Located in Ajmer, Pushkar is a small town that has its own religious significance. Nestled in the Aravalli range, this is an ancient town which is known for its vibrant markets, lake, and temples. It is a popular spiritual destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Pilgrims visit this city to experience its tranquility and the spiritual aura of this place. Pushkar is an important site for the Hindu devotees. People believe that Lord Brahma performed a yajna at this place. It is home to the famous Brahma Temple which is the only temple that is dedicated to Brahma. This temple is visited by innumerable devotees every year. Pushkar is not only a religious place but a peaceful retreat for those who are fed up with the busy lives of overcrowded cities.
Puskar is quite popular for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair, which attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. This event is held in November month and is a perfect place to experience the culture and tradition of Rajasthan.
Best Places to Visit in Pushkar
Pushkar has no dearth of the enchanting places that are worth exploring. Here are a few places that you can visit during your Pushkar tour: -
Pushkar Lake
This is one of the most visited places in Pushkar. A large number of tourists visit this town to take a holy dip in the Pushkar lake. It has a great spiritual significance among the devotees. Pushkar Lake has as many as 50 bathing ghats surrounding it. There is also a legend attached to the lake. According to it, Lord Brahma dropped a lotus at this site while searching for a religious ceremony. This lake has a great mythological significance and is visited by a large number of pilgrims during the annual Pushkar Fair. They take a holy dip in this lake to cleanse their sins and bring good luck to them.
The lake captivates the visitors with its tranquility and flora and fauna that are found here. Known as “Tirtha Raj”, Pushkar Lake provides an enriching experience to both—travelers and pilgrims. They flock to this lake to offer their prayers, seek blessings from the deity, and take part in the sacred rituals. Many rituals and religious ceremonies are conducted by the devotees and priests here from time to time.
Savitri Mata Temple
Situated on a hill, the Savitri Mata Temple is a Hindu temple that has great religious significance. Dedicated to Savitri, the temple is a sacred site for Hindu devotees. The temple lets the visitors to connect with the spiritual aura of this place. As you start trekking to Savitri Mata temple, you will be spellbound by the natural beauty of the area. This is also an ideal place for the people who seek adventure in Pushkar. The pilgrims will take approx. 30-45 minutes to reach this temple. However, the best way to get there is through a ropeway.
Brahma Temple
Located on the banks of Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple is one of the famous temples in Pushkar. This is the only temple in Pushkar that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is believed the temple’s structure was built by Sage Vishwamitra. Built in the 14th century, the Brahma Temple has been reconstructed multiple times in the past. According to a legend, Lord Brahma performed ‘yajna’ here. The architecture of the temple is a perfect amalgamation of traditional Rajasthani style and ancient Hindu design. Built from stone and marble, the temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple hosts many religious ceremonies of which the most prominent one is the Pushkar Camel Fair. It is organized on Kartik Poornima and attracts a large number of pilgrims from different parts of the country.
Gau Ghat
Pushkar is the perfect embodiment of spiritual and cultural richness. The city has 25 ghats in all. However, the most famous ghat here is Gau Ghat which was built by Rajputs. This ghat holds great importance among the people. It gained popularity when the ashes of great leaders such as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi were immersed here. The Ghat is maintained by the families of Rajputs as well as the Maratha Kings. It offers a peaceful and relaxing environment for the pilgrims. Devotees, who visit the ghat, perform prayers and rituals here.
Rangji Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Rangji Temple is one of the most popular temples in Pushkar. It witnesses a heavy influx of visitors every year who come here to pray and offer their prayers to the deity. The temple is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The exterior walls of the building are built from red sandstone. The temple also organizes many events which are attended by a large number of people.
Visitors can take part in prayers that are held in the temple daily. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple attracts people from different parts of the country. People visit this temple in large numbers during the famous Pushkar Fair which is quite popular among the tourists as well as visitors.
Shiv Shakti Art and Handicraft
Another worth-seeing place to visit in Pushkar is Shiv Shakti Art and Handicraft. This is one of the best stores that offer a variety of paintings, home décor, and other items. You can buy the best traditional Rajasthani art here as the store has a great collection of these items. This place is popular among the tourists who come to explore Pushkar. Some of the items that you can buy here include terracotta artifacts, paintings, wood carvings, textiles, metalwork, silverware, etc. These items are available at this store at the most competitive price.
The friendly staff at the store will provide every help to you in selecting the best item according to your liking. If you visit Pushkar, you must purchase a Rajasthani art or a souvenir and keep it as a memory of Pushkar with you.
Best Things to Do in Pushkar
Pushkar is the perfect spot to explore. Whether you are a spiritual traveler or just a traveler looking to discover the cultural heritage of Rajasthan, this place is just for you. From camel rides to the beautiful temples and the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, you will get to explore so much when you are here. Tourists come to this place to find the spiritual aura of this place. Some of the important things that you can do here are as follows: -
Experience Camel Safari
A camel safari will be an unforgettable experience for the travelers. If you love deserts, a camel ride will be the perfect thing for you. A camel safari is a unique way to explore Pushkar. The travelers will enjoy the sight of rustic villages and mesmerizing sand dunes during this visit. Camel Safaris in Pushkar are of different durations. Some safaris are a few hours long, while some of them last up to several days. Thus, you can choose the one that suits your requirements.
There are different types of Camel Safaris which are as follows: -
Short Camel Safari
This type of Safari lasts up to 2 to 3 hours and takes you through the mesmerizing sand dunes and to the Pushkar Lake. This Safari is the best for the ones who want to experience the thrill of Camel Safari in the shortest time possible.
Overnight Camel Safari
An overnight Camel Safari lasts up to 24 hours. This type of Safari includes an overnight stay in the Thar Desert. You can stay in a tent or under the sky during your Camel Safari tour. This is the best Camel Safari to choose if you want to experience the desert landscape at night.
Thar Desert Safari
The Thar Desert Safari lasts for several days. This will take you through the Thar Desert and let you visit other attractions of Pushkar. The desert landscape of this town will enthrall the adventure junkies who are looking for a thrilling adventure in the desert.
Hiking to Ratnagiri Hill
You can also consider hiking to Ratnagiri Hill if you have sufficient time. It will take approx. 2 hours to reach the top of Ratnagiri Hil. You can also visit Savitri Devi Temple which is located on the top of this hill. While you are here, you can see the breathtaking view of Pushkar town from here. Spend your evening here and enjoy the beautiful sunset view. If you love adventure, you must hike to Ratnagiri Hill for a unique experience.
Shopping in Pushkar Bazaar
You can also visit Pushkar Bazaar and shop here. This bustling market is a hit among the tourists as they will find everything here. Tourists visit this bazaar in large numbers and explore numerous stalls here. Right from embroidered garments, to colorful textiles, and traditional footwear, they can purchase them at the most competitive rate here. You can also buy beautiful handicraft items in this bazaar such as camel leather bags, aromatic spices, wooden souvenirs, etc.
You can also explore the delectable street food in this bazaar such as Pani Puri and other items. Make sure to bargain with the local vendors if you think that their prices are high.
Attend Evening Aarti
Attending an evening aarti at Pushkar temples is the most satisfying experience for a pilgrim. If you visit Brahma temple, you can attend aarti there in the evening. It is a ritual that connects you with the divine energy of this temple. The visitors and devotees get together in the temple to attend the aarti. The atmosphere of the temple during the aarti time becomes more tranquil and spiritual. The sounds of bells and chants add to the spiritual charm of this place. The priest conducts the aarti in the temple by waving oil lamps before the deity Lord Brahma.
The evening aarti at the temples in Pushkar is not only a religious ritual but also an experience that lets the pilgrims connect with the spiritual energy of the town. Many pilgrims participate in aarti and offer their prayers. This makes the whole temple scene sacred.
Spend an Evening at Pushkar Lake
Spend your evening at Pushkar and enjoy hot coffee by sitting at the side of the lake. During the sunset, the lake looks beautiful. The pristine water of the lake changes colors with the change of sky color and turns from blue to orange, and red. Sit on the stairs of the lake and listen to the music coming from all directions of the temple. Nagara beats from the sacred ghats, bells, and hymns from the temple, and the strumming of a guitar from the nearby cafés create a captivating scene. The lake turns beautiful in the shimmering light of the town.
Best Time to Visit Pushkar
Your trip to Puskar will be highly satisfying if you visit Pushkar at the best time. October to March is the ideal time to visit Pushkar. This is considered the peak season as more and more people plan to visit this town during this time. During these months, the weather is more pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. The temperatures during these months range from 20°C to 30°C which makes it comfortable for the tourists to explore this town. The visitors can plan an enjoyable trip to Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, and its vibrant markets when they are here. The evenings during these months are perfect for tourists to walk along Pushkar Lake. The Pushkar Camel Fair held in November is one of the most popular events held in Pushkar. A large number of pilgrims and tourists come to visit this town during this time to experience the Rajasthani folk music as well as the Rajasthani culture.
June to September month i.e. the monsoon season is not popular among tourists due to heavy rains. Most tourists avoid visiting Pushkar during this time as the rain spoils their Pushkar tour. But, Pushkar is less crowded these days. Thus, the ones who don’t like crowds may choose this season for an enjoyable trip to this town.
April to June is the summertime which makes it difficult for the tourists to explore this town. The extreme heat during this season makes it difficult for tourists to explore Pushkar. Thus, very few tourists plan to visit Pushkar during the summer season. However, if you can bear the heat, your visit to Pushkar will be much more enjoyable due to the less crowded places during this time.
How to Reach Pushkar?
Pushkar is well-connected to other cities by rail, road, and air. But it does not have a railway station or airport of its own.
By Air
Jaipur National Airport is the nearest airport to the Pushkar town. This airport is approx. 150 kilometers away from it. From there, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to get to Pushkar. If you are moving from Jaipur to Pushkar, it will take around 3 to 4 hours to reach there.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction which is approx. 15 km away from there. Ajmer railway station has good connectivity to other cities across the country.
By Road
You can easily reach Pushkar from nearby cities such as Delhi, Ajmer, and Jaipur. There is a regular bus service to these cities. If you are going to Pushkar from Jaipur, you will take at least 3 to 4 hours to get there. You can also take a taxi on rent for a comfortable ride.
Accommodation in Pushkar
You will find a variety of accommodation options when you are in Pushkar. Whether you are looking for budget accommodation or a luxury stay, you can easily find the accommodation you need during your Pushkar visit.
Budget Stays
Pushkar has many budget guesthouses and hotels where you can stay. These places are highly suitable for travelers who are searching for inexpensive accommodation. The price for a budget guesthouse or hotel ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you are looking for medium-budget hotels, you can easily find the desired hotel in Pushkar. These hotels are equipped with AC, well-furnished rooms, and other amenities such as Wi-Fi. However, you need to spend Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 per night to stay in a mid-budget hotel.
Luxury Hotels
People who are looking for a luxurious stay can choose a luxury hotel after visiting Pushkar. This town has the best boutique hotels and resorts that offer world-class accommodations to visitors. These hotels offer stunning views of the desert, and lake, spa treatments, and fine dining. The price for luxury accommodation ranges from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 20000 per night.
Rajasthani Style Tent Stays
Visitors can also choose to stay in a Rajasthani-style tent which will be a unique experience for you. Many resorts offer these types of accommodations with modern amenities.
Food and Dining
Pushkar town is an apt place to satiate your taste buds. The visitors can enjoy a variety of food here. Whether you are looking for local street food or special Rajasthani cuisine, this is the best place to be. A few food and dining options in Pushkar are: -
- Gatte ki Sabzi is a famous Rajasthani dish made by making dumplings of gram flour. The dish has a curry and tastes good with roti or rice.
- Ker Sangri is another popular Rajasthani dish made with Ker and Sangri. It is a spicy dish enjoyed in Rajasthan. The dish is prepared using various spices such as red chili, turmeric, cumin, coriander, etc. You can try it with roti or rice.
- Dal Baati Churma is a traditional dish of Rajasthan that is quite popular in this region. It is prepared during festivals as well as on special occasions here.
- Bajrey ki Rori or Lehsun ki Chatni is a famous dish in Rajasthan. Bajra roti served with tangy and spicy garlic chutney gives you the experience of a rustic Rajasthani meal.
Getting Around Pushkar
Most of the worth-seeing attractions in Pushkar are in proximity to each other. You can get around in Pushkar through the following ways: -
Walking
Visitors can explore Pushkar on foot. The area of the town is small which lets the visitors wander through its markets, local markets, and narrow lanes. They can easily wander through the central area of Pushkar on foot. This area includes Pushkar Bazaar, Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, etc.
Taxis and Auto Rickshaws
Taxis and auto rickshaws are available for the visitors to cover short distances. These transport mediums are highly suitable for the ones who want to visit the temples that are situated on the border of the town. However, make sure to negotiate the auto-rickshaw and taxi fares before choosing them.
Camel Ride
The visitors can also choose a camel ride which offers them a unique view of the desert and surrounding areas. It will be a thrilling experience for the adventure junkies. Plus, you will get an opportunity to interact with the local people during the camel ride.
Scooters and Bicycles
If you want to explore Pushkar at your own pace, renting a bicycle or scooter will be the best. This way you can explore this town and its surrounding areas perfectly. The prices for taking these vehicles on rent range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 per day.
Things to Consider While Visiting Pushkar
You must respect the spiritual atmosphere of Pushkar while you are here. Get to know about the local customs of ancient ghats and temples.
- Dress modestly when you are visiting the temples in Pushkar.
- It is advisable to carry cash during your Pushkar tour as small vendors do not accept cards. If you have cash, you can easily purchase anything without any difficulty.
- Make sure to carry water, a hat, and sunscreen cream to avoid the scorching heat of the sun.
- Don’t accept any souvenirs from anyone during your Pushkar visit. Some people sell these products at higher prices.
