Jodhpur to Ranakpur Trip Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to Jodhpur – the Blue City of Rajasthan, where history, heritage, and hospitality come alive in every street. With its towering Mehrangarh Fort, bustling markets, and vibrant blue lanes, Jodhpur is a favourite among travellers who wish to experience royal Rajasthan. But beyond the city’s charm lies a lesser-known, peaceful journey — the self-drive road trip from Jodhpur to Ranakpur.In this blog, we’ll take you through one of Rajasthan’s most scenic self-drive routes, filled with forest-covered roads, Aravalli hills, and ancient temples. If you love road trips, nature, or peaceful destinations, this journey is perfect for you.
New to road trips? Don’t miss our Tips for First-Time Self Drive Car Renters to plan a smooth journey.
Exploring Jodhpur before your trip? Check out our Jodhpur 1 Day Itinerary to cover the best spots.
Want to explore more after Ranakpur? Head west with our Complete Guide of Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Jodhpur to Ranakpur via Self Drive Car Route Overview
- Distance: Approx. 165 km
- Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best Route: Jodhpur → Pali → Sadri → Ranakpur
- Road Condition: Well-maintained highways and forest roads
- Ideal Time to Travel: October to March (pleasant weather)
Starting from Jodhpur – The Blue City
Begin your journey early from Jodhpur. This historic city offers plenty of sights:
- Mehrangarh Fort – A stunning view of the city from above
- Clock Tower & Sardar Market – Great for snacks and souvenirs
- Jaswant Thada – Peaceful marble cenotaph with a lake backdrop
Before leaving:
- Fuel up your car
- Pack water bottles, snacks, and offline maps
- Start early to avoid heat and enjoy sunrise views
The Drive: From Plains to Forested Hills
Once you’re on the road, the scenery begins to change:
- Wide highways through villages and farmlands
- Small temples, mustard fields, and camel carts pass by
- Stop at Pali — a small town that’s great for a chai break
Interesting Stop: Bullet Baba Temple (Om Banna)
A famous roadside temple where a Royal Enfield Bullet is worshipped. Locals believe the bike protects travellers. A must-stop for photos and blessings.
Into the Aravallis: Scenic Forest Roads
From Pali, the road gradually climbs into the Aravalli hills, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. The air gets cooler, trees thicken, and you’ll likely spot:
- Peacocks and langurs on the roadside
- Shepherds and rural settlements
- Beautiful curves and turns perfect for scenic photography
Ranakpur – Home to Divine Architecture
After about 3.5 hours, you’ll reach Ranakpur, a small town tucked away in the hills — peaceful, green, and spiritual.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
One of the most spectacular temples in India, known for:
- 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars (no two are the same)
- Peaceful, cool interiors
- Built in the 15th century, dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha
Nearby Attractions in Ranakpur
- Ranakpur Dam
A peaceful lake ideal for sunsets and walks. - Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (12 km)
Take a jungle safari – you might see leopards, antelope, or even bears! - Sadri Town
Explore traditional Rajasthani architecture and local markets. - Forest Trails & Sunset Viewpoints
Forest resorts nearby often have guided trails and hidden viewpoints.
Where to Eat
You won’t find fancy restaurants, but local and resort-based dining options are available:
- King’s Abode – Good food, great ambiance
- Maharani Bagh – Traditional meals with orchard views
- Mana Hotels – Great thalis and snacks
Where to Stay in Ranakpur
If you want to stay overnight and explore more:
- Mana Hotels – Modern and family-friendly
- Fateh Bagh Palace – Royal heritage stay
- Aranyawas Resort – In the forest, perfect for nature lovers
Self-Drive Travel Tips
- Drive in daylight, avoid forest roads at night
- Carry offline maps, especially after Pali
- Avoid speeding in forest zones (wildlife alert!)
- Respect local culture and traditions
- Don’t forget your license, ID proof, and car documents
Best Photo Spots in Jodhpur to Ranakpur
- Curved roads near Sadri with mountain backdrops
- Pillars and interiors of Ranakpur Temple
- Open views from Ranakpur Dam
- Forest landscapes during sunrise/sunset
- Cultural village life on the way
- Extend Your Trip
Final Words
The Jodhpur to Ranakpur self-drive trip is more than just a road journey — it’s a soulful ride through Rajasthan’s forests, hills, and timeless spirituality. With every turn, the noise of the city fades, replaced by birdsong, temple bells, and calm mountain air. Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple, or a family, this experience brings together nature, culture, and peace.
So, start the engine, play your favourite road trip playlist, and let Rajasthan’s hidden route show you a side of the state most tourists never see.
