Pushkar
Pushkar is an essential pilgrimage in India for the Hindu and Sikh faith holders due to the presence of 100’s of stunning temples including the only ‘Lord Brahma Temple’ in the world, and several gurudwaras. It is located amidst the western Aravalli Range on the shore of the natural Pushkar Lake, around 10 kilometres from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. And since Pushkar is a part of the torrid desert state, it has particularly warm summers and cool, pleasant winters with moderate rainfall in the monsoons. Pushkar is believed to have been an ancient city as it has found mentions in many Hindu mythologies and other important Indian scriptures. Hence, the colourful and different history of this Temple Town has garnered attention from domestic and international tourists, many of whom are also devouts. But that’s not all; there is still much more to this tranquil town than meets the eye.
In the present day and age, it has become a popular weekend getaway for people, especially the youth living in nearby cities like -Jaipur, Ajmer, Delhi etc. for its many offerings of recreational activities like - boating on the lake, camel safaris, camping and hikes, cable-car rides, shopping for local handicrafts, among more. Along with the alluring points of interest like - the Rose Garden, Mertha, Pushkar Bazaar, Varaha Ghat etc. that are worth exploring during a short rendezvous. Moreover, It has primarily been famed for its annual ‘Pushkar Mela’ which is a Cattle Fair organized during the month of ‘Karthik’ (October/November) for five days. It is the biggest and grandest celebration in the town where thousands of locals and tourists gather to savour rides, folk performance, shows, and the most important event of all - the trading of numerous cattle, horses and camels from distinct parts of the country. The two prominent Hindu festivals - Holi and Diwali are also celebrated with much penchant and glee, making it one of the unmissable sightings.
The tourism in Pushkar is thriving, which has led to the residents, along with many high-end brands and industries developing a commercial aspect. Because of this, one can find an array of hotels and resorts, quaint cafes and eateries serving international cuisines, and other modern facilities. All ranging from modestly priced for the budgeted guests to the 5-star luxurious ones for the big spenders. Thus, Pushkar is that one city that welcomes one and all with open arms and offers an experience unlike any other. And although the city brims with trotters all year long, it is the time during October till March that fits best for one to plan a short excursion to fully take in the beauty, merrymaking and the ambient surroundings.
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What are the best places to visit in Pushkar?
Thousands of devotees take a dip in its holy waters every year to wash away all their sins and to seek salvation. The site is also known to be the home to the only Brahma Temple in the entire world.
Location: Pushkar, 305022, Rajasthan.
Timing: 9:00 AM - 06:00 PM.
2. Man Mahal: Man Mahal is the largest palace in Pushkar that used to serve as the guest house for Raja Man Singh I. It has been converted into a hotel now and serves as the prime destination for luxury travellers.
The palace exhibits Rajasthani architecture, and it offers a stunning view of the temples located nearby. The guests can enjoy a lavish stay in this luxurious hotel and enjoy breathtaking amenities and top-notch services.
Location: Near Pushkar Lake, Pushkar.
Entry fee: Rs 1500-4000 per night.
3. Savitri Temple: Located atop the Savitri Hill this temple is a renowned pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It is dedicated to Goddess Savitri who was the wife of Lord Brahma.
This temple was built in the twentieth century by the Bangar family, and countless pilgrims flock here to seek their prayers. It takes around one and half hours to climb to the temple. From the complex of the temple, you can enjoy a splendid view of Pushkar's skyline.
Location: Ratnagiri Hill, Pushkar.
Timing: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Evening – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
4. Rangji Temple: Located on the eastern side of the Pushkar Lake, Rangji temple is an important religious spot for the pilgrims. This is one of the oldest temples out of the four hundred existing temples in Pushkar devoted to Rangji, who is an incarnation of Vishnu.
There are idols of Goddamaji, Lord Krishna, Goddess Laxmi, and Shri Ramanujacharya in the temple. The temple is appreciated for its spellbinding architecture, and it is said to be a replica of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
Location: Chhoti Basti, Pushkar, 305022, Rajasthan.
Timing: 06:00 am - 07:00 pm.
5. Mahadeva Temple: Drench your soul into utmost peace and tranquillity as you visit this beautiful temple that is architecturally and artistically alluring. The temple was constructed in the nineteenth century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It houses the idol of Lord Shiva that is made from marble carved with five faces which is a unique feature rarely found in other Shiva temples. The chanting of bhajans and spiritual songs makes the ambience of the temple extremely alluring.
Location: Main Market Rd, Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Timing: 6 AM- 7 PM.
6. Gau Ghat: This is one of the most sacred ghats in Pushkar where the ashes of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawahar Lal Nehru were sprinkled. The Ghat holds significance for being the site to perform religious rituals for the dead.
It is surrounded by Raj Babra temple, which is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The lanes of the Ghat are dotted with shops that sell artwork, jewelry pieces, leather products, and clothes.
Location: Main Market Road, Badi Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan.
7. Gurudwara Sahib Pushkar: This is one of the holiest places to visit in Pushkar, where the Sikh gurus named Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev rested during their visit to Pushkar. It is housed in a flat-roofed double-story building in the center of the city. It is the subsidiary of Ajmer's Singh Sabha, and you can find here the handwritten copy of Guru Granth Sahib.
Location: Opp. Indian Overseas Bank, Pushkar, Rajasthan.
What are the famous things to do in Pushkar?
1. Explore the Rose Farms: Relax and unwind with your family at the acres of rose farms in Pushkar, where organic flowers are grown by the farmers. You will find here all varieties of colorful and fragrant roses ranging from Blaze to Julia Child and Altissimo.
The essence extracted from these roses is exported all over the globe. You can also witness here ducks and various colorful birds that make it an absolute paradise for nature lovers. The farms also have benches where you can sit and relax after strolling through the park.
2. Camel Safari: Get ready to see the real side of Pushkar as you enjoy the camel safari at the semi-arid region over here that is known for its sand dunes and marshy areas.
While enjoying this ride, you'll pass through the local villages, and you will get a chance to meet the Kalbeliya People. Once you're done with the ride, you can also enjoy traditional Rajasthani Dance as a part of this tour.
Location: Pushkar Fair Ground.
Timing: 4 AM to 7 PM.
Price: Rs. 700 to 800 per person.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Glide gently above the ground over the vast expanse of dunes to have a bird's eye view of the beautiful city of Pushkar. The balloon ride is organised usually towards the end of the Pushkar Fair. Sunrise is considered to be the best time to enjoy this ride as the soft rays of the sunlight up the ghats, ancient buildings and temples surrounding the Pushkar lake.
Location: Pushkar Fair Ground.
Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM.
Price: Rs 1500 per adult.
4. Play Paintball: Get ready to have some real action as you play paintball with your friends and family members at Pushkar Fair Ground. Show your competitive spirit and beat your opponent in the realistic indoor battlefield arena.
The best thing is that they offer the best quality safety gears and you can choose both groups as well as individual packages as per your choice. They also offer super thrilling combat missions with obstructions and barriers to make the game even more interesting at each point.
Location: Pushkar Fair Ground.
Timing: Monday to Friday (9:30 AM till 7:30 PM).
Price: Rs 670 per person.
5. Quad Biking: Get ready for an unlimited dose of adventure as you enjoy quad biking in a 200cc ATV in Pushkar. Ride through the entire city and explore the whole desert region of Pushkar as you try this soul-wrenching activity.
You can even get your picture clicked to flaunt on your social media while enjoying this activity. The ride usually lasts for one hour, and you've to wear all the safety gears before starting this ride. While biking through the dusty and rugged roads with curves and slopes, you'll have the experience of a lifetime.
Timing: Monday to Friday (9:30 AM till 7:30 PM).
Price: Rs 670 per person.
6. Enjoy camping: Catch the surreal views of the sky and the glittering stars at night as you enjoy camping on the Sami Sand Dunes that is located eight kilometers away from Pushkar.
It has some of the best campsites that provide AC Swiss Cottage Tents and Air Cooled Cottage Tents that are equipped with antique furniture. You can also enjoy delicious buffet dinner, bonfire, and mesmerizing folk performances while camping over here.
Location: Sami Sand Dunes, Pushkar.
Timing: 11 AM-11 PM.
Price: Rs 1640.
7. Food walking tour: Your trip to Pushkar won't be complete if you don't undertake a food walking tour wherein you will get the chance to sample some of the lip-smacking delicacies.
The lanes of Pushkar are dotted with food vendors and shops where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea with many other amazing delicacies. From poha to kachori, samosa to dhokla, and ghewar to jalebi, you can have everything that the city is famous for while walking through the crowded lanes.
Timing: 11 AM-11 PM.
8. Attend the Aarti at Varah Ghat: If you're a spiritual soul, then you should definitely attend the evening Aarti at Varah Ghat in Pushkar. During the aarti session, the loud vibrating chants and bhajans can be heard, and the diyas floating in the lake can be admired. The entire atmosphere gets filled with the fragrance of the incense sticks, offering you a divine experience during the evening Aarti.
Location: Main market road 39/13, 305022 Pushkar, India.
Timing: 5 PM-6 PM.
Which are the best resorts to stay in Pushkar?
1. Jagat Palace Resort: This is a beautiful resort that exhibits the perfect blend of modern comfort and age-old amenities. It has eighty-two super deluxe rooms that are equipped with antique furniture, air conditioner, television, and wardrobe.
2. Bhanwar Singh Palace Resort: Enjoy an exceptional stay at this grandiose resort that exhibits intricate Rajasthani art and is known for its breathtaking design. It has spacious rooms, a Spa and Ayurvedic massage center, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
3. Dera Masuda Resort: Located around seven kilometers from Pushkar Lake, this resort is known for its unmatched hospitality, top-notch facilities, and breathtaking amenities. It has a terrace, an outdoor pool, and an in house restaurant.
4. Pushkar Bagh Resort: Pushkar Bagh Resort is an absolute holiday retreat for the visitors looking for an exceptional stay experience. The resort also offers a camel safari tour, theme dinner, and day trips to Ajmer.
What are the famous Ghats in Pushkar?
2. Varah Ghat: Famous for its scenic beauty and spiritual allure, Aarti Varah Ghat is one of the most beautiful Ghats in Pushkar. It is dotted with many local vendors and food stalls and is renowned for its evening Aarti ceremony.
3. Jaipur Ghat: This is a scenic ghat where the visitors converge in a massive number to watch the sunset. You can hear hymns and prayers going on throughout the day, and people especially come over here to take a dip in its holy water.
4. Saptrishi Ghat: This is a sacred ghat in Pushkar where thousands of visitors descend every year to bathe in its holy water. Many religious ceremonies are also held at this Ghat, and you can find the Hindu saints meditating here.
What are the best places to visit in Pushkar at night?
2. RR bar and restaurant: If you're a night owl looking to have endless fun during the wee hours, then you must visit RR bar and restaurant that has an exquisite collection of drinks and food.
3. Adventure Desert Camp: Located around eight kilometers from Pushkar, this desert camp offers various air-conditioned tents that are replete with all the basic amenities like bed and attached bathroom. You can also enjoy the folk performances by artists and enjoy the buffet dinner around the campfire.
4. Sunset Café: This is the best nighttime destination for foodies looking to enjoy European dishes and various coffee variants. The ambiance, as well as the service offered by the café, is extremely top-notch.
What is Pushkar famous for?
2. Varaha Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Pushkar that was constructed by the twelfth-century ruler, Anaji Chauhan. The temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Vishnu - a wild boar.
3. Savitri Temple: Dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma, this temple is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful environment.
4. Pushkar Lake: Also known as 'Tirtha Raj,' this lake is a popular pilgrimage site and the visitors take a dip in its holy water to seek salvation.
What is the Pushkar Fair famous for?
- Magic shows
- Dance and musical performances
- Snake charmers
- Camel safari
- Air ballooning, quad biking, paramotoring
- Bride and groom contest
- Matka Race
- Photography contest
- Dynamic shops and stalls.
Is Pushkar safe?
Is Pushkar safe at night?
When is the best time to visit Pushkar?
The best time to take a trip to Pushkar is undoubtedly the festive seasons. October and November there offer you the most enjoyable stay. Don’t visit Pushkar during the summer.
- It can also be explored during winters between the months of November -February.
How to reach Pushkar?
Pushkar can be easily reached from many different cities of India either directly or via other cities of Rajasthan.
Air: You can take a flight to Jaipur from Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. it takes about 4 hours to reach to Pushkar from the Jaipur airport. You can hire a car from just outside of the airport.
Rail: If you want to reach Pushkar by train then you need to take a train to Ajmer. Direct trains are available from most cities of the country. It doesn’t take more than half an hour by car from Ajmer to Pushkar.
Bus: Take a bus to Ajmer from Delhi. Once in there, you can easily find a luxury state bus to Pushkar.
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Pushkar?
If you want to enjoy the city’s most historical sites then traveling by foot can be the best choice for you. Other than that, there are few other choices:
Car
Hiring a car to travel in and around Pushkar is probably the most comfortable way to travel. There are many car hire service providers in the city. For the safest option, you can ask your resort manager to get you in touch with a driver. Rent a comfortable car and enjoy the city.
Camel Ride
This is a very fun option. For short distance rides, you can get hold of a camel trainer and ride like the kings.
Which are the best places for shopping in Pushkar?
Pushkar is famous for its leather goods. There is a huge variety of leather accessories are available in the markets and you must purchase a few to bring back home. Other than that, you can also find authentic clothing items and ornaments which are inexpensive and attractive. Hop around these markets for a great shopping experience:
1. Sadar Bazar2. Kedalganj Bazar
3. Sarafa Bazar
What are the famous Temples to visit in Pushkar?
The existence of the holy Pushkar Lake is turned the city into an attraction for Hindu pilgrims from around the world. There are a lot of beautiful and old temples in Pushkar. These are the ones that are most famous:
- Brahma Temple
- Pataleshwar Temple
- Raghunath Mandir
- Varaha Temple
- Savitri Temple
When does the Camel Fair take place and what is it famous for?
The Pushkar Camel Fair or simply the Pushkar Fair is one of India’s biggest festivals and oldest fairs. The fair takes place during Kartik Purnima, in the month of November every year. People from all over Rajasthan gather in Pushkar with their camels, horses, and other cattle. People from around the world prefer to visit the city during this period because this festival is a celebration of everything that Rajasthan’s culture stands for.
What are the famous trekking trails in Pushkar?
Pushkar is a city surrounded by hills, old temples, and forests. It’s not a surprise that you can find a couple of hiking trails around the city. There are two most popular paths that you should consider taking if you enjoy trekking in Pushkar.
Ratnagiri Hike
The Ratnagiri hike is one of those simple adventures that offer a satisfying outcome. You have to walk hardly about 1.5 km to reach the top of the hill. It’s not a tough one either. The view from the hill is mesmerizing.
Savitri Temple Hike
The Savitri Temple hike is a little harder but it worth the effort. The first half of the hike is fairly easy but the second half might take a little push. However, once you successfully dodge the monkeys and end the walk, the Savitri Temple will make sure that you don’t regret it.
What are the different adventure activities to do in Pushkar?
Because of its geography and lifestyle, one can find a lot of adventure in Pushkar. You can spend a couple of days doing these exciting things:
- Camel safari in Pushkar
- Hot air balloon ride
- Jeep safari
- Ajaypal Ji Temple drive
- Take a nagara lesson
- Hike
Which are the different festivals held in Pushkar?
Pushkar is known as a land of festivals. If you like cultural gatherings of people then you need to attend the different festivals of this city.
- Pushkar Fair- Asia’s biggest cattle fair. It takes place in November, over a huge area. It’s once in a lifetime experience.
- Ganesh Chaturthi- this is a very popular Indian festival. However, Pushkar gives it new meaning with its traditions.
- Kartik Purnima- during this time, pilgrims from around the world comes to take a dip in the holy Lake.
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