Introduction: 

Ranakpur is mainly famous for its Jain temples, which are all exquisitely carved structures. A view of these temples can be breathtaking when seen along with the background of endless desert sands. The huge complex is enclosed within walls, and houses Jain temples that are made of amber stone. Ranakpur is a town located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. This town is very popular among tourists and is also a major pilgrim destination in the state. The town of Ranakpur is quite cut off from other major destinations in Rajasthan.

Photo Credit: Peter Garnhum

Destination Facts:

Location: Rajasthan, District Pali
Altitude: 486 meters
Temperature: (summer 22 to 40°C) & (winter 12 to 33°C)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Rajasthani, English

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Udaipur airport is the nearest airport.
Main Railway Station: Ranakpur itself has a railway station.
Main Bus Station or Road: Public and Private Transport facilities are there to reach Ranakpur.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Ranakpur:
Nathdwara-76km, Udaipur-88km, Mount Abu-153km, Ambaji-175km.

Places of Tourist interest:

Kumbhalgarh National park:
It is home to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare. The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusted grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and Doves can be sighted regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Bird like the red spur owls, Parakeets, golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.

Ranakpur Jain Temple:
One of the five most important pilgrimage sites of India – is dedicated to Lord Adinath who was the first Jain Tirthankara and is an architectural delight.The Surya Narayan Temple- is another must-see temple in Ranakpur. The temple is dedicated to Sun God and is popular for its various wall projections in circular structure.

Getting around the destination:
The best way to explore this temple town is by foot as you will be able to appreciate the architecture more when you are exploring it on foot.

Best time to Visit:
October to March is the best time to visit the destination.

Festival:
Ranakpur is a pilgrimage destination for the Jain community hence all Jain festivals are celebrated in Ranakpur. Holi, Diwali and Makar Sankranti are some of the other festivals in Ranakpur that are celebrated with much fanfare.