Situated in Rajasthan, India, the marble temples of Ranakpur are an architectural marvel of the Jain religion. Constructed in the 15th century, they’re renowned for their intricate carvings, 1,444 uniquely adorned pillars, and grandeur, reflecting India’s rich heritage and the spiritual profundity of Jainism. This is a comprehensive travel guide for the things to do in Ranakpur. We recommend that you book a chauffeur driven Savaari from Udaipur to experience these magical temples comfortably.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Ranakpur
- About Ranakpur Temple
- How to Plan a Trip to Ranakpur
- Places to Stay in Ranakpur
Things to do around Ranakpur Temple
- Go for a Horse Safari. Explore the beautiful terrain of the Aravali Mountains on horseback.
- Go for a Jeep Wildlife Safari and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Trek from the Jain temple to Thandiberi – a six-hour trek.
- Go wolf spotting at the Jaba Wolf Point.
Best Place to Eat in Ranakpur
Here are some places to eat:
- Casa Manolo, Udaipur Highway – Indian cuisine (vegetarian-friendly)
- Maharani Bagh, Sadri – Multi-cuisine restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options
- Ranakpur Hill Resort, Ranakpur Road – Indian food
- Harmony Restaurant, Near Roopam Mata Temple – Indian cuisine
- King’s Abode, Ranakpur Road – Asian and Indian food with vegetarian and vegan options
- Vari – Mana Hotels, Ranakpur Road – Indian and international cuisine
- Aranyawas Resort Restaurant, Maga – A multi-cuisine restaurant
- Hotel New Dhani, Ranakpur Road – Local non-vegetarian food
- Amrai Valley Restaurant, Ranakpur Road – North Indian food
Shopping in Ranakpur
Ranakpur, located in the state of Rajasthan, offers a unique shopping experience for visitors. Here are some of the top places to shop in Ranakpur:
- Sadri Road Market – This bustling market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery. You can find beautifully embroidered clothes, intricately carved wooden items, and colourful handicrafts.
- Ranakpur Craft Market – Situated near the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple, this market is a treasure trove of local handicrafts and artefacts. Here, you can find intricately designed marble statues, wooden toys, handmade pottery, and Rajasthani textiles.
- Ranakpur Roadside Shops – Along the roads leading to Ranakpur, you’ll come across several roadside shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. These shops offer a unique opportunity to interact with local artisans and purchase traditional Rajasthani items at reasonable prices.
- Sardar Market, Udaipur – Although not in Ranakpur itself, Udaipur is a nearby city renowned for its vibrant markets. Sardar Market is a bustling hub where you can shop for textiles, handicrafts, silver jewellery, and traditional Rajasthani attire.
- Udaipur Hathi Pol Bazaar – Another popular market in Udaipur, Hathi Pol Bazaar, is known for its antique items, colourful textiles, and traditional handicrafts. You can find intricately designed puppets, embroidered fabrics, and silverware.
Places to visit in Ranakpur
Ranakpur, located in the state of Rajasthan, is famous for its magnificent Jain temples and scenic beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ranakpur:
- Ranakpur Jain Temple – The highlight of Ranakpur is the renowned Jain temple complex, known for its architectural grandeur and intricate marble carvings. The main temple, Chaumukha Temple, is dedicated to Lord Adinath and is a stunning example of Jain temple architecture.
- Surya Narayan Temple – Located within the Ranakpur Jain Temple complex, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God and features beautiful carvings and sculptures. The temple is known for its unique octagonal structure and exquisite artwork.
- Ranakpur Dam – Situated amidst the lush greenery, the Ranakpur Dam offers a picturesque setting for nature lovers. The tranquil atmosphere, serene lake, and surrounding hills make it a perfect spot for relaxation and picnics.
- Sadri – A small town near Ranakpur, Sadri is home to several ancient temples, including the Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath Temple. These temples are known for their architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Muchhal Mahavir Temple – Located in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, this temple is famous for its unique idol of Lord Mahavir with a moustache. The temple is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a peaceful ambience for devotees.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort – While technically not in Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-visit attraction located nearby. It is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. The fort is also known for its impressive wall, which stretches over 36 kilometres.
- Sadri Craft Village – For those interested in local arts and crafts, a visit to Sadri Craft Village is a must. Here, you can witness the intricate craftsmanship of the local artisans and shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery.
Places to visit near Ranakpur
Ranakpur, located in the state of Rajasthan, is surrounded by several captivating destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top places to visit near Ranakpur:
- Kumbhalgarh – Just a short distance away from Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh is home to the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli Mountains and houses several temples and palaces within its complex.
- Nathdwara – Known for its famous Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara is a sacred town located near Ranakpur. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple to seek blessings from Lord Krishna. The intricate artwork and religious fervour make it a must-visit destination.
- Udaipur – A picturesque city known as the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur is famous for its stunning lakes, palaces, and rich cultural heritage. Explore attractions like City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, and the vibrant markets of Udaipur.
- Mount Abu – The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is nestled in the Aravalli Range and offers a pleasant respite from the desert landscapes. Visit the famous Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, and Guru Shikhar, and enjoy the serene ambience and cool climate of this hill retreat.
- Jodhpur – Known as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses in its old town, Jodhpur is a captivating destination famous for its imposing Mehrangarh Fort, bustling bazaars, and rich Rajasthani culture. Explore the palaces, gardens, and enjoy the delectable local cuisine.
- Ajmer – Located about 3 hours away from Ranakpur, Ajmer is a pilgrimage site known for the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The Dargah attracts devotees from different faiths, and the city also boasts other attractions like Ana Sagar Lake and the impressive Taragarh Fort.
- Chittorgarh – Embark on a historical journey by visiting Chittorgarh, known for its magnificent Chittorgarh Fort, which narrates tales of valour and sacrifice. Explore the palaces, temples, and witness the light and sound show that brings the history of this fort to life.
About Ranakpur
The Ranakpur Jain Mandir is also known as the Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara. It is a Śvētāmbara Jain temple at Ranakpur (Pali district, Rajasthan), dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. It is one of the largest and most important temples in the Jain culture. The temple campus houses various other temples like an Amba temple, Surya temple, Chaumukha temple, and Suparshvanatha temple.
History
This temple was built in the 15th century by a local businessman – Dharna Sah. He had a divine vision and was determined to build a temple dedicated to Lord Adinath – the first Tirthankara of Jains. Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Udaipur, offered a grant to Dharna Sah and made a promise that the temple and the town would be named after him. This led to the name Ranakpur. To read about the history of Udaipur, read out the blog.
According to the temple’s history, it took around 50 years for artisans to build it. Over the years, the temple was invaded by the Mughals and had even become a haven for dacoits. Subsequently, it was rediscovered and renovated to its former majesty.
Temple Architecture
The Ranakpur Temple, built by Dharna Sah, is a three-storied marble structure that can mesmerize you from the moment you set your eyes on it. The temple has been designed in a manner that even during the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun, the interiors are cool. It is also known as a Chaumukha Temple due to the four-faced idol of Lord Adinath here. It represents the Quest in Life along the four dimensions, which are the key missions of Jainism.
The Ranakpur Mandir is made using marble that takes on different shades at different times of the day. There are 80 domes and 29 halls. It is said that there are 1444 pillars in the temple. The Jain Temple pillars are carved with precision to the extent that each one of them can keep you mesmerized for hours. Add to this the intricately carved ceilings, and the Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan is nothing short of an architectural wonder.
[Also read: Kumbalgarh Festival – Rajasthan’s three-day carnival]
Facts
- The Jain Temple has been designed in the shape of a flying chariot or a Vimana.
- The temple has 1444 intricately carved pillars that support the colossal structure.
- The structure has 80 domes, each with a unique design on the ceiling.
- The colour of the Jain Temple pillars keeps changing throughout the day.
- There is an elephant statue in the temple, and locals believe that crawling under its belly can fulfill their desires.
- The Ranakpur Jain Temple ranks among the top five Jain Temples in India.
- The intricate sculptures at the temple can keep you amazed for hours (if not more).
- An entry fee. Also, Indian citizens might have to pay a small amount for taking pictures inside the temple.
How to Plan a Trip to Ranakpur Temple
How to Reach Ranakpur Mandir from Udaipur
Here are different ways in which you can reach the Ranakpur Mandir from Udaipur:
By Train
The Jain Temple is situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan. The closest major railway station to the temple is Udaipur. Hence, you can book a taxi from Udaipur to Ranakpur Jain Temple and reach your destination in around two hours.
By Road
The distance by road from Udaipur to Ranakpur Temple is around 64 km via the RJSH32 and NH27. You can drive yourself or book a cab from Udaipur to Ranakpur Jain Temple and enjoy the journey.
By Flight
The Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur is the closest airport to the Ranakpur temple. It is located at a distance of around 115 km from the temple. You can hire a Udaipur airport taxi to Ranakpur Temple and get there in less than 2.5 hours.
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How to Reach Ranakpur Temple from Jaipur
Here are different ways in which you can reach Jain Temple from Jaipur:
By Train
While travelling from Jaipur, Falna is the closest railway station to these temples. The Falna railway station is located at a distance of around 35 km from the temple. There are 39 trains from Jaipur Junction to Falna. The fastest train is the Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Bandra Terminus SF Special which takes around four hours. Once you reach Falna, you can book a cab in Ranakpur Temple and reach your destination in no time.
By Road
The distance by road from Jaipur to Ranakpur Temple is around 360 km via NH48 and NH58. You can drive yourself or book a cab from Jaipur to the Jain Temple and reach there within 6-6.5 hours.
By Flight
The Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur is the closest airport to the Ranakpur temple. It is located at a distance of around 115 km from the temple. You can take a flight from Jaipur to Udaipur, hire a cab from Udaipur Airport to Ranakpur Temple, and get there in less than 2.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Jain Temple is from October to February. The temperatures during these months range between 11 and 20 degrees C. During the summer months of March to June, the temperatures can soar to 42 degrees C. While the monsoon can be a refreshing period in Rajasthan, your trip can be hit with practical difficulties if the downpour is heavy.
Audio Guide at Ranakpur Temple
The Jain Temple introduced an audio guide in English, Hindi, French, Spanish, and German languages. The audio file is around one hour long and is mandatory for foreign citizens visiting the temple. The trust has prohibited tourist guides from offering any guiding services to travellers.
Temple timings and Entry Fees
The temple timings are from 6 AM to 7 PM for prayers and from 12 noon to 5 PM for tourists.
Entry fees
There is no entry fee for Indians to visit the temple. Foreign citizens are charged between Rs 200-300 as
Best Places to Stay around Ranakpur Jain Temple
Here are some places to stay around the Temple:
- Jungle Camp Resort, Kumbhalgarh Fortwall
- Krishna Resort, Club Mahindra Circle Kumbhalgarh Fort Road
- Bodhi – A Boutique Hotel, Kelwara Rajsamand Kadia Road
- The Kumbha Residency, Near Lakhela Talao
- Alcor Spa Resort, Majera Road
- Shree Vallabh Vilas Lords Plaza, Delhi Bazaar Road
- The Marutinandan Grand, Odan
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Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol
