Discover 12 things to do in Pushkar, 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.
The town is located some 10 km’s from Ajmer and about 150 km’s from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. A train from Jaipur to Ajmer will take more or less three hours and cost you 75 rupees.
Read more about accommodation at the end of this article.
I have also added a little bonus. A secret few people who visit Pushkar know about.
12 THINGS TO DO IN PUSHKAR
1. PUSHKAR LAKE
This sacred lake (or Sarovar) is the prime attraction of Pushkar and is of major religious importance to the Hindus. Its history dates back as early as the 4th century BC. It is one of the five sacred lakes according to Hindu theology. Collectively, they are called Panch-Sarovar. Four of those lakes are in India and one is situated in Tibet.
Pushkar Sarovar is centered right in the heart of the town. Surrounding the lake are 52 bathing ghats, which are a series of steps leading to the water. It is forbidden to wear shoes walking around this holy place.
I can recommend doing a full-circle walk around the lake. The opportune time for this is either in the morning or at sunset.
In the morning, before 10 AM, you’ll get to witness many people performing a puja, a Hindu prayer. For many locals it is a daily ritual to come at morning to the lake, perform a puja in honour of the gods and pray for a prosperous day. Others will have traveled from more far away places and come to this lake when a family member has died. They will perform the ritual to make sure the soul of the one passed away is at peace.
During the evening you can enjoy the sunset from Sunset Point. It offers a transcendent view with the Savitri Mata mountain in the background. At the same time you will hear the beating sound of drums greeting the setting sun, bells being tolled and prayers chanted all over Pushkar. It’s also the time when the evening prayer Aarti is performed, which you also can witness at various spots at the lake.
Honestly, any moment of the day the Pushkar Lake is a great place to just sit and pass some time. To think and contemplate or better yet: to not think at all. Enjoy the present and absorb the energy that surrounds you.
2. VISIT TEMPLES
The two most famous temples in Pushkar are the Brahma and Vahara temples. Both are located in the center of the town and thus within walking distance from the lake.
The current temple’s structure was built in the 14th century, but its origins are believed to be around 2000 years old. This temple is the most famous of the select few in India honouring Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe according to Hindu theology.
The temple opens around 8AM and has an afternoon break at 1.30PM. At 3PM it reopens and closes again at 8PM. There is no entrance fee. Photography is strictly forbidden. So, make sure you don’t bring a camera because you will not be allowed inside. Taking a smartphone with you is no problem.
The Brahma temple is another prime touristic attraction of Pushkar. Together with the sacred lake, this temple is considered one of the most religious places in the world.
The Varaha temple is considered a rare and ancient building as it depicts a wild boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the universe according to Hindu religion.
It was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Moghul emperor Aurangzeb in the 18th century. Later, the temple was rebuilt by Raja Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur.
3. HIKE TO SAVITRI MATA TEMPLE
The Savitri temple is located on the top of a mountain from which you have a spectacular view of the whole city of Pushkar and the surrounding Aravalli Range mountains.
If you prefer not to hike up or are not able to, there is also a rope-way carriage which will take you to the top.
For me, it was the prime location in Pushkar to enjoy the sunset. The hike upwards is about a thousand steps. Starting from the base, it will take you around half an hour. Some parts are pretty steep and you might need to catch your breath along the way. But the beautiful views will help ease the pain and there are plenty of monkeys to keep you company. No pain, no gain. Once you’re at the top, it will be a very rewarding experience.
Click here to read more about my hike up the Savitri Mata mountain.
4. RENT A SCOOTER AND VISIT NEARBY VILLAGES
You can get a scooter or motorbike on one of the main roads leading up to the center of Pushkar. There are a couple of shops where you’ll easily find one close to the Gurudwara, the Sikh temple. The price will depend on what kind of bike you wish to rent, but you should not pay more than 250 Rupees. Except if you’re planning on renting a Royal Enfield.
When you have a bike you should go and explore some little villages close to Pushkar. It’s an awesome feeling driving between mountains and through desert roads. Once you reach a village: witness the incredible hospitality, roam around local markets and buy some cheap fruits! I have driven from Pushkar to Thanwala to Bherunda and back.
5. HIKE TO GAYATRI MATA TEMPLE (PAP-MOCHANI)
Like Savitri, the Gayatri temple is located at the top of a mountain. But this one is smaller and the climb is less steep. You can consider it as a little sister mountain compared to Savitri. Only this is not the proper way to phrase it as each temple represent one of the two wives of Lord Brahma.
From the base it will only take around fifteen minutes to reach the temple. The view from Gayatri offers a more close and direct view of Pushkar city.
6. VISIT ALOO BABA
Go and have a chat with the man who only eats potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ‘Aluu’ or ‘aloo’ in Hindi means ‘potato’. ‘Baba’ means ‘wise man’. He lives in a small village some 10 km’s from Pushkar. To reach there you have to follow the main road on the left side when facing the Savitri mountain.
This man became pretty famous some years back. He even has his name on road signs and you can find him on Google maps.
7. PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
Every year after Diwali, the Hindu Light festival, everywhere in Pushkar you’ll see camels. The livestock fair usually lasts for about five days and if you fancy you can buy your own camel. Unfortunately, I was not around to witness this huge camel market, which has developed into a famous local celebration. But I have been told it is a time when Pushkar gets swamped with tourists so be prepared and book your accommodation accordingly.
8. CAMEL SAFARI
Camel tours are a popular attraction in Pushkar. You can book a tour for however long you like. You can even go on a multi-day camel trek through the desert. However, if you’re planning on traveling deeper into the Thar desert, for example, around the city of Jaisalmer. I would suggest to wait and save that experience for later. It will be cheaper and more rewarding as the desert will be more beautiful.
9. VISIT OLD PUSHKAR
Go and have a look at the old version of Pushkar. It’s only a 6 km drive. There is a lake called Budha Pushkar. I have been told this place has equal religious importance as the main sacred lake, but now it’s completely deserted and in a neglected state. There are a bunch of old and broken Hindu statues laying around and the water is quite dirty. Still it’s worth going to as it’s actually very peaceful sitting there.
The thrillseekers should go around sunset because this place gets a bit creepy at night!
10. TRY BHANG LASSI
WARNING: This is a cannabis-infused drink with quite powerful effects. Don’t worry, it is legal.
For those who have never experimented with something like this: there is also a bhang candy, which costs around 5 rupees, and has a light and mellow effect.
Lassi is a popular drink in India made from yoghurt, water, some spices and often fruit or some nuts. The Bhang version or the ‘special lassi’ is infused with cannabis and costs around 80 rupees. It is a powerful body high and will last for several hours. Pushkar is famous for this special drink. Most of the restaurants will serve it.
11. DO THE LAKE TOUR
If you rent a scooter you can visit some big lakes close to Pushkar. You get to see Foy Sagar, Ana Sagar and Pushkar Lake.
I have mapped this route out myself when I was looking for things to do. You’ll make a full circle around the mountain range that separates Pushkar from Ajmer. The total distance you’ll cover comes down to 30 km’s, which is not a lot but it will take more time than you think.
The first lake is called Foy Sagar. It’s actually an artificial lake created in 1892 to combat famine. There is a little park from which you have a beautiful view.
The next one is Ana Sagar in Ajmer. Also an artificial lake. This one was built during the 12th century to increase a better lifestyle amongst the local population. This lake spreads out over an area of 12 km’s. There is a viewpoint on the top of a hill from which you can enjoy the sight of one of India’s largest lakes.
To conclude, the sacred lake of Pushkar seems like the perfect one to end the day and marvel at the sunset while sitting at the ghats.
12. EXPERIENCE HOLI FESTIVAL
Pushkar is said to be one of the best places to experience the Holi festival, a popular Hindu celebration that signifies the victory of good over evil. Pushkar is a little and quiet town, but during this time tourists from all over the world find their way here and come to experience this ancient celebration in this sacred village. The festival starts with a huge bonfire and a big party starting early the next morning.
A SECRET
Crocodiles used to live in the waters of the Pushkar Lake. Yes, man-eating crocodiles. However, this is a Pushkar thing of the past. Now, there are no more alive ones, so no need to be scared when you are walking around the ghats. But, presently, you can still have a look at the body of a preserved crocodile that was caught and killed some sixty years ago.
You’ll find this crocodile at the Nart Singh Ghat, which is close to Varaha Ghat. A better-known landmark among tourists might be the falafel place. From there, you walk down some stairs on your left and you’ll find the cell in which this embalmed crocodile now resides.
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 connected to it. 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.
