What Are Tourist Spots in Pushkar? Complete Travel Guide

Pushkar is one of India's most extraordinary towns — a small, deeply sacred pilgrimage destination in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, built around a holy lake that Hindus believe was created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower from the sky. With 52 ghats, 400+ temples, a unique floating bazaar of flower-sellers and sadhus, and the world's most famous camel fair held every November, Pushkar is unlike anywhere else on earth.

Getting to Pushkar from Delhi: Pushkar is 400 km from Delhi via NH48 through Jaipur and Ajmer (390 km), then 15 km to Pushkar. Total journey: 7–8 hours. EZPZ Taxi offers Delhi to Pushkar cabs — call +91-9871121217 or book at ezpztaxi.com. Pushkar is also easily combined with Jaipur (145 km from Jaipur) and Ajmer (15 km) on the same trip.

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1. Pushkar Lake — The Sacred Heart

Town centre | Open: Always | Bathing: Dawn to Dusk

Pushkar Lake is the sacred soul of the entire town — a natural lake ringed by 52 ghats (stone steps) and 500 temples. Hindus believe bathing in this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon of the Kartik month, October/November) washes away all sins.

The lake is believed to be self-purifying — no fish or other animals are harmed in it, and strict rules prohibit leather items, meat, eggs, and alcohol within the Pushkar town boundaries.

The atmosphere at the ghats: Every morning, pilgrims bathe in the lake while priests chant prayers on the ghats. The rising sun, the reflection of white temples in the still water, the fragrance of marigolds and incense — the sensory experience at Pushkar Lake at dawn is unforgettable.

Puja ceremony at the ghats: Priests at Brahma Ghat, Varah Ghat, and other ghats perform personalised puja ceremonies for pilgrims — chanting mantras, applying tilak, and throwing flowers into the lake. Expect to be approached by priests offering to do your puja (₹50–500 depending on your willingness).

Photography tip: The lake is best photographed from the ghats at golden hour (sunrise and sunset) — the water reflects the surrounding temples and the light is extraordinary.

Important: Do NOT enter the lake water wearing leather shoes or carrying leather bags — it is considered deeply disrespectful. Leave shoes at the ghat steps.



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2. Brahma Temple — The World's Only Major Brahma Temple

100 metres from the lake | Open: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 3 PM – 8:30 PM | Entry: Free

The Brahma Temple is Pushkar's most significant attraction and the world's only major temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (the creator in the Hindu Trinity). Why are there so few Brahma temples? Hindu mythology explains: Goddess Saraswati cursed Brahma for conducting a puja with another woman, decreeing he would be worshipped nowhere on earth. Pushkar is the one exception — the curse was eventually lifted here.

The temple: The current structure was built in the 14th century by a Rajput king on an ancient site. The red spire (shikhara) is visible from across the lake. The inner sanctum houses a four-headed image of Brahma along with his consort Gayatri.

Devotees come from across India specifically to worship at this rare Brahma temple. The atmosphere inside is one of intense devotion — far more so than many more famous temples.

Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove footwear at the entrance.

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3. Savitri Temple — The Best Sunrise in Rajasthan

Ratnagiri Hill above Pushkar | Open: Dawn to Dusk | Ropeway: ₹95 one-way, ₹170 return

Savitri Temple is perched on the Ratnagiri Hill directly overlooking Pushkar and can only be reached by a 30-minute steep uphill trek or a ropeway cable car.

Goddess Savitri (Brahma's first wife, whom he replaced with Gayatri) sits in her temple atop the hill, surveying the town where she was wronged. According to mythology, she cursed the entire town from this hilltop.

Why go: The view from Savitri Temple is the finest in all of Pushkar — the entire town spread below with the sacred lake as its centrepiece, the Thar Desert stretching south and west, and the Aravalli Hills to the north. At sunrise, this view is breathtaking.

Ropeway: Makes the ascent easy for all ages. The cable car itself offers wonderful aerial views of Pushkar. Runs from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Trek: The uphill path takes 30–45 minutes and is manageable but steep. Worth it for the physical journey if you're fit.

Sunrise tip: The ropeway doesn't operate at sunrise. For sunrise views, trek up in the dark (45 minutes before sunrise) with a torch — the experience of watching Pushkar wake up from this hilltop is magical.

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4. Rangji Temple — South Indian Architecture in Rajasthan

1 km from the lake | Open: 7 AM – 12:30 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM | Entry: Free

Rangji Temple is a visual surprise in Pushkar — a magnificent Vaishnava temple with a distinctly South Indian architectural style, complete with a tall gopuram (tower), ornate carvings, and a large tank. Built in 1823 by Seth Puranmal of Jaipur, the temple is dedicated to Ranganath (Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Adishesha).

The juxtaposition of South Indian temple architecture against the Rajasthan desert landscape is architecturally fascinating and aesthetically beautiful.

The interior: The main shrine houses a beautiful idol of Lord Ranganath. The silver work and brass lamps are exquisite.

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5. Pushkar Bazaar — Shopping in a Pilgrimage Town

Pushkar's markets are unlike any bazaar in Rajasthan — a fascinating blend of pilgrimage market, hippie bazaar, and traditional Rajasthani craft market.

What to buy:

Silver jewellery: Pushkar is known for chunky silver jewellery with turquoise, coral, and lapis settings. The designs have a distinct Rajasthani-tribal feel. Buy from shops inside the market, not from street hawkers, for better quality and fixed prices.

Ethnic clothing: Tie-dye and block-print shirts, skirts, scarves, and kurtas. Pushkar has a strong bohemian clothing scene.

Rose products: Pushkar is famous for its roses — rose water, rose otto (essential oil), rose gulkand (jam), and rose-based cosmetics are sold everywhere.

Rudraksha and spiritual items: Being a pilgrimage town, malas, rudraksha beads, and ritual items are widely available.

Where to shop:
- The main market lane from the lake to the bus stand is the best browsing area
- Baba Ramdev Market (opposite the bus stand) — larger fixed-price shops
- The ghat areas have flower-sellers and puja item shops

Food in Pushkar:
- Om Shiva Garden (rooftop lakeside restaurant) — best view of the lake while eating
- Out of the Blue — popular for continental food
- Honey and Spice — café with good coffee and healthy food
- Sunset Café — rooftop views at sunset over Pushkar

NOTE: Alcohol, meat, eggs, and leather are completely banned within Pushkar. This is strictly enforced. Plan accordingly.

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6. Desert Camel Safari Around Pushkar

The Thar Desert surrounds Pushkar on the western and southern sides. A camel safari into the dunes at sunset is a classic Pushkar experience.

Options:
- Short sunset camel ride (1 hour): ₹400–600 per person
- Half-day desert safari with lunch: ₹1,000–1,500 per person
- Full-day desert safari with overnight camping in the dunes: ₹2,500–4,000 per person

Best time: October–March (pleasant weather). Avoid April–June (extreme desert heat up to 48°C).

Operators are easily found near the bus stand and at tourist hotels. Compare 2–3 operators before booking.

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7. Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) — The World's Greatest Fair

Held annually: October/November (Kartik Purnima full moon period) | Duration: 8–10 days

The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the world's largest, oldest, and most colourful fairs — an event so extraordinary it has been featured in National Geographic, BBC, and documentaries worldwide.

2025 Pushkar Camel Fair dates: Approximately 1–9 November 2025 (exact dates based on Hindu calendar, verify closer to time)

What happens:
- Camel trading: 50,000+ camels, horses, and cattle are brought for trade by farmers and herders from across Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Camel beauty pageant: Competitions for best-decorated camel, longest eyelashes, and other categories
- Turban-tying competition: Tourists and locals compete to tie the most elaborate Rajasthani turban
- Folk music and dance: Kalbelia dancers, Manganiyar musicians, puppet shows
- Hot air balloon rides: Offered commercially during the fair — extraordinary view of the tent city below
- Religious activities: The fair culminates with mass holy bathing in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima

Accommodation: Hotels in Pushkar book out months in advance for the fair period. Many visitors stay in the luxury tent camps set up specially for the fair (₹5,000–20,000/night).

Getting there during the fair: Road approaches to Pushkar are extremely congested during the main fair days. EZPZ Taxi plans routes carefully to avoid the worst jams — book well in advance and plan your arrival/departure for early morning hours. Call +91-9871121217.

Official Rajasthan Tourism fair information: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

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Nearby: Ajmer (15 km from Pushkar)

Ajmer Sharif Dargah — one of the most revered Islamic pilgrimage sites in India, the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti (1141–1230 CE). Pilgrims of all faiths come here seeking blessings. The Thursday evening Qawwali (devotional music) in the dargah complex is an extraordinary experience.

Ana Sagar Lake — a beautiful artificial lake in Ajmer built by Prithviraj Chauhan in the 12th century, with marble pavilions (barradaris) added by Shah Jahan. Evening walks on the promenade are lovely.

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Practical Information

Best time: October–March. Avoid April–June (extreme desert heat).

Where to stay:
- Budget: Hotel Moonlight, Shyam Krishna (₹800–2,000)
- Mid-range: Ananta Spa and Resort, Inn Seventh Heaven (₹3,000–7,000)
- Luxury: The Westin Pushkar Resort, Meraki Resort (₹8,000–18,000)

Rajasthan Tourism: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

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EZPZ Taxi for Pushkar

Delhi to Pushkar outstation cabs with experienced drivers. Can combine Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pushkar on the same trip.

Call: +91-9871121217 | Book: ezpztaxi.com

Have you witnessed the Pushkar Camel Fair or bathed in the sacred lake? Share your experience below!