How to Reach Dilwara Jain Temple – Travel Guide
Discover how to reach Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu via train, bus, car, or flight with practical tips for a smooth journey.
Located in the serene hill station of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Jain Temple is a renowned pilgrimage and architectural marvel. This temple complex, famous for its exquisite marble carvings, attracts tourists and devotees from across India and abroad.
Whether you are planning a spiritual visit, a weekend getaway, or a cultural exploration, this guide covers all practical ways to reach Dilwara Jain Temple. From train and bus options to driving routes and flights, you will find detailed travel advice and tips to plan your journey confidently.
Getting from Major Cities to Dilwara Jain Temple – Main Options
By Train
Train travel to Mount Abu is convenient for many visitors, though the town itself does not have a direct railway station. The nearest major railheads are Abu Road and Udaipur, from where local transport can be arranged.
- Nearest railway station:
Abu Road Railway Station is the closest major station, approximately 28 km from Mount Abu. It is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur via regular trains.
- Travel time and cost:
From Abu Road to Mount Abu, taxis or buses take about 1 hour. Train fares to Abu Road vary widely depending on origin, ranging from INR 200 to INR 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.
- Train frequency and comfort:
Several daily trains stop at Abu Road, including express and superfast options. Booking via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Last-mile connectivity:
From Abu Road station, frequent state-run buses (RSRTC) and private taxis are available. Prepaid taxis at the station ensure fair pricing and avoid haggling.
- Seasonal tips:
During monsoon, train delays are common due to weather. Plan extra buffer time if traveling in July-September.
By Bus
Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach Mount Abu, with several direct routes from Rajasthan and neighboring states. Buses provide scenic views of the Aravalli hills en route.
- Major bus terminals:
Mount Abu has a well-connected RSRTC bus stand with buses from Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Delhi. Night and day buses operate regularly.
- Travel duration and fares:
From Udaipur, buses take around 3 hours, costing INR 150-300. From Ahmedabad, the journey is about 5-6 hours with fares around INR 400-600.
- Bus types and comfort:
Options include ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses. Volvo buses are recommended for comfort on longer routes.
- Booking tips:
Tickets can be booked online via RSRTC or private operators’ websites. Arrive early at bus stands during peak seasons to secure seats.
- Road conditions and scenic route:
The NH27 and SH16 roads leading to Mount Abu are well maintained. The ascent to the hill station offers beautiful views but can be winding; avoid night travel if prone to motion sickness.
By Car / Self-Drive
Driving to Dilwara Jain Temple offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace. The roads are generally good, though hill driving requires caution.
- Popular routes:
From Ahmedabad or Udaipur, take NH27 and SH16 to reach Mount Abu. The drive from Udaipur is about 165 km, taking 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Road quality and tolls:
The highways are mostly two-lane but well maintained with toll plazas en route. Fuel stations and eateries are available along the way.
- Parking near the temple:
Designated parking areas are available near Dilwara Temple, but can get crowded during festivals and weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
- Driving tips:
The final ascent to Mount Abu involves winding roads; drive carefully, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery.
- Car rentals and cabs:
Self-drive car rentals are available in major cities like Udaipur and Ahmedabad. Alternatively, hire a private taxi for a round trip to avoid parking hassles.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, which connects to major Indian cities. From the airport, road travel is required to reach the temple.
- Airport details:
Udaipur Airport is about 165 km from Mount Abu, with daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad.
- Travel from airport to Mount Abu:
Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via NH27 and SH16.
- Flight fares and frequency:
Flight prices vary seasonally, typically ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 one-way. Booking in advance can secure better deals.
- Alternative airports:
Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports are farther but may offer more flight options. Road travel from these airports to Mount Abu takes 5-6 hours.
- Seasonal considerations:
Flights may be affected by fog in winter months (December-January), so check schedules carefully.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers reach Dilwara Jain Temple smoothly, combining convenience and local insights.
- Book your train or flight tickets early:
Use IRCTC for trains to Abu Road or online portals for flights to Udaipur. Advance booking ensures availability during peak seasons.
- Reach Abu Road or Udaipur on time:
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush, especially at busy stations or airports.
- Arrange local transport to Mount Abu:
Prepaid taxis or RSRTC buses from Abu Road station or Udaipur airport are reliable. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.
- Plan your arrival time at Mount Abu:
Aim to reach before sunset to enjoy the hill station’s views and avoid night driving on winding roads.
- Park near Dilwara Temple early:
The temple opens early; arriving soon after opening helps avoid crowds and secures parking.
- Carry light luggage and wear comfortable shoes:
The temple complex involves walking on marble floors; comfortable footwear enhances your visit experience.
Practical Travel Tips
- Safety and security:
Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel to avoid scams. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Food and water:
Carry bottled water and light snacks. While Mount Abu has good eateries, some travelers prefer to avoid street food near pilgrimage sites.
- Booking strategy:
For trains, book via IRCTC at least 30 days in advance. For buses, RSRTC’s official website and apps provide reliable ticketing.
- Local commute:
Auto-rickshaws are available but negotiate fares before boarding. Walking is pleasant around the temple area.
- Luggage handling:
Pack light due to the temple’s marble steps and limited porter services. Use backpacks rather than heavy suitcases.
- Seasonal travel warnings:
Monsoon months bring slippery roads and occasional landslides; winter mornings can be foggy, affecting visibility on roads.
Best Time & Conditions
The best time to visit Dilwara Jain Temple is during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant and the hill station is vibrant. Avoiding peak festival weekends helps ensure a peaceful experience.
Seasonal weather impacts travel comfort and safety, so plan accordingly for smooth transit.
Avoid weekends and public holidays to escape heavy crowds and traffic jams around Mount Abu.
Winter months (October to March) offer cool weather but early morning fog can delay flights and reduce visibility on roads.
Monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery but slippery roads; avoid night travel and check weather forecasts.
Early morning departures are ideal to beat traffic and enjoy scenic views during daylight.
Arrival at Dilwara Jain Temple & What to Expect
On arrival at Mount Abu, the Dilwara Jain Temple is just a short drive or walk from the town center. The temple complex is renowned for its intricate marble architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Visitors can use prepaid taxis or local autos from bus stands or hotels to reach the temple. Nearby attractions include Nakki Lake and the Sunset Point, making Mount Abu a well-rounded destination.
Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, mostly concentrated near the main market and temple area. Early arrival helps in securing good lodging and avoiding last-minute hassles.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to reach Dilwara Jain Temple depends on your starting point, but traveling by train to Abu Road followed by a taxi or bus to Mount Abu offers a balanced mix of convenience and cost-effectiveness. For those preferring speed, flying into Udaipur and then driving is a practical choice.
With well-maintained roads, reliable public transport, and clear travel options, you can plan your visit to this stunning Jain temple confidently. Whether you choose train, bus, car, or flight, the journey to Dilwara Temple promises to be as memorable as the destination itself.