Gujarat Explorer

Home Near Gujarat Ranakpur

TEMPLE · RAJASTHAN

Ranakpur

A breathtaking marble Jain temple of 1,444 carved pillars, hidden in a wooded Aravalli valley near Udaipur.

AT A GLANCE Quick Facts
📍 LOCATION Aravalli valley, near Udaipur
🛕 TYPE Marble Jain temple
🏛️ KNOWN FOR 1,444 carved pillars
🗓️ BEST SEASON October to March
⏱️ TIME NEEDED Half day
🚗 FROM UDAIPUR ~90 km (about 2 hrs)
ABOUT THE PLACE

A forest of carved marble pillars

Ranakpur is home to one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India, a vast fifteenth-century marble complex set in a quiet, forested valley of the Aravalli hills.

Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath, the main temple is famous for its forest of 1,444 intricately carved pillars, no two alike, and for the light through its many domes.

Tucked between Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur is usually visited as a day trip that pairs it with the great fort — a day of marble carving, mighty ramparts and green hills within reach of Gujarat.

The 1,444 carved pillars of the Ranakpur Jain temple.

WHY VISIT

Reasons to make the time

🏛️

Marble carving

Craftsmanship of astonishing delicacy.

🕊️

Serene setting

A calm, wooded Aravalli valley.

🔢

1,444 pillars

A forest of columns, no two alike.

🚗

Easy with Kumbhalgarh

A natural pairing for one day out.

PLACES TO VISIT

Top sights in Ranakpur

Ranakpur Jain Temple

The great marble temple to Adinath.

Surya Narayan Temple

A nearby sun temple in the complex.

Amba Mata Temple

A small shrine within the grounds.

Ranakpur Dam

A quiet reservoir in the valley.

Sadri Town

The nearby town at the valley's edge.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

The great fort a short drive away.

Photos via Wikimedia Commons

THINGS TO DO

How to spend an hour or two

01

See the main temple

Wander the pillared halls and carved domes of Adinath.

02

Look up, slowly

Take your time; the carving rewards patient looking.

03

See the sun temple

Visit the smaller shrines in the complex.

04

Enjoy the valley

Soak up the green, peaceful Aravalli setting.

05

Add Kumbhalgarh

Pair with the nearby fort for a full day.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

When to go

WINTEROct – Mar★★★★★

Pleasant for the drive; the marble stays cool year-round.

MONSOONJul – Sep★★★☆☆

The valley turns beautifully green.

SUMMERApr – Jun★★☆☆☆

Hot outside, but the temple interior stays cool.

⏰ The temple opens to non-Jain visitors only during set hours, usually from late morning — plan around them.

PLANNING ESSENTIALS

Timings & entry

🕗TIMINGSAfternoon for visitors
  • Non-Jain entry is limited to set hours, usually from late morning.
👕RULESDress code
  • A dress code applies; leather items and photography may be restricted.
HOW TO REACH

Getting there

✈️

By Air

Udaipur airport is the nearest, about two hours away.

🚆

By Rail

Udaipur is the closest major railhead.

🚗

By Road

About 90 km from Udaipur; a car is strongly recommended.

NEARBY DISTANCES
Kumbhalgarh — 50 km · Udaipur — 90 km · Jodhpur — 160 km · Ahmedabad — 350 km
TRAVEL TIPS

Know before you go

1Check the temple's visitor hours; non-Jain entry is limited to set times.
2Observe the dress code and leave leather items behind.
3Pair Ranakpur with nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort for a full day.
4Allow unhurried time inside; the carving rewards slow looking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Ranakpur FAQ

What is Ranakpur famous for?

Its magnificent fifteenth-century marble Jain temple to Adinath, with 1,444 uniquely carved pillars.

How far is Ranakpur from Udaipur?

About 90 km, roughly two hours, usually paired with Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Can non-Jains visit?

Yes, during set hours, with a dress code and some restrictions on leather and photography.

When can visitors enter?

Typically from late morning; the temple reserves earlier hours for worship.

Is a car needed?

Yes, public transport is limited; a car from Udaipur is best.

WHERE TO STAY

Find your stay in Gujarat

Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

📍 DestinationAnywhere in Gujarat 📅 Check-inAdd date 📅 Check-outAdd date 👥 Guests2 adults Search Hotels

Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:

Affiliate links: prices and availability are shown by our partners. You pay the same price; we may earn a commission that helps keep Gujarat Explorer free.

SHOP THE REGION

Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials

Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.

🧵
Patola Silk Scarf
View on Amazon
🪡
Kutch Embroidery
View on Amazon
🎒
Travel Backpack 40L
View on Amazon
🔔
Brass Handicraft
View on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, Gujarat Explorer earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time shown on Amazon and are subject to change.
🚕
Book a cab anywhere in Gujarat
Airport transfers, day trips & intercity rides — reserve a comfortable cab, or just ask us on WhatsApp.
Enquiries are passed to independent, licensed local operators. Gujarat Explorer is a facilitator, not the transport provider.
WhatsApp Enquiry