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The holy town of Pushkar is an important point of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs. It is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is on the outskirts of the city of Ajmer. There are many places to visit in Pushkar, most of which are religious in nature. There are several temples and gurudwaras. Apart from this, the place is also famous for the ghats where elaborate aartis are performed.
It is an ancient city and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in India. It is located amid the Aravali Hills of western India and is fondly known as India’s ‘Tirtharaj’, which translates to the king of pilgrimage. Thousands of people visit Pushkar each day to offer their prayers in the various temples. Some of these temples have stood in the same place for centuries and still offer regular prayers to the various deities who are very revered in the place.
Pushkar is home to several hotels, and this is mainly because of the surge in tourism over the last few decades. You will be assured of a comfortable stay when you visit this city. Apart from this, Pushkar also has some of the best vegetarian food available anywhere in India. Take a look at this article to know more about the things to do in Pushkar and also learn about the best ways in which you can plan your travel.
As mentioned above, places to visit in Pushkar. You can visit the temples and gurudwaras. You can take a stroll by the river or sit on the peaceful ghats. You can savour the food and you can click some amazing pictures. Here’s a list of the top Pushkar attractions for you to visit:
Among the top Pushkar tourist places, we have the stunning Brahma Temple. Considered by his followers the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma is a very respected Hindu God. The temple at Pushkar dates back to the 14th century. It is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in the country. Standing tall near the pious Pushkar Ghat, the temple is beautifully designed in typical Rajasthani architecture.
Another ancient Hindu temple, the Savitri Mata Temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Brahma. It is situated on the top of a hill and to reach it, you need to climb 970 steps. The temple is also accessible by cable car. The temple has three goddesses inside - Savitri in the middle, surrounded by Mata Saraswati on one side and Mata Sharda on the other. It is a beautiful temple that offers panoramic views of the city below. The temple is open on all days and no entry fee is required for pilgrims. This is one of the very best places to visit near Pushkar.
One of the most towing symbols of Pushka, the Rangji Temple has the famous temple facade which has been widely adopted in the temples of South India. Vaikuntha Venkatesh is the main deity who is worshipped in this beautiful temple. Apart from spirituality, the temple is also popular for its breathtaking architecture. It has some of the most intricately designed walls, gates, and interiors. The architecture is a combination of Mughal architecture and Rajasthani architecture. The temple was built in 1844.
The most famous Gurdwara not just in Pushkar but all of Rajasthan, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha is a monument in itself. Built-in honour and memory of Guru Giving Singh, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, popularly known as the Pushkar Gurdwara, has beautiful architecture. It is easy to find the gurdwara as it is located centrally and is very close to the main bus terminus of Pushkar.
Pushkar Lake is one of the most landmark and iconic water bodies in India. It is the home of the Pushkar Mela and the place where pilgrims from all across the world gather for their holy dips. It is a massive natural water reservoir that has been in the same place for centuries. It has a surface area of over 22 km square and this tells you just how gigantic the lake is. The earliest mention of the lake can be found as early as the 8th century BC. The history and popularity of the lake make it one of the top Pushkar places to visit.
Situated very close to Pushkar Lake is the Man Mahal, which is a former royal residence. It is one of the prettiest and most pristine places that you will ever witness. Built as a family residence as well as a guest house of the former ruler, Raja Man Singh the First. The royal family resided in Amer, near Jaipur but often visited Pushkar and when they did so, the Man Mahal would serve as their official residence.
These are some of the most famous places to explore in Pushkar. There are many other places too, so you should plan your trip and create a functional itinerary before you commence your trip.
While the temples do play an important role in Pushkar’s heritage, there are many other things to do and see in this holy city. Some of the adventure activities to do in Pushkar include:
Among the top things to do in Pushkar is to visit the ghats. The ghats give a lot of character to Pushkar. Many people who visit Pushkar sit by the ghats and enjoy a serene and peaceful evening, admiring the grand aarti. Also, you can bathe here as the dip in the holy waters is said to be a very spiritual one. You can also perform various pujas and make your offerings and feel connected to the Supreme Power.
There are over 500 temples in the city of Pushkar. While some are big and renowned, others are small and quaint. You can visit the temples, most of which are centuries old, and admire the architecture. You can also offer prayers at these temples.
Pushkar is also an important spot for Sikhism. It is believed that in 1706, Guru Govind Singh visited the city. He stayed in a palace called Gandhi Ghat, and Chetan Das, a local priest, became his servant. The Gurudwara Pushkar was built in memory of Guru Govind Singh who admired this city and visited it often and is one of the most beautiful places to see in Pushkar. It is a beautiful gurdwara that you must definitely visit.
The Pushkar Mela is an internationally renowned fair where camels and other cattle are traded. It is a riot of colours and culture that appeals to tourists from around the globe. A core component of any Pushkar sightseeing schedule, the Pushkar Mela is an experience to savour. Apart from the unusual visuals of cattle being traded, you will also witness various other activities such as dance performances, folk music, indigenous magic shows, and so on. Once you are at the fair, you will be entertained in all possible ways.
This unique and unusual fair, which is generally held in the month of November, is a very interesting tourist attraction in Pushkar. You can ride atop the colourful hot air below and enjoy a great view of the colourful city below. The annual balloon festival sees a lot of people in attendance from around the world. If you plan to visit the festival too, it is highly advisable for you to make the bookings in advance.
Camels are quite synonymous with Rajasthan and if you get a chance to take a camel ride, you should never let go of it. Go on a leisurely camel ride by booking one of the many camel safaris available in Pushkar. The safari, which lasts for an hour, takes you through some spectacular sand dunes and also through the famous spots of the city such as the lake, the Brahma temple, and the Rose temple. Book the rides in advance to enjoy a smooth experience on the day of the safari.
The next attraction to enjoy in Pushkar is taking a cable car ride. You can take this ride to reach the Savitri Mata Temple. This is indeed a great option because not only does it save you a rigorous trek upwards to the ancient 16th-century temple, but it also gives you a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous city of Pushkar. You can save time while taking this ride and enjoy a thrilling adventure too.
One of the best things to do in Pushkar is hiking. The city is situated among the Ratnagiri Hills, and this gives you the opportunity to trek through the rugged trails. You can hike to some of the most ancient temples, you can hike to viewpoints and see the city from stunning angles, or you can simply trek and enjoy flora and fauna on the way. There are many guides who take you on these hikes, and you can go with a group of hikers, which is recommended.
Pushkar is known as the rose garden of India, and this is mainly because of the stunning garden of roses situated in the city. The roses are the pride of Pushkar, and the garden is spread over several acres of land where roses are grown for as long as you can see. It is a stunning and mesmerising sight and something that you will rarely experience elsewhere. You can see these dainty flowers in every possible colour. The farmers nurture the roses very nicely, and the garden blooms in all its glory. The rose garden is definitely one of the top places to see in Pushkar.
Not many people are aware that Pushkar has many adventure sports on offer. From quad biking to rappelling, from zip lining to dune bashing, there indeed is a lot for you to do. If you want a break from traditional tourist activities and want to try out something adventurous and different, book some of these adventure sports and enjoy them to the fullest!
Listed above are some of the very best things to do in Pushkar. Make sure you include them in your plan and you will not miss out on any experience when visiting this magnificent city.
Check on any information guide regarding the Pushkar places to visit and they will tell you about the famous markets of the city. Pushkar is known for its shopping experiences and offers many colourful and durable items. If you go to Pushkar, don't forget to visit these vibrant street markets in Pushkar and shop to your heart’s content. Here are some pointers for you:
As mentioned, Pushkar Mela is one of the most bustling markets to shop from. You will find some of the unique items in this mela. From bangles to scarves to bags to pickles, there will surely be a lot to choose from. And when you are busy shopping, you may just catch a spectacular dance or art performance that will enhance your experience!
The Sadar Bazar, located at the heart of the city, has many small and big shops that sell everything from bed sheets to utensils. You can shop for clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, trinkets, etc., and get them at some of the most reasonable rates too. This is one of the best places to shop in Pushkar.
If you book a Pushkar sightseeing tour, the chances are that they will take you through the many handicraft markets. Pushkar is famous for its handicrafts, and when you visit the city, you must take back some items of handicrafts from here. There are many handicraft shops and stalls all across Pushkar, and you get some very beautiful items at very reasonable rates.
A proper market with many shops, the Sarafa Bazar is one of the top shopping destinations in Pushkar. A one-stop destination for all your needs, the Sarafa Bazar prides itself on selling only high-quality goods. If you want to buy some ethnic clothes, sturdy pieces of jewellery, or long-lasting homeware, the Sarafa Bazar would be the place to visit.
The Baza Bazar is another popular shopping destination in Pushkar. You find some high-end clothes and footwear, and you can also find inexpensive trinkets, handicraft items, and souvenirs. It is a riot of colours and a very busy market with shopkeepers enthusiastically selling their wares all day long.
No vacation is complete without the consumption of some good, local food. Even if you are on a pilgrimage to Pushkar, you must savour the local cuisine, which is very famous and renowned. One of the unique features of food in Pushkar is that the entire city eats and serves only vegetarian food. Even eggs are prohibited in Pushkar so whatever you eat is 100% pure vegetarian. Here are some of the most delicious foods to try in Pushkar:
There are many types of chaats that you can try in Pushkar. From the famous Dahi Bhalla to the mouth-watering papri chaat, there are many dishes on the menu. You can also try all the bhajiyas, which are nothing short of delicious! Give these famous street foods a try, and you will be left wanting more!
Dal-bati-churma is a monumental Rajasthani dish. It is synonymous with the cuisine of the area, and no matter where in Rajasthan you are, you must try the Dal-baati-churma. A very unique combination of flavours, this sweet and spicy dish will tantalise your taste buds and leave you licking your fingers!
From Alu kachori to Raj kachori, there is such a wide variety of kachoris available in Pushkar that you won't be able to choose! But whatever you pick, you will enjoy it to the fullest as these deep-fried little balls of goodness are beyond delicious and filled with a variety of spices and condiments.
Just like you find the widest variety of kachoris in Pushkar, you also find a large variety of Halwas. These rich and indulgent plates of warm sweetness are mind-bogglingly delicious, and you cannot stop at just one. Try the gajar halwa, moong dal halwa, besan halwa, etc and you will never forget the taste.
And finish it all off with a cup of piping hot tea. Tea stalls are valuable at every few steps and the tea you get in Pushkar is rich and creamy. Have many cups of tea to wash down all the other dishes you eat throughout the day!
Don't leave Pushkar before you savour the mouthwatering dishes. From large restaurants to roadside eateries, there are many places where you can find these yummy treats, so go for them.
The evenings and nights in Pushkar are beautiful. Here are some of the best nighttime activities in Pushkar:
The evening aartis along the ghats of Pushkar Lake are very famous. You can just sit at the banks of the lake and soak in the colours, smells, and sounds of the majestic aartis that happen each night. They happen on quite a large scale, and hundreds of people flock to the ghats to get a glimpse. A trip to Pushkar cannot be complete without you witnessing one of the evening aartis at the ghat of the lake.
If you have a passion for photography, Pushkar is a great place for you to visit. You can click on some of the most stunning photos in this city. The city offers a variety of attractions, and that gives you many subjects to focus on. From the vibrant cattle trades at the Pushkar Mela to the dizzying heights of the various temples, you will get many chances to capture some unforgettable frames on your camera.
Don't spend the evenings and nights huddled up in your hotel room - rather explore the busy streets and eat every possible street food from the stalls that are set up at the corners of the street. You will get many interesting dishes to try, so make sure you go on a leisurely food trail after the sun sets.
Engage in these activities, and you will have a memorable trip. Now that you know more about the things to do in Pushkar, plan your itinerary in such a way that you can include all of the attractions and activities. Book in advance and enjoy!
