After spending two days exploring Udaipur, we decided to dedicate the next day to a quick road trip outside the city. Our plan was simple: visit Ranakpur Jain Temple and Kumbhalgarh Fort. Both are within driving distance from Udaipur and can easily be covered in one day.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
We started from Udaipur in the morning, and the drive to Ranakpur took around two and a half hours, offering beautiful views of the Aravalli hills along the way.
The temple is a masterpiece of architecture, carved entirely out of white marble, with over 1,400 intricately designed pillars, each one unique. The detailing inside is fascinating, and even the way light and shadows play across the marble makes it feel almost magical.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
White marble pillars and carving of the temple
A few tips if you plan to visit:
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Cameras are allowed with a small fee, but photography inside the main sanctum is restricted. If you want to take mobile phones inside, there is a small fee for that as well.
- Audio guides are available at the counter. We skipped them but got to know about the temple’s history from one of the priests, which was quite interesting.
We spent some time taking photos and admiring the carvings before starting our journey toward Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
It took us about one and a half hours to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort from Ranakpur. The fort is known for its massive walls that stretch over 36kms, making it the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
Perched atop a hill, the fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aravalli ranges. The drive is scenic, winding through hills, villages, and forests.
Inside the fort complex, you can explore several temples, palaces, and viewpoints. The Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds) at the top offers the best view of the fort and surrounding valleys.
Kumbalgarh Fort
We stayed until evening to watch the light and sound show, which beautifully narrates the fort’s history. The fort looks magical once it’s illuminated after sunset.
There was a bit of traffic near the fort entrance, and we had to park our car a little far from the main gate. We left just before the show ended because we were sure that once everyone left together, the traffic jam would get much worse.
Travel Tips for This Day Trip
- Carry snacks and water as food options between Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh are limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the fort involves quite a bit of walking.
Wrapping Up
This short day trip turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the Rajasthan road trip. Both the temple and the fort are architectural marvels in their own way. The intricate carvings of Ranakpur and the grandeur of Kumbhalgarh perfectly capture Rajasthan’s artistic and historical richness.
If you are planning a longer trip, you can easily fit this itinerary after your 2 days in Udaipur, just like we did on Day 5 of our Rajasthan road trip, and then return to Jaipur from Kumbhalgarh.
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