Pushkar
A holy lake town of ghats, temples and roses
Hindu tradition holds that Pushkar Lake was formed where a lotus fell from the hand of Brahma, the creator, and pilgrims have come to bathe in it for many centuries. Around the lake, 52 ghats lead down to the water, and hundreds of temples crowd the lanes. The Brahma temple here is one of very few in India dedicated to him, which gives the town a special place in the pilgrim map.
Pushkar lies in a valley of the Aravalli hills, about 14 km from Ajmer, with the Nag Pahar ridge between them. The town is small enough to walk, and its main bazaar runs in a loop around the lake. Because it is a holy town, meat, eggs and alcohol are not served within its limits, and visitors are expected to remove shoes on the ghats and dress modestly.
For most of the year Pushkar is quiet, and its value is in mornings and evenings on the ghats, the climb to the Savitri temple at sunrise and the rose fields around the town. In October or November, the Pushkar Camel Fair transforms it, with livestock traders on the dunes and pilgrims arriving for the full moon. We suggest one or two nights, or three during the fair.
Highlights
What Pushkar does best
At sunset, priests perform aarti with lamps and bells at the main ghats, and pilgrims float leaf boats with flowers on the water. Sit quietly on the steps with a guide who can explain the rituals.
One of very few temples in India dedicated to Brahma, with a red spire and a marble floor set with silver coins left by devotees. The present structure dates largely from the 14th century, on a much older site.
A hilltop temple to Brahma's consort, reached by a steep climb or a ropeway. At dawn the view takes in the whole town, the lake and the dunes towards the fair ground.
Pushkar's farms grow fragrant roses for temples, rose water and gulkand, a preserve of petals and sugar. Visit a field in the early morning during the flowering season, then a small workshop.
In October or November, herders bring camels, horses and cattle to the dunes for trading before Kartik Purnima, and pilgrims follow. It is one of the great gatherings of rural India.
Experiences
Four hours to plan around
Getting there
How to reach Pushkar
Kishangarh Airport (KQH), about 45 km away, has limited domestic flights; check current status before you travel. Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about 145 km and 2.5 hours away, is the usual gateway.
Ajmer Junction, about 14 km from Pushkar, is on the main lines from Delhi and Jaipur. Fast trains reach Ajmer from Jaipur in about 2 hours and from Delhi in about 6.5 hours. The drive over Nag Pahar to Pushkar takes 30 minutes.
Jaipur is about 145 km, 2.5 hours. Jodhpur is about 190 km, 3.5 hours. Udaipur is about 280 km, 5 hours, and Deogarh about 150 km, 3 hours, which makes a good stop on the way south.
Where to stay
Rooms we book
Pushkar has no true palace hotels. The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, on the edge of town, is the most comfortable year-round option, with gardens and space away from the crowds. Smaller heritage resorts sit among the farms around the town. During the Camel Fair, luxury operators set up temporary tented camps near the fair ground with proper beds and bathrooms; these sell out early. Many of our guests visit Pushkar for a night between Jaipur and Udaipur, or stay at Deogarh Mahal and visit on the way.
From our planners
Five things to know
- Remove shoes before stepping onto the ghats, and keep cameras away from bathing pilgrims
- Politely decline 'priests' who offer flowers on the ghats and then ask for large donations; your guide will handle offerings
- Meat, eggs and alcohol are not available within the town
- For the Camel Fair, arrive three or four days before the full moon and book tents months ahead
- Climb to the Savitri temple before sunrise to avoid the heat and the crowds
Questions travellers ask
Questions about Pushkar
Is Pushkar worth visiting
Yes, for a night or two. It is one of the holiest towns in India, with a sacred lake, 52 ghats, the Brahma temple and a relaxed atmosphere. It breaks the drive between Jaipur and Udaipur or Jodhpur well, and during the Camel Fair it is unlike anywhere else.
How many days do you need in Pushkar
One night is enough to see the evening aarti, the Brahma temple and the Savitri temple at sunrise. Two nights allows time for the rose fields and a slower pace. Three nights suits the Camel Fair. We plan arrival by mid-afternoon for the aarti, then the Savitri climb at dawn and the temple walk before driving on. For the fair, arrive three or four days before the full moon.
Is alcohol available in Pushkar
No. Pushkar is a holy town, and alcohol, meat and eggs are not served within its limits. Most visitors find the vegetarian food excellent, from thalis to malpua, the local sweet soaked in syrup. If a drink with dinner matters to you, tell us when planning and we will advise on stays outside the town limits. Some resorts on the outskirts have different rules; check current status before you travel.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair
In October or November, ending on Kartik Purnima, the full moon of Kartik. The livestock trading peaks in the days before, and the religious festival peaks at the full moon. We suggest three nights, arriving three or four days before the full moon to see the trading. Luxury tented camps near the fair ground sell out early, so book months ahead. Dates are announced each year by Rajasthan Tourism; check current status before you travel.
How far is Pushkar from Jaipur
About 145 km, 2.5 hours by car via Ajmer. It can be a long day trip, but staying a night lets you see the evening aarti and sunrise from the Savitri temple, which are the best moments in Pushkar. Fast trains also reach Ajmer from Jaipur in about 2 hours, followed by a 30-minute drive over Nag Pahar to Pushkar. Train timetables change, so check current status before you travel.
What is the best hotel in Pushkar
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is the most comfortable year-round choice. During the Camel Fair, luxury tented camps near the fair ground are the best way to stay close to the action. Many travellers stay at Deogarh Mahal or in Jaipur and visit.
Can I visit Ajmer Sharif from Pushkar
Yes. The dargah of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is about 14 km away, 30 minutes by car. It is one of the most important Muslim shrines in India and draws pilgrims of all faiths. Visit with a guide and dress modestly.
What should I wear in Pushkar
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially on the ghats and in temples. Shoes come off at the ghats and temples, so wear sandals that are easy to remove. A scarf is useful for temples. Winter mornings can be cool, so bring a light layer for the Savitri climb at dawn. Leave leather belts and wallets in the car before the Brahma temple, where leather is not allowed inside.
Is Pushkar crowded
Outside the fair and major festivals, Pushkar is calm and easy to walk. In fair week and at Kartik Purnima, it is very crowded with pilgrims and visitors. Mornings are always quieter than evenings. For the aarti we choose a quieter ghat, and we visit the Brahma temple early to avoid queues. If you prefer calm, avoid fair week; if you want the fair, we plan early starts around the crowds.
Journeys
Routes that stop in Pushkar
Nearby
Pair it with
The pink city of forts, bazaars and royal hotels
A hilltop palace, a mountain railway and rural Mewar
The blue city below Mehrangarh Fort
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