Hey explorer, 

What would you do if the temperature touched the sky where you live? Escape the heat to a much colder space? Living in the coastal parts of India, I would do nothing but expect nature to bless us with rain. 

Also, I wanted to escape the heat but couldn't because most places in South India will boil in the summer, even the well-known hill stations sometimes.

But Achalgarh in Rajasthan is quite the opposite because it almost remains the same every season. 

Why Achalgarh Hill Station?

Many exploring India do not know that Rajasthan may be the home to the largest desert in India, the Thar Desert, but the other half of the state flourishes with green lands and colder temperatures compared to the northern part of the state. 

Imagine you are exploring the popular side of Rajasthan (the northern part), and you feel the temperature to be so hot. How about exploring the other side of the state rather than escaping to another state? Out of all the ordinary things, Achalgarh is the place you can jump to. 

Overview

Achalgarh tells tales of a bygone era. The fort, the region's crown jewel, was built by the Paramara dynasty. Later, in the 15th century, the mighty Maharana Kumbha renovated and renamed it Achalgarh. This fort stands as proof of Rajasthan's rich military history.

Achalgarh isn't a full-fledged hill station but a historical site amidst the Aravalli Hills. It's a historical gem 11 kilometers north of Mount Abu in Rajasthan. The landscape here is a beautiful blend of rugged terrains and calm beauty with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

The people living around Achalgarh have rich Rajasthani traditions and culture. Their way of life shows a deep respect for their heritage. Seeing their traditional clothing, local festivals, and customs can be an enriching experience.

The natives of this place speak Mewari as their primary language. Hindi is also widely understood and spoken, but English may not help you much when communicating with people here as it is still a booming site. Here are a few Mewari daily phrases that share similarities with Hindi. 

- Namaskar (नमस्कार) - Hello / Greetings
- Khamma Ghani (खम्मा घणी) - Welcome (traditional)
- Kaise ho? (कैसे हो?) - How are you?
- Aapka swagat hai (आपका स्वागत है) - You're welcome
- Kya haal hai? (क्या हाल है?) - How are you?
- Shukriya (शुक्रिया) - Thank you
- Accha (अच्छा) - Okay / Good
- Haan (हाँ) - Yes
- Nahi (नहीं) - No
- Kripaya (कृपया) - Please
- Kitna hua? (कितना हुआ?) - How much is it?
- Kahan hai? (कहाँ है?) - Where is it?
- Chai / Chaha (चाय / चहा) - Tea
- Khana khaya? (खाना खाया?) - Have you eaten?
- Khub jamega (खूब जमेगा) - It will be great / It will be enjoyable

Unlike the scorching heat Rajasthan is famous for, Achalgarh enjoys a pleasant climate, especially during winter (October to March). Summers are milder than the plains, making it a welcome escape for those seeking respite from the heat.

Destination Checklist

Although Achalgarh is not a complete hill station like most other places, it still can be a perfect escape from the heat and look into some hidden sides of India you never knew. Here are a few must-do things you should do while you are here to get the most out of this small, off-beat site. 

- Visit Achalgarh Fort 
- Hike the mountain for views

You can visit this place within a day since it's a small site. Therefore, here are some must-visit places around 25 km to visit. 

- Guru Shikhar (4 km)
- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (7 km)
- Sunset Point in Mount Abu (8 km) 
- Nakki Lake in Mount Abu (8 km)
- Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu (16 km) 
- Universal Peace Hall in Mount Abu (16 km)
- Toad Rock in Mount Abu (18 km)

Oh! On your way back home, do not forget to carry some souvenirs like handicrafts, miniature fort replicas, and Rajasthani clothing. 

Travel Itinerary

A Guide to WH Questions

Transportation

Abu Road Railway Station (29 km) is the closest train station, while Dabok Airport in Udaipur (185 km) is the nearest airport. Then, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mount Abu (from the airport) and another cab or auto to Achalgarh. 

Hotels

Mount Abu is your best bet since Achalgarh has limited accommodation and eatery options. Mount Abu offers a variety of hotels and hotels to suit all budgets. Check out some of our recommendations below. 

• Accommodation

- Saraswati - It's a 4.1-star rating hotel. 
- The Colonial Manek Manor - It's a 4-star rating hotel. 
- Hotel Samrat International - It's a 3.7-star rating hotel. 

• Eateries

- King's Food - Best for snack items. 
- Krishna Food Corner - Best for breakfast items. 
- Mateshwari Gujarath Nasta - Best for North Indian food. 

Popular Food

- Laal Maas: A fiery mutton curry marinated in yogurt and spices.
- Ghevar: A sweet dish made with flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
- Ker Sangri: A dry curry with beans (ker) and berries (sangri).
- Pyaaz ki Kachori: A crispy fried snack filled with spicy onions.
- Dal Baati Churma: A Rajasthani staple made of lentils (dal), baati (baked wheat balls), and churma (crumbled wheat).

Travel Tips

- Exploring Achalgarh Fort involves climbing, so carry sturdy shoes. 
- Always stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit this place. 
- Don't be afraid to bargain politely at the shops near the fort.

Safety Tips

- Monkeys are common around the fort. So, be careful. 
- While there's no strict dress code, still dress modestly. 
- Help keep Achalgarh clean by disposing of waste responsibly.

Travel Expenses

Travel expenses depend on your travel style and choices. However, on average, considering all the travel choices and expenditures, a budget traveller might need ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 a day per head. 

Conclusion

Achalgarh isn't just a historical site. It is a doorway to a bygone era. While the Achalgarh Fort tells tales of Rajasthan's past, the surrounding beauty gives you a chance to commune with nature. If you are seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic escapes, Achalgarh should be your go-to spot. So pack your bags and lace up your walking shoes. 

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