Photo spot in Bikaner
Karni Mata Temple
Bikaner, Rajasthan
The famous 'Rat Temple' at Deshnoke, where thousands of holy black rats (kabas) are revered and fed.
Best time
Early morning, when the marble front is in soft light and there are fewer pilgrims at the gate.
Best angle
Stand in the forecourt and take a straight-on photo of the marble front and silver doors, then crouch low inside to photograph the rats around the milk bowls.
Entry fee
Free (camera fee)
Opening hours
4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Karni Mata Temple
Early morning, when the marble front is in soft light and there are fewer pilgrims at the gate. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Karni Mata Temple
Stand in the forecourt and take a straight-on photo of the marble front and silver doors, then crouch low inside to photograph the rats around the milk bowls. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the silver temple doors
In the marble courtyard
Outfit guide
What to wear at Karni Mata Temple
For photos at Karni Mata Temple, saffron, red and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Bikaner.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Bikaner.
Eat nearby
Food near Karni Mata Temple
Hungry after the shoot? Search the Bikaner food guide by craving to find something good nearby.
Good to know
Local tips
You must remove your shoes, and you walk barefoot or in socks among the rats.
Shuffle your feet rather than lifting them, so you do not step on a rat.
Wear socks you are happy to throw away afterwards.
Look for the rare white rats, which are said to bring good luck.
Pay the camera fee at the counter if you want to take photos inside.
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler floors.
Avoid the Navratri fairs unless you want to see the temple at its busiest.
About the Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple stands in the small town of Deshnoke, about 30 km south of Bikaner. It is dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14th–15th-century holy woman worshipped as a form of the goddess Durga. The temple is famous as the 'rat temple' because thousands of rats, called kabbas, live inside and are treated as sacred.
The present building was completed in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, who added the marble front and the solid silver doors carved with stories of the goddess. Inside, rats run across the marble floors and drink from large bowls of milk. Spotting one of the rare white rats is believed to bring good luck.
Questions
Karni Mata Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Karni Mata Temple?
Early morning, when the marble front is in soft light and there are fewer pilgrims at the gate. Stand in the forecourt and take a straight-on photo of the marble front and silver doors, then crouch low inside to photograph the rats around the milk bowls.
Is there an entry fee at Karni Mata Temple?
Entry to Karni Mata Temple is free (camera fee).
What are the opening hours of Karni Mata Temple?
Karni Mata Temple is open 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
What should I wear at Karni Mata Temple?
Saffron, red and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Karni Mata Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the marble front is in soft light and there are fewer pilgrims at the gate.
What is the Karni Mata Temple famous for?
The temple is famous for the thousands of rats that live inside and are worshipped as sacred. It is also known for its marble front and carved silver doors.
How do I reach the Karni Mata Temple from Bikaner?
Deshnoke is about 30 km south of Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. A taxi takes around 45 minutes, and local buses and trains also run to Deshnoke.
Do I have to walk barefoot at the Karni Mata Temple?
Yes. Shoes are not allowed inside, and the rats move freely across the floor. Many visitors wear socks, which is usually allowed.
How much time do I need at the Karni Mata Temple?
Allow around an hour at the temple, or half a day for the round trip from Bikaner.