Pushkar Travel Guide
Your complete guide to the sacred lakeside town — the rare Brahma Temple, 52 holy ghats, the hilltop Savitri shrine and the world-famous Camel Fair. Everything you need for a soulful, colourful Pushkar trip.
Planning a Pushkar trip?
Pushkar is a sacred lakeside town in Rajasthan, best visited between October and March when days stay around 10-27 degrees Celsius. One to two days covers the rare Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, a walk along the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake and sunset at the hilltop Savitri Mata Temple. It sits about 15 km from Ajmer, 150 km from Jaipur and roughly 400 km from Delhi, and the town is strictly vegetarian with no alcohol served.
- Best time
- Oct to Mar
- Ideal duration
- 1 to 2 days
- Top sight
- Brahma Temple
- Cab from Delhi
- 400 km · ₹11/km
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to Pushkar
Welcome to the Sacred Lake Town
Pushkar, cradled in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan just 15 km from Ajmer, is one of the oldest and holiest towns in India. It is built around the sacred Pushkar Lake, ringed by 52 ghats, and is home to the celebrated Jagatpita Brahma Temple — one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. A holy town where only vegetarian food is served and alcohol is prohibited, Pushkar blends deep spirituality with an easy, bohemian charm: sunrise on the ghats, a climb to the Savitri Temple, roses and silver in the bazaar, and rooftop cafes overlooking the water. Each November, the town explodes into life during the legendary Pushkar Camel Fair around Kartik Purnima. Whether you come to pray, to shop, or simply to slow down, this guide will help you make the most of Pushkar.
Best Time to Visit Pushkar
Visual month-by-month guide — taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Pushkar
01Jagatpita Brahma Temple
One of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, marked by its distinctive red spire and marble steps. The spiritual heart of Pushkar and the reason pilgrims come from far and wide. Photography inside the sanctum is not permitted.
02Pushkar Lake & 52 Ghats
The sacred lake ringed by 52 bathing ghats, believed to have appeared where a lotus fell from Brahma's hand. Pilgrims take a holy dip, and the ghats are especially magical at sunrise and during evening aarti.
Savitri Mata Temple & Ropeway
A hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri, Brahma's first consort, offering sweeping views over Pushkar Lake and the town. Reach it via a steep climb or the modern ropeway — best at sunrise or sunset.
Varah Ghat & Brahma Ghat
Among the most important of Pushkar's ghats, associated with Vishnu's Varaha avatar and Lord Brahma. Central to the town's rituals, they are the focal point of the holy dip during Kartik Purnima.
Rangji Temple
A striking temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Rangji), notable for its blend of South Indian, Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and its tall gopuram-style entrance. A short walk from the main bazaar.
06Pushkar Camel Fair Ground
The vast mela ground on the town's edge that hosts the world-famous camel and cattle fair each November. Even outside fair season it is a great spot for camel and jeep safaris into the dunes at sunset.
Pap Mochani (Gayatri) Temple
A revered hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, believed to cleanse sins. The climb rewards you with quieter crowds and lovely views of the lake and surrounding Aravalli hills.
Man Mahal (Sarovar Heritage)
A former palace of Raja Man Singh I of Amber, built as a royal guest house overlooking the lake and now a heritage property. Its lakeside setting makes it one of Pushkar's most picturesque landmarks.
Book Your Pushkar Trip
Clean, air-conditioned cars with professional drivers. Transparent per-km pricing, no hidden charges — pick the vehicle that fits your group.
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Most comfortablePushkar Food Guide
Pure-vegetarian Rajasthani fare and famous rooftop cafes
Malpua
Pushkar's most famous sweet — soft, syrup-soaked pancakes served warm. The stalls near the bazaar are legendary; try a plate fresh off the griddle for the true experience.
Rajasthani Thali
A hearty pure-veg thali with dal, baati, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, churma and more. Rooftop restaurants around the lake serve generous versions with a view.
Dal Baati Churma
The iconic Rajasthani trio — baked wheat baati with spiced dal and sweet crumbled churma. A filling, satvik meal you'll find across Pushkar's eateries.
Cafe Culture (Israeli & Continental)
Pushkar's laid-back bazaar is dotted with cafes serving hummus, falafel, shakshuka, pasta and wood-fired pizza, reflecting its long-time backpacker and Israeli traveller scene.
Lassi & Makhaniya Lassi
Thick, chilled lassi topped with malai and dry fruits — the perfect cooler after climbing to Savitri Temple or wandering the ghats in the sun.
Kachori & Mirchi Vada
Crisp Rajasthani street snacks — flaky kachoris and spicy mirchi vada — sold hot in the bazaar and best enjoyed with sweet-tangy chutney.
Shopping in Pushkar
Rose Products
₹50 - ₹1,500Pushkar is famous for its roses. Take home gulkand (rose preserve), rose water, rose oil, incense and soaps from the local shops — fragrant, lightweight souvenirs.
Leather Goods
₹200 - ₹5,000The bazaar is a great place for handcrafted leather juttis (mojari), bags, belts and journals. Bargaining is expected, and quality varies, so inspect the stitching.
Silver Jewellery & Beads
₹100 - ₹10,000Tribal-style silver jewellery, oxidised pieces, gemstone beads and semi-precious stones fill the shops of Sadar Bazaar — a favourite with both Indian and foreign travellers.
Textiles & Bohemian Wear
₹150 - ₹4,000Tie-dye and block-print fabrics, embroidered bags, harem pants, wall hangings and hippie-style clothing give Pushkar's markets their colourful, boho reputation.
Getting Around Pushkar
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹2,500-4,000/day
AC car with driver — the most comfortable way to reach Pushkar and combine it with Ajmer, Jaipur or a wider Rajasthan trip. Delhi to Pushkar one-way available. Call 7668570551.
Auto-rickshaw
₹30-150/trip
Handy for hops between the lake, bazaar and Ajmer Road. Agree on the fare before you set off, especially in fair season.
Ajmer-Pushkar Bus
₹15-40/trip
Frequent RSRTC and local buses run the 15 km between Ajmer and Pushkar over the Nag Pahar hills — cheap and regular.
Savitri Ropeway
₹100-150/ride
A quick cable-car ride up to the hilltop Savitri Temple, saving the steep climb and offering great views of the lake.
Camel & Jeep Safari
₹200-1,500/ride
Explore the dunes and fair ground around Pushkar on a camel cart or jeep — a classic sunset experience.
Where to Stay in Pushkar
Lake / Ghat Side
₹800-5,000/nightStays right by the sacred lake, within walking distance of the Brahma Temple and the main bazaar. Ranges from budget guesthouses to heritage havelis with rooftop lake views. Peaceful mornings, lively evenings.
Main Bazaar (Sadar Bazaar)
₹600-3,000/nightIn the thick of the shopping and cafe action, ideal for travellers who want everything on their doorstep. Mostly budget to mid-range rooms and popular backpacker hostels.
Outskirts & Desert Resorts
₹2,500-15,000/nightBoutique tented camps and resorts on the dunes towards the fair ground, perfect during the Camel Fair and for a quieter, scenic stay with camel safaris on offer.
Ajmer Road Side
₹1,500-6,000/nightNewer hotels along the Ajmer-Pushkar road, convenient for those combining Ajmer Sharif with Pushkar or arriving by train. A short drive from the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Pushkar?
1 to 2 days are ideal. One day covers the Brahma Temple, a walk along the ghats of Pushkar Lake, and the Savitri Mata Temple for sunset. A second day lets you slow down, explore the bohemian main bazaar, ride the Savitri ropeway at sunrise, and take a camel or jeep safari into the surrounding dunes.
Q2Why is Pushkar's Brahma Temple special?
The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is one of very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu trinity. Recognisable by its red spire and marble steps, it draws pilgrims from across India. Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum, and footwear must be left at the entrance.
Q3What is the best time to visit Pushkar?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather (10-27 degrees Celsius). The highlight is the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair, held around Kartik Purnima in November, when the town fills with livestock trading, cultural competitions and huge crowds. Summers (April to June) are very hot and best avoided.
Q4When is the Pushkar Camel Fair in 2026?
The Pushkar Camel Fair is held annually around Kartik Purnima (the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik), which falls in November. Dates shift slightly each year with the lunar calendar. The fair combines camel and cattle trading with folk music, competitions and a massive open-air mela, culminating in a holy dip on Kartik Purnima.
Q5Is Pushkar a vegetarian town?
Yes. Pushkar is a sacred town where only pure vegetarian food is served, and both meat and alcohol are prohibited within the town. Eggs are also generally avoided. The bazaar is famous for its cafes serving Indian, Israeli and continental vegetarian food, along with local Rajasthani dishes and the legendary malpua.
Q6How do I reach Pushkar?
Pushkar is about 15 km from Ajmer, 150 km from Jaipur and roughly 400 km from Delhi. The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction, and the nearest airports are Kishangarh (about 35 km) and Jaipur. A private cab is the most convenient way to reach Pushkar, especially when combining it with Ajmer or a wider Rajasthan trip.
Q7What should I know about ghat etiquette in Pushkar?
Pushkar Lake and its 52 ghats are sacred. Remove your footwear and avoid carrying leather items near the water. Do not smoke, drink or take photos of people bathing. Be cautious of priests who may press you to perform a 'Pushkar puja' and then demand a large donation with a red thread ('Pushkar passport') — a small, respectful offering is enough.
Q8Can I combine Pushkar with Ajmer and Jaipur?
Absolutely. Pushkar and Ajmer are just 15 km apart and are almost always visited together — Ajmer Sharif Dargah plus Pushkar's Brahma Temple make a popular day. Jaipur (150 km) is an easy add-on, and many travellers include Pushkar in a Rajasthan circuit with Jaipur, Ajmer and Udaipur. We offer tempo traveller and multi-day car packages for this route.
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Planning a Trip to Pushkar?
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