Pushkar is a small temple town located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. A perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar has an array of cafes and hostels for a backpacking trip. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country.
Known for the world’s only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Spend some evenings sitting at the ghats while sipping chai or taking a stroll through narrow alleys while listening to the chants from temples surrounding the ghats. A delight for street-shopping lovers, Pushkar has shops in the main street selling everything from silver oxidized jewelry to merchandise swaddled in various colors.
The Pushkar Mela attracts millions of visitors from around the world. With folk performances, rides, stalls and even magic shows, the entire town is lit up, music blares from every house, and everyone is in a festive mood. Thus, Pushkar has slowly evolved from a religious destination to a multi-cultural hotspot with travellers worldwide.
Places to visit in Pushkar
Pushkar Lake: Pushkar lake perched amidst the Aravalli ranges in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats ( a flight of steps leading to the water) and over 500 temples, it is regarded as the sacred lake for the Hindus in India where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a holy bath.
Brahma Temple: Jagatpita Brahma Mandir or the Brahma Temple located in Pushkar, Rajasthan is the most famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma who is considered the creator of the universe. Being the only temple dedicated to Brahma in India, it attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. The small town of Pushkar seems holy because of the presence of Brahma Temple. It also finds its mention in the prominent ten religious places of the world and the five sacred pilgrimages for Hindus in India.
Savitri Temple: Savitri temple is located atop the Savitri Hill. The one and half hour climb to the temple is hard and strenuous. Both, idols of Brahma’s first wife Savitri and his second consort Gayatri are present here, though Savitri is always worshipped first.
Varaha Temple: The largest and the most ancient temple of Pushkar, Varaha Temple is dedicated to Varaha The Boar which is the third incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. The Varaha temple houses an image of lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar.
Camel Safari in Pushkar: The golden deserts of Pushkar can be best explored in a camel safari. While it is a common myth that the best camel safaris are available in Jaisalmer, not a lot know that Pushkar offers some of the most amazing sand dunes and mesmerizing views of the sunrise/ sunsets. And while you are out there, exploring the shimmering golden sands, you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains and Aravalli hills in the backdrop. What is more, you will also be allowed to pass through tiny dainty villages and can get a sneak peek into the rustic lifestyle of the locals.
Rangji Temple: Rangji temple is a reflection of South Indian architectural style with glimpses of Mughal design as well. It is in the top three temples of Pushkar dedicated to one of the incarnations of Vishnu, Rangji. The temple is a major attraction for south Indian pilgrims.
Pushkar Camel Fair: India’s greatest tribal gathering, Pushkar Mela is held annually in November from Karthik Ekadashi to Karthik Purnima as per the Hindu calendar. It is a grand travel experience held on a vast scale. People visit the fair to witness the beauty of Rajasthani Culture. Attracting more than 400,000 tourists, funky competitions like ‘Matka Tod’, ‘Longest Moustache’, and ‘Bridal Competitions’, are held during the annual Pushkar Fair. Spread over five days, more than 11,000 cattle, horses and camels are part of this visual spectacle.
Pushkar Bazar: Pushkar Bazar is where one can find a variety of traditional Rajasthani products including apparel, accessories, jewelry, decor items and items for daily use. It is the best market to buy the local leather work, puppets and the bangles made in the region. This is where the colors of Rajasthan can be found in a variety that is awe-inspiring.
Naga Pahar: Naga Pahar is located between Pushkar Lake and Ajmer and is believed to be where Agastya Muni lived. The Naag Kund is believed to have existed on the Naga Pahar. The Kund was home to Vatu, Lord Brahma’s son who stayed on the hill after he was punished by Chyavan Rishi for being a mischief-maker.
Best time to visit Pushkar
The weather of Pushkar is typically dry with the nights being cool and days being significantly hotter. There is intermittent rainfall since this is a desert region and visiting in each season will expose you to different aspects of the city. Hence, the summers and monsoons in Pushkar can often be scorching and unbearable. This makes winter (November – February) the best time to visit this enchanting city.
How to reach Pushkar
Pushkar does not have an airport, and the nearest airport is in Jaipur which is well connected to all domestic and international destinations. However, international flights have usually routes through Mumbai or Delhi. There are regular taxis and buses from Jaipur airport to Pushkar.
Also Read:Â Pushkar
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