About Pushkar
Pushkar is in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Pushkar is known for its temples and for its camel festival. It is approximately 10 km northwest of Ajmer. It has the only Brahma temple in the world. It is a vegetarian city and very religious. It is a favorite along the backpacker and hippie route.
Getting to Pushkar
Pushkar is a common stop between Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. It is about 150 km and 2.5-3 hours ride between Jaipur and Pushkar. Many buses run directly to Amjer and then you can transfer to a local bus heading to Pushkar. There is also a train option that is about 2 hours long. It is around 240 km and a 4–5-hour drive between Pushkar and Jodhpur. There is also a train between Jodhpur and Pushkar that is about 4 hours 15 minutes. The nearest airport to Pushkar is Sanganer Airport which is about 146 km away in Jaipur.
Eating and Drinking in Pushkar
Pushkar is a strict pure vegetarian and nonalcoholic city. There is tons of amazing falafel and other veggie delights. There are also a handful of great cafes. Several restaurants and cafes have great overlooks of Pushkar Lake.
When to visit Pushkar
The general tourist season is between October and February. The best time to visit is during the Pushkar Fair usually during late October or early November. It starts with the Hindu month of Kartik and ends on the Kartik Purnima. The Camel Fair attracts around 200,000 people. If coming for the fair, book your accommodations in advance.
Top things to do Pushkar
Pushkar Lake is a holy site for Hindus, and it is surrounded by 52 ghats. Legend has it that Lord Brahma created Lake Pushkar from lotus flower petals. You absolutely must visit the Brahma Temple the only one dedicated to Lord Brahma. You are not allowed to take any pictures of the temple and your shoes and valuables must be left behind or you can pay for a locker. There is a nightly Aarti ceremony located at the Varah Ghat. If you are into hiking, you can consider doing one of these epic hikes: Savitri Mata Temple or Pap Mochani Temple Hike. In late October or early November, you can enjoy the Pushkar Camel Fair which is one of the largest camel festivals in the world.
