Day 01
Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple Tour with Jaisalmer Drop-off
- Get picked up from your accommodation or hotel in Bikaner and depart for Junagarh Fort in Bikaner.
- Arrive at Junagarh Fort. Built in 1588 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar the Great, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and houses some beautiful palaces within. The palaces, made of red sandstone and marble, create a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and windows spread throughout the structure.
- See Suraj Pol, or Sun Gate, the main entrance to the fort. Among these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal, with marvellous paintings, mirrors, and carved panels, and the Phool Mahal-Ki-Saal, ornate with stucco motifs and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir, and Rang Mahal. Gigantic columns, arches, and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within. The Har Mandir is a majestic chapel of the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses.
- After that, head to the Rat Temple in Bikaner. This famous 600-year-old temple is situated 30 km from Bikaner in Deshnok and is also known as Karni Mata Temple. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It has massive, intricately carved silver gates that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The unique phenomenon of the temple is the rats that scamper freely within the temple campus. They are regarded as sacred and fed by priests and devotees, who believe that these rats will be reincarnated in the family of the goddess Karni Mata. These holy rats are called Kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors and pilgrims from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world.
- After that, guests will be dropped off in Jaisalmer at their desired location.
