Hindu pilgrims from all over India make their way to the ancient city of Pushkar every year. Their hymns of devotion and puja (prayer), along with the sounds of bells and drums, flow into the town’s ghats and Brahma temples. Its streets are flooded with bazaars full of religious items, knick-knacks, and delicious Indian food. Whether you’re seeking enlightenment in the many places of worship surrounding Pushkar Lake, or eager to immerse yourself in the Pushkar Camel Fair, this travel guide will help you discover the best attractions in Pushkar.
Surrounded by 52 bathing gats and over 500 temples, Pushkar Lake is the center of Hindu pilgrimage in the city. According to Hindu texts, this lake was created from the petals of Lord Brahma’s fallen lotus as he destroyed Vajra Nabha, thus the name ‘pushkar’ or lotus. Pushkar Lake is the most important out of all five sacred lakes in India and is believed to have the ability to rid of pilgrims’ sins. A temple tour is a great way to explore the lake and experience a cleansing ritual like Aarti.
The Brahma Temple’s beautiful facade is made up of red shikharas and Hindu motifs decked onto 14th-century marble and stone slabs. Pilgrims visit the temple to present their offerings, which are then collected by Sanyasis for their pujas (prayers). The Kartik Poornima festival brings more of these worshippers to the fore, all of which go through a ceremonial cleansing of sins at the Pushkar Lake. Join a walking tour to see the interiors of this holy place and get to meet the four-headed Brahma and his consort Gayatri, goddess of vedas.
Perched on top of Ratnagiri Hill is Savitri Mata Temple, a place of worship for Lord Brahma’s wife. Hindu pilgrims believe that overcoming the steep climb to the top will grant them ‘tapas’ or purification from sins. To visit, you can either trek the hill until you reach the stairs or join the ropeway ride for a better view of the city. It’s also an amazing sunset viewing spot because it overlooks Pushkar Lake and the surrounding landscape.
In 1823, a temple dedicated to Lord Rangji -- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu -- was added to the 500 temples and ghats residing in Pushkar. But with an architectural design influenced by Dravidian, Rajputana, and Mughal styles, Rangji Temple was bound to be a favorite amongst pilgrims. This historical temple complex is decked with old Fresco paintings of legends from Hindu mythology, making it one of the oldest temples in the city. Learn more about this temple’s past and the local culture through a guided walk to some of the best attractions in the city.
Discover the remains of the Varaha Temple, a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This ancient landmark features long-standing columns and a dome on top of each roof, as well as white-painted walls all over. Inside rests an idol of Lord Vishnu visited by pilgrims and curious tourists. Its old architectural style is well-maintained to tell the story of the city’s religious history. The temple itself is located near Pushkar Lake and stands alongside Hindu temples.
Besides its pilgrimage sites and historical landmarks, Pushkar is also known for its desert experience. Whether you’re looking to relax or go on an adventure, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the sand dunes. Tented accommodations are available for camping enthusiasts, while camel or horse riding is a fun way to explore the villages within the area. For a more exciting stay, try a camel safari with overnight camping for a chance to see the wildlife and landscape at its most natural. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to meet locals in traditional attires going about their daily lives.
Gayatri Mata Temple, or more commonly known as ‘Pap-Mochani’, is a newly-constructed temple on top of a small hill near Pushkar Lake. The climb to the temple is a scenic journey, with the surrounding desert and nature creating a beautiful backdrop against the ghats and temples. But once you reach the top, the view of Pushkar under the sky will take your breath away. Its location is a popular sunrise and sunset viewpoint, allowing visitors to see as far as north of the city. Take a walk in the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the holy place.
Foy Sagar Lake is a man-made body of water created to relieve the famine in 1892. Nowadays, this engineering project is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Its vast green space is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains, creating a beautiful landscape that exudes peacefulness. Follow the villagers’ lead and set up a picnic with loved ones by the lake. See local life in motion as you bask in the serenity of Foy Sagar Lake.
The sacredness of Pushkar Lake requires ghats, or stepping stones, that symbolize the worship and respect of Rajput Maharaja to the Hindu gods. Gau Ghat is among the most revered in all 52 ghats -- it was used to scatter the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi into the lake. Immerse yourself in a spiritual experience as you take part in bathing rituals for pilgrims. Make sure to catch the sunset during your visit for a chance to capture the beautiful side of Gau Ghat.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Sri Panchkund Shiva Temple is a sacred pilgrimage landmark in the hills near Pushkar Lake. This simplistic temple offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding landscape, making it a tourist destination for foreigners. Wild monkeys have inhabited the area, and regardless of their somewhat curious nature, visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance from them. Explore its interiors and enjoy a peaceful walk within the temple complex.
The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the biggest spectacles in India. Every November, up to 400,000 visitors from all over Rajasthan gather together with their cattles, camels, and horses for fourteen days. This traditional ‘mela’, or fair, is filled with laughter, color, and camaraderie between the locals of the region.
Pushkar’s best weather comes around November to February, when the desert climate is milder than usual. Go on a camel safari adventure during this time of year for a more comfortable experience.
Staying within the central part of Pushkar allows you to travel seamlessly between its major tourist attractions in the north and south. Budget-friendly boutique hotels are popular with solo travelers, while resorts in the city and tented accommodations in the desert cost more but provide a fuller experience.