Ranakpur

Located about halfway between Udaipur and Jodhpur, in a lush valley on the flanks of the Aravali Hills, Ranakpur is famous for its impressive temple complex. There are three Jain temples here, dating from around the 15th century, with the largest being the white marble Adinatha. There are said to be 1,444 columns inside the temple, each with its own unique carvings, supporting elaborating carved ceilings and domes. The nearby Parsvanatha and Neminath temples are also worth visiting for their elaborate sculptures. The temples are very active and are very popular with Jain pilgrims. Non-Jains may only visit in the afternoon, and black clothing and shoes and socks are not permitted inside the temple. The nearby partially enclosed deer park is home to spotted deer, nilgali and an abundance of birdlife.