Ranakpur is a small village in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Located on the western side of the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur rests midway Udaipur and Jodhpur. This village is famous for the 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple, which hold immense religious significance for the Jains. The grandeur of the temple is reflected in its magnificent high pillars. The backdrop of endless desert and the beauty of the temples are mesmerising.
Tourist Places In And Around Ranakpur
The Sun Temple, also known as the Surya Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Sun, is quite popular amongst the tourists visiting Ranakpur. The carvings of celestial bodies, horses and warriors on the temple walls depict the art of the natives who designed the polygonal wall of the temple. In this temple, the idol of the Lord Sun is seen riding the chariot. Travellers coming to Ranakpur often visit Sadri, which is a popular pilgrimage centre of the Jain community.
Another prominent attraction of the place is the Muchhal Mahavir Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. It is situated at a distance of 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary.
The highlighting feature of this temple is that the idol of the Hindu Lord Shiva is shown with a moustache. The village of Ghanerao itself has many Hindu temples. The Muchhal Mahavir Temple and the Gajanand Temple are the most popular amongst the 11 Jain temples found in the region.
The village of Narlai, located at a distance of 6 km from Ranakpur, is also known for the Hindu and Jain temples of the region. The architecture of the temples and the murals found inside the temple are appreciable.
Another prominent attraction of the region is the historical site, named Kumbhalgarh. The Mewar fortress located in this place stands tall, the walls of which extend across a wide area.
Perched at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level, this place offers the mesmerising views of the Aravalli Range and the splendid sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The fort has now been converted into a museum and is open for the general public.
How To Reach Ranakpur
The Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur is the closest airport which serves the village of Ranakpur. Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi is the nearest international airport from where travellers can avail connecting flights to this destination.
The nearest railhead Falna is located at a distance of 35 km from this place. Cab services and taxi services are easily available from the station. Private and state-owned bus services are available from the nearby cities of Ranakpur.
Ranakpur Weather
Winters are considered the best time for planning trips to Ranakpur. The temperature is ideal for sightseeing during this time. The region gets a relief from the dry and hot summers during monsoons. Although, rains are scanty here, the temperature of the place drops down during this time.