The 52 ghats that make up the Pushkar Lake are the main attraction in the Indian town of Pushkar. There are over 400 temples here, vegetarian and vegan food is served, there are ghats, hills, and deserts nearby, and all of these features combine to create a peaceful, relaxed, uncomplicated, alluring, spiritual, bohemian, and carefree way of life that is shared in part by both tourists and locals with some shared agreements. Pushkar’s tourist attractions offer a glimpse into its rustic and traditional customs, yet its markets and cafes speak a foreign language. Pushkar city has a lot to offer, including hills that can be trekked on and temples that may be discovered, and this is my effort to sum it all up in this blog.
- Best time to visit
- How to reach
- Where to stay
- How to get around
- Things to do
- Pushkar Camel Fair
- Where to eat
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best time to visit Pushkar
The best time to visit Pushkar is between October to March, when temperatures are at their lowest. The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place every November, its very famous and worth visiting during that time. You should make reservations well in advance because costs will be higher at this time of year and there won’t be much availability of lodging.
I visited Pushkar in mid-February and loved the temperatures and weather while I was there.
How to reach Pushkar
Pushkar doesn’t have its own railway station, unlike the majority of tourist sites in Rajasthan. Thankfully, the city of Ajmer is only 15 kilometers away and has a railway station.
If you’re coming from a different state, the best option is to reach Jaipur either by train or flight. From there Pushkar is 145km away and you can take a taxi or bus to Pushkar. If you’re on a Rajasthan tour, you can reach Pushkar through either of the following cites:
Ajmer to Pushkar
The local bus travels from Ajmer to Pushkar in just INR 17. Other options are shared local taxis and autorickshaws, which you’ll easily find at the Ajmer Railway station or the bus terminal.
Jaipur to Pushkar
You can take a train from Jaipur to Ajmer that takes around 3 hours and prices start from INR 140. The take a taxi from Ajmer to Pushkar as the distance is only 15km.
Moreover, buses travel from Jaipur to Pushkar everyday and take about 3 hours. The prices start from INR 145.
Another choice is to rent an out-of-town cab; pricing can be found on applications like Uber and Ola or a local trusted travel agency.
Jodhpur to Pushkar
Buses take 6 hours to get you from Jodhpur to Pushkar, so an overnight journey is advised as it will be a bit relaxing. The local buses start at INR 171.
Trains take 5 hours and get you to Ajmer and the price start from INR 175.
Another option is to hire an outstation cab, prices of which can be retrieved on apps like Uber and Ola.
Jaisalmer to Pushkar
The cost of the local RSRTC buses in Rajasthan is INR 385 for the nearly ten-hour trip. I would recommend an overnight sleeper Volvo bus as it will be more comfortable.
Again, the base ticket for a train trip is INR 200 and it typically takes about 11 hours.
Where to stay in Pushkar
I advise staying a little beyond the town centre in terms of location. Although Pushkar’s chaotic streets are wonderful, the city’s buildings are anything but soundproof, which will result in some loud and restless nights. The amount of sleep you get will fluctuate depending on where you stay (although you should still bring earplugs), and since Pushkar is so small, everything is still within walking distance.
Here are a few of my recommendations according to budget:
5 star Luxury:
- Westin Resorts & Spa
- Ananta Spa and Resorts
Mid-range:
- Hotel Brahma Horizon
- Treebo Pushkar Legacy
- Hotel Mothi Mahal
Budget Range:
How to get around in Pushkar
As this is such a small town, you can easily walk to all the popular tourist attractions in Pushkar. As an alternative, there are several shops throughout the city where you may easily hire two-wheelers along with a helmet. The daily rental rates can be adjusted depending on the number of days, the number of vehicles, and other factors. They start at INR 350 (you’ll need to fill up at a nearby gas station).
Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are also practical options. They aren’t as well known, though, because there are more affordable alternatives.
Things to do in Pushkar
1. Visit the Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is undoubtedly the most well-known tourist destination in Pushkar and is significant for religious, spiritual, and cultural reasons. Its 52 ghats are a great synthesis of tranquilly and activity, with plenty happening all around them. Pushkar’s bustling alleyways, markets, and temples combine with the serene lake on one end and the ghats on the other to form the city’s centre.
The Pushkar Lake is claimed to have been created by Lord Brahma in a ritual that drew all 330 Hindu gods to its waters. It has a fascinating history. As a result, Hindus hold that taking a bath in its waters bestows Moksha, the highest kind of salvation.
One of my favourite memories here was witnessing the famous Maha Aarti at the Pushkar Lake. The aarti, throwing of colourful rose petals, and the mantra chants were really touching.
My second favourite experience at the lake was to simply sit there at night and enjoy the silence, darkness, and cool winds. Visit one of the top attractions in Pushkar at midnight if you want the place to yourself.
2. Seek blessings at Brahma Temple
The Pushkar Brahma Temple is thought to be one of the relatively few temples that honours Lord Brahma, who is revered as the universe’s creator in Hinduism. It is reported that Adi Shankaracharya personally constructed it around 718 CE.
The temple’s pillars and dome are painted in vibrant hues of pink and blue, and the walls are covered in coins that pilgrims have placed there. It is one of the most revered temples in Pushkar, India, and its aratis are breathtaking.
3. Hike to Savitri Mata Temple
The Savitri Mata Temple, another well-known tourist destination in Pushkar, is popular both for its lake and valley views.
The Savitri Mata Temple is an excellent place to view the sunrise and sunset, and it also makes for a great and very comfortable hike. The monkeys who live on the strange magenta and green trees in the desert make the trip up its numerous stairs even more enjoyable. The Pushkar city shows more and more of its breathtaking views as you go higher, so it’s pleasant to climb for a while and take a moment to look back.
Start the hike early in the morning to arrive in time for sunrise, when the weather will also be at its most favourable, in order to get the most out of it. If you want to arrive in time for sunset, you can alternatively go in the evening. If you’d rather take the ropeway, which costs INR 75 one way, you can get there in 5 minutes if you’d rather not hike.
4. Marvel at the Mann Mahal
The Mann Mahal, which sparkles beautifully in the sunlight, displays elaborate Rajwadi architecture. The Mann Mahal, the largest royal residence in Pushkar, is constructed of marble and one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The palace, which is situated close to the Sarovar lake, exudes a serene aura that should be cherished.
5. Visit Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple, one of Pushkar’s most vivid temples, is built in the South Indian architectural style with Mughal and Rajput elements. The temple is both serene and aesthetically pleasing because to its vibrant gopuram and large yard.
6. Have fun on a camel safari
Pushkar’s ability to take visitors on rides with friendly, fuzzy camels into the desert may be its coolest feature. Even during the off-season, camel safaris are available. Nevertheless, during the monsoon, when everything is lush and green, you might wonder where the desert has disappeared. It was miles of sand and dunes when I arrived during the camel fair, but during the monsoon, it was covered with greenery! These people are often paid by the hour, and I gave them 300 rupees during the off-peak season. Be sure you bargain for a good price because prices soar during the camel festival! I would advise renting a camel for two hours if you want to view this sunset from it.
7. Explore the Pushkar Market
The town’s primary market, which doesn’t resemble a typical rural market in the least, is largely responsible for the bohemian atmosphere. Shopping in Pushkar is a sweet experience that anyone could easily fall for. There are duffel bags that seem to have travelled from all over the world to the shops here, as well as macramé bracelets in pastel colours. For both men and women, shopping is undoubtedly among the top things to do in Pushkar.
Always remember to bargain a lot when you visit the markets because they are open all day. Do the job well and you’ll be able to purchase items for 1/100th of the amount they originally stated.
Sadar Bazar, which is situated on the lake’s northern shore, is the primary retail area in the city. It is about a kilometre long and is jam-packed with goods to purchase. I purchased a new diary, earrings, a shawl, and twelve hand-painted postcards to present to loved ones.
In addition to Sadar Bazar, Kedalganj Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, and Baza Bazaar also provide reasonably comparable goods. Almost anything you can imagine is available, including turbans, saris, Rajasthani puppets, lamps, meditation cushions, wall hangings, and purses.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Every year, for a week, the Pushkar Mela grounds rank among the top attractions in Pushkar, and for good reason.
Every year, the Pushkar Camel Fair lasts a week and reaches its peak on the day of the full moon. It is one of India’s oldest fairs, and camels are the most traded animal there. Other livestock traded at the fair included horses, lambs, and other animals.
The Mela is both a commercial event and a celebration of culture. Rajasthani villagers come from all throughout the state to compete in fun events like bridal and moustache competitions, camel and horse races, and more. Folk dance and music performances are also prevalent. On the fairgrounds, events for sports like kabaddi, kushti, and bodybuilding are also held. For foreign visitors eager to see Rajasthan, India, it goes without saying that the fair is a popular selling point in Rajasthan vacation packages.
Unusual for a fair, hot air balloon rides are offered, providing breathtaking views of the desert, the lake, and the city of Pushkar after dusk. Throughout the fair, local craftsmen from various regions of India will sell tourists traditional Indian goods like jewellery, clothing, animal accessories, home décor, stationery, and more.
The fair has drawn foreign visitors over the course of the year and is unquestionably well a visit if you’re in the area.
Where to eat in Pushkar
The two things I found interesting about Pushkar are that, you won’t find alcohol or non-vegetarian meals here for religious reasons and it still continues to be a world-class culinary harbour.
Pushkar is a melting pot of Lebanese, Rajasthani, vegan, Italian, and continental cuisines, with everything from sizzling jalebis to fresh and enormous falafels. Some restaurants with delicious food are:
- U-turn café: My absolute favourite spot to escape is the U-turn café above Coffey temple. This café provides incredible views of the lake and Savitri Mata Mandir. You can sit here, relax bask in the sun and spy on the activity going on below in the city. You can find cheap eats, friendly staff, and a good vibe in this café!
- Malpuas at Radhey Ji near Varah Ghat.
- Khasta kachoris at the Pushkar Raj stall in the main market.
- The Laughing Buddha Café
- All the amazing Falafel stalls in the main market with various different flavours of Falafel!
Pushkar – The calm city
If you go to Pushkar, this serene Brahma city, I promise it will be with you forever. I hope to continue visiting every year since it will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a refuge into silence in the midst of this desert state’s chaos. Don’t just pass it by on the way out; stay a bit and unwind. Pushkar is a reasonably calm, laid-back, and tourist-friendly town where getting around is simple because most things are within walking distance, except from the madness of the camel fair.
If you are travelling to other cities after Pushkar, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are good options to go to! Check out my blog on Jaisalmer to know everything about the city before you visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is so special about Pushkar?
The only temple in the world devoted to Lord Brahma is located in the city of Pushkar. For Hindus, visiting Pushkar is the pinnacle of pilgrimages that one must make in order to find salvation.
2. Is 1 day enough for Pushkar?
Given how small Pushkar is, there aren’t many things to do there. In fact, there’s just enough to complete a Pushkar itinerary for one or two days!
3. What should I buy from Pushkar?
At Pushkar, goods like gulkand, rose oil, and rose water are essential purchases. As soon as you exit the only well-known Brahma temple in the world, you will see swarms of vendors offering a wide selection of incense and dhoop sticks.
4. What is the best time to visit Pushkar?
The best time to visit Pushkar is from October to November, when the Pushkar Fair takes place and the winter season officially begins. Nonetheless, the peak travel period is from October through February. Around this time, the maximum temperature is 15°C and the lowest temperature is 3.7°C.
5. Can we see desert in Pushkar?
One of the main locations where the Thar Desert is a significant component of the vacation experience is Pushkar. The annual Pushkar fair is held in the desert and is attended by thousands of travellers from around the globe.
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