Located at the top of the Machla Magra hill, overlooking the serene waters of Fateh Sagar Lake, Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a spiritual retreat, a viewpoint paradise, and a cultural landmark. No matter who you are, a pilgrim seeking blessings, a traveller chasing panoramic views, a history lover curious about Rajasthan folklore, Karni Mata mandir offers a unique experience that blends devotion, nature and heritage. Let’s dive into the Karni Mata temple history, mandir timing, ropeway ticket prices and everything that enhances your trip experience.
Karni Mata Temple History
The Karni Mata temple, Udaipur is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered Hindu sage believed to be an incarnation of Durga. She is widely worshipped across Rajasthan and is famously associated with the Karni Mata Temple of Deshnok (Bikaner), known for its sacred rats.
There is a legend about the temple that says Karni Mata brought her son Lakhan back to life after he drowned in a pond. She prayed to Yama, the god of death, and he agreed to help her. However, he set one condition: Karni Mata’s sons and their families would be reborn as rats and live in the temple as her children. As a result, thousands of rats live in the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur and are treated as sacred by devotees. People believe that seeing a rare white rat among the black ones brings good luck and blessings.
Over time, the temple became a symbol of faith and an important stop for devotees visiting Udaipur. It offers a calmer, scenic experience for travllers seeking a spiritual or nature journey.
How To Reach Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur?
Visiting Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur is easy, thanks to the ropeway. Since it is located at the top of the hill, the ropeway makes it faster and more comfortable to visit the mandir. However, you can also choose hiking if you want to experience something adventurous. Ropeway takes you to the mandir in just 5 minutes, and you’ll get it at affordable prices.
The Karni Mata Temple ropeway ticket price is 100 rupees per person for a round trip. The ropeway offers stunning views of the city, lakes, and the Aravalli Hills and is especially popular at sunset. Karni Mata Temple ropeway timing is 9:00 A.M to 9:00 P.M. So, you can visit any time of day. If you want to avoid the crowd, prefer early morning.
There are many ways to reach Udaipur from across India, including by air, train, or road.
Air – Udaipur is served by several domestic airports, including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. Reach Udaipur by air and then take a taxi to Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur.
Train – The nearest railway station is Udaipur City, well-connected to other cities by regular trains. The train is the safest and most cost-effective mode of transport to reach Karni Mata Udaipur.
Road – The last option is by bus or taxi, which are frequently available from nearby cities such as Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Mount Abu. Once you arrive in Udaipur, take public transport to the mandir, then hike or take the ropeway.
Best Time to Visit Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
You can visit the mandir at any time of year, as it is open 365 days a year. However, the ideal time to visit Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur is October to March, when the city’s weather is pleasant. Since Rajasthan is a semi-arid region, it is comparatively hotter than other cities during the summer. However, early morning or sunset visits remain comfortable.
For a spiritual experience, visit during:
- Navratri
- Chaitra & Sharad festivals
- Full moon evening
Remember, these days can be crowded, so plan accordingly.
Nearby Places to Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
This mandir is a significant attraction, and there are several must-visit places near Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur. Here are a few famous places to visit in Udaipur.
Fateh Sagar Lake – It is located just below the hill, where you can enjoy boating and evening strolls.
Monsoon Palace – If you want to witness a spectacular sunset and royal history, this place is perfect.
Moti Magri – A historic hilltop memorial of Maharana Pratap with panoramic views.
City Palace – One of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan, City Palace showcases royal architecture and museums.
Seheliyon ki Bari – It’s a beautiful garden built for royal women, known for fountains and lotus pools.
Add these attractions to your bucket list when you visit Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur. These are the famous places that add value to your Rajasthan trip. You will learn about the traditional culture and history.
Local Food and Shopping Nearby
When you’re in Rajasthan, you’ll find several things to indulge in for a more traditional experience.
- Street food like pav bhaji, kullad coffee and mirchi vada
- Local, cultural food like pyaz kachori, malai ghevar, mawa kachori, Bikaneri bhujia, and dahi wada chaat
- Traditional products include Bandhni, Lehriya, jewellery (Kundan, Meenakari), blue pottery, embroidered leather goods (Juttis, bags), wooden crafts, colourful puppets (Kathputli), embroidered bedsheets & fabrics, and more.
- Experience lakeside cafes offering scenic dining.
Along with Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur, these things allow you to immerse yourself in local Rajasthani culture and have the experience of a lifetime
Travel Tips for Visitors
Following travel tips helps travellers enjoy their trip to the fullest while avoiding mistakes.
- Wear modest clothing inside the temple
- Carry cash for offerings and ropeway tickets
- Visit early morning or sunset to avoid crowds
- Keep your camera ready, but respect temple rules
- During festivals, expect longer waiting times, especially in the Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
Karni Mata Temple Blends Sacred, Cultural and Traditional Experience
A visit to Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur, one of the best places to visit in India with family, is a soulful blend of devotion, history, and natural beauty. Whether you seek blessings, panoramic views, or peaceful moments above the city, this hilltop shrine offers an unforgettable experience. Add it to your Udaipur itinerary and witness the city from a divine perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur, the same as Rat Temple?
Karni Mata Temple Udaipur, is distinct from the Rat Temple in Deshnok, Bikaner. However, these two temples are linked.
Is the ropeway safe?
Yes, the ropeway is well-maintained and safe for all age groups, except those who are acrophobic.
How much time is needed to visit?
Around 1-2 hours are required to visit the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur, including a ropeway ride for all age groups.
Is there any entry fee for the temple?
No, entry to Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur is free; only ropeway charges apply.
Can senior citizens visit Karni Mata Udaipur easily?
Yes, the ropeway made visiting the temple easy and faster for all age groups.