Unique Destinations of Pushkar

Seeing Pushkar means seeing a truly authentic piece of India. It is located about 420 kilometers from the capital, Delhi. This small town in Rajasthan will fascinate you because the ancient Hindu religious traditions are preserved and practiced daily here. It is regarded as one of the significant sacred cities in this Indian state. Pushkar's life revolves around the lake, Pushkar Lake, which, according to a legend, was born from a lotus flower Brama inadvertently dropped while he was engrossed in meditation. Pushkar is different from any other city in Rajasthan, and it is a magical and magnetic place and a Hindu pilgrimage destination. Despite being a relatively small town, it boasts numerous temples, among which the most famous is the one dedicated to Brahma. Beyond Sadar Bazaar, the steps leading into the ghats and the numerous monkeys moving between the roofs of the buildings make Pushkar's atmosphere unique. Today here we will know all about Unique Destinations of Pushkar.

Why should you visit Pushkar?

Pushkar is a small city in the center of the Aravali Mountains in the state of Rajasthan. It is a few kilometers from Ajmer and on the route between Udaipur and Jaipur. Pushkar is a major pilgrimage center in Rajasthan and holds the world's largest camel fair between October and November. It is a regular stop for travelers who have been in India for a long time and want a cheap, quiet, yet atmospheric place to recharge their batteries. Pushkar, a town in Rajasthan, is ideal for spending a few days relaxing with a small sacred lake on which the typical ghats fall. When we got to Pushkar, we almost didn't know if we were in India or another country. Foreigners are walking, riding motorcycles, or sitting in every cafe and restaurant, so many that they don't seem like foreigners but locals. It seemed like they had been living there in Pushkar for a long time. We don't know if there were many, but it caught our attention because despite having been to several tourist sites before, we hadn't seen them so close together in such large numbers. However, these foreigners gave the city a unique and mystical touch since most of their looks were "hippies." And while the streets were full of them, the surroundings of the sacred lake of Pushkar were full of local people making their pujas, being almost exclusively for us. So let's see the reasons that make Pushkar a unique place in the world!

• We do not know the exact date of its foundation, but Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India.
• According to legend, Pushkar was born following the battle of the god Brahma with a demon. Brahma seemed to have managed to kill him with the help of a lotus flower (you see this little flower), and the three falling petals formed the three lakes of Pushkar.
• Pushkar is home to the only temple in the world dedicated to the god Brahma, which is why the city is a Hindu pilgrimage destination.
• Besides the Brahma temple, there are many other temples in Pushkar. We realize that you probably won't have the time, desire, and energy to see all 400 of them, so you can pick a couple that inspires you the most.
• Meat is entirely illegal here, as is alcohol! Pushkar is a vegan city, to be precise, but you can find some restaurants that serve food with milk and eggs. But for meat and a glass of wine, there's nothing you can do!
• Pushkar has a very relaxed pseudo-hippie vibe, and pampering yourself with yoga and massage is a must. In addition to shopping in Sadar Bazar, the main street, you can indulge in hours of relaxation by choosing the massage therapist or yoga teacher who inspires you the most.

What makes Pushkar a unique destination for travelers?

The city of Pushkar is a typical destination in India where one spends the day having a coffee, wandering the ghats, and watching life go by. There are also quite a few cheap shopping options. Some places of interest in Pushkar will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture while you stroll.

Temple of the Brahma

According to Hinduism, the temple of the god Brahma, as its name indicates, is dedicated to Brahma, the creator god of all that exists. It is the most important temple in the city of Pushkar and one of the few temples worldwide dedicated to this god. Although this building was built in marble in the 14th century, it has undergone some renovations. Inside the temple, one of the images you cannot miss is a four-headed figure of the god Brahma. During the day, you will see religious celebrations inside the temple, allowing you to experience the most authentic and spiritual part. If you want to visit the temple of the god Brahma, you should know that it is located near one of the nerve centers of the city: Pushkar Lake. Remember that during your visit, it is not allowed to use the camera inside the enclosure.

Ajmer and Indian Sufism

One of the most important cities in Rajasthan is Ajmer, with more than half a million inhabitants and surrounded by the Aravali Mountains. Usually, everyone visits Ajmer as a starting point for Pushkar, about 11 km away. This city can also see exciting places like the Taragarh fort, various Jain temples, and lakes like Anasagar or Foy Sagar. It is famous for having a shrine to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, an important pilgrimage site for Sufi Muslims. The city of Ajmer was one of the few regions in Rajasthan directly controlled by the UK during colonization. From here comes the fame of being a military enclave. Ajmer is not well known among travelers, but it has two incredible places you cannot miss if you visit the city: the Dargah Sharif and the Dhai din ka Jhonpra Mosque. You can find all the sights of Ajmer in the article dedicated to the Muslim capital of Rajasthan.

The Ranthambore Reserve

Being in this area of ??Rajasthan, it was impossible for us not to visit the Ranthambore Reserve since we knew it was the perfect place to spot tigers and crocodiles, macaques, hyenas, deer, jackals, and wild boars, among others. The reserve is near Sawai Madhapur, 2 hours by train from Jaipur, although we made the journey by local bus, about 5 hours. In the previous link, we leave you to step on step how to go to the Ranthambore reserve and how to get the documentation to enter quickly and cheaply, as well as a video of our visit to the park.

Meera Bai Temple

Meera Bai Temple is one of the historical places to visit in Pushkar. Merta is nearly 400 years old and is famous for Meera Temple, the devotee of Krishna. Formerly known as Medantak, this city is the birthplace of Meera Bai, and this connection has kept it among the must-visit places in Pushkar. The Dadhimati Temple and the Charbhuja Temple, which are located here, also attract a large number of devotees throughout the year. This city also has great historical significance due to the many battles it has seen; hence, it is among the popular places to visit in Pushkar.

Man Mahal Palace

It was built as a guest building for Maharaja Man Singh I and him on some of his visits to the city. Man Mahal is a palace with beautiful views of the lake and the ghats. Its architecture is a reflection of the Rajasthani style of construction. Now it is converted into a luxury hotel, Pushkar Palace, but it seems that you can visit its majestic gardens and see some of the temples that overlook the lake from another perspective.

Rangji Temple

Another beautiful temple is Gurudwara Singh Sabha, famous for being visited by the two most essential gurus of the Sikh community. We didn't see it because it was a bit out of the center, but the terrace of our Moti Mahal hotel - in Heritage Haveli gave us a beautiful view of the temple.

The Thar Desert

The Thar Desert covers a large area of ??western Rajasthan, and 40% of the population of this state lives in it, being one of the most populated on our planet. You can travel to Jaisalmer to find an arid landscape with isolated dunes that are occasionally seen. Antelopes, gazelles, foxes, snakes, and lizards coexist in protected areas alongside nomadic herders and other settlements.

Rose Garden - Experience the magical nights.

A place to Visit in Pushkar, A Lush Rose Farm is one of the best places to visit in Pushkar. The farmers here have grown a lot, and the diversity of this flower produced here is exported worldwide. Acres of farmland with beautiful red roses in various shades diffuse the fragrance, charming enough to make for an extended sitting and a good time.

Pushkar Lake and its ghats

Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 ghats, where devotees make offerings and bathe in its holy waters. It is worth taking a walk down these steps to feel the religious fervor, although you have to be careful with the priests who offer you some flowers with which to say a prayer for your relatives. We had no problems because, with a couple of resounding and dry ones, they DO NOT stop insisting. Be careful when taking photos because they can draw your attention.

Naga Pahar - A mountain destined to disappear

Places to Visit in Pushkar, A magical view of Naga Pahar at dawn, Pushkar and Ajmer are divided by a hill known as Naga Pahar. According to the legends, the mountain of Naga Pahar continues to decline and eventually disappears altogether. The hills are also home to a lake called Nag Kund. Naga Pahar offers spectacular views of Pushkar city from its top and has often been used as a lookout point for photographers. Hours: open all day.

Pushkar Festivals and Camel Fair

The Pushkar festival calendar includes all the major Hindu celebrations. Here Indians celebrate Holi or Diwali as the local people are used to mixing with foreigners and showing hospitality to them. It will be a safe place for solo female travelers in India. However, if the city is known for anything, it is for its Pushkar Fair. This cattle fair, where camels and horses are sold, is the largest gathering of people in all of Rajasthan in one. Visitors wear the full regalia and jewelry of each tribe in Rajasthan. Therefore, it is a unique opportunity. The Camel Fair occurs between October and November, coinciding with the full moon. The program includes religious rituals, folkloric and current musical performances, and a great funfair.

Interesting things to do in Pushkar

Attend an Aarti ceremony

Aarti ceremonies are religious celebrations that take place in many cities in India. Their protagonists are fire, music, and dance. One of the best places in Pushkar to see the Aarti ceremony is the temple of the god Brahma. Various ceremonies are held at the Brahma temple throughout the day, so you will have many occasions to coincide with one of them.

Stroll through the Pushkar Bazaar, the main street

So many tourists come to this sacred city that the main road has become an extensive bazaar where you can buy cheap souvenirs. The place has become famous among Western tourists for its hippie atmosphere, and many take advantage of their visit to Pushkar to buy souvenirs both at the beginning and the end of their trip to India. If you like to go shopping, although in the Pushkar Bazaar you will not find the best quality, you will find a wide variety of things that can serve you whether you are starting your trip to India or are about to leave.

Hiking in the Pushkar Hills and Thar Desert.

Adventure seekers can hike Ratnagiri Hill, the settlement point of the famous Savitri temple, and from here, you can see the panoramic view of Pushkar city. The view enjoyed at dawn is splendid. A highly recommended visit for travelers visiting the Rajasthan area is to go hiking in the Thar Desert. From Pushkar, you will have the opportunity to do one of these routes. The excursion can include a camel ride or dinner in the middle of the dunes. It is a recommended option to see the sunset from the desert.

Watch the sunset

Apart from taking a walk around the Pushkar Lake, paying a visit to any of the temples, and fighting with the Brahmins so that they do not cheat you with the donations, one can do other things in the city. For example, we recommend that you sit in the attic of a bar/restaurant to enjoy the sunset while having a chai.
If you visit Pushkar, you can also try to coincide with the Holi Festival since it is a small town full of foreigners and is an excellent place to celebrate Holi.

Yoga in Pushkar

Pushkar is one of those cities that can perfectly combine materialism and spirituality. Ayurvedic massage centers and small yoga communities mingle with one of the liveliest markets in Rajasthan. Many travelers who are going to spend several months in India take advantage of the exceptional environment of Pushkar to make a stopover for days or weeks and, for this reason, yoga, pranayama, and other traditional Indian knowledge courses have increased. I'm not a great connoisseur of yoga, but I like Somdas Kashyap, a yogi who conducts group sessions and private classes and knows how to connect with people approaching the discipline for the first time.

Visit the villages around Pushkar.

Pushkar is just a big town. However, as soon as you step out, you are in authentic rural Rajasthan. You will be amazed by the villages with traditional lifestyles and friendly Rajasthani hospitality. On the visit to these little towns, no buildings are of interest. The attraction is being able to observe local life without intermediaries. Don't miss a game of kabaddi, a trendy sport, or the return of the herds after a day on the pasture. And above all, don't stop smiling back at all those who greet you.

Travel guide to visit Pushkar

Pushkar is sublime, ineffable! The region is surrounded by high hills topped with shrines on one side, revealing the desert on the other. Pushkar ranks among the best Indian sites in Rajasthan for the impressive number of tourist attractions the region contains. The travel guide visiting Pushkar is rich and varied, alternating between the spiritual and the cultural. On the program the visit of its innumerable magnificent temples, the lake of Pushkar and its many ghats, a swim in the sacred basin, and of course, a walk at the camel fair, where a fairground attraction is organized on the sidelines, including rides, Ferris wheel, various shows...

Here is a detailed travel guide for you to visit Pushkar so that you can make the most of your stay:

When to visit Pushkar?

Pushkar has a dry climate with cool nights. The days tend to be warmer, and although located in a desert region, there are intermittent showers quite frequently. The temperature is quite pleasant in winter and early summer.

How to get to Pushkar?

Pushkar is not far from Ajmer and Jaipur, so travelers can easily reach it.

Train
The most comfortable and safe option if you are traveling through Rajasthan. Remember that if the journey lasts several hours, you can buy a train ticket for one of the classes with a bed. Don't worry about falling asleep.

Bus
An excellent way to get to Pushkar is to take the local bus from Ajmer (where you will find daily connections with most cities in Rajasthan and Delhi), a few kilometers away. The beautiful views until you reach the town are well worth it, apart from the modest price.

Airplane
The nearest airport is Jaipur, about 3 hours by road.

Conclusion

This city is one of the most important cities in India and is famous for its impressive temples. The famous Brahma Temple is one of the country's few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. The city boasts numerous other temples that are worth a visit. These Unique Destinations of Pushkar provide a spiritual escape and take you through this ancient city's historical paths. Being a sacred city, Pushkar is home to a large number of religious buildings that are worth seeing. North of the town is a small mountain on top of which is a small temple. We advise you to go up there: the view of Pushkar and its surroundings is magnificent. A beautiful destination for your travel to India.