Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district in the colorful state of Rajasthan. Ranakpur is nestled in the lap of nature and can be reached after passing through lush green valleys and streams. Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of Rajasthan; a place of homage for Jains and a unique example of Indian architecture. Thousands of visitors throng this City of Temple to have a view of Rajasthani art and culture.

Located 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, the temples at Ranakpur were created in the 15th century A.D. during the reign of Rana Kumbha. The central 'Chaumukh' or four faced temple is dedicated to the venerated the Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four faces image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq. feet, the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars-all distinctly carved.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple has an enormous basement covering 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place in Rajasthan. Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15th century.

Every temple has this conceivable surface carved with equal delicacy. The ambience of Ranakpur is mainly highlighted by the location and the divine architecture. The unique temples of Parasvanath and Neminath with exquisite figures carving face the main temple. The nearby 'Sun Temple' dedicated to the 'Sun God'--the master of all the planets and the provider of light to the whole universe--adorned with polygonal wall, richly embellished with the carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid 'chariots' the vehicle of the 'Sun God', which accordingly to the Hindu Mythology is the God of prosperity and a shining destiny in this world. Ranakpur is known as ' The tranquil pilgrimage town'. For the buffs a ride to the outskirt places, as Sadari, Desuri, Ghanerao and Narhai, serves the purpose of their satisfaction.

How To Reach

By Air - The nearest airport is Udaipur. There are regular flights from Delhi, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, and Mumbai from Udaipur.

By Rail - The nearest major railway station is Udaipur. There are trains for Delhi, Chittaurgarh, Ajmer, and Jaipur. The nearest railway station from Ranakpur is Phalna but most of the tourists prefer going to Udaipur to catch a train as it offers more choice.

By Road - There are frequent express buses from Udaipur that take around three hours to reach Ranakpur. State transport corporation buses as well as private buses connect Udaipur to other cities in the region.

Where To Stay

There are many places in Ranakpur that provide quality accommodation. Heritage hotels are the best bet in this region, if one is interested in enjoying the royal hospitality and charm of the bygone era. Facilities in the major hotels are good and worth the money spent. You can also opt a budget hotel or a dharmshala.