Mount Abu to Ranakpur and Ambaji: Distances and Day Trips
Mount Abu to Ranakpur, Ambaji and Udaipur: distances, drive times, what to see at Nakki Lake and how to plan a Mount Abu day trip.
Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station, and it sits close to two of the region's most visited temples, Ambaji and Ranakpur. Travellers often ask how far each is and whether they can be combined.
This guide gives the distances and drive times, and a few sample plans.
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu.
From Mount Abu to | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
Ambaji | About 45 to 50 km | 1 to 1.25 hours |
Ranakpur | About 160 km by road | 3.5 to 4 hours |
Udaipur | About 165 to 170 km | 3.5 to 4 hours |
Abu Road railway station | About 28 km | 45 minutes |
Distances and times vary with the route and with the state of the roads, so treat these as guides.
Mount Abu to Ambaji
Ambaji is a major Shakti temple on the Gujarat side, and many pilgrims go there from Mount Abu. The drive is short, through scrub and low hills. The temple is crowded on weekends and during Navratri, so go early. The same road takes you on towards Palanpur and Ahmedabad.
Mount Abu to Ranakpur
Ranakpur, famous for its marble Jain temple, is further away than many expect. The usual road runs down from Abu and across to Sirohi and Sadri, a drive of about four hours. It is a long day trip but works well as a stage between Abu and Udaipur.
Mount Abu to Udaipur
A drive of about four hours, and the best way to link the hills with the lakes. Many travellers break the journey at Ranakpur, which adds an hour.
A sample plan
Day 1: reach Mount Abu, then Nakki Lake and the sunset point.
Day 2: the Dilwara Jain temples in the morning, then a drive to Ranakpur.
Day 3: Ranakpur, then on to Udaipur.
If you only have one day from Abu, a trip to Ambaji is the easiest.
What to see at Mount Abu
Nakki Lake: a boating lake in the centre of the town.
Dilwara temples: Jain marble temples known for their carving.
Sunset Point: a crowded but popular viewpoint.
Achalgarh and Gaumukh: quieter temple sites a short drive away.
The shore of Nakki Lake.
Best time to go
October to March is the season. In summer, Abu is the cool escape, and in the monsoon the hills turn green and misty. Weekends and holidays are crowded.
For the rest of the region, see our Rajasthan city order guide and the Udaipur in three days guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ambaji from Mount Abu?
About 45 to 50 km, around an hour.
How far is Ranakpur from Mount Abu?
About 160 km, close to four hours.
Can I do Ranakpur as a day trip from Mount Abu?
Yes, but it is a long day. It is better as a stop on the way to Udaipur.
How far is Udaipur from Mount Abu?
About 165 to 170 km, close to four hours.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March, and summer for the cool air.
Plan your Rajasthan days with us
We link Mount Abu, Ranakpur and Udaipur with a driver and sensible stops. Explore the Rajasthan destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Nakki Lake: Arunsbhat, CC BY-SA 4.0. Lake shore: Hellohappy, CC BY-SA 4.0. Both via Wikimedia Commons.
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