Rajasthan - Ranakpur temple question
 

Hi,

I remember reading in a couple of travel blogs about people having a typical Jain lunch in the Ranakpur temple. We would prefer this to the 'continental' cusine offered in the nearby restaurants.

Does anyone have any details on this? Is this still possible and are there specific timings for this?

Regards.

I'll bet it's this:

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui...=1154654624895

right at the bottom of the article.

Hi,

Yes, exactly the information I was looking for! Thank you so much.

Regards.

dogster,
on a somewhat related topic - we will be doing a full day trip from Udaipur to visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur temples (with return to Udaipur at night).
I would like to include a stop at Devi Garh.
How far out of the way is it?
Would it be conceivable to stop there on the way back for dinner?
Thanks.

Hi Paul: yup, you can do that. It's physically possible. Devi Garh is in Delwara, 28K from Udaipur - on the same road you'll likely be using to and from Ranakpur.

I assume you know its 110K Udaipur to Ranakpur. That's three hours to get there - then three hours back. [Someone correct me if I'm wrong]. PLUS sightseeing. PLUS lunch. Add Devi Garh. It's a long day.

If I were you I'd be anxious to get OFF the roads before nightfall. Most certainly not be driving at ten or eleven at night with a driver who has been on the go [like you] since seven that morning.

dogster,
I knew I was looking at a long day. I will rely on a good breakfast, not waste much time with lunch and have a nice dinner back in Udaipur. Still would like to stop to see Devi Garh - maybe for future reference?
Thanks for your help.

In February the road from Udaipur to Ranakpur was under major reconstruction. I can't imagine that it's been completed. It was a very slow and dusty trip but we are fortunate that we persevered and saw the incredible temples. Have a great trip!

Marija,
Thank you for the warning. I will be there in March, but as you said, it probably won't be finished yet.
May have to make changes/adjustments.
I will check with my local contact.
Thanks again.

I just had an e mail from Lake Palace hotel confirming the road work but insisting that it is due to be finished by January 2009.
We'll see.

lol Paul - believe nothing but eye-witness reports. I'd take Marija's word over that of the Lake Palace any time.

They will lie, and then they'll lie some more - ANYTHING to get you in their car. By the time you see the roadworks coming it's too late.

I guess you've already booked your hotels - but the solution would be to overnite near Ranakpur so the visit isn't a total nightmare. Otherwise it's gonna be. Seven, eight hours driving over crappy roads PLUS sightseeing. Horrible!

dogster,
I promise I shall report back in late April/early May.

Regarding road from Udaipur to Ranakpur---In December ( 12/6) we traveled this road--and saw evidence of road work, but had no delays. Beautiful countryside between Udaipur and Ranakpur--scenic hills,farms and grazing, ox-pulled plows, ox-driven water pumps. And as I've said elsewhere Ranakpur was a highlight of our journey. I highly recommend an overnight there.

I just read the NYT article on the Jain temple in Ranakpur--and completely agree with the description and assessment of the impressive construction of the temple. There are 2 other temple structures also just adjacent, one has beautiful and erotic carvings on the outside. A joy to behold the entire complex. I would disagree with the NYT comment that there are no good accomodations in Ranakpur---Ranakpur Hill Resort looks simple but lovely, and the Fateh Bagh resort is beautifully restored,very comfortable, and relaxing with some quite grounds and a pool.Very helpful and friendly staff there.