Imagine standing on the edge of Udaipur, where the city’s famous lakes weave together like a beautiful painting. From up high, you can see the old city’s architectural wonders and lush greenery all around, with the perfect sunset painting the sky behind the mountains.
It’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s best show.
You can have this breathtaking view at the best sunset spot in Udaipur—the Karni Mata Temple.
Perched atop Machala Magra Hill, the Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple holds immense historical and spiritual significance for the people of Udaipur.
Plus, it offers stunning views of the city from above, making it a must-visit spot for tourists.
And the cherry on top?
You can hop on a ropeway ride to get there.
So, In this useful guide, I’ve gathered everything you need to know before taking a trip on Udaipur’s Karni Mata Ropeway, along with some handy tips.
Whether you’re seeking blessings from the Karni Mata goddess to make your dreams come true or simply want to soak in the best sunset views along with a panoramic view of the old city, the Karni Mata Ropeway has got you covered.
Karni Mata Temple History
Maharana Karan Singh established the Karni Mata Temple on Machala Magra hill, east of Lake Pichola, between 1620 and 1628.
Initially, the temple was intended to serve the residents of the nearby area. However, due to its location atop a hill, it gradually fell into disuse, with very few visitors making the difficult trek upwards.
In 2008, a visionary businessman named Kailash Khandelwal teamed up with the Udaipur Tourism Industry to make a difference.
Together, they built a ropeway resembling a cable car, connecting the temple with Deendayal Upadhyay Park (Dood Talai), marking the first of its kind in Rajasthan.
This new way of getting to the temple completely changed how people could reach it, especially helping older folks and those with disabilities. Now, they could visit the temple without any trouble.
Thanks to the ropeway, more people started coming to the Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur.
Now, it’s one of the significant religious and tourist attractions in the city.
How Long Is the Ropeway in Udaipur?
The Udaipur ropeway covers a distance of 387 meters, providing a convenient link between Deendayal Upadhyay Park (Dood Talai) and Machhala Hill near the Karni Mata Temple, offering both convenience and breathtaking views.
You’ll able to enjoy the lush greenery and the majestic Aravalli hills from a considerable height, and the addition of the soothing sounds of peacocks and parrots only adds to the charm of the ride.
Story About Mansapurna Karni Mata Goddess
Karni Mata, believed to be a reincarnation of the warrior Goddess Durga, was born around 1387 AD.
Born into the Charan caste, Karni Mata was considered a divine soul and performed numerous miracles throughout her life.
Karni Mata was highly respected as a brave warrior and a powerful figure, especially by Hindus in Rajasthan.
She was known for being kind, protecting people, and granting their wishes. Her influence on Rajasthan’s culture and traditions is significant.
There’s a story that says when her son Laxman died, she talked to the God of death- Yama, and asked him to bring her son back to life.
At first, the God Yama said no, but later he agreed.
He made Laxman and Karni Mata’s male followers turn into rats before they got another human life.
It is believed that if you go to the temple two times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, Karni Mata will make you live longer and make all your wishes come true.
Are There Rats in Karni Mata Temple Udaipur?
In the Karni Mata Temple, there are many rats believed to be the reincarnations of Karni Mata’s followers. These rats freely move around the temple and are fed by devotees as a sign of respect.
Fun Fact: There’s a myth that spotting a white rat on the temple grounds brings good fortune.
How to visit Karni Mata Temple Udaipur?
To get to the Karni Mata ropeway from Lal Ghat or places near the City Palace in Udaipur, just follow Google Maps. It’s about a 2-kilometer walk, which usually takes 20-30 minutes depending on how fast you walk and if you stop for shopping or checking out other stuff on the way.
The walk is nice because you can explore different streets with traditional shops and restaurants.
If you don’t feel like walking, you can easily catch an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the street. But remember to haggle a bit on the price because they might charge more for tourists. A fair price for a rickshaw ride should be around INR 100.
You can also rent a scooter or bicycle from one of the many rental shops in the city. It usually costs about INR 500 per day, but make sure you know how to ride well, especially in a new place.
Once you’re at the Karni Mata ropeway spot, you can either take a short walk up to the Mansapurna Karni Mata temple using the stairs, which takes about 30 minutes or hop on the ropeway for a quick 5-minute ride up. Both options give you awesome views of the city, so it’s up to you and how fit you’re feeling.
How Many Stairs Are There in Karni Mata Temple Udaipur?
To reach the Karni Mata Temple from Deendayal Udaphyay Park, you’ll encounter approximately 800 well-kept steps.
These steps wind their way up the hillside, offering a scenic ascent amidst the lush surroundings of Udaipur.
As you climb, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the city below and the serene landscape that surrounds the temple. Despite the climb, many visitors find the journey to be a rewarding experience, with each step bringing them closer to the spiritual sanctuary of Karni Mata.
Time required to explore the Temple area and around
To fully explore the Karni Mata Ropeway area and its surroundings, it’s advisable to allocate approximately 2-3 hours, factoring in travel time from the city.
Upon arrival at the Karni Mata Temple, you will need to obtain tickets from the ticket office. Once tickets are secured, you’ll be directed to a waiting area where you can relax in comfortable seating arrangements, utilize restroom facilities, and browse small shops offering snacks and refreshments.
Note- While waiting for their turn for the ropeway, You can also opt to explore the nearby 3D Art Gallery, a delightful attraction showcasing intricately painted walls with captivating 3D artworks depicting various landscapes and scenes. Admission to the gallery is a nominal INR 30 per person, and a brief 10-15 minute exploration can yield memorable photo opportunities.
When the allotted ticket number is called, you can proceed to board the ropeway cabins, each accommodating approximately six individuals. The ride to Machhala Hill takes approximately 4-5 minutes, with breathtaking views of the lush greenery, Old City, and Lake Pichola unfolding along the journey.
For optimal sightseeing experience, I recommend choosing seats on the left-hand side during the ride, allowing for uninterrupted vistas of the scenic surroundings.
Appreciating the panoramic views from the Karni Mata Temple, coupled with the exhilarating ropeway ride, ranks among the top highlights of a visit to Udaipur, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s natural and architectural splendor.
Sunset at Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur
After a quick look around the Karni Mata Temple, I went to find a good spot to watch the sunset. Luckily, I found the perfect spot. As the sun went down, the sky turned all kinds of pink and orange colors. It was really beautiful and made me feel happy. Watching the sunset at Karni Mata Temple is something I’ll always remember.
karni Mata Ropeway Timing
The Karni Mata Ropeway is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Since it’s a popular spot for watching the sunset, it tends to get crowded during this time, especially on weekends and holidays. If you can, it’s a good idea to avoid these peak times to avoid long waits for a cabin. If you’re aiming to catch the sunset, plan to arrive at least an hour before to account for any waiting time to reach the top.
karni Mata Ropeway Ticket Price
The ticket price for the Karni Mata Ropeway is INR 87 per person for a round trip. Additionally, there’s an option to book a private ropeway cabin for approximately 800 INR if you’re traveling in a group.
However, it’s worth noting that each cabin can accommodate only four people. Therefore, if you’re traveling with 3-4 people, it might be more economical to stick with the regular tickets rather than opting for a private cabin.
karni Mata Temple Timings
The Karni Mata Temple invites visitors to explore its sacred grounds seven days a week, with opening hours extending from 4 AM to 7:30 PM.
For those keen on experiencing the serene beauty of a sunrise, embarking on the path to the temple is the ideal choice, as the ropeway service doesn’t commence during the early hours.
This early morning pilgrimage offers a tranquil journey amidst nature, with the promise of witnessing the majestic sunrise casting its golden glow over the surrounding landscape, setting a serene tone for the day ahead.
Karni Mata Temple Udaipur Entry Fee
The Karni Mata Temple doesn’t charge anything for entry, so anyone can visit without worrying about paying.
But if you feel like it and want to support the temple, you can give a donation. It’s not mandatory, but it helps keep the temple running smoothly.
Even a small donation can make a big difference in maintaining the temple and supporting the community projects it’s involved in.
So, if you can, consider leaving a little something as a way of showing your appreciation for the temple and its importance to the community.
5 Essential Tips to Consider While Visiting Karni Mata Ropeway
1. Before Planning a visit to the temple, consider the weather forecast as the ropeway operation may be affected by adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or strong winds.
2. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing, as you may need to navigate stairs or paths.
3. Consider planning your visit during weekdays or non-peak hours to avoid crowds and long waiting times.
4. Follow all safety instructions provided by the staff and adhere to the ropeway’s rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience.
5. Maintain silence and show respect for the sacredness of the temple grounds.
Karni Mata Ropeway – Final thoughts
The Karni Mata Ropeway is an amazing way to see the beautiful landscape of Udaipur and visit the Karni Mata Temple easily.
You’ll get amazing views of green trees and the big Aravalli hills during the ride, which feels both exciting and peaceful.
Whether you want some quiet time, stunning sights, or just a fun adventure, the Karni Mata Ropeway has something wonderful for everyone.
