Ranakpur Jain Temple from Udaipur: Timings, Entry and Day Trip
Ranakpur Jain Temple from Udaipur: distance, visiting hours for non-Jains, dress rules, what to see and how to combine it with Kumbhalgarh.
Ranakpur is a white marble Jain temple hidden in a forested valley in the Aravalli hills, and it is one of the finest pieces of temple architecture in India. It is an easy day trip from Udaipur and pairs well with Kumbhalgarh.
This guide covers the distance, the visiting hours, the rules and what to look at once you are inside.
The Ranakpur Jain temple.
At a glance | |
|---|---|
Where | Ranakpur, Pali district, in the Aravalli hills |
Distance from Udaipur | About 90 to 95 km |
Drive time | Around 2 to 2.5 hours each way |
Temple | Adinath Jain temple, built in the 15th century |
Entry | Free for the temple in the morning devotional hours; a ticket after midday for visitors |
Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours at the temple |
What it is
The Adinath temple was built in the 15th century with the support of a Jain merchant, and it is dedicated to the first Tirthankara. It is carved from pale marble, with 29 halls and well over a thousand pillars, and no two of them are carved alike. The ceilings, domes and brackets are covered in fine detail.
It is a living place of worship, not a museum, so the mood is quiet and the rules are strict.
Visiting hours and entry
Timings differ for worshippers and for sightseers. Devotees can enter in the early morning, and the temple opens to other visitors from around midday until the evening. A visitor ticket is usually charged, and there is a separate charge for cameras. Rates and hours change, so confirm them before you go.
Visitor hours: typically from about noon to late afternoon.
Devotee hours: the early morning.
Audio guides: often available at the ticket counter.
Rules inside
Dress: shoulders and knees covered, and no shorts.
Footwear: removed at the entrance.
Leather: belts, bags and wallets made of leather may not be allowed inside.
Women: the rules around menstruation apply in Jain temples, so please respect the notice at the gate.
Photography: limited. Ask at the counter.
Carved pillars inside the temple.
How to plan the day
Leave Udaipur by 8:30 am.
Reach Ranakpur around 11 am and have lunch nearby.
Visit the temple from midday, when it opens to visitors.
Add Kumbhalgarh Fort in the afternoon, about 45 minutes away. See our Kumbhalgarh guide.
Return to Udaipur by evening.
For the wider picture see the Udaipur in three days guide, and if you are coming from Mount Abu, the distance guide.
Is it worth it?
Yes. For anyone who likes carving or architecture, it is one of the best day trips from Udaipur. If you only want a short outing, the lakes and the City Palace come first.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ranakpur from Udaipur?
About 90 to 95 km, around two to two and a half hours.
What are the visiting hours?
Devotees in the morning and other visitors from around midday to the evening. Confirm before going.
Is there an entry fee?
A visitor ticket is usually charged, with a separate camera fee.
Can I combine it with Kumbhalgarh?
Yes, they are about 45 minutes apart.
Can I wear shorts?
No. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Plan your Rajasthan days with us
We time the drive for the visitor hours and add Kumbhalgarh or a lunch in the hills. Explore the Rajasthan destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Temple facade: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 3.0. Pillared hall: Banerjeedebasis, CC BY-SA 4.0. Both via Wikimedia Commons.
Journeys for this trip
Plan your Rajasthan trip
Read Next
All Stories →
Udaipur to Jodhpur: Distance, Time by Road and Train
Udaipur Honeymoon: Romantic Things to Do, from Lake Dinners to Boat Rides
