In this guide
On the winding road through the Aravallis between Udaipur and Jodhpur lie two monuments that are, individually, worth a trip — and together make one of Rajasthan's great heritage day-outs: the marble marvel of Ranakpur and the colossal fort of Kumbhalgarh.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple (dedicated to Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara) is famous for its 1,444 marble pillars — no two carved alike. The whole structure is a lace-like feat of white marble, its ceilings and columns worked in astonishing detail. Land for it was granted by Rana Kumbha, which is how the temple and its village got the name. There's a dress code and specific visiting hours for non-worshippers; check locally.
Kumbhalgarh — the Great Wall of India
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh is ringed by a wall stretching roughly 36 km — the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, which earns it the nickname "the Great Wall of India". It's also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, and part of the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Walk a stretch of the ramparts, climb to the Badal Mahal ("palace of clouds") at the top, and if you can, catch the evening sound-and-light show.
Turn this route into a real trip
Build a day-by-day plan for this itinerary, then get real, comparable quotes from vetted local operators.
Plan My Trip →How to visit both
The two are close together and are usually done as a day trip from Udaipur (roughly 2–3 hours each way) or as a stop on the Udaipur–Jodhpur drive. Ranakpur in the morning and Kumbhalgarh in the afternoon (to end with the light show) is a classic pairing.
Best time to visit
October to March for comfortable weather. The monsoon (July–September) makes the Aravalli setting lush and green but can affect roads.
Where to stay
Most people base in Udaipur, but there are resorts and heritage stays right near Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur if you'd rather stay overnight and beat the day-trip crowds. The nearby Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a bonus for nature lovers.
Costs (indicative)
Modest entry fees at both sites, plus transport (a hired car is easiest). The Kumbhalgarh light show has a separate ticket. Confirm current timings and fees before you go.
Responsible travel
Respect the Ranakpur temple's dress code and photography rules, don't touch the carvings, and keep the fort ramparts and sanctuary litter-free.
FAQ
Can you visit Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh in one day?
Yes — they're close enough to combine as a full day from Udaipur, ideally Ranakpur first, then Kumbhalgarh for the afternoon and sunset.
Why is Kumbhalgarh called the Great Wall of India?
Its perimeter wall runs about 36 km — the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
