From sacred ghats to centuries-old temples and bustling markets, Pushkar is a unique cultural experience. Whether you are planning a 2-day escape from Jaipur or sightseeing in Pushkar is part of your broader itinerary, the tour promises unforgettable moments.

One of India's oldest cities, Pushkar is located in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. The culture of the 14th century is still present in the city. To start with, Pushkar is a pilgrimage for Hindu devotees as it holds religious significance due to its temples and the Pushkar Sarovar. This city is the only place where Lord Brahma is worshipped. Apart from its cultural significance and heritage, Pushkar is also a great shoppers’ stop for tourists as it is known for its handicrafts, dressings, jewellery, and more.

 

How to Reach Pushkar?

Getting to Pushkar is easy, whether you prefer the road, rail or air. It is well-connected to Rajasthan's main national highways and important thoroughfares, which further link the town to other significant cities across the nation.

By Road

From Jaipur, the journey takes about three hours and is a comfortable ride through NH-48.

If you're travelling from Ajmer, Pushkar is approximately an hour’s distance away, and local buses run throughout the day. But if you prefer driving yourself, the roads are smooth and give you the freedom to stop wherever you please.

Travelling from Jodhpur takes roughly five hours by road, while a trip from Jaisalmer can take around ten hours, offering expansive desert views along the way. Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are also the three best places you can plan to visit near Pushkar if you have planned an extended holiday.

The northern side of Pushkar is where you'll find the Marwar bus stop, which connects Pushkar with nearby cities.

By Rail

Ajmer is the nearest railway station. Approximately 15 km away, and well-linked with Pushkar through taxi services and buses.

From Jaipur, trains to Ajmer take around three hours. From Jodhpur, the journey takes about five hours, while from Jaisalmer, it is a longer but scenic ride of approximately eleven hours.

By Air

The closest airport to Pushkar is Kishangarh Airport, about 50 km away, making it the most convenient air route. You can also fly into Jaipur International Airport, which is about a 3.5-hour drive from Pushkar. Alternatively, travellers coming via Jodhpur Airport or Jaisalmer Airport can enjoy a scenic road journey into this sacred town.

 

How to Get Around in Pushkar?

Pushkar is a small, pedestrian-friendly town wrapped around the sacred Pushkar Lake, and the best way to explore is on foot.

Major tourist places in Pushkar, including the sacred Brahma Temple, Varaha Temple, local bazaars, and prominent cafes, are located in proximity to each other. Walking will allow you to pause, observe rituals at the ghats and discover spirituality in its true sense.

Auto-rickshaws and two-wheeler rentals are easily available in Pushkar. They offer a convenient and stress-free transportation for temple visits, reaching desert safari points or heading to the ropeway base for Savitri Temple.

That said, keep in mind that auto-rickshaws usually do not go deep inside the main market areas, as the inner lanes around the lake are quite narrow and often crowded. The best way to explore those charming stretches is on foot. It may be slower, but that is how Pushkar should be explored.

 

What is the Best Time to Visit Pushkar?

In terms of weather, Pushkar experiences hot and dry summers between April and August. Days are generally hotter and nights are cold. The ideal time to plan a trip to Pushkar is during October-November when the renowned Pushkar fair takes place. That also coincides with the tourist season which starts in October and continues till February.

Being a centre of attraction for its religious reasons, there are many Pushkar attractions that one must visit during the night. Besides that, there are a lot of activities to explore and enjoy.

Here are the places to see in Pushkar that you should include in your sightseeing itinerary: -

• Brahma Temple, Pushkar
• Pushkar Lake
• Rangji Temple
• Varaha Temple
• Man Mahal
• Savitri Temple
• Pushkar Bazaar
• Gurudwara Singh Sabha
• Rose Garden

 

Brahma Temple Pushkar

Brahma Temple in Pushkar is located near Pushkar Lake and is one of the main Pushkar attractions. It holds great significance owing to the fact that this is one of few temples of Brahma that now exist in India. This temple was built in the 14th century and is also known as Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. A four-headed idol of Lord Brahma is placed inside this 2000-year-old temple. A special tradition maintained within the temple here is that it is reserved exclusively for ascetics or sannyasis, and married men are not allowed to enter the sanctuary. The impressive architecture of this place which is built with marble and stone and features a red pinnacle depicts fine craftsmanship. Evenings are considered the best time to visit the temple. The evening prayer ceremony offers a moment to pause, reflect and feel what Pushkar is famous for.

 

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake, or Pushkar Sarover is a sacred pilgrimage site which, as per legend, has existed since the 4th century BC. The Pushkar Mela is organised every year on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Pushkar Fair is the largest multi-day camel, horse and cattle fair in India. The fair is one of the best places to see in Pushkar. In addition to the animal trade, it is also an important pilgrimage season when Hindus visit Lake Pushkar, which is surrounded by more than 50 ghats and 400 temples. The legend goes that the lake was created when a lotus was dropped by Brahma at this spot. It is considered a sacred body where people travel from afar to take a dip, thus believing it to wash away their sins and even cure skin diseases. The lake is situated amidst the Aravalli and offers scenic views during the night. That’s why it's quite popular among the places to visit in Pushkar at night.

 

Rangji Temple

This temple is dedicated to one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu - Rangji. It was constructed in the 18th century and is famous for its high-rising Gopuram which is inspired by South Indian architecture. This structure is influenced by other architectural styles as well, such as the Rajput and Mughal. This kind of architecture is not very common. This fact alone makes it a famous attraction in Pushkar. It also makes it to the list of a few places to be visited during the night. There are several eateries near the temple where one can enjoy local food and experience this magnificent structure at the same time.

 

Varaha Temple

Varaha Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest temples in Pushkar. This temple is devoted to Varaha, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a wild boar. The temple was rebuilt by Raja Sawai Man Singh II in the 18th century after it was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This flawless structure is a must-visit during your Pushkar sightseeing trip.

 

Man Mahal

Man Mahal is the most luxurious palace in the town which is located on the banks of the Pushkar Sarovar. It was built by Amber’s Raja Man Singh. This place incorporates traditional Rajasthani architecture. Mesmerising sunset views of the lakes and temples around are the main tourist attractions at this place. Camel rides and camping arrangements are also available at visitors’ request. This place falls under the category of heritage hotels; so one can simply plan a visit to the palace and choose a convenient stay option outside the palace.

 

Savitri Temple

This temple, which is dedicated to Savatri, the distressed wife of Lord Brahma is standing atop Ratnagiri Hill. The temple holds deep mythological significance, and what makes it one of the must-visit places in Pushkar is the panoramic view from the top. With the lake shimmering below and the Aravalli hills stretching into the distance, Savitri Temple deserves a place in your Pushkar sightseeing itinerary. Around 200 stairs need to be climbed to reach Ratnagiri Hills. There is also a ropeway facility available to reach the temple. Just beware of the langurs that frequent around the summit, ropeway and the stairs leading to the temple and keep your essentials out of sight.

 

Pushkar Bazaar

Pushkar Bazaar is definitely one of the best places to visit in Pushkar and also remains a top tourist destination. A variety of goods are sold here which clearly showcase the vivid culture of Pushkar. These include handicrafts, bags, clothes, utensils, footwear, accessories, and street food. Rose pulp and gulkand are quite popular here. This market has so much to offer: leather goods from camel skin, Rajasthani costumes, utensils made of brass, etc. Many of these products are quite popular in international markets too.

 

Gurudwara Singh Sabha

Gurudwara Singh Sabha is located in the centre of the city and is among the most famous places in Pushkar. It was built in remembrance of Guru Nanak Sahib’s visit. In fact, Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh both visited Pushkar in 1509 and 1706, respectively, and they rested here during their visit.

 

Rose Garden

Pushkar has many rose farms, and one can plan to visit some of these farms. There are several varieties of rose plants spread across acres of farmland. Since rose farming is carried out here extensively; Pushkar is also referred to as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan. These roses are exported worldwide.

 

Recommended Itinerary

Pushkar is one of those destinations that does not demand a rushed checklist. Since most famous things in Pushkar are located within a close distance, 2 days are enough to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

 

Here’s a simple, easy-flowing 2-day itinerary for sightseeing in Pushkar:

Day 1, start your morning at the sacred Pushkar Lake. Visit the iconic Brahma Temple (check timings locally), followed by Rangji Temple and Varaha Temple.

In between, find local eateries to nibble on Pushkar’s famous falafel wrap, rabri malpua or spend the afternoon enjoying Italian and continental staples under the shade inside cafes like La Pizzeria, Nutmeg, The’artyvegan Cafe or the Cafe Lake View. End the evening by attending aarti at Varaha Ghat or Brahma Ghat.

On Day 2, explore Pushkar Bazaar, visit Gurudwara Singh Sabha and Man Mahal. Plan a trek or ropeway trip to the Savitri Temple for beautiful panoramic sunset views. End your day with a peaceful market walk.

 

Useful Information You Must Know

ATM Availability

• ATMs are easily available near the main market area.
• Though cafes and most vendors accept card/ online payment, it is advisable to carry cash.

Clothing Suggestions

• Wear light cotton clothes during summer and carry warm layers in winter.
• Since many sightseeing places in Pushkar are religious sites, dressing modestly is recommended.

Cultural Etiquette

• Remove footwear before entering temples and ghats.
• Photography may be restricted in certain areas, like the Brahma and Savitri Temple.

Safety Tips

• Pushkar is generally safe for tourists, including solo travellers. But it is always best to stay cautious and take care of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Avoid isolated streets late at night.
• During summers, stay cool and hydrated, apply sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses.
• If travelling to cities near Pushkar, prefer your own or public transport.

 

Pushkar itself offers such a rich and vivid glimpse of Rajasthani culture, and owing to its proximity to Ajmer, it provides great connectivity with other famous tourist destinations that you can explore. Popular places to visit near Pushkar are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Alwar, Kota, Ranakpur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Neemrana, and many more.

Pushkar is simple, charming and memorable – book a Pushkar tour package and set out to experience this beautiful destination in Rajasthan.

 

FAQs

Q1. Is Pushkar worth visiting?

Pushkar is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of Rajasthan’s popular destinations, known for its sacred lake, Brahma Temple and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

 

Q2. How many days are enough for Pushkar?

Two days are ideal to cover the main sightseeing places in Pushkar. But if you plan to explore nearby cities or attend festivities (if they coincide with your trip), you can plan a week-long itinerary as well.

 

Q3. Is Pushkar safe for solo travellers?

Pushkar is considered safe for solo travellers. The town has a steady tourist presence, but it is best to stay cautious and safeguard your valuables and avoid deserted areas at night.

 

Q4. What is Pushkar famous for?

Pushkar is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Some of the best tourist attractions include Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Varaha Temple and Ghats. Pushkar is also famous for its annual camel fair, held in October/ November, rose farming and camel safaris.

 

Q5. When should I avoid visiting?

It is best to avoid visiting Pushkar during peak summer (April to June). Though the streets are less crowded and you may find hotels at discounted prices, the weather can be extremely hot and disrupt your chances to fully enjoy the city.