Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple
4
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Rat Temple Karni Mata Karnimata
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
See what travelers are saying
- ciz2014Florence, Italy118 contributionsOnce in a lifetime experienceTruly surprising and not to be missed. Inside the temple, free mice roam everywhere, the faithful feed them, worship them in the hope of seeing a white one. Be careful not to beat them because the fine is very high... Unrepeatable experience for the whole set . Mice circled drinking milk from a bowl It's a picture to take and to send to friends especially to those who knowing of your departure to India told you "but who makes you do it..."Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 16, 2024
- Alessandro SBologna, Italy4,887 contributionsVery particularThe temple dedicated to mice is located about thirty kilometers from Bikaner. You have to pay 30 rupees to photograph and you can not enter leather objects such as belts , watch straps etc. The mice are really many, it seems that in the whole temple there are 20,000, but they mind their own business as they have to eat and drink. I suggest getting a good tubular sock to give to some poor guy at the exit.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten December 12, 2024
- Sophia F1 contributionAmazing AnniversaryMy wife (Mary Beth) and I (Demtri) had wanted to visit India for a long time. We thought it'd be a good idea to visit for our 31st anniversary. We are fascinated by Indian culture and we have to say this is a must! Although the hygiene practices our questionable, to say the least, the experience is something you'll never ever be able to forget. While we were in the temple Mary Beth was swarmed by 10 rats and they all were running across her feet. When an Indian woman saw this she told us that it means Mary Beth will have good luck. This was incredible to hear since it was our last day in India before we caught a flight back home to Las Vegas, Nevada. The following day in Las Vegas we hit up every casino we could and won back all the money we spent on our trip! Until we, unfortunately, found our way to the slot machines and lost $1,000. Oh well, next time we go we'll make sure to get my feet rubbed too.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 3, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
792 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
272
Average
122
Poor
25
Terrible
19
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Anne B
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
So yes it’s special but it’s incredible to do.
Our guide explained to us that each rat is the reincarnation of a dead baby or young child and that is why they revere them. For 10 rps we get foot protectors and for 30 rps we can take photos.
If you see a white rat it’s the grail it brings good luck ☺️
Our guide explained to us that each rat is the reincarnation of a dead baby or young child and that is why they revere them. For 10 rps we get foot protectors and for 30 rps we can take photos.
If you see a white rat it’s the grail it brings good luck ☺️

Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AL
46 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
There are rats everywhere. That really is the only selling point - the uniqueness. There actually weren't as many as we expected.
The rats are not "kept" let alone domesticated; they are wild animals that have food put out for them. So they are in varying states of health (or dead). Do not expect a personal "encounter".
Even on a weekday there are large crowds.
The temple itself is of no interest architecturally.
There is no entry fee and a nominal camera fee but it's a long way from Bikaner so not worth a special trip.
The rats are not "kept" let alone domesticated; they are wild animals that have food put out for them. So they are in varying states of health (or dead). Do not expect a personal "encounter".
Even on a weekday there are large crowds.
The temple itself is of no interest architecturally.
There is no entry fee and a nominal camera fee but it's a long way from Bikaner so not worth a special trip.
Written January 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purva K
Mumbai, India168 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
It is a different experience and auto charges you approx 700-800 Rs. To take you to karni mata temple ( Deshnok) and drop back to the city.
Rs. 1000 for Karni mata temple , camel farm ( Camel research centre) , vaishnodham mandir ( must visit) and Devi kund Sagar lake ( Centopahs)
This temple is unique in nature and there are rats everywhere. However, the day i went, there were quite a few people and hence rats were on side and didn't touch me ( to my relief) .
In 30 mins, I was done with entire mandir visit .
If you are in Bikaner , i will absolutely suggest you to go here for a different experience.
Rs. 1000 for Karni mata temple , camel farm ( Camel research centre) , vaishnodham mandir ( must visit) and Devi kund Sagar lake ( Centopahs)
This temple is unique in nature and there are rats everywhere. However, the day i went, there were quite a few people and hence rats were on side and didn't touch me ( to my relief) .
In 30 mins, I was done with entire mandir visit .
If you are in Bikaner , i will absolutely suggest you to go here for a different experience.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilthetravellerXI
Avoca Beach, Australia881 contributions
Feb 2020
The Karni Mata Temple, some 20km out of Bikaner, is a fascinating place to visit on the road between Bikaner and Jodhpur and worth a visit for an hour. It is a functional temple with the rats being a sacred animal so one must be appropriately dressed and behaved. It is however a fascinating temple to see, do not be worried about the animals, they keep away from you however you do need to remove shoes before entry – you are offered foot coverings. Non-Indians are not allowed right into the inner sanctum, but you do get very good vision and can take your photos. It is one of those quirky places for a westerner to see and the history of its evolution is very interesting. There are toilet facilities and you can get light refreshments from outside shops. The entry fee is modest.
Written May 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
venkys Sujourns
Mumbai, India298 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
The temple of karni mata located in deshnok 30 kms from Bikaner city shows how human kind has coexisted with animals.. the entire temple complex is full of rats scurrying every where and all the believers feeding them with grains and milk.
The energy inside the sanctum sanctorum is overwhelming.
Mush visit to take Darshan
The energy inside the sanctum sanctorum is overwhelming.
Mush visit to take Darshan
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naveen_oberoi
New Delhi, India445 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Karni Mata mandir in deshnok is around 30 km from bikaner and many buses available on regular basis to reach the temple. You can also hire a cab or auto to reach there. Totally recommened to visit this temple. It has a story behind it and a museum is there to tell about the miracles of Karni mata..temple entry is free...museum has entry of just rs 5...this temple is famous for rats and you will be amazed to see n number of rats in the temple..they say that if you see a white rat..you are the lucky one..
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelDude2015
Auckland Central, New Zealand18 contributions
Oct 2022
India is notorious for its numerous Hindu gods and goddesses, rituals, religions and legends. So, it's no shock that it also has a temple devoted to rats!
Karni Mata Temple is among the most bizarre and grubby temples I’ve ever visited.But that didn't prevent me from going back for a third time!
It can be overwhelming but well worth visting.
Pack your oldest pair of socks and be willing to thrown them in the bin on your way out!
Karni Mata Temple is among the most bizarre and grubby temples I’ve ever visited.But that didn't prevent me from going back for a third time!
It can be overwhelming but well worth visting.
Pack your oldest pair of socks and be willing to thrown them in the bin on your way out!
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdeligiosphoto
Sassari, Italy3,261 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This is the famous Rat Temple, it can be reached easily from Bikaner and takes only half a day. It is not suitable for people who fear these animals, I myself had a bit of difficulty because you have to go without shoes and the environment is very dirty and full of cockroaches. Having said that I recommend it, it was one of the things I wanted to see in India.

Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia10,140 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
If you visit this temple, you know what to expect ; I am flabbergasted with some reviews who express their utmost disgust . . . did they not know ??!!
There are rats, some 20,000 of them. Together with the pigeons, they poop all over and you will walk barefoot. Don't like it ? Don't go there.
But for those who travel to learn and to experience the unusual, this is "must see". Even though this may be incomprehensible to our hygienic Western mind, it is clearly important to a lot of devotees who flock in their thousands to this temple.
Observe and learn.
There are rats, some 20,000 of them. Together with the pigeons, they poop all over and you will walk barefoot. Don't like it ? Don't go there.
But for those who travel to learn and to experience the unusual, this is "must see". Even though this may be incomprehensible to our hygienic Western mind, it is clearly important to a lot of devotees who flock in their thousands to this temple.
Observe and learn.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FreeIndianBird
New Delhi, India136 contributions
Nov 2019
It is in Deshnoke 30 km far from Bikaner city, if you are going bikaner then easliy go here by auto/cab. I had heard a lot of this temple which was difficult to believe but it's true there are lots of Rats and this temple is dedicated to rats only. You will find rats every where in mandir premises, prasad etc. Should must visit this place for a different believe & experience.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sono di Bologna e fra circa un anno vorrei andare in India con un tour guidato. Ci tengo assolutamente ad andare a visitare anche il tempio dei topi ma fino ad ora non ho trovato alcun viaggio che lo preveda espressamente. Qualcuno sa dirmi se esiste, oppure se i tour che prevedono Bikaner danno poi la possibilità di andare al vicino Karni Mata? Grazie mille. Daniela
Written December 3, 2018
Ciao, noi ci siamo affidati ad un tour Operator locale che ha organizzato le varie tappe su nostra indicazione. Con un bus privato abbiamo fatto il giro del Rajasthan e incluso il tempio dei topi vicino a Bikaner prima di tornare a Dehli.Preparati ad un’esperienza forte...
Written December 3, 2018
I had stayed at Bikaner and went to Deshnoke by bus from Bikaner. The Karni Mata temple is just in front of Deshnoke bus stop. It's an hour via bus from Bikaner to Deshnoke and there are frequent buses in that route.
Written November 30, 2018
Are buses/ shared taxis runs from karni mata temple to bikaner station??
Written September 24, 2018
Buses are frequently available from the bus stop in front of the temple to Bikaner bus stop.
Written September 28, 2018
Hi,
I'm going on a solo trip to India at the end of July with the main purpose of visiting this temple. I've booked a private tour with a driver from Jaipur that includes a night in nearby Bikaner, but I didn't realise the tour was private as in just me, and I'm not sure how safe that kind of thing is.
Has anybody else used a private tour to go from Jaipur to this temple and can recommend a good driver for a solo female traveller? Or does anyone know if catching the bus is safer?
I booked my tour through Viator with a tour guide called Raj Sharma but I can't find any reviews anywhere - anyone used this guide before at all?
Any advice welcome.
Thanks!
Written June 13, 2018
Hi Liane, don't take a private taxi with you being the only passenger. The best way to go to Deshnoke, which is half an hour away from Bikaner is to travel by train. Try the 12468 Leelan express which goes around in a circular route from Jaipur to Jaipur via bikaner, jaisalmer etc. In fact it stops at Deshnoke, so, you only have to walk for 3 minutes to reach the Karni Mata Rat temple.
Written June 25, 2018
Are cameras allowed inside the temple ? thanks in advance
Written June 29, 2017
Yes. For a fee as answered by others.
Written July 11, 2017
What is easiest way to get here from New Dehli? I unfortunately dont have that many days in Dehli, is it possible to get it done in one day, back and forth?
Written March 20, 2017
There is a train connectivity as well from Delhi to Bikaner. And from Bikaner it's just 30 Kms which can be travelled by car or bus.
Written August 31, 2017
What time is feeding time at the temple?
Written May 13, 2015
We arrived in early morning and while bowls of milk and food were set out already we were told that more rats can be seen in the afternoon. Be sure and view the area where the rat food is prepared / cooked in very large pots.
Written May 14, 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing