Day 1: Bikaner – Junagarh Fort – Rat Temple – Jaisalmer.
Begin with a pickup from your hotel, residence, airport, railway station, or bus stand in Bikaner. Start your journey with a visit to Junagarh Fort, a magnificent fort built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Unlike many forts in Rajasthan, Junagarh is unique as it was not built on a hill but instead stands on the arid Thar Desert plains. Surrounded by a deep moat, the fort complex houses 37 elaborately designed palaces, courtyards, and temples, including Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Karan Mahal. The interiors reflect a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Gujarati architecture, adorned with vibrant frescoes, intricate carvings, and grand mirror work. Inside the fort, the museum showcases a stunning collection of miniature paintings, ancient manuscripts, royal costumes, and historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the former rulers.
After exploring Junagarh Fort, continue your journey to Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, located in Deshnoke, about 30 km from Bikaner. This sacred site, dating back over 600 years, is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered Hindu sage believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is famous for its unique inhabitants—around 25,000 black rats, locally called Kabbas, which are considered holy and are fed and worshiped by devotees. According to legend, Karni Mata once pleaded with Yama, the god of death, to bring back her deceased son, but when denied, she blessed her family members to be reincarnated as rats. Spotting a rare white rat among them is believed to bring good luck. The temple’s grand entrance features intricately carved silver gates, a donation from Maharaja Ganga Singh, and the marble façade enhances its architectural beauty. Experience the spiritual and cultural significance of this one-of-a-kind temple as you walk through its corridors filled with scurrying yet revered rodents.
After visiting the Rat Temple, embark on a comfortable drive through the desert landscapes towards Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your desired location, marking the end of your enriching cultural and historical journey from Bikaner to Jaisalmer.
