Pushkar is one of India's oldest city. The tranquil city of Pushkar, located northwest of Ajmer, is a popular destination for thousands of tourists and devotees visiting Rajasthan. Pushkar is surrounded on three sides by hillocks at a height of 510 metres. Between Ajmer and Pushkar, the ‘Nag Pahar,' or Snake Mountain, forms a natural boundary. Known as 'the rooster,'
According to legend, Lord Brahma, the Universe's founder, dropped a lotus on the earth, resulting in the immediate forming of a lake. Pushkar was born because of his decision to name the town after the flower. The only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the entire world is in Pushkar. A trip to Pushkar is considered by Hindus to be the greatest pilgrimage that must be made.
Below is a quick glimpse of Pushkar:
Places to See in Pushkar
PUSHKAR LAKE: The holy Pushkar Lake is referred to in Hindu scriptures as the ‘Tirtha Raj,' or ‘King of All Pilgrimage Sites.' A dip in the holy Pushkar Lake is considered a must-do for any pilgrimage. Pushkar Lake, which is semi-circular in shape and 8-10 metres wide, is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is truly a majestic sight to behold.
BRAHMA TEMPLE: The Brahma temple, nestled in the picturesque Pushkar valley beyond the Nangaparvat and Anasagar Lakes, holds a special place in Indian hearts. It is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The red spire and the image of a swan distinguish this temple, which was built with marble and adorned with silver coins (considered sacred to Lord Brahma). The inner sanctum houses Lord Brahma's chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol. At the temple, a marble statue of the sun god stands sentinel. Surya is seen wearing ancient warrior's boots, despite the fact that all the gods are seen barefooted.
GURUDWARA SINGH SABHA: Gurudwara Singh Sabha, located in the eastern part of Pushkar, was constructed in the early nineteenth century to commemorate the visits of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Govind Singhji, the first and tenth gurus, respectively.
VARAHA TEMPLE: Varaha Temple is Pushkar's largest and most ancient temple. This temple was built by King Anaji Chauhan in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's third incarnation as a wild boar. Varaha is said to have saved the world from the depths of the primordial sea, where it had been pulled down by a demon (Hirnayaksh). It is one of Pushkar's most famous temples.
SAVITRI TEMPLE: This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma's first wife, Goddess Savitri, and is located behind the Brahma temple on a hillock. A panoramic view of the lake, nearby temples, and sand dunes can be seen while ascending the long series of steps leading to the temple. Savitri's curse on Brahma for marrying another Goddess, Gayatri, has resulted in the existence of the only Brahma Temple in Pushkar.
RANGJI TEMPLE: Another famous shrine that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year is the gracious and prominent Rangji Temple. Lord Rangji, who is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is honoured in this temple. In the temple's architecture, there is a heavy influence of South Indian, Rajput, and Mughal styles. Another characteristic of the temple that draws tourists is the high-rising ‘Gopuram,' which is seen mostly in temples in South India.
MAN MAHAL: The Man Mahal is one of Pushkar's most magnificent palaces. This palace, which was built as a guest house for Raja Man Singh I, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pushkar. It was designed for Raja Man Singh I to use as a royal guest house. The palace is a visual delight thanks to the Rajasthani architecture from the royal period that adorns it. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel known as the RTDC Hotel Sarovar, which allows visitors to take in not only the elegance of the palace but also the spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and temples.
Things to Do in Pushkar
Visit the Ghats of Pushkar: How about a trip to a lovely lake in the middle of nowhere? One of the best things to do in Pushkar is to visit the Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by over 52 Ghats and over 400 temples that you can explore to your heart's content. A holy dip here, according to local tradition, is worth washing away 100 years of sins.
Experience the Colours of The Pushkar Mela: If you want to feel and experience true Rajasthani culture while wondering what to do in Pushkar, you can attend the Pushkar Mela whenever you are here on vacation! The main purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity to witness the famous camel and cattle trade that takes place between the various villages.
Pray at Brahma Temple: Lord Brahma is revered as the founder of the universe in Hinduism, and he has a special place in the Hindu scriptures. The popular Lord Brahma temple in Pushkar is the only temple dedicated to the God in all of North India, so it is a must-see if you are visiting with your family for your vacation.
Go Shopping for Handicrafts in Pushkar: If you enjoy shopping, make your way to Pushkar's fantastic market road and sharafa bazaar, and keep your negotiating skills at the ready.
Witness the Sunset at The Dharma Camel Safari: The Pushkar Dharma Camel Safari allows you to see the glorious golden sands of the desert of Pushkar. There are a variety of activities available on the safari that you can enjoy and participate in. If you want to see Rajasthani people dressed traditionally, listen to soothing music, and spend an evening watching the sun set behind the sand dunes, go on a Dharma Camel Safari, which is one of the most fascinating things to do here.
What to Eat
Kachori: Kachori is a fried snack that comes in sweet or savoury varieties. Pick up a box of Rawat Ki Kachori's popular pyaaz kachori while in Jaipur and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea!
Daal Baati: Daal baati is a popular Rajasthani dish that consists of daal served with hard wheat rolls (baati). Most local eateries in Jaipur have it on their menu, seasoned with ghee and served hot.
Falafel at Ganga Restaurant: Pushkar has a decent variety of Lebanese cuisine, which you may not expect. Falafel is one of the most common dishes served at many food stalls. The Ganga restaurant is the best place to get some falafel. The falafel served at this restaurant is delicious, despite the fact that it is only vegetarian.
Rangoli Internet Tea Stall: This tea shop in the main market square is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. This stall serves a refreshing cup of tea and is a favourite among taxi drivers in the Main Market Square. This stall's tea is delicious, and it's made with a lot of ginger and very little milk.
When to Go:
While the weather and festivities in Pushkar are year-round, November to March is the best time to visit the holy town. The weather is good at this time, and the desert is much friendlier for those day-long safaris. However, depending on what you want to do, here's a monthly breakdown of the weather in Pushkar so you can schedule your trip:
November to February: These months are considered to be the winter season in Pushkar and are a pleasant time to visit. This is when crowds of visitors and devotees flock to pay their respects to their favourite deities, taking advantage of the cooler weather. The lowest temperature in Pushkar will be 5 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature will be 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
March to June: In Pushkar, these months are known as the summer season. Pushkar experiences the usual desert pattern of hot days and cool nights during the summer. The temperature rises from March to June, with the maximum temperature reaching 45°C. When you go outside, make sure you have sunscreen and an umbrella with you.
July to October: The monsoon season in Pushkar lasts from June to September. The town has a different charm during this season, even though it does not receive much rain. This is also Pushkar's off-season, so expect less visitors.
How to Reach Pushkar
By Air: The closest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, which is 146 kilometres away.
By Road: Pushkar is well connected to Rajasthan's national highways. From the Ajmer bus station, regular buses run from Pushkar to the major cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer.
By Train: Pushkar Terminus Railway Station, which has been in service since 2012, is 14 kilometres from Ajmer Railway Station.
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