Ranakpur Travel Information
Ranakpur Travel Information
WeatherIn Summer: 42 C (Max) - 22 C (Min)
In winter: 20 C (Max) - 11 C (Min)
Rainy Season from July to Mid Sept.
Rainfall: 55 centimeters
Our suggestion
Best time to come: Sep to March
Ranakpur History
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. These temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
It is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 39 kms. away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.
General Travel Information
Reaching Ranakpur
By Air
Udaipur Flight Schedule
Nearest airport is Udaipur
By Bus
From Udaipur (98 km)
By Train
Ajmer to Mt. Abu route, 39 kms. from Phalna.
From Udaipur it takes 5 hours by bus.
Getting around
There are unmetered auto - rickshaws and cycles - rickshaws
Places to see
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.
The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata
Sadri
Sadri, eight km away, is famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.
Temples at Desuri
Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by.
Ghanerao
Ghanerao abounds in and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.
Narlai (6 km)
Lying at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a colossal statue of an elephant, Narlai has many Hindu and Jain Temples. The temple of Adinath is an ancient one. The outer ‘mandap’ of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendor.
Falna (35 km)
The railhead for Ranakpur, Falna has some beautiful temples too.
Eating out
Restaurants - Shivalika Restaurant, RTDC hotel.