Pushkar is a temple town near Ajmer City and headquarters of Pushkar tehsil in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated about 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Ajmer and about 150 kilometres (93 mi) southwest of Jaipur. Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples and ghats in Pushkar are from the 18th century and later, because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area. Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among Pushkar temples is the red spired Brahma Temple. It is considered a sacred city by the Hindus particularly in Shaktism, and meat and eggs consumption are forbidden in the city as are alcohol and drugs. Pushkar is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake, which has many ghats where pilgrims bathe. Pushkar is also significant for its Gurdwaras for Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. One of the bathing ghats is called Gobind ghat built by the Sikhs in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh.

Fairs and Festivals

Pushkar Camel Fair:

One of India’s most famous and largest livestock fairs. Pushkar Camel Fair featuring a trading fete of cattle, horses and camels. It is held over seven days in autumn marking Kartika Purnima according to the Hindu calendar (Kartik (month), October or November). It attracts nearly 200,000 people. In 1998, Pushkar hosted about 1 million domestic (95%) and international tourists over the year.

Kartik Purnima Festival: 

A major religious event where thousands of devotees bathe in the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar town is famous for its lake known as Pushkar Lake. The lake has 52 ghats. About 400 blue-colored temples surround the holy lake. It makes the atmosphere more spiritual and divine as one can listen to magical chants from temples.

Cultural and Spiritual Hub:

• Over 400 temples and numerous ghats (steps leading to the lake) line the town.

• Pushkar has a hippie vibe and is popular among foreign backpackers, known for yoga retreats, cafes, and artsy street markets.

Geography and Attraction

• Surrounded by Aravalli Hills, Pushkar lies on the edge of the Thar Desert, offering opportunities for desert safaris, trekking, and hot air balloon rides.

• Brahma Temple: He most important temple in Pushkar is the temple of Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. The temple enshrines a life-size idol of Brahma.

• Pushkar Lake: The prime attraction of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake which is considered sacred like the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Pushkar has become a place of Hindu pilgrimage because of this holy lake.

• Ghats around lake: here are around 52 ghats around the lake. But some of the most visited ghats are Gwalior ghat, yag ghat, Varaha ghat, gau ghat, Jaipur ghat, karni ghat, dadhich ghat, saptarishi ghat, and Kota ghat.

Activities to do

One can enjoy the camel rides near Pushkar Lake to witness the beauty of Aravali hills. Visitors also love to hang out at the best spots of Pushkar like the Brahma temple, and Pushkar palace which represent the rich Rajasthani culture and glimpse of Rajput rulers in a very beautiful way.

The best time to visit

The months between November and March are perfect for a fun trip to Pushkar, Rajasthan. & one can also enjoy the famous camel fair during kartik poornima along with festivities.

Sunset Point – Located at the southern end of the Pushkar lake, Sunset Point is one of the famous attractions in Pushkar. It is also a place where many artists show their talent in front of the visitors.

Old Pushkar – Old Pushkar lake is rebuilt and is located around 5 km from Pushkar Lake. According to the ancient texts, Old Pushkar has equal cultural and religious significance for the pilgrims.