Landmark · Bikaner
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
In 60 seconds
Thirty kilometres south of Bikaner, the temple of Karni Mata houses some twenty thousand revered rats — the kabas, held to be her clan's souls. Entry is free, you go barefoot (socks allowed), and early morning is the calm, cool hour. Read our full Rat Temple Question before deciding; either answer is respectable.
Fees & timings
Checked against official sources · August 2026
| Entry | Free · camera fee ≈ ₹50 |
| Hours | Early morning to late evening (aarti at dawn and dusk) |
| The rule | Barefoot beyond the gate — socks are permitted and wise |
| Getting there | 30 km from Bikaner · car ≈ ₹1,000 – 1,500 round trip, or the local train |
| Allow | An hour at the temple; half a day with the camel farm loop |
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Family, literally
To devotees the kabas are kin awaiting rebirth — fed, protected, mourned individually. Spotting one of the rare white rats is held auspicious; a rat crossing your foot is called lucky, which is the temple's gentle way of pre-forgiving the moment. Go respectfully or not at all.
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