Tucked away in the shadows of the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan’s place district, lies a quaint town called Ranakpur. Home to the grand Ranakpur Jain temple, the town is small and peaceful, giving tourists a keen insight into small town Rajasthan as well as Jain philosophy and beliefs. Ranakpur also conveniently sits midway between the Udaipur – Jodhpur highway, making it a convenient stop for those travelling by road.

ranakpur jain templeThe Ranakpur Jain temple made completely from marble is nothing but awe inspiring. The temple has beautiful domes, shikharas, turrets and cupolas supported by 1444 intricately carved marble pillars and it is said that no two pillars are carved alike. While the makers of this temple devoted much energy to glorifying their deities through the ornamentation of carving, the starkness of the marble is a constant reminder of the austerity that Jainism stands for. Within the same premises also exists an ancient and rare sun temple.

The town of Sadri is the nearest commercial centre in the region and the colours, sights and smells and food of Rajasthan come alive here. This region is famous for a specific kind of weaving of which they make rugs, which can be purchased from Sadri’s thriving markets.

mana hotelsThese are the elements that make the backdrop of Mana Hotel’s beautiful resort in Ranakpur. Spread over 3.5 acres, Mana Ranakpur sits on the banks of a seasonal river. Amidst the landscaped green sits warm and imaginative structures made of locally mined stone and steel. The juxtaposition of the old with the modern creates a mesmerising ambiance. The resort has 40 rooms in the hotel block and 9 luxury cottages with two rooms and private backyard that are ideal for family vacations. The in-house entertainment like the infinity pool, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and movie library numerous venues to eat at make it even more appealing for families.

Mana Ranakpur goes a step further and organising sightseeing opportunities for its guests, taking them on a tour of the temples, neighbouring towns and villages as well as for picnics to destinations like Thandi Beri and the Baoris (stepwells) in the region. They also organise camel rides, mehendi (henna body art), champi (traditional massages), Rajasthani folk music and dance performances for their guests. Taking their hospitality a step further, they also organise contests and events for children like the recent T-shirt painting content to entertain the kids while allowing their parents to unwind from their hectic schedules.

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It also goes without saying that the kitchens of Mana Ranakpur go that extra mile to prepare and produce delicious and authentic Mewari and Marwari food that is native to Rajasthan and a must-try for all those who visit the state.

All in all, it is easy to say that a stay at Mana Ranakpur would be a wholesome experience, exposing you and your family to the best of Rajasthani culture. Make your reservations now!

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