Places to visit in Pushkar
Places to See in Pushkar
Pushkar is not an unknown name, from the religious sights to the quirky cafes; there is an abundance of tourist places in Pushkar with hopeful surprises in every corner. The small shops lined up in the colorful streets are full of joy, vibrancy, culture, and warmth. Puskar is that corner of India where people get stunned by everything they see.
Puskar border the Thar Desert and hence desert safaris are the most common adventure activity that excites the visitors. Pushkar Lake has 52 Ghats and where one can bathe. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is the only temple dedicated to the Lord of creation (Brahma). The place is definitely not a big town but a rustic village that has gone hippie in the last couple of years.
There are tons of items that you can take back home from the pretty markets of Pushkar like stunning silver jewelry, palazzos, bangles, bandhani sarees, artifacts made of mud and lovely dupattas. People mostly combine Ajmer and Pushkar in one trip due to the proximity they share, however, it is not a bad idea. Take a traditional homestay for your sojourn in Pushkar and you will undoubtedly fall in love with Pushkar, the village that gives an unforgettable experience.
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Pushkar:
Also called the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, this temple is located near to the Pushkar Lake. It is one of the few Brahma temples remaining in the country and is amongst the rare places to visit in Pushkar. The place of worship was built in the fourteenth century. Constructed of marble and stone, it has a unique architecture along with the majestic red pinnacle. The bird motif of the sacred structure gives it a distinctive identity. Inside the place of worship, images of Brahma adorn the sanctum sanctorum. Married men are not allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum as this place is reserved only for ascetics or sanyasis.
The Savitri Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage places to visit in Pushkar. As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to Gayatri, the distressed wife of Lord Brahma. One needs to reach the Ratnagiri hilltop to by climbing approximately 200 stairs to reach this temple.
However, one can also take the help of the ropeway to reach the temple. The story behind this temple is that Goddess Gayatri rested here on her visit to Pushkar. This temple is also known for its architectural and scenic beauty.
Devoted to lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh, the new Rangji temple is amongst the most ancient temples in all of Pushkar. The temple is acknowledged for its mesmerizing architectural design including the high rising Gopuram, a composition which is common amongst several South Indian temples followed by an enormous entrance. The temple, through its layout also carries the essence of Mughal architecture as well. Bowing inside the temple, we find it's four corners embedded with Garuda, signifying the presence of Vaikuntha Venkatesh. Among the temple exists sections of other temples, specifically eight in number, that are dedicated to various gods including Goddess Laxmi and Lord Krishna among others.
The presence of a priest at the temple is always mandatory and they act as a caretaker of the new Rangji temple. Visitors can also indulge in prayers and 'puja' sessions at the temple which is carried out every day. The serene atmosphere and delightful architecture of the temple have made it one of the most visited places among tourists in the holy town of Pushkar. The temple is particularly crowded with tourists during the Pushkar fair, a holy celebration that is celebrated every year during the Kartik period.
All in all, devotees and tourists who find delight in architectural elegance should definitely pay a visit to the charming New Rangji temple. It is family-friendly and takes more than an hour to explore it completely which makes it a promising destination for weekend getaways with family and friends. There are also various eateries and snack shops near the temple place for visitors to enjoy a good meal.
Surrounded by more than fifty bathing ghats, this lake is located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Legend has it that Lord Brahma was looking for a place to conduct a religious ceremony. He dropped a lotus to guide him. The lotus fell on the site which is now the Pushkar Lake.
It is a sacred water body for Hindus and is where the Pushkar Fair is held. Thousands of pilgrims visit here to take a holy dip during the fair which is said to cleanse sins. The lake is generally full through the year and has different varieties of fish. The surrounding regions are home to exotic flora and fauna. Numerous migratory birds visit the water body during certain seasons. Surrounded by good hotels and resorts, you are never short of accommodation facilities when here.
Set amidst beautiful hills, the lake is one of the main tourist attractions of Rajasthan. These hills are where the Saint Agasthya's cave is, which is amongst the intriguing places to see in Pushkar. It is believed that in these adjoining hills, this great saint meditated for good part of his life.
One of the most famous of all Pushkar tourist places, Varaha Temple is located in the heart of the city. With Pushkar being the land of glorious dynasties and religious temples, this beautiful temple does complete justice to its name. The Varaha Temple is dedicated to the chief Hindu God, Lord Vishnu’s avatar Varaha, who was incarnated in the form of a boar.
The temple is built superbly with a remarkable architecture consisting of a dome, white walls and pillars. Due to its religious sanctity, it attracts a lot of Hindu devotees from across the country.
This beautiful Gurudwara is located in the heart of the town and is one of the most popular places to visit in Pushkar for Sikhs. It is believed that two of the Sikh gurus named Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh rested at this place on their visit to Pushkar.
Also, there is the Gandhi Ghat here, which was earlier known as Gobind Ghat. It is the place where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh stayed for a long time. There is a stone slab inscribed as Gobind Ghat present here under a kiosk, with four different scripts, including Devanagari, Gurumukhi, Persian as well as Roman. Moreover, the main priest here also has a handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the most important religious scripture of Sikhism.
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Gau Ghat
Pushkar is known as a land of ghats. Of the 52 ghats it has, the Gau Ghat is frequented the most. It is a huge ghat surrounded by the Raj Babra temple which sets its ambience. This ghat is popularly visited by people to perform the religious rituals precisely the pind daan ceremony for the ones who are dead.
Furthermore, the Gau Ghat is popular because the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri were scattered into the lake here. The lanes near the Gau Ghat are flooded with tiny street shops which offer leather products, jewellery, pieces artwork, and handicrafts.
Among the huge ghats that one can find in Pushkar, the Varah Ghat is a beautiful place known for its evening glory and scintillating views of the lake. Famous for the great Aarti ceremony conducted here every night, visitors can experience the warmth and serenity in the vibrant colours of the sky and lake along with the chanting of hymns and prayers.
One can also find many food stalls and local vendors sell artistic handicrafts and Rajasthani artefacts along the ghat. It is a must visit place if you wish to see the actual vibe of Pushkar after sunset.
Known for its string mythological connections, the historic and beautiful Gayatri Mata Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Pushkar. It is said that Lord Brahma was cursed by his wife Gayatri when he married to an untouchable girl named Savitri to complete the yajna ceremony during her absence.
As Goddess Gayatri was unaware of this marriage, she cursed Lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped anywhere else except Pushkar. Since then, Lord Brahma and Goddess Gayatri are worshipped at this temple together. The architectural beauty of this temple attracts most of the tourists.
Rajasthan is known all over the world for its beautiful and intricate art and handicraft. And Shiv Shakti Art & Handicraft is one of the best stores where you can find some of the most beautiful handiwork. Boasting of an exquisite and exclusive collection of traditional Rajasthani art and handicrafts, they offer everything from home décor, paintings and more.
The largest royal place of residence in Pushkar, Man Mahal is one of the places to visit in Pushkar. Located beside the Sarovar Lake, the view from here is engaging. You can see the entire expanse of the Sarovar Lake and the surrounding regions. It was built for Raja Man Singh-I, who visited this place as a retreat center. Now the erstwhile royal guest house is public guest house. It is open for visitors who can stay here and enjoy the many facets of Pushkar.
Man Mahal has a commanding architecture that incorporates traditional Rajasthani architectural elements. There is a touch of Mughal influence in the design of the building. The palace is also called the Sarovar Hotel given that it is a world class stay offering an international ambience to suit all types of visitors.
The interiors of the structure are a visual treat for visitors. Located on the banks of the lake, you can go for boating expeditions on these serene waters. The hotel administration also arranges for tour guides to help you make an informed trip into the heart of the city. Providing a unique experience, if you have ever fancied living in a palace, this is your opportunity.
The Pushkar Bazaar is amongst the top tourist destinations in Pushkar and the most popular amongst places to visit in Pushkar. The assortment of items sold in this marketplace provides you an insight of the culture here.This market is famous for rose pulp. You can also purchase syrup and gulkhand which are popular items sold in the shops here. Even though it is a bustling market, it is a beautiful place. All handicraft items and miscellaneous items sold here are reasonably priced.
Built as early as the early 19th century, Mahadeva Temple is one of the most visited Pushkar tourist places, having great religious value. It is one of the finest temples in this town and is known for its unique architectural style. As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahadeva).
The best part about this temple is that the idol kept inside has five faces which is made of white marble and is decorated with beautiful ornaments. The interiors have multiple sculptures and carvings of numerous Hindu deities. The courtyard of this temple is also decorated with pink colored pillars which adds to its beauty.
Pushkar is also famous as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan and the rose farmers here grow an amazing variety of roses. The Rose Garden is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Pushkar for the sheer variety of hues and fragrance that this place has.
Among all the Pushkar Sightseeing places, the Budha Pushkar Lake is one of the most important historic lakes you can find here. Having a strong connection to Hindu mythology, this is the lake where Lord Ram is known to have performed the last rites of King Dashratha, his father.
Ranked among the top fascinating tourist places to visit in Pushkar, the Aloo Baba Temple is named after a guru who used to meditate in the area. Known for his simplicity, control and healthy living, this 70-year old man is known to eat just potatoes and nothing else, thereby giving the temple this name.
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Pushkar FAQ's
Which are the best places to see in Pushkar with family?
2. Pushkar Lake: This is one of the most peaceful places in Pushkar and ideal for a visit with your family. Visit during the aarti when it is at its most beautiful and perfect for clicking some beautiful photographs.
3. Man Mahal: This spectacular palace is built in traditional Rajasthani style and is located near the Pushkar Sarovar. The palace has a temple inside as well as a tourist bungalow and guests can enjoy camping, sunset views or camel rides.
4. Rangji Temple: This is one of the newest temples in town and constructed by blending different styles of architecture. You can see a gopuram in typical South Indian style and touches of Mughal and Rajput architecture as well.
Which are the romantic places to visit in Pushkar?
2. Naga Pahar: This hill divides Pushkar from Ajmer and presents excellent trekking opportunities for visitors. The view of Pushkar city from the top is truly breathtaking and ideal for couples to visit.
3. Rose Gardens: Nothing spells romance better than roses and Pushkar has acres and acres of rose gardens in magnificent hues that turn the landscape into a wonderful painting.
4. Gayatri Mata Temple: In this temple, Lord Brahma and Gayatri Mata are worshipped as a couple. The temple is constructed in traditional Rajasthani style and is set on top of a hill with a holy pond on the side.
5. Varaha Ghat: This is a great place to enjoy some quiet time in the afternoon with your loved one and then participate in the amazing evening aarti.
Which are the best places to visit in Pushkar at night?
2. Market Square: If street food is your thing then the Market Square is the best place to tantalize your taste buds with mouth watering delicacies. A brilliant selection of Rajasthani kachoris, poha, jalebis, gulab jamuns and so much more.
3. Brahma Temple: This 2000-year-old temple is a perfect place to visit at night in Pushkar. The Temple has amazing artworks and architecture which is best viewed at night when there is less crowd and the colours come out more brilliant.
4. Temple Road: Enjoy a camel safari or a late-night traditional Rajasthani meal at Temple Road. This is one of the best ways to explore the mystical deserts of Rajasthan and rural life in Pushkar.
Which are the best places to visit in Pushkar with friends?
2. Merta: Merta is a historic place to visit with friends and discover interesting facts about Meera Bai and the iconic battles fought here.
3. Naga Pahar: Naga Pahar is a nice place to visit for a small trekking experience with friends. This place also offers mesmerizing sights of the entire city of Pushkar.
4. The Laughing Buddha Cafe: One of the most elite restaurants, and among the top places to visit in Pushkar, the Laughing Buddha Café Pushkar is a travellers’ favourite. This is an elite eatery, which is suitable for every type of eater, from a lactose intolerant foodie to a health freak. Known to be one of the only places in Pushkar that serves vegan as well as gluten free food to its guests, this café is also fully vegetarian. With a fabulous, soothing ambience and hygienic food, it stands among the prime restaurants and cafes in the region. The lasagne, burritos and falafel served here are some of the favourite dishes.
Location: Gau Ghat, Main Market Road, Badi Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan
5. Varaha Temple: Pay a visit to the oldest and biggest temple of Pushkar, Varaha Temple with your friends to seek blessings for the well-being of your friendship.
6. Doctor Café: One of the most visited cafes in Pushkar, the Doctor Café offers its guests a wide variety of delicious dishes. As most of the tourist crowd in Pushkar consists of foreigners, the café caters accordingly by serving several different cuisines, such as Italian, Chinese and Israeli, among others. It also serves all three meals viz., breakfast, lunch and dinner at the designated time slots. The main thing that attracts most of the tourists to this café is its hygiene. The food is served in a tempting and appetizing manner to attract tourists all throughout the day.
Location: Brahma Temple Road, near Brahma Temple, Badi Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Which are the famous ghats in Pushkar?
There are many places to visit in Pushkar, in addition to the numerous Pushkar sightseeing places. But, the most important of these places include the 52 ghats that surround the Pushkar Lake and are known for their religious importance. You can also take a bath and offer your prayers in these ghats. Some of the most famous ghats in Pushkar are:
1. Brahma Ghat
2. Varaha Ghat
3. Dadhich Ghat
4. Gwalior Ghat
5. Saptarishi Ghat
6. Kota Ghat
7. Gau Ghat
8. Yag Ghat
9. Jaipur Ghat
10. Karni Ghat
11. Gangaur Ghat
12. Holkar Ghat
13. Badri Ghat
14. 108 Mahadev Ghat
15. Swarup Ghat
16. Kalyan Ghat
What is the best time to visit Pushkar?
What are the highlights of Pushkar Fair?
The Pushkar Fair, also commonly known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, is one of the best places to visit in Pushkar. Held in the town of Pushkar every year in the month of November during Kartik Purnima, the fair is a must visit event, especially if you are travelling in the region at this time.
The Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as Kartik Mela, is one of the most beautiful camel festivals in the country. The festival is an 8-day long vibrant and colourful affair held in the month of November every year. This fair is organized every year to promote the local camel and cattle traders to do business during holy Kartik Purnima.
Multiple shops across the fairground are set up which feature Rajasthani handicrafts, art and culture. Also, the best part about this fair is that each day of the fair has a unique set of activities including magic shows, snake charmers, puppet show, camel parade, gipsy dance and ghoomar.
Location: Most of the activities take place at the place which is located to the west of town near the intersection of Brahma Temple Road and National Highway 89.
Timings: It is advisable to reach early to enjoy the fair to the most.
Entry fee: The entry to the Camel Fair is free. However, you do have to pay nominal charges for the activities and rides you wish to partake in.
Pushkar Fair is a traditional carnival that brings thousands of camels, cattle and horses together. This colourful 8-day long affair attracts a large number of tourists and photographers from all over the world. Some of the major highlights of the Pushkar Fair are:
1. Camel and Horse Races
2. Cultural Performances
3. Art and Craft Exhibitions
4. Magic Shows
5. Ghoomar Dances
6. Bridal Competitions
7. Hot Air Balloon
8. Camel Safari
9. Horse Safari
What is Pushkar famous for?
Located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, Pushkar is most famous around the country for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair held over 8 days in the month of November marking the Kartika Purnima month. It also attracts a staggering figure of almost 200,000 people.
Other than that, this place is famous for its religious sights, the many ghats and temples present here, as well as the quirky restaurants and cafes one can find in this little town. Everything about Pushkar tends to fill its visitors with surprise, from the small shops and shacks lining the lanes to the colourful, vibrant streets which show off the culture of Rajasthan, in addition to its warmth.
What should I buy in Pushkar?
2. Fabrics and textiles: Pushkar is also famous for readymade garments, colourful fabrics, textiles, home furnishings, etc. Unique blends of hippie and ethnic style garments are some of the specialities that you can find here.
3. Silver jewellery: Beautifully made silver ornaments are another speciality of Pushkar. They are beautifully made and you can also get them customized.
4. Leather goods: Genuine leather products such as belts, purses, bags, etc are great buys from Pushkar but it is important to know how to distinguish between real leather products and fake ones.
5. Handicraft items: Pottery items, paintings, wood, stone and enamel artworks, handmade paper, incense sticks and fragrance oils are some of the best handicraft items you can buy from Pushkar.
Can you drink alcohol in Pushkar?
Pushkar is considered to be a holy town. And it is because of this, that drinking alcohol is not allowed in this town. However, there are certain restaurants, cafes and shops, which offer cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. But most of these are located on the outskirts of Pushkar, in the Ajmer region.
What is the ideal duration for a holiday in Pushkar?
There is no scarcity of Pushkar tourist places that will impress you with their charm when you are on a tour here. An ideal duration for a holiday in Pushkar is between 2 to 4 days. For a two-day trip to Pushkar, you can cover the following places on
Day 1:
1. Pushkar Lake
2. Brahma Temple
3. Savitri Temple
4. Man Mahal
5. Merta City
6. Pushkar Bazaar
On day two, you can start with:
1. Adventure activities
2. Visit the different Ghats
3. Rose Garden
4. Sarafa Bazaar
5. Camel Safari
6. Dinner at The Laughing Buddha Café Pushkar
