Last updated on March 24th, 2025 at 07:30 am
Imagine stepping into a temple where the floor beneath your feet is bustling with thousands of rats, each one considered sacred and worshipped as reincarnations of the divine. Welcome to the Karni Mata Rat Temple in India, located in the heart of Rajasthan.
If you’re looking for a unique, and let’s face it, pretty unforgettable experience during your India itinerary, Deshnok’s Temple of Rats is it.
Don’t have time to read the full guide? This full-day tour of Bikaner showcases the very best of what this Rajasthan city has to offer and includes a visit to the famous Rat Temple in Deshnok.
Whether you’re an off-the-beaten-path traveler and looking for unusual cultural experiences, the Karni Mata Rat Temple in India will offer you a one-of-a-kind experience that blends history, spirituality, and, of course, a whole lot of furry friends – we are talking over 25,000 furry friends!!
This ultimate guide to visiting India’s Rat Temple covers all your burning questions – from the best time to visit and what to wear, to how to get there and what to expect during your visit.
Ready to discover why this strange yet sacred site is a must-visit in India? Keep reading!
1. What is the Rat Temple in India?
The Rat Temple in India, also known as Karni Mata Temple, is located in Deshnok, near Bikaner, Rajasthan.
The Karni Mata Rat Temple in Rajasthan is famous for its large population of sacred rats that live freely within the temple.
Visitors come from around the world to witness this unique sight and to participate in the religious rituals surrounding the rats.
*Please note that there is also a Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur, India. When planning your visit to the Karni Mata Rat Temple in Deshnok, be sure to confirm that you’re heading to the correct location!
If this is your first time in India – check out our best India travel tips.
2. Why are there rats in the Rat Karni Mata Temple in India?
The rats at the Karni Mata Rat Temple in India are worshipped because they are believed to be the reincarnations of the devotees of Karni Mata, a Hindu goddess.
According to local belief and the legend surrounding the Rat Temple, the Hindu Goddess once had a devotee who tragically passed away.
Karni Mata, known for her powers, pleaded with Yama, the god of death, to restore the man’s life. However, Yama refused, saying the soul had already passed into the afterlife. Karni Mata, unwilling to accept this, requested that the souls of her devotees be reincarnated as rats, granting them another chance at life before they were reincarnated again as humans.
As a result, the rats at the temple in Deshnok are believed to be the souls of Karni Mata’s devotees who have been reborn. The rats are treated with great respect, and it is said that among them, one special white rat stands out.
The Legend of the White Rat of Deshnok Temple
This white rat of the Deshnok Temple is believed to be the reincarnation of Karni Mata herself or possibly her representative. Seeing this white rat is considered extremely lucky and a sign of divine blessings.
This special white rat is a central figure in the spiritual atmosphere of the Karni Mata Rat Temple, adding an extra layer of mystique to the already sacred space where hundreds of rats are seen freely roaming. The white rat is a symbol of purity and divine presence within the temple at Deshnok.
All the rats are worshipped as sacred beings, and local people believe that by honoring them, they are showing respect to the souls of their ancestors, and their well-being is a significant aspect of the temple’s rituals.
3. Is the Rat Temple in India safe to visit?
Yes, it is safe to visit the Karni Mata Rat Temple in India.
The rats of Karni Mata Temple, while a LOT of them, are harmless. However, visitors should exercise basic hygiene practices, such as avoiding direct contact with the rats and their droppings.
While you may still witness many visitors attempting to pet or rub the rats, please refrain from doing this.
Foot coverings are available for hire outside the temple for added protection, though you may find yourself as the only visitor wearing them!
It seems like the perfect time to introduce our top travel insurance!
Travel Insurance for India – Even with the luck of the Irish, things can still go wrong. World Nomads Travel Insurance is our top choice for travel coverage for India. With the best transparent fine print in the industry, it’s no wonder they’re ranked number one. Even though Karni Mata Temple is safe to visit, don’t let your adventures turn into mishaps. Get a free quote today!
4. Can I take photos inside the Rat Temple in India?
Yes, photography is allowed in the Karni Mata Rat Temple in India.
As you enter the Rat Temple in Deshnok, you’ll see signs mentioning a fee for photography within the sacred temple. However, we didn’t observe anyone paying, and we freely took plenty of photos and videos, just like the other visitors.
5. What should I wear to the Rat Temple in India?
As with most religious sites in Rajasthan, visitors of Karni Mata Rat Temple in India are expected to dress respectfully.
While it’s not necessary to cover your entire body, it’s respectful to wear clothes that cover your shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Long sleeves and full-length pants or skirts are ideal when visiting Deshnok’s Rat Temple.
*Carrying a scarf or shawl is a great idea to cover your shoulders or head when visiting religious sites in Rajasthan. You can easily drape it over your shoulders or head as a sign of respect when visiting Karni Mata Rat Temple.
6. When is the best time to visit the Rat Temple in India?
The best time to visit the Rat Temple in India is during the evening when the rats are most active – that’s if you are wanting to get the most out of this unique Rat Temple experience.
By visiting Karni Mata Temple in the evening you’ll get a chance to see thousands of rats running around and interacting with the temple surroundings.
7. How do I get to the Rat Temple in India from Bikaner?
To get to the Rat Temple in India, take a local train or bus from Bikaner to Deshnok. The distance from Bikaner to Deshnok is 33 km and the train journey will take 50 minutes.
The fare for the local train from Bikaner to Deshnok is an incredibly affordable 70 INR (30 centS) per person. We took a general class train and had a great experience – just another part of the authentic India adventure!
From Deshnok train station to Karni Mata Rat Temple is just a short 200-meter walk. Walk out of Deshnok Train Station, turn right, and follow the stalls selling rat food!
Our advice is to book your return train from Deshnok to Bikaner once you arrive to ensure you have ample time to catch your train back to Bikaner. Since the visit to Karni Mata Rat Temple is brief and there’s not much else to do in Deshnok, you don’t want to miss your train.
8. What are the visiting hours for the Rat Temple in India?
The Karni Mata Rat Temple in India is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, visiting in the late afternoon or evening offers the best opportunity to see the rats most active.
9. Is there an entrance fee for the Rat Temple in India?
There is no entrance fee for the Deshnok Rat Temple in India, but visitors are encouraged to purchase food offerings as a donation to help maintain the Karni Mata Temple and support the care of the rats.
This purchase of rat food is entirely up to you, trust us the rats have more than enough!
10. What makes the Rat Temple in India unique?
The Rat Temple in India is unique because it’s the only temple in the world where rats are worshipped as sacred beings.
The rats are free to roam the temple, and visitors must show respect to them during their visit to Karni Mata Temple.
Visitors show respect to the rats in this Deshnok Temple by leaving food offerings, such as grains, for them. While visitors are allowed to observe the rats, they typically avoid disturbing them.
Looking for more unique attractions in India? Make sure to check out the incredible Living-Roots Bridges in Meghalaya – India’s top attraction.
11. How long should I stay at the Rat Temple in India?
A visit to the Rat Temple in India generally takes around 30 minutes, depending on how much time you spend observing the rats.
And depending on how comfortable you are with rats running over your toes – we were in and out of the Deshnok Rat Temple within 15 minutes and back on the train to Bikaner before we knew it!
12. Is it worth visiting the Rat Temple in India?
Absolutely! The Rat Temple in India is worth visiting. Visiting Karni Mata Rat Temple is a one-of-a-kind experience in India that offers insight into a unique aspect of Hindu culture and spirituality.
Karni Mata Rat Temple is deeply rooted in local culture and religious practices, offering a fascinating glimpse into Indian spirituality, particularly the belief in the reincarnation of rats as sacred beings.
If you’re interested in unique cultural experiences, absolutely this Rat Temple in India is worth visiting.
The sight of hundreds (sometimes thousands) of rats roaming freely around the temple is an experience you won’t find elsewhere in the world. For those intrigued by unusual religious practices, the Karni Mata Rat Temple is a must-visit.
This Rat Temple in India is not only famous for its rats but also for its beautiful architecture. The intricately carved marble and the serene atmosphere create a memorable visit for those who appreciate historical and religious sites in Rajasthan.
If you’re open-minded, have a curiosity for unique cultural and spiritual experiences (and don’t mind being around the rats) visiting the Karni Mata Rat Temple can be quite an enriching experience.
However, if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of large numbers of rats or if you’re expecting a traditional tourist site, it may not be for you!
In our opinion, the Karni Mata Rat Temple is worth visiting as a must-see attraction in Rajasthan and for sure an off-the-beaten-attraction in India.
13. Can I bring food to the Rat Temple in India?
As mentioned above, visitors to the Rat Temple in India bring food for the rats as a gesture of respect.
Visitors can purchase “rat food” such as grain from just outside the temple to leave as offerings as part of the Karni Mata Rat Temple rituals.
14. What should I do if a rat runs across my feet at the Rat Temple in India?
If a rat runs across your feet at the Rat Temple in India, consider it a blessing. According to local belief, it’s considered lucky if a rat crosses your path at the Karni Mata temple.
Our advice – just take a deep breath and keep walking!
Take a look at the video below for our full experience of our visit to Karni Mata Rat Temple in India and how Kate reacted to rats running across her feet.
15. Can you wear shoes inside Karni Mata Rat Temple?
This is probably the most asked question when it comes to visiting the Karni Mata Rat Temple in Deshnok, and with good reason!
When visiting Rajasthan’s Rat Temple, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple. This practice is in line with the temple’s sacred atmosphere and the respect shown to the space.
Most visitors to the Rat Temple walk barefoot inside the temple complex as a sign of respect.
It’s important to be prepared for this when visiting, as walking barefoot in Karni Mata Rat Temple is part of the overall spiritual experience at the temple.
Alternatively, for those who prefer not to walk barefoot in the Rat Temple of Deshnok, foot coverings are available for hire at a stall located just outside the temple entrance. These coverings help maintain hygiene and comfort while ensuring you adhere to the rule of removing shoes before entering the temple.
*Note there is no place to wash your feet when you have finished your visit so you will have to wait until you get back to your accommodation in Bikaner!
16. Are there any festivals at the Rat Temple in India?
The most popular festival at Karni Mata Rat Temple in India is the Karni Mata Fair (Bhadrapad Mela).
The Karni Mata Festival, also known as the Karni Mata Fair, takes place twice a year during the Navratri period – once in April-May and again in October-November. The festival held between April and May is more extravagant and vivid.
This Deshnok festival honors Karni Mata, the goddess to whom the Rat Temple is dedicated. During this time, devotees gather to offer prayers, participate in religious rituals, and enjoy cultural performances and processions, making it a vibrant and spiritually significant event.
During these times, the Deshnok Rat Temple sees an influx of devotees and tourists alike.
If you are visiting the Karni Mata Fair in November, consider adding Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival (also in November) to your India Itinerary – India’s best festival.
17. Is the Rat Temple in India open year-round?
Yes, the Rat Temple in India is open year-round. However, visiting in the cooler months (October to March) is recommended, as Rajasthan can be very hot during the summer.
We visited the Karni Mata Rat Temple in August, and there were definitely a few shrieks from walking barefoot on the scorching hot pavements!
18. Is it necessary to book in advance for the Rat Temple in India?
No, it’s not possible, nor necessary, to book in advance for the Rat Temple in India, as it is open to all visitors throughout the day.
When we visited Deshnok’s Rat Temple in August, there was a queue outside, but it moved quickly. Visitors typically walk through Karni Mata Temple in under 30 minutes.
19. Can I buy souvenirs at the Rat Temple in India?
Yes, there are several small souvenir stalls around the Rat Temple in India where you can purchase mementos like religious artifacts, postcards, and other temple-related items.
20. What other attractions are near the Rat Temple in India?
Bikaner is a great base when visiting the Rat Temple in India and has a lot of amazing things to do while you are in this part of Rajasthan.
While the Rat Temple in India is undoubtedly the main attraction of Bikaner, this lesser-visit Rajasthan town offers other fantastic experiences.
Here are some best things to do in Bikaner:
Junagarh Fort: One of the main attractions in Bikaner, Junagarh Fort is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Known for its beautiful architecture, grand courtyards, and royal history, it’s one of the top things to do in Bikaner.
Lalgarh Palace: Another of Bikaner’s main attractions, Lalgarh Palace showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture and offers insight into the city’s royal past. It’s one of the best things to do in Bikaner for anyone interested in royal heritage.
Rampuria Havelis of Bikaner: The Rampuria havelis are a great example of Bikaneri architecture. With their beautifully carved facades, and delicate frescoes, they showcase the grandeur of Bikaner’s merchant class from the 19th century. Located around the Kote Gate area, these havelis are perfect for architectural photography.
Bikaner’s Food Scene: Bikaner’s food markets, like Kote Gate Market and Nawalgarh Market, are lively and bustling hubs of local life. They’re great places to try traditional treats like Bikaneri Bhujia, kachoris, and ghevar, while also offering a true taste of the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
Book your ultimate Bikaner tour, which includes a visit to Karni Mata Rat Temple, and have all the best things to do in Bikaner organized for you.
We highly recommend visiting Jaisalmer, Rajasthan’s Golden City, which we feel is the best city in India. We traveled by bus from Bikaner to Jaisalmer as part of our India itinerary.
Enjoy Karni Mata Rat Temple, India’s Most Unique Attraction!
Are you convinced why you should visit Karni Mata Rat Temple yet? Feel free to let us know if you still have any lingering questions about this famous Rat Temple of Deshnok.
We have spent a lot of time exploring India so if you need any help planning your India itinerary, please do not hesitate to get in touch, we are always more than happy to help.
Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
