Outer pic of Junagarh Fort
Outer pic of Junagarh Fort in Evening Time
Internal Photo of Junagarh Fort
Fort Museum in Bikaner
Internal Photo of Junagarh Fort
Internal Photo of Junagarh Fort
Internal Photo of Junagarh Fort
Fort Museum in Bikaner
Internal Photo of Junagarh Fort
Fort Museum in Bikaner
1 / 10

Drop Bikaner City with Junagarh Fort and Rat Temple From Jaisalmer

(5)
Kishan Ghat, India
Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan Tours
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Explore Bikaner's architectural and spiritual treasures on this full-day excursion from Jaisalmer, featuring the ornate 16th-century Junagarh Fort and the unique Karni Mata Temple—a sacred site inhabited by thousands of revered rats. This tour reveals how desert culture, royal heritage, and Hindu pilgrimage traditions converge in one compelling destination.

Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It's surrounded by the Thar Desert. The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits. Nearby, the Karni Mata Temple is home to many rats considered sacred by Hindu devotees.

Highlights

  • ✓Junagarh Fort's intricate palaces, courtyards and decorative stonework spanning 500 years
  • ✓Prachina Museum displaying royal textiles, traditional crafts and historical portraits
  • ✓Karni Mata Temple—an extraordinary pilgrimage site housing thousands of sacred rats
  • ✓Guided exploration of Bikaner's desert-surrounded old city layout and trading history
  • ✓8-hour round trip from Jaisalmer with professional transport and guide

Insider tips

  • ★Visit the rat temple early morning (8–9am) when rodents are most active and visible; mid-day they shelter in cooler spots
  • ★Wear closed-toe shoes to the Karni Mata Temple; many visitors remove them at the entrance as a mark of respect
  • ★The fort's interior courtyards offer shade and respite during afternoon heat—prioritize them if visiting midday

Good to know

  • •Pick-up and drop-off from your Jaisalmer hotel included; confirm location when booking
  • •Fort entry and temple visits are part of the itinerary; bring water and sun protection for desert exposure
  • •Guide is typically Hindi/English speaking; request language preference when confirming
  • •Fort has multiple levels with some steep steps; wear comfortable walking shoes

Who it's for

Cultural history enthusiasts interested in Rajasthani royal architectureSpiritual travellers and pilgrims seeking authentic Hindu sacred sitesAdventure seekers wanting off-the-beaten-path Thar Desert experiencesPhotography-focused visitors drawn to ornate forts and unique temple traditions

Best time to visit

October to March offers pleasant daytime temperatures (20–28°C) ideal for exploring the fort and temple. Early morning departures maximise temple wildlife activity and avoid peak afternoon heat, which can exceed 35°C in summer months.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€55
per person