Ranakpur is often described as remote but that reputation is mostly outdated. Tucked into the Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan, it is well connected by road from most major cities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and beyond. Whether you are coming for the Jain temples, a resort stay, or a scenic stopover on a longer circuit, this guide gives you the exact distances, driving times, and route clarity you need to plan your trip with confidence.
How to Reach Ranakpur
Ranakpur sits in the Pali district of Rajasthan, roughly midway between Udaipur and Jodhpur in the Aravalli Range. The town is set in a forested valley at moderate elevation, which gives the final stretch of the drive a distinctly different character from the flat plains of Rajasthan. National Highway connects it to the wider state highway network, making it accessible from both the east (Jaipur, Delhi) and the west (Jodhpur, Barmer) as well as the south (Udaipur, Ahmedabad). Road conditions on the main approach routes are generally good; only the last 20–30 km requires slightly reduced speeds due to curvy roads but worth experiencing.
Distance to Ranakpur from Major Cities
The table below covers the most common origin cities, with approximate distances and realistic driving times under normal conditions.
| City | Distance (Approx km) | Driving Time (Approx) | Travel Type |
| Ahmedabad | 320 | 6 hrs | Ideal weekend trip |
| Udaipur | 90 | 2 hrs | Short excursion |
| Jodhpur | 160 | 3 hrs | Easy getaway |
| Jaipur | 350 | 6 hrs | Long weekend trip |
| Delhi / Gurugram | 650-700 | 10–12 hrs | 2-leg journey & Long weekend trip |
| Mount Abu | 150 | 3 hrs | Good combined route |
Route Notes by City
Ahmedabad to Ranakpur
The fastest and most straightforward route is via NH 27 through Palanpur and Sirohi, turning towards Sanderao and Sadri. Roads are excellent and mostly toll-ways until you hit the foothills. Alternatively, you can drive via Himmatnagar and Shamlaji, breaking off before Udaipur toward Gogunda.
- Time/Distance: Approx 320 km | 6–7 hours.
- Recommendation: An early 6 AM start puts you in Ranakpur just in time for check-in and lunch.
Udaipur to Ranakpur
The shortest and most popular route runs via NH 58 (extending onto SH 32) through Iswal and Sayra. This is a beautiful, scenic mountain drive cutting through the Aravalli valleys.
- Time/Distance: Approx 90 km | 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Recommendation: Works perfectly as a night stay or an easy transit stop when checking out of Udaipur for day picnic or lunch.
Jodhpur to Ranakpur
The drive south from Jodhpur runs via NH 62 through Pali to Sanderao, then cutting inland via Falna and Sadri. The road quality is highly maintained, transitioning from smooth national highways to a scenic, tree-lined state highway near the end.
- Time/Distance: Approx 160 km | 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Recommendation: Works perfectly as a night stay or an easy transit stop when checking out of Jodhpur for day picnic or lunch.
Jaipur to Ranakpur
A full-day drive best broken down into stretches. Take NH 48 to Ajmer, switch to NH 58 through Beawar, and then head toward Pali/Marwar Junction before dropping down to the Ranakpur foothills.
- Time/Distance: Approx 350 km | 7–8 hours.
- Recommendation: Few leisure travelers prefer breaking this journey with a night halt in Ajmer or Jodhpur.
Delhi / Gurugram to Ranakpur
At nearly 750 km, this is the longest and a heavy 13–15 hour push via the NE 4 (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway) or NH 48.
- Recommendation: A single-day drive is not advisable for leisure tourists. Suggest guests take a night halt in Jaipur, or fly into Udaipur airport (90 km away) and take a 2-hour cab to Ranakpur for a premium guest experience.
Mount Abu to Ranakpur
An excellent, light-traffic route via Sirohi and choosing the road toward Sanderao/Falna. This pairing works exceptionally well as a two-destination hill-and-heritage circuit for domestic tourists out of Gujarat.
- Time/Distance: Approx 150 km | 3 hours.
Best Ways to Reach Ranakpur
How to Reach Ranakpur By Road
Road access is the most practical way to reach Ranakpur. Self-drive options and hired cabs from Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad are readily available. Roads are multi-lane highways up to the bypass points (Gogunda or Sanderao), after which the terrain becomes a winding, scenic ghat section.
Nearest Airport – Udaipur (Maharana Pratap Airport)
Located approximately 90 km away. It operates regular flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, pre-paid cabs reach Ranakpur in about 2.5 hours.
Nearest Railway Station – Falna
Falna is the closest major railhead, located 35 km (approx. 45 mins) from Ranakpur. It sits on the busy Delhi–Ahmedabad mainline, meaning major trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Delhi stop here. Dedicated cabs and local transits are easily accessible at the station to reach to Ranakpur temple.
What the Last Stretch Feels Like
As you leave the flat plains and enter the Aravalli foothills, the road changes noticeably. The highway narrows and starts winding through forested slopes, and the pace slows – partly because of the terrain, partly because the scenery demands attention. You will pass dry riverbeds, rocky hillsides, and clusters of trees that feel distinctly different from the rest of Rajasthan. The last 20–30 km into Ranakpur is worth factoring into your timing – not because of poor roads, but because it is slower and more scenic than typical highway driving. This is real Ranakpur.
Which Cities Work Best for a Short Trip
- Ahmedabad – Best for a 2–3 night trip. Drive down on Day 1, full day at Ranakpur on Day 2, return or extend to Kumbhalgarh or Udaipur on Day 3.
- Udaipur – Perfect day excursion or an easy add-on at either end of a Udaipur visit. No overnight stay needed unless you want one.
- Jodhpur – Short break of 1–2 nights. Works well as a mid-point on a Jodhpur to Udaipur road journey.
- Delhi NCR – Best suited for a long weekend (4 nights minimum) or as part of a larger Rajasthan circuit. Fly into Udaipur for a more time-efficient option.
Planning Tips for the Drive
- Start early – A 6 AM departure from Ahmedabad or Jodhpur gets you to Ranakpur before noon, maximising your day.
- Plan fuel stops in advance – Fuel stations become sparse. Fill up in nearby Village/City or before entering the forest stretch.
- Avoid driving the interior roads after dark – The hillside roads into Ranakpur are safe but best avoided after sunset, especially for first-time visitors.
- Break long-distance drives – For anything over 400 km, plan a lunch or rest break. Pali, Falna, Udaipur, Sirohi are good options along most approach routes.
- Check temple timings – The Ranakpur Jain temples have specific visiting hours. Arriving too early or too late affects your plans significantly.
- Mobile connectivity – Network coverage can drop on the final stretch. Download offline maps before you leave.
Conclusion
Ranakpur is well within driving distance from most major cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the road connectivity has improved significantly in recent years. Whether you are planning a quick 2-day escape from Ahmedabad, adding it on to a Udaipur trip, or working it into a longer Rajasthan road circuit, the drive is straightforward with the right planning. Use this guide to map your route, estimate your time realistically, and leave with a clear picture of what to expect on the road.