Things To Do In Ranakpur

The quaint town of Ranakpur is one of the major attractions in the district of Pali in Rajasthan. Tucked away in the Aravali range, the town of Ranakpur is very scenic and beautiful. Although a considerably small town, Ranakpur is quite the surprise for visitors. With structures that have such intricate architecture that will leave anybody gazing for hours and trails for trekking that give the adrenaline rush for those adventure seekers, Ranakpur is a handful. You will find many things to do in Ranakpur, from sight seeing to trekking to bird watching. And the highlight will be the Ranakpur Fest, of course.

Ranakpur's iconic 15th century Jain Temple is at the top of every list. It is one of the most important pilgrim destinations for the Jain community and also a very popular tourist attraction for others. The temple has an astounding architecture that simply can’t be described. The many pillars, legends say 1444, are some of the most impressive works in the temple as each one is engraved in great detail. The temple also houses some beautiful sculptures, some that are carved out of the walls themselves. There is an accompanying ancient temple close to the Jain Temple, the Sun Temple. Constructed in the 13th century, the Sun Temple has a style of architecture resembling the main Jain Temple with pillars and domes carved out of light marble. The Ranakpur Dam is a place that is often missed by most tourists, which is a pity as it encompasses a stunning view of the valley and the hills beyond. The location is quite peaceful and has plenty of space for exploration.

Located in the valley of the Aravali, Ranakpur is a very good spot for trekking. There are plenty of routes that one can take depending on the capabilities of the trekker. Trekking here can be extremely fun and rewarding with stunning views to wildlife spotting and some exhilarating climbs. The more common routes are the treks to Kumbhalgarh, Aranyawas and Ghanerao. The trek to Aranyawas is the shortest lasting for about 2 and half to 3 hours. The route passes through some thick jungle cover and a rugged terrain; it is very exciting and adventurous. The trek to Ghanerao on the other hand is about 4 hours and the route goes through a more plain area. The trek to Kumbhalgarh is the longest and is a full day trek lasting about 7 to 7 and half hours. Passing through both mountainous and plain regions, the trek to Kumbhalgarh is one of the best routes here. There are some pockets with thick forest cover and chances of spotting wildlife are high. One also passes through numerous villages on the way and these treks are the best way to document and experience the local culture of the region.

Bird-watching is one of the many exciting activities in the region. Situated in the lap of Mother Nature, Ranakpur is a hotspot for bird-watching in the region. Numerous species of migratory and resident birds can be spotted going about their business in this beautiful valley of Ranakpur. Birds like the Graylag Goose, the Painted Francolin, Red Spurfowl and the Peafowl can be found here.

The winters in Rajasthan are often a celebrated time and it is the case with Ranakpur as well. The festival is a wonderful time to experience the culture of Ranakpur in all its glory. The story of the town is one that is not often heard of and there could be no better time to catch up on some folk lore. The music and dances are said to be enchanting and there will also be a chance to taste some of the local cuisine. Those attending the festivals can also take a safari of the nearby forest areas to complete the perfect experience.