The City of Fairs and Festivities (Pushkar, Rajasthan)
The Incredible India 5-years before Covid-19 (Part 7)
Hindus’ ultimate place for salvation.
Pushkar is one of the most ancient cities in India. It is situated around a sacred lake and has long been a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus to attain salvation.
There are millions of temples in India, but only one important temple is devoted to the Hindu creator god, Brahma.
We wanted to see the prominent Brahma Temple but decided to retreat when we saw this line!
Visiting Time is 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, there’s no entry fee of course!
For tourists, the most sought-after is the Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela, which annually happens for 5 days in the month of November.
It’s the largest camel fair in the world!
Pushkar Mela’s original objective was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, the full moon day of Kartik month (typically overlaps October and November).
The very first time I saw a camel in real life was actually in one of the streets in Jaipur while in the middle of traffic.
And so I couldn’t be more excited to see more camels up close at the Camel fair in Pushkar.
It was just so random to see camels chilling at the side of the road, where I usually see stray dogs do that back home!
Pushkar was full of colors and life! No wonder it’s named as the city of fairs and festivities!
The best falafel laffa in town!
You must try Ganga Restaurant’s fresh and tasty falafel wrap for only ₹140 ($2)!
Shopping was interesting here too!
Pushkar is also called the “Rose garden of Rajasthan” because of the various rose species grown by the local farmers in and around the city. So it’s best to purchase rose-based products, such as rose oil and perfume!
There are more things to see in Pushkar but we only stayed there for 2 days as our time was limited.
Here are some other places that you should visit!
- Pushkar Lake – Sacred lake of the Hindus with 52 ghats around it!
- Savitri Mata Temple – Hindu temple with cablecar access
- Rangji Temple – Temple and architecture
- Varaha Temple – Ancient Hindu temple with stone carvings
- Puskhar Rose Garden
BEWARE OF THE PRAYER SCAM IN PUSHKAR!
Scammers are usually in holy places and around Puskar Lake. If someone approached you and offers to pray for you (even if they say that their prayer is not for money) – SAY NO or you’ll pay a hefty price!
Are there any other places that are worth visiting in Pushkar? Please share them in the comment section!
How to get to Pushkar
By Train
Take a train to Ajmer Junction railway station (Station code: AII), 11km away from Pushkar.
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
By Air
The closest international airport is the Jaipur Sanganer International Airport is less than 15km from the city center. Prepaid taxis and buses are available outside the terminal.
Let’s go further west, to Rajasthan’s most romantic city
Disclaimer:
We’re not sure if the hotels and restaurants in the blog are still open due to Covid-19.
Please help us know by writing in the comment box
Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to support them if ever you visit India as we enjoyed their warm hospitality!
