Ranakpur

The main (seemingly the only) attraction at Ranakpur is its Jain temple. A large complex carved from marble. It is truly beautiful, and the way it has been planned allows for a lot of light to enter, creating great shadows. At only 100rs to get in, it makes a nice change from the forts in the area, although it is a rather long bus ride, which is compensated for by the beautiful nature of the countryside passed through - mountains, ravines, fields and villages, the twisty mountain roads are amazing, and after the rainy season, the whole area must be lush and beautiful. At present though, coming to the end of the winter period, it is dry and brown.

Groups of kids has set up road blocks by pushing large stones into the road, and were demanding money from people driving along. While this just seemed to be a bit of a racket, but apparently was due to it being the last day of the Holi festival (not sure what that had to do with demanding money, but anyway). Although we were rather lucky, as the last public bus of the day was actually held up and robbed by one of these groups. Not sure how I would have reacted, but pretty sure I would have fought back....no village punk is getting my camera!

My plan had been to stay at the temple, and experience some of the Jain way of life (including its food laws - vegan, and no vegetables that involve killing the plant to get (onion, potato etc). But a big bus load of Indian Jains arrived just before me, and put paid to that idea. There wasn't much in the way of other accommodation in the area, and I ended up paying 400rs for a room, the most I have paid so far (and indeed for the whole trip, unless its for something special- this wasn't), although it did have a dirty swimming pool, so at least it felt posher than everything else. I DID have a nice but expensive restaurant, and access to a large lake, and was very peaceful, so I don't feel too bad about spending the money. Not like I had any choice anyway! a