Pushkar is a holy village located close to the Thar desert in the Indian state Rajasthan. It is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and popular to tourists for the Brahma temple, the Pushkar Lake and the general spiritual and relaxed ambiance that roams around the quiet town. Here are 40 pictures taken in and around Pushkar.
PUSHKAR PICTURES
The lake of Pushkar is a sight to behold and definitely a place where you’ll find yourself returning to when staying in this town. Besides the fact that it’s a tranquil and beautiful location with a great view, it radiates a certain energy that quiets the mind.
There is always something happening around the lake. During the morning and evening Hindu’s will perform sacred rituals, respectively a pooja or aarti, and during the day you’ll find people relaxing and walking around the lake.
Furthermore, it is a great spot to witness the sunset. The Savitri Mata temple towers out above the buildings in the background and the sun paints the sky in a different colour every night. Around the lake there are fires being lit, people are chanting, and the sun goes down to the sound of the beating of the Nagiri drums that echo over the lake.
The area around the lake is also the best place to book accommodation. You’ll be right in the center, which has a very calm and peaceful ambiance, and near to everything you need. If you wish to know my budget recommendation, have a look at the end of this article.
Besides the obvious things to do in Pushkar, like visiting the lake and the Brahma temple, there are some beautiful buildings you can go and have a look at. You won’t be allowed to enter all of them, but you can still admire the architecture from a distance. The images below depict, respectively, a Vishnu temple (not allowed to enter) and a Gurudwara (allowed to enter), place of worship for Sikhs.
Also, if you wish to expand your knowledge about possible activities in Pushkar: I have written a concise article about 12 fun things to do.
Going for a short hike was one of my favourite things to do in Pushkar. You can either climb up to the Savitri Mata temple, sunset mountain, or the Gayatri Mata temple, sunrise mountain. Both are easily accessible from the center and both offer an amazing view of Pushkar and the surrounding Aravalli mountain ranges.
If you have the time, rent a scooter and go for a drive on desert roads. It’s an awesome feeling driving along the mountain ranges and across the plains of the desert. Plus, you can go and visit some nearby villages. Chat with some locals, drink chai, and buy some real cheap fruit! Also, read more here if you like something fun to do along the way.
What was thought to be only a few days turned out to be a stay of one month in Pushkar. Sometimes, while traveling, this is how it goes. You never know if a place will resonate with yourself, but if it does, you better take advantage of it.
A bonus of staying longer in one location is that you get a better feel of the city. You know where the fun stuff is happening. You know the right places to eat cheap and good food. You build better relationships with the locals.
Because I stayed this long I got to know Harry, a father of four and a member of the Bhopa’s: a nomadic musical tribe of Rajasthan.
Click here to read more about my evening with Harry and his family.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUSHKAR
Find something near the Pushkar Lake. You’ll enjoy your time much more. I always travel on a budget and I can only recommend what I have experienced.In general, you’ll find plenty of hostels for less than 5 EUR or a private room for less than 10. Of course, it depends when you’re traveling. During festivals or holidays the price will increase significantly.
My budget recommendation: HosteLaVie – Pushkar. For 2 EUR (150 INR) you get a comfortable bed in a dormitory. A great deal price-quality-wise.
HosteLaVie is located within 100 meters from the lake. The place is clean, modern and they have a huge garden. Also, there is a restaurant in the hostel and plenty of activities to do. A bonus is that they have two awesome dogs: Google & Joy.
