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| The 31 Km drive from Abu Rd Station to Mount Abu Hill station in a shared taxi. |
A "TRAVEL ADDICT', i suffer from "Travel Withdrawal Symptoms" after a few months of long confinement at home, sweet home in Mumbai. Foreign travel was in the doldrums due to the "Iran-U.S.A-Israel" war psychosis with unpredictable flight cancellations ,hence, after much travel research was fortunate to discover a internal Indian travel itinerary to Mount Abu in Rajasthan.Having travelled across entire India, Mount Abu and its unique desert Summer festival had surprisingly alluded me,in fact never knew such a festival existed in India's only " Desert Hill Station".The actual dates of the "Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026" was advertised on the Rajasthan tourist and other travel websites just 3 days before the event .
For the first time in my life,just a day before departure booked a "Premier Tatkal Railway Ticket" with great formality using my Adhar card and e- mail identity through guidiance with my usual railway tickets booking agent, Shri Sachin.Jagtap.
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| "Sp.Dal Bhati churma fixed" in " Bhawani Dhal - Bati" Restaurant. Lavish Rajasthani Vegetarian cuisine. |
The cost for this normally ordinary 2nd class sleeper ticket was a mind boggling Rs 1700 only.Rs 1273 was the actual railway Tatkal fare and rest booking agents fees. In fact i had applied for A/ C berth but the same at a enormously inflated price was on waiting list and didnt want to risk a last minute ticket refund after booking a hotel.First time in my life of countless train travel within India had paid such a large amount for a common 2nd class ticket on a short 11 hrs train journey.In India train travel tickets are booked at least 2 months in advance with last minute " Tatkal Bookings" costing a premium.Train travel educates.This was a total unplanned travel expedition in peak Indian summer to the only hill station in India's largest desert region State of Rajasthan having 60% of its total area as the geographical Thar Desert.
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| " MOUNT ABU SUMMER FESTIVAL - 2026". Advertisement at entrance to Nakki Lake, one of the 2 main venues of the 2 day festival held on Saturday and Sunday.The other venue is the " Mount Abu Polo Ground ". |
On Thursday(7/5/2026) travelled from Prabhadevi to Mumbai Bandra Terminus station( BDTS) and boarded the " 20943 BGKT Humsafar Exp" stationed on platform No 2.Occupied my highly priced common 2nd class sleeper berth " S/7"and thankful of getting a berth at the highest "Stock price/ Seat".Typical May weather in Mumbai, hot and humid and wondering what temp awaited me on Mount Abu situated at a elevation of approximately 4000ft( 1219-1220 meters). Its highest peak Guru Shikar stands at 5650 feet( 1722 meters).Train departure was prompt at 2145 hrs.After ages had a decent nights sleep on a train,the compartment being clean and not crowded with passage way general compartment ticket travellers.Weather was also surprisingly cool and pleasant, better than A/ C compartment.
Friday(8/5/2026) Mout Abu :- Breakfast was " Upmaa" and at Palanpur train station a few women fruitsellers boarded the compartment selling excellent Chikoo fruits, some of the tastiest i had tasted over the years.At 0845 hrs our train arrived on time at Abu Road station.Two young Marwari pasengers got down along with me and thanks to Shri Dhanraj.Patel for guiding me to the main bus/ taxi stand. At 0900 hrs boarded a shared taxi at a rate of Rs 100/ passenger with the jeep taxi leisurely awaiting at various spots to collect passengers.Finally after collecting a total of 7 it's was a pleasant upward mountain drive on a excellent broad mountain highway to Mount Abu .At 1000 hrs reached Mount Abu hill station taxi stand.Rang up Shri Vikram.Singh the manager of " The Plum Mount Abu( Dharmaji Paradise)" hotel my residence in Mount Abu and he sent Shri Kishen Singh on a scooter to collect me from the taxi stand.Blazing hot sun but cool weather and absolutely no humidity.Checked into " Room No 16" on the first floor,self contained with A/ C and double bed/ bathe. After a bathe got refreshed and paid the hotel rental amounting to Rs 6800 in advance to Manager/ Caretaker Mr Samir.Sahoo.Next Kishen gave me a lift to the main road next to the Bus/ Taxi stand and explained me the important landmarks of the city and directions to the Polo ground and Nakki lake.Walking along the main city road past the bus stand spotted landmark Gujarat Wine shop ,a landmark on Mount Abu hill station.Inquired about a bar and was relieved to know that liquor was served behind the shop in its rustic backyard compound.Purchased a Kingfisher beer costing Rs 180 and made myself comfortable in the backyard surrounded by tall wild date trees,a topographical landscape of the Aravalli mountains of Mount Abu.Sitting alone was joined by another two customers and hence casually picked up a conversation with Mr Ummed.Singh accompanied by his employee Subhash.Mr Umeed Singh a businessman was the proprietor of " Vivek Traders" who were distributors of Pepsi brand in Mount Abu.Had a excellent conversation with Mr Umeed Singh and discovered a bit of Mt Abu and Marwari culture of Rajasthan .Was surprised to know that real estate in Mount Abu was as costly as Mumbai as all buildings are mostly heritage buildings and no new construction allowed including repairs to old buildings..Finally parting ways I walked down the road and lunch was a Rajasthan vegetarian speciality,"Sp.Dal Bhati churma fixed" in " Bhawani Dhal - Bati" restaurant situated alongside the main road.A palatial thali actually meant for 2 diners and hence sadly I couldn't finish the entire plate,feeling guilty of wasting food. Excellent local hill station weather with bright hot sunshine and cool not hot breeze in the shades, reminding me of Larnaca in Cyprus which i visited last year. A bit of European Mediterranean weather in summer.Whiled my way at the restaurant busy with online publishing of my travelogue. A hobby that keeps me relevant and busy , thanks to my own private income that funds my travels.So far so good.Later in the hot sun making inquiries walked in the blazing hot sun towards the Polo ground.As with all hill stations so also Mount Abu has restaurants and hotels every few meters as also wine shops.Travel educates.Numerous motorcycles and scooters on hire with rentals of Rs 250/ scooter and Rs 500/ RE Motorcycle.From Polo ground it was a long walk to Nakki lake. All tourists whom I observed were local Indian tourists and I was told tourists from the State of Gujarat are maximum and help in maintaining the economy of Mount Abu .Relaxed inside the lake garden, crowded with local tourists.After some rest walked my way back to the hotel.Near the turn from the main road towards my hotel observed one unique aspect of 2 hotels in close vicinity to each other duplicating the names of famous Intenational hotel brand franchisè chains and definitely avoiding a copyright trade brand infringement by changing the spelling and hence " Hotel Hiltone" and "Hotel Sheratone" were committing no offence appearing to be a franchisee of the Hilton and Sheraton group of hotels.Back to the hotel relaxed in.my room and had the A/ C adjusted to 25*c and slept early,tired from the travel journey as well as local sightseeing walk.
Saturday (9/5/2026)Mount Abu:- As usual was up early the hotel room A/ C functioning excellently and amazingly cold inside the room in peak Summer.Mount Abu weather is pleasant and in fact A/ C is a luxury even in peak Summer month of May, a excellent desert hill station.Almost every bungalow style house in Mount Abu has been partly converted into resorts and hence lots of construction activity which would sadly destroy the unique landscape of this desert hill station.Also observed lots of plastic waste littered on the grounds near my hotel as also waste cement construction material.Hope rampant commercialization doesn't destroy Mount Abu as the same is happening in hill stations all across India.I am commenting after visiting all the premium hill stations in India with Mount Abu being the last of Indian hill stations visited during my travels.At 0800 hrs walked out of the hotel which is situated on a small semi forested hillock having numerous other small bungalow hotels in its vicinity.Came across a pack of langurs having their Breakfast next to the forest pathway.On arriving on the main road next to the landmark " Sheratone hotel" inquiring directions walked towards the petrol pump.Breakfast was " Aloo paratha/ pickle/ curd" with tea.Excellent.The crowd of Marathon runners gradually started arriving at the starting point of the 2 Km inaugural marathon of the start of " Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026 ". School children along with their teachers and armed forces personnel as well as a large women contingent assembled at the Start point.Finally at approximately 0915 hrs the inaugural opening of " Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026 " was flagged off with all participants either walking or jogging towards Nakki lake.As for had a gradual long walk towards Nakki lake and was in time to witness the participants getting themselves photographed in front of the advertisement banner of " Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026 " at the entrance of Nakki lake Gate.Years ago used to occasionally watch the " Brahma Kumaris" discourse on spiritualism on T.V and their International headquarters " Madhuban" is located on a hill about 4 Kms from Mt Abu. At Mount Abu they have a public museum that could be visited by people from different religions and inquiring directions for the same was sent in the wrong direction towards " Madhuban" which required a long walk on the opposite banks of Lake Nakki.It was a blessing in disguise as I got a beautiful view of the lake and the Jaipur Palace hotel perched on a hillock overlooking the lake and Aravalli mountain range. Most important got to view a authentic original " T-55 " battle tank used during the 1971 was against Pakistan.Realizing i was on a wild goose chase and on inquiry was directed back towards Nakki lake entrance gate from where the " Brahma Kumari" museum was just a short distance.Entrance was free and I seemed to be the only Non- Hindu among a large crowd of visitors. The spiritual guide explained various exhibits of the Hindu scriptures displayed in a very philosophical method of Hinduism.Later visited the Polo grounds which had a exhibition demonstration of assault weapons by the Internal Security Academy.The Internal Security Academy (ISA) is a police training institute for the Central Reserve Police Force, located at Mount Abu, India.Also visited the NSE stall educating 2nd tier city citizens the advantages and methods of investing in the Indian Stock market.On my return walk quenched my thirst with a " Kingfisher beer " at adda " Gujarat Wine shop " wch had a few locals sipping drinks.Pubs,bars, liquor joints across the Globe is the only place where total strangers irrespective of status become acquaintances ND developed a conversation with local Shri Khet.Singh, a famerby profusion and whose relative owned " Gujarat Wine shop ". Through him got to know that the cheapest legal local country liquor costs only Rs 50.Travel educates.Back home away from home at The Plum Mount Abu" relaxed to the luxury of fantastic cooling of the A/C .Later in the evening walked the now familiar main road towards Polo ground.On the way stopped at " The Oldest Punjab restaurant " for non- veg lunch cum dinner which was horrible stale " Mutton Biryani/ Thums Up" costing Rs 380.At 1900 hrs was early at the " Polo Grounds" for the evening cultural programme. Some English music was being played over the speakers and being one of the earliast arrivals got a good seat.Gradually the crowd started arriving and at 1930 hrs three tall burly men in traditional Rajasthani tribal attire and costume with one gentleman wearing the largest turban and beard entered the venue.They were a instant hit with the crowd and for the first time in my life saw such a unique sight of costumes men Took a photograph with the biggest turbines gentleman,a sight I will remember for a lifetime.The cultural programmes started at 2000 hrs and was excellent, right from the compere to the stage and light settings as well as performers.There was first a traditional opening ceremony dance performed by young women in traditional attire.There was a " Tiny Tots" presentation where young kids of the Mount Abu Air force school performed followed by officers of the Mout Abu C.R.P.F contingent.Finally the main evening entertainment was classic Sufi music which I saw and heard " Live" for the first time and although not a Urdu or Hindi scholar loved the presentation and performance of the artists.Ambient Mount Abu night temp was pleasant at 26* C and throughout the evening's programme didn't feel bored although at times the " Sufi lyrics" and " Shayari's" which I saw in Hindi films was beyond my translation.The show finally wound up at 2245 hrs and making my way out of the Polo ground was amazed to see a lively city with most restaurants open and the roads occupied with pedestrians.On my walk towards the bus stand came across landmark " Bar and Restaurant " having a roof top terrace bar with a giant screen that could be viewed from the street below showing the I.P.L match " Live" akin to a " Drive - In" theatre.On reaching landmark plush " Sheratone hotel " it was a lonely uphill and downhill walk along Janata colony road , the semi- forested pathway towards my residence " Plum Mount Abu".As a section of this road had a string of bungalow hotels with " Green Munia" being the most lively hotel there was some human activity late at night.Finally at home away from home got into bed with my allergy to A/C reacting to the extreme cold room temp and honestly was forced to book a A/ C room otherwise would have preferred a Non A/ C room .Mount Abu is a authentic Summer hill station of India's largest desert State , Rajasthan. To my disbelief during the night my room was chill cold and as I am allergic to extreme cold A/c controlled conditions had a almost sleepless night.Tourisrs pay a premium for A/ C rooms but with mevits the opposite preferring ordinary well maintained room with a simple fan.Truth is stranger than fiction.
Sunday(10/5/2026) Mount Abu:- As usual was awake at dawn ,the exorbitant priced A/ C room although extremely comfortable and plush was my archilles heel for a almost sleepless night.A reason why I don't have a A/ C at my home in Mumbai.At 0730 hrs made my way out of the hostel past Janata colony and onto the main road.After a cup of Chai at a roadside vendor breakfast was " Omelette/ Bread" at the prominent stall next to the Mahindra Jeep taxi stand.While having my breakfast a taxi driver approached me inquiring if I wanted to join a package group tour in the jeep along with 4 other passengers .Experience has taught me that if tomorrow can be done today better do so as tomorrow is not promised and hence I agreed for the same at a cost of Rs 500.We were a total of 6 tourists , except for me ,all the other 5 tourists were from Gujarat. Mahindra jeeps form the backbone of the mountain tourist taxi's in Mount Abu .A family of 3 from Bhuj in Gujarat consisting of a elderly villager and his two women companions sat on the backside of the jeep along with me while the couple sat next to the driver.Driver/ Guide Shri Kallicharan.Rana began our drive at 0815 hrs and our first stop was the Shankar Math temple.It is a serene, red-stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, established in 1977 by Swami Maheshanand Giri.It is renowned for its 9.5-foot black stone Shiva Linga, which is designed to represent Lord Shiva's dreadlocks and is believed to have a self-manifested third eye.This tour was actually a visit to all the religious Hindu temples for which Mount Abu is famous as a religious Hindu tour destination .Our next stop at 0840 hrs was the Somnath Mahadev Temple.The temple is surrounded by lush mountains with a picturesque pond teeming with fishes.Visitors can meditate by the tranquil waters, explore the temple's intricate paintings and architecture, or simply revel in the natural beauty that envelops this sacred site.From Somnath Mahadev Temple it was a long uphill mountain drive towards Guru Shikar peak, the reason I undertook this tour.Guru Shikar is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Mount Abu city centre and it was a narrow badly maintained mountain road.Thankfully I didn't attempt riding a hired scooter to this mountain peak which was my initial idea before unexpectedly coming across Driver/ Guide Kallicharan.Rana and hence this guided tour.Finally at 0910 hrs reached the parking lot at the base of Guru Shikar peak. This is the most visited tourist site of Mount Abu and hence traffic jams, especially on a Sunday. There are steps leading to the peak and I had to walk up 400 steps before reaching the summit.On the way up there are numerous vendors selling cold drinks and snacks.Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range at 1,722 meters (5,650 ft) and offers panoramic views of the mountains and a sacred cave-temple dedicated to Guru Dattatreya.The Dattatreya temple (an incarnation of Vishnu) and the scenic, breezy peak, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Rajasthan and Gujarat plains.It is named Guru-Shikhar or " The peak of the guru" after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Vishnu.Ajacent to the temple is the Mt Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several Astronomy experiments.After a few photographs walked down the steps to the car park.There are " Palaquin Porters" who carry pilgrims up to the temple with charges being Rs 1660 for a return trip to the temple.From Guru Shikar it was a downhill mountain drive and at 1000 hrs we stopped at a rocky mountain patch overlooking the Aravalli mountain range called " Shooting Point".This particular spot was made famous as a tourist locale as a climax scene from the 1988 superhit Hindi film " Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" was picturized at this locale.Our next stop at 1020 hrs was Achleshwar Mahadev Temple. Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a unique and ancient temple famous for its worship of Lord Shiva's right big toe. Built in the 9th century and later renovated by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, the temple is believed to symbolize Shiva's thumb holding up Mount Abu.From AchleshwarMahadevTempleour next stop at 1050 hrs was at Arbuda Devi Temple.Arbuda Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in Mount Abu, believed to be the abode of Goddess Durga (Arbuda Devi). The temple is located inside a cave on a hill, requiring visitors to climb 365 steps, symbolizing a year of devotion.While the rest of the pilgrims visited the temple I just rested at the foothill which had numerous shops and a few pilgrims also took photographs in typical Rajasthani village attire.Our last stop at 1200 hrs was at the Dilwara Temple, World famous Jain temples.The 3 elderly village pilgrims and myself made our way to the Dilwara temples. Phones are not allowed inside the temple and same has to be deposited at the entrance counter.There are five temples within the Dilwara Temple complex, each with its own unique identity. All the five temples are enclosed within a single high walled compound. The group is named after the small village of Dilwara or Delvara in which they are located.From the Dilwara temples we drove down to Nakki lake where the 3 Bhuj village tourists alighted.As for me on guidiance of driver Kallicharan alighted near Polo ground and lunch was excellent " Brain Masala " with Nans at plush " Sher- E- Punjab" restaurant .After lunch walking to home away from home as usual stopped at " Gujarat Wine shop " for a beer.The backyard bar was crowded with day tourists from Gujarat on a week end holiday.As usual made acquaintances and got into some interesting conversation.Back at the hotel got the defective hotel wifi working and relaxed in the ultra cool luxury of the A/ C which bizzarely was too cold for my comfort.Travel educates.In the evening at 1830 hrs walked down to the Polo ground.Had a snack of " Rabdi and Malpaav" at " Pandit ji Rabdewale" facing landmark " Arbuda" restaurant situated alongside the road facing the entrance gate of " Polo Ground". After the sweets entered plush " Arbuda" restaurant and dinner was a light meal of excellent " Sada Dosa".After dinner walked across into the Polo ground andcas usual was very early.The programme started late at 2115 hrs and it was a night of Bollywood Hindi music with Singer Tulsi.Kumar being the main performer as also bringing " Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026 " finale to a close followed by fireworks.According to me this year's festival was not advertised properly and in fact there was confusion regarding the actual dates of this annual 2 day festival that has been organized annually since 1986.Anyhow all's well that ends well and as for me got a exposure to local folk music and Bollywood entertainment.
Monday(11/5/2026)Mount Abu :- At 0800 hrs walked out of the hotel and breakfast was "ant Omelette bread" in main narket place near Polo Ground.My destination was St Anne's Church which was situated in close proximity to Shankar Math temple in Kumarwada .Walking uphill passed alongside the " I.S.A " training centre and came across historic protestant " St Saviour Church" belonging to the Church of North India.Sadly the church looked desolate and not well maintained.Inquiringbdirections realized it was a long walk and luckily a scooterist gave me a lift .From the main road it was a short uphill walk to the church entrance gate.I was the lone visitor at 0830 hrs and was amazed at the beauty of the location of this historic small Church built in 1870- 71.The Church was locked and later Mr Suresh the caretaker arrived on his scooter and thanks to him got to view the Church as well as was explained about the different buildings situated within the Church property.All the buildings including the iconic former " BISHOPS HOUSE" bungalow situated on top of a rock above the Church ground is for rental to tourists. St. Anne's Church in Mount Abu is located near Shankar Math in the Kumarwada area and belongs to the Diocese of Ajmer.Caretaker Suresh later introduced me to Fr Cosmos .Shekhavat the parish priest of St Annes and had a short talk with him at his residential cottage.He also admitted that the Christian and Catholic congregation is decreasing across North India with migration being the main reason.If on a holiday in Mount Abu the residential cottage buildings within St Anne's Church compound is a excellent place for a stay in the midst of nature and Forrest greenery.Finally dreading the long way back to my residence was lucky to get a scooter lift upto the Polo ground.Walked back to the hotel and akin to a sprint run my room A/ C was excellent for a quick fix of energy by instantly cooling my fatigue ,but,too cold and the reverse is true akin to suffering from hypothermia.Which ever new city I visit its a eccentricity with me to either dine in or sightseeing the best hotel of that city and hence decided that today's lunch would be at the Jaipur House" hotel ,a landmark hotel situated at a elevation on a hill overlooking Lake Nakki.Established in the late 19th century by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, " The Jaipur House " in Mount Abu served as a summer retreat for the royal family of Jaipur until 2002, after which it was converted into a heritage hotel by Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh and Maharani Padmini Devi.Today seems I had clicked a lottery in getting lifts and again got a lift from a scooter rider upto Polo ground.From Polo ground again hitchhiker and this time after a short uphill drive the scooter rider dropped me at the main gate of "Jaipur House".Indian Royalty always fascinated me and as a student of history have " The Royal Princes of India" in my book collection.I was visiting " Jaipur House" not because of getting a high by dining in a luxury hotel but for experiencing the ambiance and feeling of dining like Royalty in what was once a former Palace.The grounds of " Jaipur House" was landscaping garden at a premium.It was again a uphill walk from the entrance gate to the main restaurant situated on the top of the hill.Finally passing alongside the beautiful lawn tennis court reached the main open air garden facing Nakki lake which had a tiny swimming pool on the opposite end.The views were awesome and my stone age ear binoculars paid dividends offering me superb views of Lake Nakki and the surrounding Mount Abu mountain side.Could view Guru Shikhar peak in the distancec as also the " Raddison resort Mount Abu" on a hill on the opposite side of Jaipur House. Viewed some old historic houses with their British era chimneys still intact.Also sighted " Sophia School" situated adjacent to Jaipur House hillock.Finally entered the main restaurant and at 1200 hrs was early and the only customer.Apologize for being a " Travel Name Dropper" as this restaurant reminded me of the " Writers Bar" of historic Savoy hotel of Mussoorie. This restaurant shouted out loud about it's Royal pedigree and history through photographs, decor and location , perched on the edge of a hillock overlooking Nakki lake and Mount Abu.As usual made a short documentary of this restaurant and lunch was Rajasthan's signature Non vegetarian Royalty food " Lal Maas" with homage paid to the cheapest branded liquor which initiated me into liquor consumption, " Old monk" rum.Having visited almost all of Rajasthan's city's have tasted " Lal Naas " before but never ever in a authentic former Rajput Palace.Excellent preparation and believe me, the leopards of Jawai Bandh would have been embarrassed seeing me relishing " Lal Maas".After lunch relaxed in the open air outdoors garden relishing the temporary life of Royalty.It was a long downhill walk from " Jaipur House " to the main road passing alongside " Sophia Girls school". Walking towards Polo ground came across " Gujarat Travels" and booked a bus ticket to Mumbai enroute Ahmedabad costing Rs 2420, costlier than my one way train ticket but in A/ C sleeper luxury which is cheaper than train A/ C compartment.My travel agent Mr Sachin.Jagtap tried getting me train tickets but with a rider that the ticket ould get cancelled as it was on a" Waiting List" quota.Hence opted for the long tedious and expensive bus travel journey to Mumbai. On arrival at " Plum Mount Abu" was amazed to see hectic modernization construction activity in progress with a roof in the process of being fitted as a passageway.Seems this hotel previously named "Dharmaji Paradise" was under lease and now the original owner has taken over the business renaming the hotel, " Plum MountAbu". Just across the road facing our hotel a under construction bungalow collapsed during construction and resembles a tourist site depicting all that can go wrong in new constructionof a bungalow building. First time in my lifetimevsaw a brand new under construction bungalow in a collapsed condition.Also for the first time after decades spotted a pair of sparrows in the process of makingba nest in side the upper floor drainpipe of the hotel.A bad selection for a nest for the monsoon water might wash out their nest.Thats nature and hope their bird sense makes them select s better location.The once common house sparrow has almost become extinct in citys. Entire " Janta Colony" of Mount Abu must have been a forested hillside before undergoing rapid bungalow construction which in turn developed into a part time tourist Industry.Mount Abu has a hostel,room stay or a hotel at every nook and corner .According to my personal observation having visited all prominent hill stations of India ,Mount Abu is most unique of the hill stations as it has a low profile among International tourists and thriving on local Indian tourists.At the " Mount Abu Summer Festival-2026 " i didn't spot a single Caucasian or Black tourist , just we Indians . Proves the fact that India has a thriving tourist economy within it's own population and geographical boundary.Travel educates." Had a normal nights sleep, waking up inbetween to swith one the A/C and later at dawn switching it off as the room got as cold as a freezer.A first time experience for me of the efficiency of a A/ C in warm summer condition.
Tuesday ( 12/5/2026) Departure Mount Abu to Mumbai :- At 0900 hrs Manager Mr Samir.Sahoo dropped me on the main Bus stand road.After a breakfast of Omelette/ tea entered the outstation bus Terminus situated opposite landmark Sheratone hotel. At 1000 hrs boarded the " Gujarat Travels" A/ C bus " and allotted " Sleeper Cabin - 2".Departure from Mount Abu was at 1015 hrs and a pleasant journey in A/ C comfort and luxury of a private cubicle akin to a hotel bed. At 1215 hrs arrived at the Gujarat border and there was strict rummaging for " LIQUOR" , the policeman even sniffing mybpartly empty " Thums up" bottle thinking it could be mixed with liquor.Travel educates.Burning hot sun outside the bus and the A/ C was a soothing comfort although thankfully not " Chill cold" akin to my room A/ C in " Plum Mount Abu " hotel.At 1345 hrs stopped at Vadali for a lunch break at " Hotel Vinayak" .Lunch was vegetable sandwiches with " Special Lassi".This Sp Lassi" was something different having tasted " Lassi" all across India.Filled with dry fruits and thick akin to Lassi served in Punjab.Travel educates.Blazing hot sunshine with hot wind and a temperature of 43*c at 1400 hrs .Mount Abu at maximum 30*c and cool wind with hot sunshine is definitely a authentic Hill station in Central India.Long delay at Vadali with new passengers alighting the bus.Finally at 1510 hrs we departed from Vadali on our final destination to Ahmedabad. Finally at 1745 hrs reached Paldi in Ahmedabad, the last stop.Alighted the bus and walked over to the main " Gujarat Travels " office in Dava Khana building( Medicine Market).Was told my bus departure was at 2030 hrs and so parking my trolley bag in the office strolled onto the main road footpath.A early dinner was " Masala Dosa" at a Udipi restaurant.Ahmedabad was as hot as the engine room of a sailing ship.Absolutely hot breeze.No wonder Mount Abu is a big summer destination for Gujarat tourists.Finally after a 2 hrs delay boarded the bus at 2115 hrs.Relieved to be in the A/ C cooling accomodation of the bus and better late than too late.At 0115 hrs stopped at Hotel New Shama in Bharuch for refreshments.On Wednesday morning at 0645 hrs stopped for breakfast at Hotel Arshan in Palghar.Weather was pleasant.This bus was a Ahmedabad to Pune bus via Mumbai and hence passengers were dropped as well as collected on reaching Mumbai suburbs beginning from Borivali.A/ C was excellent and hence didn't feel the strain of non- stop bus road travel since yesterday morning beginning at 1000 hrs from Mt Abu.Finally at 0945 hrs reached Bandra East highway and alighted the bus.Had to walk quite a distance to catch a taxi and was finally home .End of a excellent unplanned spur of the moment holiday travel to Mount Abu with the return bus journey from Mount Abu being another episode of a extreme travel adventure .Travel educates.
