Ranakpur is a beautiful town in Rajasthan, famous for its stunning marble Jain temple. It is located in the Pali district, surrounded by Aravalli hills. Many travelers visit Ranakpur to explore its architecture and peaceful surroundings.

This guide explains how to reach Ranakpur from nearby cities and major transport hubs. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Ranakpur – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Ranakpur is limited as the town does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Falna and Rani, which connect well with cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad.

• Falna Railway Station is about 15 km from Ranakpur and well connected by trains from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for the onward journey.

• Rani Railway Station is approximately 40 km away and serves as another option. Frequent local buses and cabs connect Rani to Ranakpur, but travel time is longer.

• Train fares vary depending on class and distance, with sleeper class costing around ₹150-₹400 from nearby cities. Trains run daily but can be crowded during festivals.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles. Early morning or late evening trains are less crowded and more comfortable.

• During monsoon, some trains may face delays due to track maintenance near the Aravalli hills, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Ranakpur from nearby cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. State transport and private buses operate on this route.

• Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs regular buses from Udaipur and Jodhpur to Ranakpur, with journey times ranging from 2 to 5 hours depending on the starting point.

• Private deluxe and non-AC buses are also available and can be booked online or at bus depots. Fares range between ₹100 and ₹400.

• Buses usually depart from major bus stands like Udaipur City Bus Stand or Jodhpur New Bus Stand. It is best to arrive early to get good seats, especially during weekends.

• Roads are mostly well-maintained National Highways NH62 and NH27, but expect some narrow stretches near Ranakpur. Monsoon rains can cause occasional delays.

• Food stalls and rest stops are available along the route, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Ranakpur offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions. The roads are scenic and well-connected by highways.

• Ranakpur is about 90 km from Udaipur via NH62 and State Highway 16, taking roughly 2.5 hours by car. From Jodhpur, it is around 140 km, about 3.5 hours drive.

• Car rentals and self-drive options like Zoomcar or local agencies are available in Udaipur and Jodhpur. Daily rental costs range from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on the vehicle.

• Expect toll plazas on NH62; toll charges are usually under ₹100. Carry cash as some tolls may not accept digital payments.

• Driving through the Aravalli hills offers beautiful views but requires careful driving on winding roads, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery.

• Parking near the Ranakpur temple is limited, so plan to arrive early to find a good spot or use local parking facilities.

Flight

The nearest airport to Ranakpur is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. Flights connect Udaipur with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Ranakpur.

• Udaipur Airport is approximately 90 km from Ranakpur, about 2.5 hours by road. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at the airport.

• Flight fares vary widely, starting from ₹2000 to ₹6000 depending on the city and season. Booking in advance is recommended for better prices.

• Domestic flights operate daily but frequency reduces during off-peak seasons. Check schedules carefully before planning.

• From Udaipur airport, shared cabs or private taxis can be hired. Shared cabs cost around ₹500-₹700, while private taxis may charge ₹1500-₹2000.

• During peak tourist seasons, airport taxis may be in high demand, so pre-booking through apps or travel agents is advisable.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers reach Ranakpur smoothly. It covers booking, travel, and local transport tips to avoid common issues.

• Book your train or bus tickets online via IRCTC or RSRTC websites at least a week in advance to secure seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• If flying, book your Udaipur flight early and arrange airport transfer through prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs for safety and fixed fares.

• On arrival at Falna or Rani railway stations, use local auto-rickshaws or pre-booked taxis to reach Ranakpur. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• If driving, plan your route using Google Maps and check for toll plazas and rest stops. Start early to avoid traffic and reach before sunset.

• Carry a physical map or offline navigation app as network coverage can be patchy near Ranakpur, especially in hilly areas.

• Pack light but include water bottles, snacks, and a raincoat during monsoon. Wear comfortable shoes for temple visits and walking around the town.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid or app-based taxis in Udaipur and nearby cities to avoid bargaining and ensure safety, especially if traveling late at night.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from a busy stall to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to get confirmed seats and avoid standing during long journeys, especially in peak seasons.

• Local transport in Ranakpur includes shared autos and cycle rickshaws. Negotiate fares before boarding as meters are rare.

• Carry minimal luggage as narrow roads and limited parking make it difficult to handle bulky bags near the temple area.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling. Landslides or waterlogging can cause delays on NH62.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Ranakpur is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon brings heavy rains affecting road travel.

Planning your trip outside major festivals like Diwali or Holi helps avoid crowding and higher transport fares. Early morning departures are ideal for smooth journeys.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to slippery roads and possible delays from heavy rains.

• Festival periods like Navratri and Diwali see increased tourist traffic, making trains and buses crowded and accommodation pricier.

• Winter mornings can be foggy, especially near the Aravalli hills, so allow extra travel time if driving or taking buses.

• Departing early in the day helps avoid traffic jams near Udaipur and ensures you reach Ranakpur before dark, as street lighting is limited.

Arrival at Ranakpur & What to Expect

When you arrive in Ranakpur, you will find a small town with limited public transport. The main attraction is the Jain temple complex, located about 1 km from the town center.

Local transport options include shared autos and cycle rickshaws, which are affordable and convenient for short distances. Most visitors prefer to stay in nearby towns like Sadri or Udaipur for more accommodation choices.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare in Ranakpur, so it is best to arrange your return transport in advance. Walking is also a good option within the town as distances are short.

Conclusion

Traveling to Ranakpur is straightforward with multiple options depending on your starting point and budget. Taking a train to Falna or Rani followed by a taxi is efficient for those relying on public transport. Driving offers flexibility and scenic views but requires careful planning.

Booking tickets early, choosing the right season, and preparing for local conditions will make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Ranakpur and experience its unique heritage without stress.