What to Do in Pushkar, a sacred town in Rajasthan, offers a unique blend of spirituality and vibrant culture.
Start your day with a holy dip in the serene Pushkar Lake, surrounded by 52 ghats, and witness the mesmerizing Evening Aarti at Varah Ghat. Visit the revered Brahma Temple, one of the few in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. For panoramic views of the town and lake, hike or take the ropeway to Savitri Temple atop Ratnagiri Hill, especially at sunset.
Immerse yourself in the bustling Pushkar Bazaar, known for Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Indulge in delicious vegetarian street food like kachoris and malpuas.
For adventure, embark on a camel safari into the desert, or consider a thrilling hot air balloon ride for aerial views. If visiting in October/November, the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair is an unforgettable experience. Remember to dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.
Approx. 2 lakh visitors from all over the world visit the camel fair every year.
The famous camel fair of Pushkar consists of around 50,000 Camels.
It is the only place in the whole world where you will find a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
52 Ghats and 500 temples surround Pushkar lake.
The Thar Desert covers the area of three prominent cities in Rajasthan, and Pushkar is one of them.
What to Do in Pushkar
History of Pushkar
Pushkar’s history is steeped in ancient Hindu mythology, primarily centered around Lord Brahma. Legend states that the city and its sacred lake were formed when a lotus flower, dropped from Brahma’s hand, fell to earth. This act consecrated the site, leading to the creation of Pushkar Lake.
It is believed to be one of India’s oldest existing cities, with mentions in ancient scriptures like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. While the exact date of its founding is unknown, archaeological findings suggest settlements dating back to ancient times.
Historically, Pushkar has been a significant pilgrimage center, attracting devotees for centuries. Most of its current temples and ghats were rebuilt in the 18th century and later, as many were destroyed during various historical conflicts. The iconic Brahma Temple, though its current structure dates to the 14th century, is believed to have a much older presence.
Under various rulers, including the Mughals and later the Marathas, Pushkar continued to be a place of religious importance. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of spirituality and is globally renowned for its annual camel fair.
Things to do in Pushkar
The two things that people love to do while traveling is exploring the cuisine and local markets. After all, no one will believe that you visited the city if you don’t bring its handicraft and famous eatables. In addition to dining and shopping, you can do many other exciting activities in the city. Let’s see what these activities are.
As mentioned above, places to visit in Pushkar. You can visit the temples and gurudwaras. You can take a stroll by the river or sit on the peaceful ghats. You can savour the food and you can click some amazing pictures. Here’s a list of the top Pushkar attractions for you to visit:
Brahma Temple
Among the top Pushkar tourist places, we have the stunning Brahma Temple. Considered by his followers the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma is a very respected Hindu God. The temple at Pushkar dates back to the 14th century. It is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in the country. Standing tall near the pious Pushkar Ghat, the temple is beautifully designed in typical Rajasthani architecture.
Savitri Mata Temple
Another ancient Hindu temple, the Savitri Mata Temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Brahma. It is situated on the top of a hill and to reach it, you need to climb 970 steps. The temple is also accessible by cable car. The temple has three goddesses inside – Savitri in the middle, surrounded by Mata Saraswati on one side and Mata Sharda on the other. It is a beautiful temple that offers panoramic views of the city below. The temple is open on all days and no entry fee is required for pilgrims. This is one of the very best places to visit near Pushkar.
Rangji Temple
One of the most towing symbols of Pushka, the Rangji Temple has the famous temple facade which has been widely adopted in the temples of South India. Vaikuntha Venkatesh is the main deity who is worshipped in this beautiful temple. Apart from spirituality, the temple is also popular for its breathtaking architecture. It has some of the most intricately designed walls, gates, and interiors. The architecture is a combination of Mughal architecture and Rajasthani architecture. The temple was built in 1844.
Gurdwara Singh Sabha
The most famous Gurdwara not just in Pushkar but all of Rajasthan, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha is a monument in itself. Built-in honour and memory of Guru Giving Singh, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, popularly known as the Pushkar Gurdwara, has beautiful architecture. It is easy to find the gurdwara as it is located centrally and is very close to the main bus terminus of Pushkar.
Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is one of the most landmark and iconic water bodies in India. It is the home of the Pushkar Mela and the place where pilgrims from all across the world gather for their holy dips. It is a massive natural water reservoir that has been in the same place for centuries. It has a surface area of over 22 km square and this tells you just how gigantic the lake is. The earliest mention of the lake can be found as early as the 8th century BC. The history and popularity of the lake make it one of the top Pushkar places to visit.
Man Mahal
Situated very close to Pushkar Lake is the Man Mahal, which is a former royal residence. It is one of the prettiest and most pristine places that you will ever witness. Built as a family residence as well as a guest house of the former ruler, Raja Man Singh the First. The royal family resided in Amer, near Jaipur but often visited Pushkar and when they did so, the Man Mahal would serve as their official residence.
These are some of the most famous places to explore in Pushkar. There are many other places too, so you should plan your trip and create a functional itinerary before you commence your trip.
Shopping Pushkar’s Bazaars
Pushkar’s bazaars are a shopper’s paradise, a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents. The main thoroughfare, Sadar Bazaar, is a must-visit, stretching for about a kilometer with shops overflowing with goods. Here, you’ll find:
Rajasthani Textiles: Look for bright, intricately embroidered fabrics, tie-dye (bandhani), block-printed kurtas, saris, scarves, and bedspreads. You can often get custom garments made.
Silver Jewelry: Pushkar is renowned for its beautiful silver jewelry, from antique pieces to contemporary designs featuring semi-precious stones.
Leather Goods: Discover quality camel leather bags, wallets, belts, and the famous traditional Rajasthani footwear called ‘Mojaris’ or ‘Jutis’.
Handicrafts & Home Decor: Explore a treasure trove of wooden and metal crafts, hand-painted pottery, miniature paintings, colorful puppets, and unique wall hangings.
Rose Products: As the “Rose Garden of Rajasthan,” Pushkar offers an array of rose-based items, including rose water, gulkand (rose petal jam), essential oils, and perfumes.
Spiritual Items: Near the Brahma Temple, find brass idols, prayer beads (malas), incense sticks, and other religious paraphernalia.
Remember to bargain politely for the best deals, especially in smaller shops. Carrying cash is advisable. The atmosphere is lively, offering a true taste of local culture.
How to reach Pushkar
The exciting views, delicious food, divine ghats, and famous temples excite you more to visit Pushkar, but the question is how to reach the city. You can travel in three ways.
By air: To reach the city by air, you must take a flight to Jaipur because Jaipur Airport is nearest to this beautiful city. You can take the flight from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Jaipur Airport, you can book an airport taxi to Pushkar. By train: The cheap and fast way to reach Pushkar is by train travel. Like bus traveling, you can book a train ticket to Ajmer. From Ajmer railway station, you can book a cab to reach Pushkar. The distance between Ajmer and Pushkar is only 17 km. By road: If you live in Rajasthan or nearby states such as Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana, you can take a bus to Ajmer district. The best way to travel to Pushkar by road is to book a cab from Delhi, Jaipur or any other major city in Rajasthan.
