revere the sacred Viso Yantra. Nearby, Gabbar Hill features 999 stone steps as well as a modern ropeway leading to the legendary original seat of the deity. Adding Ambaji to your journey is one of the most rewarding places to visit near Abu Road.

2. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Situated about 35 km away, this wildlife reserve spans the forested slopes between Abu Road and Banaskantha. The sanctuary is designated primarily to conserve the vulnerable Indian sloth bear. It is also home to leopards, sambar deer, wild boars, and diverse bird species. Exploring its marked trails provides an adventurous change of pace compared to traditional sightseeing.

Iconic Mount Abu Nearby Tourist Locations

Because Abu Road sits right at the base of the mountain pass, any comprehensive travel plan naturally includes exploring Mount Abu and nearby tourist locations. A picturesque 28 km drive along curling mountain roads leads directly to these celebrated attractions:

1. Nakki Lake and Toad Rock

Nakki Lake is the vibrant core of the hill station, roughly 28 km from the base. Surrounded by rolling peaks, lively bazaars, and scenic walkways, taking a paddle boat out onto the water is an essential experience. Perched on a hill right beside the lake is Toad Rock, a massive natural boulder that strikingly resembles a toad poised to leap into the water.

2. Dilwara Jain Temples

Located about 31 km up the hills, the 11th- to 13th-century Dilwara Temples are regarded as among the finest marble structures in the world. The filigree work on the marble ceilings, pillars, and doorways is so delicate it almost appears translucent. These temples rank as the finest of all Mount Abu nearby tourist locations and are universally celebrated across travel itineraries.

3. Guru Shikhar Peak

Rising to an elevation of 1,722 metres above sea level and positioned 43 km from the foothills, Guru Shikhar is the highest point in the entire Aravalli Range. At the summit, you will find the temple of Dattatreya alongside a giant brass bell that resonates across the mountain valleys. The panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mist-draped peaks make the scenic drive up well worth the time.

4. Achalgarh Fort and Achaleshwar Mahadev

Built originally by the Paramara dynasty and later renovated by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, Achalgarh Fort overlooks valleys and ancient water tanks. At its base, the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple houses a revered toe impression of Lord Shiva and an ancient Nandi statue made of five sacred metals.

Exciting Things to Do in Abu Road and Surrounds

Beyond static sightseeing, immersing yourself in local activities brings your journey alive:

• Savour Local Rabdi and Street Delicacies: Abu Road is regionally famous for its rich, caramelised rabdi, sold fresh near the railway station. Tasting this traditional sweet is undeniably one of the most popular things to do in Abu Road.
• Embark on a Monsoon Waterfall Trail: During the monsoon months, seasonal cascades such as Rishikesh Waterfall and Bandhigarh Waterfall roar to life in the foothills, offering refreshing natural wading spots.
• Photograph the Aravalli Vistas: Drive through the lesser-explored rural roads connecting Chandravati, Kui, and the border valleys to capture traditional village life and dramatic granite boulders.
• Trek the Aravalli Ridges: For active travellers, several easy-to-moderate hiking paths snake from the base camps around Abu Road up toward the surrounding ridges.

Practical Travel Information and Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Monsoon (July to September): The hills transform into lush green landscapes, waterfalls emerge along roadside cliffs, and the weather remains pleasantly cool.
• Winter (October to March): Ideal for comprehensive sightseeing across all places near Mount Abu and the foothill plains, with crisp mornings and comfortable sunny afternoons.
• Summer (April to June): Daytimes at the base can be hot, making evening visits to foothill shrines or escaping into the higher altitude of Mount Abu preferable.

How to Reach

• By Train: Abu Road Railway Station (ABR) is a major junction on the Western Railway line, boasting direct connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
• By Air: The closest domestic airports are Udaipur (155 km) and Ahmedabad (190 km), both easily connected by four-lane highways and rail networks.
• By Road: Abu Road lies directly along National Highway 27, ensuring smooth drives whether arriving from Gujarat or northern Rajasthan.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Cultural and Spiritual Foothills
  • Morning: Visit Chandravati Archaeological Ruins and the ancient Rishikesh Temple.
  • Afternoon: Experience the peaceful campus and gardens of Brahma Kumaris Shantivan.
  • Evening: Enjoy fresh local rabdi in the city market, followed by a sunset stroll at Kui Dam.
• Day 2: Mountain Wonders
  • Morning: Ascend the 28 km ghat road to marvel at the Dilwara Jain Temples.
  • Afternoon: Drive up to the peak of Guru Shikhar and explore Achalgarh.
  • Evening: Boating at Nakki Lake and watching the sunset from Toad Rock before descending back to Abu Road.

Taking the time to discover the diverse places to visit in Abu Road turns a simple transit stop into an enriching vacation filled with historic architecture, spiritual sanctuaries, and peaceful natural settings. Book a stay at the best resort in Abu Road, plan your next getaway to this gateway town, and uncover the finest sights across the Aravalli foothills.