Ranakpur is situated approximately 96 km from Udaipur. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. It is arguably the most serene pilgrimage place, as there are no disturbing crowds, or shopping areas replete with people, and to surprise to many, even no beggars. You can go and worship here for hours and hours together. Another thing to see here is the architecture. It is least to say wonderful, if not awe-inspiring.

Places to see

Ranakpur Jain Temple - The Ranakpur Complex hold an exceptional beauty, which is well worth seeing, and makes for a convenient stop between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It is tucked away in remote and quite valley of the Aravalli Range, 90km from Udaipur.

Ghanerao - Ghanerao a bounds in Jain and Hindu temples of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Sidhi the statue is guarded by Hamnuman and Bhairon on either on side.

Muchhal Mahaveer - This jain temple is situated about 5km from Ghanero in the kumbhalgarh Sancyuary. Its distinctive features is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateway are splendid example of architecture in the vicinity are the garasia tribal villages famous for their colourful too.

Narlai - Lying approximately 6 km from Ranakpur, Narlai is situated at the base of a hill. Narlai is known for a number of Hindu and Jain temples. One of the temples is that of Adinath, the Jain first tirthankar. An ancient temple, it has beautiful frescoes on the ceilings of the outer mandap. A perfect place for serene walks, Narlai also houses a good baori (step-well).

Desuri - The town of Desuri is approximately 16 km from Ranakpur. It is famous for a number of temples. The most remarkable ones are those dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata. There is also an old mosque here that is worth a visit. Nearby Desuri, situated in the hills, is a temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary - The 586sqkm sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelop and are the major attraction.

Best time to visit - October to March 

How to Reach

By Air - Udaipur is the nearest airport, about 90 Km away from city.

By Rail - Udaipur is the nearest Railway station, which is connected to other major cities such as Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi.

By Road - An excellent network of roads links Udaipur to other cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states.