Things to Do in Ranakpur

Things to Do in Ranakpur Jain temple or Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara is a Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. The temple is located in a village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Darna Shah, a local Jain businessperson, started construction of the temple in the 15th century following a divine vision. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar of the present half-cycle (avasarpiṇī) according to Jain cosmology. The Ranakpur temple is one of the largest and most important temples of Jain culture. The campus includes various temples such as Chaumukha temple, Surya temple, Suparshvanatha temple and Amba temple.

Trekking
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
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.

Ranakpur Festival
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.