Mount Abu: Very Crowded ;-(. Review on Mount Abu

We decided to visit Mount Abu as I had it firmly etched in my mind that it is one of nicest hill resorts with world famous Delwara Temples to boot. We decided to visit it on the weekend after Diwali. Our travel agent booked us in a heritage hotel with an imposing name ''Hotel Palanpur Palace''. The hotel tariff was exorbitant- but we hoped for a royal treatment.

We traveled by road from Udaipur. The site of Aravali Hills was soothing. The temperature was pleasant. The site of the Hotel was imposing. However our first shock came when the room we were offered was dysfunctional. More about that somewhere else.

We stayed at Mt. Abu for 3 nights- and that was a big mistake. We also could not have possibly chosen a more worst time- a weekend after Diwali. The place was full to the brim. You could hardly move on the road, or trek towards Guru Shikhar or walk inside the temple without jostling for space. If you are looking for a pleasant getaway, this is NOT the place to be! The biggest disappointments were Guru Shikhar and Nakki Lake. There was nothing spectacular about them. We did not even think of going to the famous ''points'' as watching Sun Set by bending ones neck was not a very romantic idea.

The Delwara Temple complex was of course just out of the world! The energy and dedication of the security folks acting as guides was very impressive. We tried to spend as much time as possible inside savoring the intricate carvings and marveling at this wonder created over a couple of centuries- with droves of people streaming by incessantly.

Overall- you must visit the place for the temple, but if you are looking for a nice and cozy hill station, this is not a place to be!