Pushkar

Pushkar lies close to Ajmer in Rajasthan, framed by the Aravalli Hills. Pilgrims gather at its lake, which has 52 stone steps leading to the water and more than 400 temples nearby. Every November, the Pushkar Camel Fair fills the area with traders selling camels, horses, and cattle, along with music and games. The town’s whitewashed buildings and markets selling silver jewelry, leather goods, and embroidered fabrics reflect its strict rules against meat and alcohol. Walk through lanes where vendors display colorful textiles and desert landscapes stretch beyond the streets.

Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place over seven days in October or November, timed with the full moon. Visitors watch camel races, listen to folk music, and see competitions like the longest mustache. Temporary Ferris wheels and magic shows line the fairgrounds, while traders negotiate livestock prices. Reserve your lodging months ahead, as hotels and tents near the desert edge fill quickly. Overnight stays in campsites let you experience bonfires and traditional meals under the stars.

Pushkar Lake and Ghats

Pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake’s waters, believed to cleanse sins, using the 52 stone steps that circle its edge. Take off your shoes before stepping onto the ghats, and ignore anyone offering unsolicited blessings. At Brahma Ghat, priests light lamps and ring bells during evening ceremonies. Check local advisories about water conditions before entering the lake. Arrive early to watch the sun rise over the temples or set behind the hills.

Brahma Temple

This marble temple, built in the 14th century, honors the Hindu god Brahma. Visit between 5:00 AM and 1:30 PM or 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM in summer; winter hours are shorter. Intricate carvings of swans, representing purity, cover the walls. Devotees leave marigold flowers, coconuts, and sweets at the central shrine. Only a handful of temples worldwide actively worship Brahma, making this a key stop for many pilgrims.

Savitri Temple and Ropeway

Climb 650 steps to Savitri Temple on Ratnagiri Hill or ride the cable car installed in 2016. From the hilltop, you’ll see Pushkar’s lake, temples, and surrounding desert. Early mornings and late afternoons provide soft light for photos of the landscape. The temple’s small shrine commemorates Savitri, Brahma’s first wife. Nearby, the sandstone balconies of Man Mahal Palace, once used by royalty, are open to visitors.

Shopping in Sadar Bazar

Sadar Bazar’s narrow lanes overflow with silver earrings, embroidered shawls, and camel-leather bags. Compare prices between stalls—many items cost less here than in larger cities like Jaipur. Look for hand-blocked cotton fabrics, wooden puppets, and rose-scented oils made from local flowers. Refuse any products made from endangered animals to avoid legal issues. While cards work in some shops, keep cash for smaller purchases.

Vegetarian Food and Cafés

Pushkar enforces vegetarianism, so expect lentil dishes, fried snacks, and sweets like syrupy gulab jamun. Street vendors sell hot kachoris and malpua pancakes, while rooftop restaurants serve thali platters with roti and curries. At Coffee Temple near U-Turn Hotel, order French press coffee and sit by the lake. Most cafes open by 8:00 AM, serving breakfasts of porridge or stuffed parathas.

Camel Safaris and Desert Camps

Ride camels through sandy trails past villages and farms, stopping to watch the sun dip below the dunes. Choose between short rides or overnight trips that include camping with simple meals. Ask operators how they care for their animals before booking. Tents near the fairgrounds have rope beds and blankets, with shared bathrooms. Plan desert visits between November and February to avoid extreme heat.

Nearby Attractions

Ajmer, a 30-minute drive, holds the Dargah Sharif shrine and the crumbling Taragarh Fort. Kishangarh, 27 km from Ajmer, sells delicate Radha-Krishna paintings on paper or silk. Day trips to Jaipur (150 km) often include the Amber Fort’s mirrored halls and Hawa Mahal’s honeycombed windows. For quieter ruins, explore Kumbhalgarh Fort’s 36-kilometer wall or Osian’s 8th-century Jain temples.

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Reach Pushkar by bus or taxi from Ajmer Junction, the closest train station. Flights land at Jaipur Airport, 150 km away, with connections from Delhi and Mumbai. November to March brings cooler days, ideal for exploring. Skip April to June, when temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F). Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps work best for short trips within the town.