Pushkar

Pushkar, india

Seek out the serenity of this peaceful lakeside pilgramage town.

The village of Pushkar is located on the edge of the Thar Desert and at its heart is Pushkar Lake, considered by Hindus as one the most sacred lakes in India. So much so, that it is mandatory for a Hindu to put his feet on the sacred ground of Pushkar at least once in his lifetime.

Pushkar lake is visited by thousands of devotees every year and alcohol, meat and eggs are banned from the towns environs and public affection is not welcome. Pushkar is also famous for its annual camel fair, a five day celebration where thousands of camel and livestock are traded, held every year in the festival month of Kartis (October - November)

Accommodation in Pushkar

Pushkar Lake

Considered to be one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus, Pushkar lake has a status equal to the holy Ganga river in India. Legends has it that the creator of universe, Lord Brahma prayed with Mata Savitri on the banks of this river. As per Hindu mythology, when lotus petals from the hands of Lord Brahma fell on earth, Pushkar lake was created. Owing to such a mythological belief, Pushkar lake is also called as ‘Tirtha Raj’ or the king of all pilgrimage sites.

Brahma Temple

Pushkar's holiest temple is the Brahma Temple. It is one of the very few in the world dedicated to the Hindu god, Brahma, the god of creation.

Bathing Ghats

Hindu pilgrims who wish to take a dip in the sacred waters can choose from a total of 52 ghats but some are believed to have special curative powers or particular importance; Varah Ghat, where Vishnu appeared in the form of a boar, Brahma Ghat where Brahma bathed and Gau Ghat, also known as Ghandi Ghat as some of Ghandi's ashes were sprinkled here.

If you wish to join them please respect that this is a holy place: no shoes, no smoking, no photos and no kidding around.

Saraswati Temple

Early risers can trek to the Saraswati Temple on top of the hill for amazing views of the town at sunrise; a closer temple, Pap Mochani, also with good views.

Camel & Horse Safaris

If you would prefer to explore landscape around the town, a camel or horse safari is a popular way to do so.  This is not the giant sand dunes of Jaisalmer but rather a mixture of desert and rolling rocky hills. 

Shopping In Pushkar

Pushkar is a magnet for young western travellers and as a result is packed with Indo-Western hippy style clothes as well as plenty of silver and beaded jewellery. It is also a great place to stock up on second-hand books.