A prominent Hindu pilgrimage town, Pushkar is a place for Hindus to put their steps on the sacred grounds of Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. This place has a sacred lake called Pushkar Lake and as per Hindu mythology, this lake was formed as a result of the dropping down of a lotus flower by Lord Brahma.
Owing to this, the town of Pushkar is renowned for its Jagatipa Brahma Mandir close to Pushkar Lake. With numerous bathing ghats and temples, Pushkar is blessed with a unique mix of devotion to God and modern-day tourism and therefore, witnesses a large chunk of the tourist population every year.
On a Pushkar tour, one should keep in mind the never-ending temple chain dotted across the holy town. Although most of the temples in Pushkar were destroyed during the prolonged Muslim rule in the past, nevertheless, time managed to save some of the ancient temples which include the rare Brahma temples of India. Some of such creations are Jagatipa Brahma Mandir, Sri Sawai Bhoj Temple, Varaha Temple, the Savitri Temple and Man Mahal.
The tour of Pushkar is incomplete without the experience of the majestic camel fair. This fair takes place on the soils of Pushkar between the months of October and November. Meant to be a trade fair of camels and other livestock, the event turns out to be a carnival of the tribal people of Rajasthan, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. One can also enjoy the Nagaur fair, Telaji fair and the musical Blue Lotus Festival. If you want to know more about Pushkar, how to reach, the best time to visit, travel tips, and more.
Keep reading this comprehensive Pushkar travel guide.
Why visit Pushkar?
Pushkar is a well-known destination in Rajasthan and is a must-visit for people following the Hindu religion. The city has more than 500 temples with Brahma Temple being the most important one. There are beautiful lakes, vibrant and bustling markets, desert camps, and most importantly the famous Pushkar Fair. So, if you are a history buff, wish to offer prayers to Hindu Gods, or just want to experience vibrant India, Pushkar is a place to be. It will give a unique experience that will last with you for a lifetime.
How to reach Pushkar
A popular place to visit in Rajasthan, Pushkar is connected with other parts of India by air, rail, and road. To reach Pushkar by air, the nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, which is approx. 153 km away. The airport also connects international destinations to this airport including Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Dubai. You can take a bus or a taxi to reach Pushkar from Jaipur. By train, reach the Ajmer station and take a taxi to the town. The Shatabdi and Pink City Express are the best trains that run to and from Ajmer and Delhi. You can also hire a bus from the nearby cities or plan a road trip with friends.
How to get around Pushkar
The convenient means of transportation in Pushkar is the bus service. Marwar and New Stand are the two main bus stands and get buses every 10 minutes. Electric rickshaws are a great and affordable way to move around the town. Car rentals and camel rides are also available.
Best time to visit Pushkar
Pushkar is a town in Rajasthan and therefore, it gets extremely hot during the summer. The temperature even reaches 40°C, making sightseeing very uncomfortable. If you wish to visit Pushkar in summer, make sure to be hydrated, wear sunscreen, and light clothes. Monsoon is considered a good time to visit Pushkar and explore the best of it. You get to see many shades of green and it is the best time to enjoy spicy Rajasthani snacks with tea or coffee. With temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C, winter is the best time to visit Pushkar for a holiday. The weather is pleasant from October to March and you can easily indulge in various activities including partaking in Pushkar Fair.
Places to visit in Pushkar
With hills on one side and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar is unlike any other place you will visit in India. The town is known for its religious sites, over 500 temples, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals and fairs. Standing by the magnificent Pushkar Lake, there are a lot of places to visit in Pushkar to make your tour memorable. Here are some -
- Pushkar Lake
- Brahma Temple
- Varaha Temple
- Man Mahal
- Savitri Temple
- Naga Pahar
- Rangji Temple
- Brahma Ghat
Things to do in Pushkar
The town of Pushkar has several sites of religious significance and hosts colourful fairs, has vibrant markets, delectable food, and much more. With such a variety, there is no dearth of things to do in Pushkar. Here are a few exciting things to indulge in Pushkar on your next holiday.
- Visit the famous ghats in Pushkar.
- Engage in Pushkar Mela.
- Offer prayers at Brahma Temple.
- Be a part of the Pushkar International Balloon Festival.
- Enjoy the camel ride.
- Witness amazing views on a cable ride to Savitri Temple.
- Shop for colourful handicrafts.
- Witness the mesmerizing sunset at the Dharma Camel Safari.
How many days are enough to visit Pushkar?
2 days are enough to explore the best of Pushkar.
Accommodation in Pushkar
From luxury hotels, resorts, to budget-friendly stays, there are a lot of accommodation options in Pushkar. You can choose the stay as per your needs and budget with great to decent amenities. Some of the best places to stay in Pushkar are Regenta Resort Pushkar Fort, The Country Side Resort, Rawai Luxury Tents, Ananta Spa & Resorts, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, and Gulaab Niwaas Palace.
Where to eat in Pushkar
Pushkar has a lot of temples and therefore, the town is full of vegetarian restaurants. There are street food stalls and small restaurants that serve piping hot food items and snacks you cannot afford to miss. Ganga Laffa & Falafel Restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, Out of the Blue, Cafe Lake View Pushkar, and Shree Karni Mata Restaurant are some of the famous places to eat in Pushkar.
Shopping in Pushkar
There are many colourful and bustling shopping markets in Pushkar where you can shop for anything and everything you like. Bangles, leather items, footwear, apparels, handicrafts, and more are some amazing things that can be found in Pushkar markets. Some famous shopping places in Pushkar are Pushkar Fair, Sadar Bazar, the Handicrafts Store, Kedalganj Bazar, and Sarafa Bazaar.
Useful Tips for Pushkar Trip
- Avoid visiting Pushkar in the summer as the weather is very hot and dry.
- Do not wear revealing clothes while visiting temples.
- Take light cotton clothes during the monsoon and keep yourself hydrated.
- Respect the local culture.
- Take bus service to save money.
- If you get stuck somewhere, as a local for help. They will be happy to help.
