About the Ranakpur :
This famous temple city in Rajasthan is known as a peaceful haven for followers of Jainism. In fact, it is one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the country. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha, who had leased a huge amount of land to a Jain businessman for building of temples, way back in the 15th century.Ranakpur is renowned for its carved Jain temples in amber stone. The main temple - covering an area of about 48,000 sq. ft., with 29 halls and more than 1,400 distinctly-carved pillars - is a marvel of construction. The four images of Adinath are enshrined in the main temple called 'Chamukh', that is open on all four sides. Images of tirthankaras are carved on the mandaps with a shikhar on top of all 24 of them. Supported by 420 columns, the three-storeyed temple has four small shrines with 80 spires. The temple's assembly hall has two huge bells weighing 108 kg each. When rung, the sounds of these bells engulf the whole complex.Parsvanath and Neminath temples face the main temple. The cravings in the temple bear a resemblance to Khajuraho.The complex also includes temples of Sun God and Amba Mata. The Sun temple houses opulent cravings of solar deities and warriors on horses.
Ranakpur Temples: The main tourist attractions of Ranakpur are its famous temples. Situated approximately 90km from Udaipur, the Ranakpur temple complex is a must see. The main Chaumukha temple (Four-Faced Temple) is dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankar. The two other Jain temples in the complex are dedicated to Neminath and Parasnath. There is also the Sun temple and the Amba Mata temple near the main complex.
Sadri: Situated approximately 8 km from Ranakpur is Sadri. The main draws of Sadri include a few magnificent temples, the oldest of them being the Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parasvanath Temple. There is also an old dargah, Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba here.
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.
Ghanerao: Ghanerao is well known for a number of Hindu temples. The most impressive temple is that of Gajanand. The temple houses a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. On the either of the statue are the images of Lord Hanuman and Bhairon Baba. Then there is a temple of Lord Mahavira, dating back to the 10th century. The town also has a castle, now converted into a hotel.
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).
Muchhal Mahaveer: Muchhal Mahaveer is a temple situated in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, and is approximately 5 km from Ghanerao. The temple houses the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. Two elephant statues, superb examples of architecture, stand as guards on the gateways of the temple. You can also take a peek at the tribal life of Rajasthan by visiting Garasia tribal villages situated nearby.
Climate :
Ranakpur weather is that of a tropical type. The summers are quite hot with the average temperature falling in the range of 42.0° C (max) to 22.0° C (min). The climatic conditions of Ranakpur, Rajasthan in winters are only a little bit colder. The average temperature is somewhere between 20.0° C (max) to 10.6° C (min). The monsoon season does not receive much rainfall. The climate of Ranakpur experiences annual total rainfall of around 55 cm only. The best time to visit Ranakpur is during the period of September to March.
How to Reach Ranakpur :
By Air: Udaipur is the nearest airport, about 90 Km away. Regular flights connect Udaipur to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. You can take buses or taxis from Udaipur.
By Road: An excellent network of roads links Udaipur to other cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states.
By Rail: Udaipur is the nearest Railway station, which is connected to other major cities such as Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi.
