Karni Mata Temple Udaipur: History, Ropeway Details and Nearby Attractions

Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple is located at the Machla Hills in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to the revered goddess Karni Mata, an incarnation of goddess Durga. This tranquil pilgrimage site is easily accessible by the steep walking path or the popular ropeway ride. 

Located near the Doodh Talai Lake, the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur offers the breathtaking view of the Lake Pichola, palaces, and the whitewashed city houses. If you want to visit this spiritual haven and take the blessings of the goddess Karni Devi, this guide will enlighten you about the temple timings, its history, and the best way to reach there.

Karni Mata Temple Cultural Significance and History 

Dedicated to the Karni Mata, the temple carries a great cultural significance. She was a powerful warrior sage who lived during the 14th century in western Rajasthan. As a spiritual leader, the goddess is known for symbolising strength and protection in the Rajput and Charan communities. The term “manshapurna” means “fulfiller of wishes”. Devotees believe that the blessing of the goddess brings prosperity and peace.

Karni Mata Mandir Udaipur history is associated with the Maharana Karan Singh, ruler of Mewar. He built the temple between 1620 and 1628. Over the years, the temple has emerged as a prominent spiritual site in Rajasthan. 

It’s important to mention that the temple is different from the “Rat Temple of India” that is located in Bikaner, Rajasthan. That temple is also dedicated to the Karni Devi, housing 25000 rats, which are religiously known as “kabbas”.

Karni Mata Temple Udaipur Timings & Best Time to Visit

This temple is open every day for the pilgrims. It is one of the best places to visit in India in March. Avoid going in the afternoons of the peak summer as the outdoor sightseeing can be exhausting. 

Karni Mata Temple Timings 

The temple is open every day from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Local travellers often recommended going there around 5:30 to 6:30 pm to capture the golden sunset.

Best Time to Visit Karni Mata Temple

October to March	This is the best time to visit the temple, with pleasant weather. It is ideal for a ropeway ride with clear skies and comfortable evenings.
July to September	It is a great time for the lake views and photography. However, ropeway operations might be affected.
April to June	Peak summer is the least preferred time in Rajasthan as the temperatures can reach 35 to 45° C.

Karni Mata Temple Ropeway Timing and Charges

One of the highlights among the visitors is the Karni Mata ropeway ride. It is a fun way to reach the temple, connecting the Doodh Talai to the temple hilltop.

The 3-4 minute ride is a must-do experience, offering the scenic views of 

• City Palace complex
• Lake Pichola
• Udaipur skyline
• Aravalli Hills

Furthermore, the Karni Mata temple ropeway is safe and comfortable for families, children and senior citizens.

Let’s see the Karni Mata Temple ropeway timings and ticket price:

Karni Mata Mandir Udaipur Ropeway Timings 

The Karni Mata ropeway Udaipur operates daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Each cable car can accommodate 4-6 people.

Karni Mata Ropeway Price

Indian Adults (Return)	₹150
Indian Children (Return) (below the height of 110 cm)	₹80
Foreign Adult	₹300
Foreign Children (below the height of 110 cm)	₹150

Different Ways to Reach Karni Mata Temple Udaipur 

Udaipur is the premier tourist destination and is well-connected to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. You can easily reach the “city of lakes” by air, train or bus. To reach the Doodh Talai area, taxis and cabs are easily available. From there onwards, you have to either take the ropeway or walk through the staircase path to reach the temple hilltop.

By Air 

The nearest airport to Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Airport, located about 22 km from the destination. After reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or public transport to get to the city centre or Doodh Talai. Then use the Karni Mata Mandir ropeway to reach the temple hilltop.

By Train 

To reach Karni Mata Udaipur by train, take a train to the Udaipur city railway station, which is approximately 3 km away from the temple. The station is well-connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. From there, hire a taxi or cab to reach the base near the hills.

By Road

Udaipur has an extensive road network in Rajasthan and the neighbouring states. Udaipur City Bus Depot is the nearest bus stand offering both the government RSRTC and private buses for regional and long-distance travel. The bus stand is about 4 km away from the Doodh Talai area. At the bus stand, you can hire a taxi or a cab to reach there.

Things to Do at Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata temple Udaipur is a spiritual haven that offers picture-perfect views. Visitors describe spending an hour or two exploring the temple site and then staying to capture sunset and city lights from the hilltop.

Ride the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur Ropeway 

Take the cable car to reach the hilltop. It is a fun experience that offers an aerial view of the Udaipur skyline, City Palace and Lake Pichola. This is a faster alternative than taking a 15-20 minute steep climb through the stairs. 

Visit the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur  

Explore the architecture of the temple, which is the symbol of Rajasthani culture. The shrine is well known for its intricate stone carvings and carved pillars. At the entrance, you will get to see the Shiva Linga flanked by two lion paintings. As you go inside, there are beautifully lined-up, intricate white stone pillars. In the sanctum, there is a stone idol of Goddess Karni that is the focal point of the temple.

Take the blessings from the goddess Karni Devi, who is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees. Offer a chunari (red sacred cloth) to honour her as the protector and request her blessings with heartfelt prayers for a prosperous life.

Catch the Sunset and Enjoy Photography 

Catch the breathtaking view of the sunsets and enjoy photography at the hilltop. The best time for this is between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the evening. The site offers a bird’s-eye view of Lake Pichola, the Aravalli hills and the city palace, along with the golden sky. Stay till late to capture the best pictures of the mesmerising city lights.

5 Best Eateries Near the Karni Mata Temple

After the temple visit, explore the delectable Rajasthani cuisine at the nearby best eateries. Restaurants like Krishna Dal Bati Restro, Jaajam Restaurant, and Shaam-e-Viraasat The Haveli are the top places to try daal bhati churma, laas maas and rajasthani thalis. 

Here are details for the nearby restaurants:

1. Krishna Dal Bati Restro Gulab Bagh Udaipur

Krishna Dal Bati Restro is a Rajasthani restaurant in Udaipur. This place is about 1.8 km away from the temple area. The top highlights of the restaurant are gatte ki sabzi, dal bhati churma, and besan gatte ka saag. 

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.3/5
• Timings: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:45 pm
• Location: 17, 1st Floor, Jal Darshan Market Hotel Green View Street, Gulab Bagh Rd, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
• Average Cost: ₹200-400 per person

2. Jaajam Restaurant

Jaajam restaurant is the favourite among the diners due to its haveli look and beautiful ambience. Located around 1.3 km from the temple, the restaurant offers delicious food options, including laal maas, dal bhati and chicken nihari.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.7/5
• Timings: 7:30 am to 11:30 pm
• Location: Lake Palace Rd, opposite rangnivas palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
• Average Cost: ₹400-1400 per person

3. Shaam-e-Viraasat The Haveli

Shaam-e-Viraasat The Haveli offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with an outdoor canopied sitting area. Guests praise the restaurant’s authentic Rajasthani cuisine, including options such as laal maas, gatta curry and daal bati churma.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.7/5
• Timings: 11 am to 10 pm
• Location: Gopal Bhawan, 399-400, Marg, near Vinayak Hotel, Kalaji Goraji, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
• Average Cost: ₹400-1200 per person

4. Natraj Dining Hall And Restaurant

Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant is one of the best veg thali restaurants in Udaipur, offering Gujarati and Rajasthani thali options to the diners. The restaurant offers authentic flavours with dhokla and daal bati. The ambience is great with luxury decor.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.3/5
• Timings: 10:30 am to 3:45 pm and 6:30 to 10:45 pm
• Location: 22-24, City station road, Railway Station Rd, Shivaji Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
• Average Cost: ₹200-400 per person 

5. Millets Of Mewar Restaurant

Millets Of Mewar Restaurant offers many flavoursome and healthy millet-based dishes such as millet bhel, millet tikki, and millet pizza. The place has a great ambience and is well regarded for its reasonable prices.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.6/5
• Timings: 9 am to 10:30 pm
• Location: Badhu Ji ka Darwaja, 51, City Palace Rd, Near Jagdish Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
• Average Cost: ₹400-600 per person

5 Best Places to Stay Near the Karni Mata Temple

Udaipur is globally renowned for its historical and scenic hotels. Many great hotels are located near the Karni Mata temple area for the best comfort and a sense of care for the travellers. Some of the preferred ones are Hotel Boheda Palace, Janak Vilas and Tripli Hotels Arunoday Palace.

1. Hotel Boheda Palace 

Hotel Boheda Palace is a heritage-style property near Lake Pichola and the city palace. Guests specifically mention the flavourful food and excellent service. 

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.3/5
• Approximate Price: ₹1350
• Location: 9, Lake Palace Rd, Old City, Kalaji Goraji, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

2. Tripli Hotels Arunoday Palace

Tripli Hotels Arunoday Palace is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel near the temple area. The place offers well-maintained rooms with necessary amenities.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.7/5
• Approximate Price: ₹811
• Location: Gulab Bagh Rd, near Ice cream factory, Near Ice Factory, Jawahar Nagar, Ganga Gali, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

3. Maa Ji House on Lake Pichola

Maa Ji House is a luxury homestay in Lal Ghat, central Udaipur. Located minutes away from the Jagdish temple, it offers cosy air-conditioned rooms and a rooftop restaurant for the guests. 

• Google Ratings:⭐ 4.2/5
• Approximate Price: ₹810
• Location: 10, maaji house, Lal Ghat Road, Jagdish Chowk, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004

4. Janak Vilas

Janak Vilas is a 3-star hotel that is within a 10-minute walk from Lake Pichola. It offers luxurious rooms, varied amenities and the best dining options to the tourists.

• Google Ratings:⭐ 4.4/5
• Approximate Price: ₹1927
• Location: 14B, Lake Palace Rd, opposite Rang Niwas, Old City, Kalaji Goraji, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

5. Dreamyard Udaipur

Dreamyard Udaipur is a vibrant backpacker hostel in Udaipur. The place is ideal for solo travellers and groups alike, offering colourful and clean accommodation options.

• Google Ratings: ⭐ 4.8/5
• Approximate Price: ₹675
• Location: 23/165, Lal Ghat Road, Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004

Key Attractions Nearby Karni Mata Temple Udaipur

In your visit to Udaipur, you have endless places to explore and experience Rajasthan history and culture. Located on the Machla Magra hill, Karni Mata Temple is in proximity to many top attractions, such as the City Palace and the Jagdish Temple. 

Here are the other places that you can cover when visiting the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur:

• Doodh Talai Musical Garden

  

  Doodh Talai Musical Garden is located at the banks of Lake Pichola, offering stunning views of the city. It is a scenic rock garden featuring Rajasthan’s first musical fountain. This is the best spot for evening walks, featuring synchronised lights, water, and music. 

• Lake Pichola

  

  Go to Lake Pichola for the sunset and have a quintessential Udaipur experience. This is one of the best places to visit in July in India, carrying great historical significance. It is an artificial freshwater lake created in the year 1362, very popular for its scenic beauty. Take a boat ride on the lake to resonate with its serenity and have stunning views of historical forts and magnificent palaces.

• City Palace Udaipur

  

  City Palace in Udaipur is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan. As a symbol of Rajasthan’s history, it offers a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens to the visitors. It is one of the best places to visit in February in India for a pleasant exploration. Hire a guide if you wish for a more immersive experience.

• Jagdish Temple

  

  Jagdish Temple was built in 1651, under Maharana Jagat Singh I. It is a large Hindu temple located in the middle of Udaipur, outside the royal palace. The temple is a major tourist attraction known for Indo-Aryan architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, the temple is a central place of worship and carries great religious significance.

Tips for Karni Mata Temple Visit

I am mentioning some tips for the devotees, like wearing modest clothing and maintaining decorum to be respectful to the culture. Furthermore, travellers should carry a water bottle, sunglasses and a cap, especially when travelling in summer.

• Dress modestly as it is a place of worship.
• Remove the shoes or other footwear before entering the temple complex.
• The ropeway can have long queues, especially in the evening. Visit a bit earlier to capture the sunset.
• Carry a water bottle, a cap and sunglasses, especially in the summer daytime visits.
• Maintain silence and respect the temple rituals during prayers and other religious activities.

Wrapping Up

A visit to the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur offers more than a spiritual experience. It combines the religious significance with the breathtaking views of the city. Whether you go for an enjoyable ropeway ride, witness the golden hour sunsets or explore the nearby attractions, the destination provides a memorable experience for everyone.

Plan a visit at the right time and explore Rajasthan’s one of the most loved tourist spots. Follow the above-mentioned tips for the best experience.