Rajasthan is like a permanent fixation for me. Whenever I go there, there is a sense of déjà vu and I love to travel into the interiors with as much anticipation and delight as to the main tourist destinations. For one, the average Rajasthan even on the street understands that the tourist is one of its major economic mainstay and consequently treat them with respect. By now they have seen enough tourists from all over the world and are not over awed by anyone.
I usually give resorts a miss when vacationing, I find the experience too synthetic, but for once, I gave in to family pressure to holiday at the Mana Resorts in Ranakpur. And I am so glad I did, for it was one of the nicest and comfortable holiday experiences I have had in a long time. Ranakpur is off the regular tourist map so one doesn’t encounter the usual touristy crowds that populate the ever beguiling Rajasthan. Quietly nestled within the folds of the Aravallis, the resort is set within nearly four acres of lush green land. The stunningly unique architecture enhances the tranquility of the place. The design is totally contemporary and in refreshing contrast to anything else one has encountered in Rajasthan. The extensive use of glass gives a very open feeling. The design is ultra modern and is still in harmony with its surroundings made from local stone, steel and glass. Everything is as Rajasthani as it gets but has a contemporary twist.
As all of us adults decided to rest a while but my children, who are bundles of energy, refused to rest for they discovered the existence of a peacocks and ducks and other birds within the resort premise. After few hours of getting our act together, off we went for an early dinner. The sheer variety of the Rajasthani cuisine was mindboggling. Our thaali consisted of ker sangri, mangodi alu ki shabzi, missi roti, besan gatteki sabzi, raabdi and the most famous daal baati with churma. The waiters carried out their services in the most royal form possible. The sweet dishes followed in quick succession, some bore names like feeni and palang tod that had us adults in splits as we hoped the children didn’t get the jokes!
The next day it was our turn to explore the neighborhood. Situated at a distance of 21 km, is the Muchhala Mahavirji Teerth Dharamsthala which is considered to be a very ancient tirth among the Jains. A delightful temple surrounded by hills, many miraculous events are said to happen here. The temple has a significant architectural embellishment called bawdi which are like stepwells or ponds in which the water can be reached by descending a series of steps. Earthen diyas lit on all the diagonal flights of steps – a sight so spectacular that it is indelible.
The following day, what kept our energy reservoirs flowing was our visit to the Jain Temple dedicated to Adinath who was the first Jain spiritual leader. The temple has four entrances, each facing a cardinal direction. It has 29 halls and 1,444 pillars which are intricately carved to represent Jain fables and symbols and it is said that no two pillars are alike. Light colour marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple also comprises of beautifully adorned ceilings with painted walls and plush interiors. As the dusk approaches, temples in the city close down due to power shortage and so we were back to the resort in the evening.
A mere 22 kilometres from the city of Udaipur on National Highway No. 8, is the Shiva temple located in the town of Eklingji or Kailashpurji. It is widely believed that Eklingji is the ruling deity of princely state of Mewar and the ruling Maharana is his representative. En route Ranakpur to Kumbhalgarh, approximately 14 kilometres from Sadri Village, is the Parshuram Mahadev Temple. This Shiva temple sits in a cave 3995 feet above sea-level and it is said that Parshuram, the lord’s sixth manifestation, made the cave himself with his axe to worship Shiva in the serene foothills of the Aravalis. The cave has naturally formed figures of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva and also has nine kunds or ponds which never go dry. It is estimated at approximately nine lakh pilgrims visit this temple annually.
Next day, we were off to Kumbhalgarh. The fort marks the birth place of Mewar’s legendary king, Maharana Pratap. The remnants of this fort and array of temples are a feast to the eyes. Kumbhalgarh, also known as Kumbhalmer, is a 15th century grand fortress built by Rana Kumbha. It is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a great king and warrior of Mewar. Kumbhalgarh is only 18 kilometres eastwards from Ranakpur and is beautiful.
Close by is Achalgarh, commissioned by famed Rana Kumbha, the fort was built in the 15th century. It is situated atop a mountain peak it has many vantage points that provide panoramic views all year round. The fort has a steep winding path that leads up to it and encloses many historic Jain temples within its embattled walls. Chittorgarh, the most important Mewari fort, is a mere 60 kilometres to the south east of Ranakpur. The fort is surrounded by a circular wall with seven large gates that need to be crossed before entering the main area. The fort and the city of Chittorgarh hold an annual festival called the Jauhar Mela to commemorate the valour of their ancestors. The fort also has an ancient but beautiful temple of Goddess Kali called the Kalika Mata Temple.
Returning to the resort after playing tourists to the hilt was refreshing and we promised to be back to the beguiling and bewitching Thar desert – for it is believed that if ones feet have touched the soil of any place, one has to go back there at least once again.
HOW TO REACH
By Road
The town is well connected with New Delhi and important towns of Rajasthan. The nearest airport is in Udaipur and Udaipur Railway station also serves as a means of tourist transport. The town is well connected to all other towns and cities in the state of Rajasthan, mainly due to its presence near a major national highway. It is about two hours from Udaipur, which is connected both by train and flights. Buses and taxis are easily available from here.
Ranakpur Weather
Ranakpur weather is tropical. The summers are quite hot with the average temperature falling in the range of 42.0° C (max) to 22.0° C (min). The climatic conditions of Ranakpur, Rajasthan in winters are only a little bit colder. The average temperature is somewhere between 20.0° C (max) to 10.6° C (min). The monsoon season does not receive much rainfall. Ranakpur experiences annual total rainfall of around 55 cm only.
Neena Gulati
