Pushkar is a town located in the Ajmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert and is famous for its scenic beauty, colorful culture, and religious significance. The city is known for its Pushkar Camel Fair, which is one of the largest and most famous camel fairs in the world. There are many places to visit and exciting things to do there. Book a car rental in Pushkar to explore all the hidden gems of the city. Let’s take you on a verbal and visual journey around the city before you visit this place.
Table of Contents
4. How to Plan a trip to Pushkar
5. Hotels and Resorts in Pushkar
About Pushkar
Pushkar is one of India’s most aesthetically pleasing cities, soaked in rich culture, tradition, and heritage. It offers visitors a unique and immersive experience that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or spiritual enlightenment, Pushkar is definitely worth a visit. The city has so much to offer that anyone who knows a bit about this city would love to explore it more.
History of Pushkar
Pushkar is a Sanskrit word that means flower (Push) and hand (Kar). Lord Brahma once dropped a lotus on the ground. It caused the earth to tremble. He did so to stop the Vajranabha, a demon. Therefore, this place is known as Pushkar. It is the reason why this city is also known as the lotus flower.
Additionally, this city is one of the oldest cities in India. The historical facts about the city include the destruction of the Ghats and temples during Aurangzeb’s reign. Later, these were regained and rebuilt by various Hindu kings and Rathores of Marwar.
Interesting facts
- 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.
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.
Spiritual things to do in Pushkar
- Holy bath: One can take a bath in Pushkar lake, Varaha lake, and various Ghats. The holy bath cleanses the soul, mind, and body.
- Cable ride to Savitri Temple: While visiting Savitri Temple to offer your prayers, you can enjoy the journey if you take a cable ride to Savitri Temple.
- Hiking to Pap Mochani Temple: It is a temple for the devotees of Ekadashi Mata. You can go hiking to Pap Mochani temple, located on the hills.
- Pushkar Yoga Garden: You can experience authentic Indian therapy and yoga at Pushkar Yoga Garden. This place gives some different, divine, and spiritual vibes.
Things to do in Pushkar at night
- Desert camping: If you want to experience adventure and luxury, enjoy desert camping in the city. The luxury camps have air-conditioned tents and bathrooms as well. You can connect with other travelers and local folks during camping.
- Evening Aarti: The Evening Aarti at Varaha lake is extremely famous. A huge crowd of devotees attends the evening aarti, especially during Kartik Purnima. It will become one of the most memorable experiences for you. The light of earthen lamps and the sound of holy chants give internal peace.
Shopping in Pushkar
- Sadar Bazar: The bazaar looks more gorgeous and less crowded at night. You will love shopping the cultural and artistic beauty, clothes, gifts, and jewelry at Sadar Bazar during the night.
- Shiv Shakti Art and Handicraft: Rajasthan is known for its unique art forms. Several traditional art forms, crafts, embroidery style, and painting styles are from Rajasthan. If you want the best-quality traditional Rajasthani handicraft and home decor, visit Shiv Shakti Art and Handicraft.
- Kedal Ganj Bazar: If you love ethnic-style home decor, you will find the most attractive miniature paintings, decor articles, and some useful yet decorative items at Kedalhanj bazaar.
Must try food in Pushkar
The city’s delicious, spicy, and mouth-watering dishes will make you a food lover if you are not foody. The best dishes you must try here are:
- Dal Baati Choorma – Dal Baati Choorma is a traditional Rajasthani dish consisting of lentil soup, baked wheat balls, and a crumbled wheat-based sweet.
- Falafel – Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, which are deep-fried to form small balls or patties.
- Kachori and aloo puri – Kachori and aloo puri are popular street food dishes in Rajasthan made from fried pastry stuffed with spiced lentils or potatoes.
- Malai Lassi – Malai Lassi is a refreshing yogurt-based drink that is popular in North India and is made by blending yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom.
- Malpua and Ker Sangri – Malpua and Ker Sangri are traditional Rajasthani desserts made from deep-fried pancakes drizzled with sugar syrup and a curry made from dried berries and beans.
Places to visit in Pushkar in 2023
The city has so many temples, lakes, markets, and famous places to visit that you feel confused about where to start. If you are on a 1-2 day trip to the city, do not miss the most popular tourist spots of Pushkar.
Places to visit for fun
- Camel safari: Entry here is free, you only have to pay for various rides. The most adventurous rides at camel safari are camel rides and Jeep Safari. You can also enjoy horse rides and Kalbeliya dance at camel safari.
- Time to visits: 24 hours open
- Rides charges: Varies
- Pushkar camel fair: The camel fair alone is magnificent enough to attract visitors worldwide. It is a city every tourist should visit. Pushkar fair is a place if you love thrills. You will enjoy the camel race, tribal dance, Gypsy music, and the longest mustache competition. Historically, the Pushkar Camel Fair usually takes place in the months of October or November. The camel fair for the year 2023 will be conducting from 20th November 2023 to 28th November 2023. It is advisable to keep an eye on official announcements for the latest information regarding the dates for the 2023 Pushkar Camel Fair.
- Fair duration: 5-8 days in November
- Entry fees: Free
- Hot air balloon ride: You can also take a hot air balloon ride at the camel fair. This ride will give you an unconventional experience of sightseeing. Imagine how beautiful a city full of temples, flowers, deserts, and lakes looks from the sky.
- Time to visit: 6 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- Tracking on Ratnagiri Hills: Ratnagiri Hills hiking is one of the most amazing experiences for every photography and mountaineering lover. The best part of tracking on Ratnagiri Hill is the astonishing and spectacular view of the sunset and lakes.
- Timings: Morning to evening
Places to visit for spiritual callings
- Brahma Temple: A wave of devotees embraces the Brahma temple every year. This beautiful temple is believed to be around 2000 years old. It showcases a perfect white marble and stone texture. Brahma Temple also has a sanctum where only Sanyasis (ascetics) are allowed. From its infrastructure to its surroundings, everything about Brahma Temple is fascinating.
- Time to visit: 6:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M
- Rangji Temple: If you love visiting ancient temples, add Rangji temple to your list. Its architectural beauty is unbelievable. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rangji. Lord Rangji was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, there are sections of 8 other temples dedicated to various Gods.
- Time to visit: open 24 hours
- Varaha temple: Lord Varaha was the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to whom this temple is dedicated. A priest in the temple narrates Lord Varaha’s thousand-year-long fight with the demon Hiranyaksha. It is a perfect place to visit for a peaceful and thoughtful experience.
- Time to visit: 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M
- Gurudwara Sahib: Although there are hundreds of temples in the city, its religious significance is not limited to Hindu devotees. The Gurudwara Sahib is famous because Sikh’s first Guru, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and last Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, visited this place. Gobind Ghat is inscribed there on a stone slab in four languages, i.e., Devanagari, Gurmukhi, Persian, and Roman.
- Time to visit: 24 hours open
Best places to visit for nature lovers
- Pushkar lake: 52 bathing ghats combinedly form Pushkar lake. The religious belief about Pushkar lake adds to its popularity. People believe that a bath in the lake can cleanse the soul and sins and cure skin diseases. If you love sightseeing, the best time to visit Pushkar lake is early morning or evening when it looks more divine and attractive. It is a tourist attraction due to its calm, soothing and serene beauty.
- Time to visit: Anytime (open 24 hours)
- Man Mahal: One of the most primitive and biggest royal palaces in the city is the Man Mahal. It is located near Sarovar Lake. Thus, it is also called Sarovar hotel. Its architecture has a Mughal touch, and its overall beauty is alluring. It was named after Raja Man Singh, who stayed there as a guest. It now serves as the purpose of the hotel for visitors.
- Time to visit: 24 Hours Open
- Room charges: On average, 1500 to 4000 Rs.
- Rose garden: Looking for a place in the city full of nature and scenic beauty? That place is the Rose Garden. It has 150 varieties of roses, some of which are sourced globally. The Rose garden of Pushkar is one of the gorgeous tourist spots.
- Time to visit: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M
- Entry fee: free
Places to eat in Pushkar
It is not hard to find places to eat in any city, but the difficult task is finding the best and most highly-reputed places. The best places to try Pushkar’s popular dishes are;
- Ganga Laffa & Falafel restaurant
- Cafe Lake view
- Pawan restaurant
- The thali garden
- Honey & spice
Places to visit near Pushkar
If your journey is not a one-day trip, you can explore nearby places too. You can take a road trip from Pushkar by booking a rental car from Savaari.
- Merta city
The distance between Merta city and Pushkar is just 63 Km. Charbuja Temple, which is also one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and famous temples, is situated in Merta. Lord Krishna’s devotee Meera Bai was born here. It has many heritage sites to explore.
- Kishangarh
Kishangarh is famous for the Kishangarh fort, Phool Mahal, and Gondulav lake. This alluring fort is situated on the road that connects India and Pakistan. Due to this reason, only Phool Mahal guests can enter this significant fort. Phool Mahal is another beautiful spot and a major tourist attraction. If you are a nature lover, you will love the breathtaking view of Gondulav Lake.
- Ajmer Sharif
Behind the traditionally and beautifully designed Buland darwaja, you will see Ajmer Sharif, also known as the Mecca of South Asia. It is a shrine built for Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chisti. It holds great religious and historical significance. Its architectural beauty is marvelous.
- Ana Sagar lake
Ana Sagar lake, an artificial lake near the city, displays heavenly beauty. During winter, you will also find migratory birds here. An evening walk at Ana Sagar lake can be an extremely soothing and refreshing experience.
- Tarahgarh fort
If you want to see a Rajasthani fort’s authentic magnificent sight, visit the Taragarh fort. This 12th-century old fort will amaze you. No traveler would ever regret exploring the unique beauty of the Taragarh fort.
How to plan a trip to 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.
How to reach?
- 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.
Best time to visit Pushkar
Pushkar is a desert city. Therefore, it is too hot and dry during summer. It can impact your travel experience. Hence, winter is the best time to explore this city, specifically from October to early March. October-November is also the time of the great Pushkar camel fair, which you would not like to miss.
Hotels and Resorts in Pushkar
| Sr. No. | Hotel Name | Address | Contact no. |
| 1. | Pratap Mahal | Pushkar Bypass, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 | 0145 662 0000 |
| 2. | Ananta Spa and resorts | Village-Leela Sevri, Ajmer, Pushkar Road, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 | 0145 305 4000 |
| 3. | The Countryside Resorts | Lake High Bridge, Near Pushkar, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 | 088750 20681 |
| 4. | Gulaab Niwaas Palace | Parikrama Marg, Ajmer District, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 | 0145-2772357 |
| 5. | The Glorious hills resort | Brahma Mandir Main Road, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 | 080038 58543 |
Nearby road trips
A road trip is adventurous, pleasing, and heartwarming at once. It gives the most satisfactory traveling experience. The most-admired nearby road trips are:
| Destination | Distance | Time | Places to visit |
| Pushkar to Ajmer | 15.7 Km | 40 Mins | Ajmer Sharif, Taragarh fort, Ana Sagar lake, Akbar fort & Museum |
| Pushkar to Jaipur | 145.7 Km | 3 Hours | Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert hall museum, Birla Mandir |
| Pushkar to Jodhpur | 144.5 Km | 3 hours | Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh fort, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Sardar Government Museum |
Over a hundred Savaari Customers take these road trips from Pushkar every month. The number increases between October and November due to the camel fair and perfect weather.
Love traveling? Add Pushkar to your travel journey.
Historical beauty, diversity, traditions, nature, cuisine, and cultural art are travelers’ chief sources of inspiration. These factors lead to a happy, thrilling, and enjoyable journey. Pushkar is a combination of all these factors.
You can experience the beauty of the city by booking a rental car. You will get the best rates for intercity car rentals and cab services with Savaari App, download now. Booking a reliable rental car service will ensure a prompt, safe, and satisfactory journey.
Useful links
Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Swati Deol
