Pushkar is a small quiet town lying about 11 km from Ajmer on the edge of the desert. Pushkar in Rajasthan is situated along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The 'Nag pahar' or the snake mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar. Surrounded by hills on three sides, pushkar abounds in temples. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats, which includes the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Pushkar is famous for Pushkar Fair (the mass trading of camels), the one and only Lord Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake and Camel Fair. Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined.

Fair & Festivals in Pushkar

Pushkar Fair (12th - 15th November, 2005)
The well-known and marked with largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event. Recommended.

Places to See in Pushkar

The Temples
One can see numerous temples of all sizes here. The most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be only one temple dedicated to Brahma in India. Another important temple is that of goddess Savitri, wife of Lord Brahma located on a hilltop. It takes a one-hour trek to reach the temple, but it has an amazing view of Pushkar Lake in the morning.

The Ghats
You can have a great spiritual experience at the numerous ghats of Pushkar running down the lake. The holy lake has 52 ghats and piligrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight.

The Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is considered no less sacred than the Holy Ganges. The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, devotees from all over the country throng the lake for a holy dip, which is believed to wash away the sins.

Excursions near Pushkar

Kuchaman
Famous for its fort, a visit to Kuchaman takes you to the magic of a bygone era. You can view the life of Meera Bai in miniature paintings in the Meera Mahal. In the Lok Dev Temple appreciate the beautiful paintings of Lok Devatas such as Sant Tejaji, Sant Gogaji, Sant Pabu Rathore, Baba Ram Dev, Sant Kesaria Kanwarji, Sant Jamboji, Sant Ravi Das, Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and Khawaja Moinu-din-chisti. The temple was built by Ranjit Singh to honor the sacrifices of the masses. Other attractions in Kuchaman include the Meena Bazaar (a bustling bazaar where merchants, tradesmen and craftsmen used to put up their wares for sale to the royalty) and the China Pole (with its exceptional intricately painted interiors made by a Chinese traveler narrating his experiences during his travels in India).

Kishangarh
Kishangarh was a princely state ruled by the Rathores and located on National Highway 8. Apart from its fort, the Kishangarh is known for the miniature paintings style known as Kishangarh Art. Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), now converted into a hotel is the main attraction inside the fort. Kishangarh is also known its rich storehouse of marbles.

Roopangarh
Roopangarh was built by King Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1648. Originally a nine-turreted fort, new additions were continuously made to in the coming years. Difference in the architectural styles can be easily observed in the fort.

Ajmer
Ajmer is a major city in the North Rajasthan and located just 14 km from Pushkar. The most popular attraction in the city is the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Other attractions are the Anna Sagar Lake, the Nasiyan Temple, and the Arhai Din ka Jhonpra.

Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake is a declared wetland of international importance and a wonderful place for excursion. It is a place where horizons stretch to infinity and water and sky merge in a shimmer of gauzy blue. The lake is considered as the bird watchers paradise and home to around 140 species of avifauna.

How to Reach Pushkar

Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur (145 km), from where one can take flights for Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail: Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains for the major destinations in Rajasthan and other parts of India.
Road: Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road. Buses, jeeps and taxis are also available.

Shopping in Pushkar

Pushkar main bazaar is a tangle of narrow lanes lined with an assortments of interesting small shops.

Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also great place to but books. There's is a excellent range of second hand novels in various language available.

During the pushkar fair, the meal is a bewildering array of shops with fabrics, embroideries, utensils, terracotta pots, trinkets, silver jewelry, camel saddles, blankets, shawls, beads, bangles and other baubles.

Hotels in Pushkar

- Pushkar Palace - Royal Camp - Sarovar Tourist Bunglow - Pushkar Resort

more...  

more...