There are several places of tourist attractions in Ranakpur, but it is the Jain temples that are the hub of activity.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted 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 eligibly 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 engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces temple dedicated to Adinath.
The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple to the Sun God, are all well worth a visit.
The temple complex is open daily to Jains from 6 am to 8.30 pm and to non-Jains from 11 am to 5 pm. As this is a religious place all leather articles must be left at the entrance.
One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
There are several places to see and visit near Ranakpur too.
Kumbhalgarh is a historical site around 30 km north east of Ranakpur. It is an important fort in the Mewar region after Chittorgarh. Other important place to visit in Kumbhalgarh is Wildlife Sanctuary known for its wolves.
Sadri (8 km) is famous for some beautiful temples and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parasvanath Temple is the most ancient of the temples situated here.
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 abounds in 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.
Muchhal Mahavir Temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.
