Ranakpur is without a doubt one of our favorite places in Rajasthan. Or should I say our favourite areas, as Ranakpur itself is not even really a village or a town – just a stop off point along the main road running between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It's a blink and you've missed it sort of place, and apart from the world-famous Jain temple complex (which is an important pilgrimage site) you might be forgiven for thinking it wasn't up to much.

All you have to do though to discover some Ranakpur is turn left, or turn right on your way through. Drive a little further, then a little further and you'll see what we mean.



Because of the time of year, humidity levels in Ranakpur have risen and at every hotel we visited we were told that the monsoon rains were imminent. Although the landscape in the area is now parched, once the rains start it will come back to life. For now groups of monkeys sat by the side of the road, waiting for passers by to throw them some food and cows and goats grazed on cardboard in the absence of anything more nutritious.


Having been to Ranakpur quite a few times now, one of the best things for us is that whilst we can explore and still find new pockets of rural areas to marvel at – we feel at home enough to just spend time relaxing by the pool. And with the current temperatures there was nothing to do but take a long dip in the pool with a glass of wine – and to watch a glowing sunset over the hills. And with such a chilled atmosphere, extending the moment with candle-lit dinner poolside was too good an opportunity to pass up. Another holiday feeling and a chance to enjoy a long warm evening with plenty of laughter. The hotel staff were puzzled – Ranakpur is not the kind of place people usually come to have fun.