Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 km to the North-West of Ajmer. Captivated by the charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement the great Indian poet, Kalidas found a place for Pushkar in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. A lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. In Hindu mythology it is said that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated 14 Km from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

There is another legend about the Creator God, Bramha which describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation so thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were destroyed by Aurangzeb, a Mughal ruler and subsequently rebuilt. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, and Prambanan in Indonesia. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Pushkar in Rajasthan is a favored destination of North India. Hundreds of foreigners throng this place all through the year. The Pushkar fair is an important occassion when tourists flock Pushkar, however it is not only at this time of the year when tourism flourishes. Pushkar is the flavour of every season. Pushkar is a pilgrimage site and is considered one of the holiest sites in India. The town of Pushkar is far from the noisy environment of the city. When he reaches the Ghats, particularly the Ghats near the Sarovar Tourist Bungalow, he gets refreshed and loses his tiredness of his journey. Pushkar is situated at the foot of the hills which add to its beauty. Five rivers, Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi Nanda, and Saraswati flow here and make the place more beautiful and serene.

History of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.

The Ramayan mentions Pushkar and says that Vishvamitra performed tapa here. It further says that the Apsara Menaka came to Pushkara to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.

A Pratihara ruler of Mandore, Nahadarava, restored this tirtha in the seventh century. He got the place cleared and the lake restored by making an embankment on the side of the river Luni. He rebuilt old palaces and built twelve dhrnashalas (resting places) and ghats on three sides of the lake.

The sage Parasara is said to have been born here. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.

For a devout Hindu Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre, for one visit to this holy place in a lifetime is highly prescribed. Brahma forms the great Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each symbolising the lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma the creator is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each holding a book of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and his consort is Savitri.  According to the legend  Pushkar means a pond created by flower, was formed when Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth to determine a place for his yagna, a holy sacrifice. The story goes that Brahma wanted to perform the yagna at the most auspicious time but his consort Savitri whose presence at the yagna was vital for its performance kept him waiting. Irritated by this Brahma married Gayatri, a milkmaid and installed her instead. Savitri on seeing someone else in her place was infuriated and cursed Brahma that he would be forgotten by people on earth and never worshiped. She relented on pleas from other Gods that he could only be worshiped in Pushkar, hence there are no Brahma Temples elsewhere Pushkar is a much loved tourist destination, many who visit there just fall in love with the place and overstay. Situated on the edge on the desert it is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Parbat (the snake hill). The town has very distinct tourist excitement with narrow lanes lined with shops selling various accessories and rooftop restaurants. Despite its high tourist profile the town maintains some mystical charm.

The holy dip in Pushkar lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is famous in His name. So it is blessed by Him in every way. In olden times the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma. 

Places of Tourist Interest of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Pushkar offers the complete and composite "Indian experience" as a historical, cultural, religious, rural and adventure destination that cannot be experienced anywhere else in a one- week tour of India.

The architectural heritage of Pushkar is unique. The temples built and rebuilt over centuries offer a look at the different styles of various ears. Quaint lanes meander through the town offering surprising glimpses of exquisite designs of construction.

The city of Pushkar has over 400 temples in its confines. The only temple in the world of Brahma- the creator of the universe is here. Every major deity in the Hindu pantheon of gods is worshipped at Pushkar. Pushkar Lake is the holiest take in the country and a bath in the lake during the kartik full moon is said to cleanse one of all sins. The fifty -two bathing ghats along the banks of the lakes are linked to the lunar calendar, with each ghat having its own miraculous powers. It is one of the most holy pilgrimage sites in the country.

Throughout the year, Pushkar is the venue for innumerable fairs other then the Pushkar fair. Pushkar is transformed into a riot of colours and revelry as thousands of people throng the city to celebrate and rejoice. A glimpse of the festivities, reflect the joy and love of life of the people in rural India.

Pushkar Lake of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Pushkar Lake is an artificial lake in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located near the town of Pushkar in Ajmer District. The lake was created in the 12th century when a dam was built across the headwaters of the Luni River. Legend has it that the lake was created when a lotus blossom dropped from the hand of God Brahma into the Pushkar valley. It was also the site where the Sage Vishwamitra meditating reputedly for thousands of years. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the waters of the lake during the festival of Kaartika Poornima in November.
Circled by some five hundred odd temples, the lake has 52 ghats, which connect the temples to the water. These ghats were constructed by the rulers of the different erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan and some of them are aptly named after the states.

Prominent among the ghats are Gau Ghat, Brahma Ghat and Varah Ghat. Also called Main Ghat, Gau Ghat is the place from which ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled into the lake. Brahma Ghat is believed to be the spot where Brahma himself is said to have worshipped. The Varah Ghat is famed to be the place where Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, appeared in the form of Varaha (a boar), third in the line of his nine incarnations. It is advisable for the visitors, who travel to the Pushkar Lake, not to take photos and to remove their shoes before going to the ghats.

Every year on the day of auspicious Kartik Purnima, the full-moon phase of October/November, Pushkar Lake attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country to take a holy dip in its waters. It is believed that a dip at the lake on this auspicious day is equal to the penances done for one hundred years. Travel India offers tour packages for travel to Pushkar Lake.

Jagat Pita Shri Brahma temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The Brahma temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. The only standing Hindu temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, the structure around the temple was built in the 14th century and stands on a high platform near Pushkar lake. Brahma is one of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism, sharing the honour with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Although a very large number of temples can be found all over India dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, there are very few temples for Brahma, this being one of the holiest one.

It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar lake. This place, full of natural beauty, holds a special place in the hearts of Indian for it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses, performed a Yagya here. Legend also has it that the ancient lake Sarovar had appeared miraculously in Pushkar. Brahma temple is the temple situated at Pushkar in Rajasthan in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahama and is said to be the only existing temple dedicated to Lord Brahama in India. This temple, built with marble, is decorated with silver coins, and there is a silver turtle on the floor of the temple. Legend also has it that the ancient lake Sarovar had appeared miraculously, when a lotus fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and dropped into the this valley. The image of Brahmaji in Pushkar is in a seated Palthi position.

It is said that Lord Brahma was once cursed to have no one in the whole world to ever worship him. There are many explanations as to who placed this curse on him, and why it happened. The temple in Pushkar is said to be the only exception.
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Varaha temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Varaha is the third avatar of Vishnu, in the form of a boar, who appeared in order to defeat Hiranyaksha, a demon who had taken the Earth (prthivi) and carried it to the bottom of what is described as the cosmic ocean in the story. The battle between Lord Varaha and Hiranyaksha is believed to have lasted for a thousand years, which the former finally won. Varaha carried the Earth out of the ocean between his tusks and restored it to its place in the universe. Vishnu married Prithvi (Bhudevi) in this avatar.

Varaha is depicted in art as either purely animal or as being anthropomorphic, having a boar's head on a man's body. In the latter form he has four arms, two of which hold the wheel and conch-shell while the other two hold a mace, sword or lotus or make a gesture (or "mudra") of blessing. The Earth is held between the boar's tusks.

The avatar symbolizes the resurrection of the Earth from a pralaya (deluge) and the establishment of a new kalpa (cosmic cycle).

The Varaha Purana is a Purana in which the form of narration is a recitation by Varaha.
 
Apteshwar Mahadev temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Apteshwar Temple in Pushkar is visited by numerous people all round the year. Constructed in the 12th Century, this temple has splendid architecture. Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer among the Hindu Trinity, whereas Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Brahma is the creator.

With its rich architecture, this Temple in Pushkar is among the 400 temples that bedeck the city. Reminding us of ancient India, the Apteshwar Temple has boldly stood the test of time, proving the transcendental essence of Indian spirituality. Believed to be the oldest and the most revered Indian God, Lord Shiva is said to preside this Sanctum Sanctorum and bless his devotees with an open heart.

Alternatively called Ashutosh, or one who can be pleased easily, Lord Shiva can be satisfied by placing 'Bel' leaves atop the Shiva Lingam. By doing so, one can get one's desires granted very easily, or so goes the saying. Therefore if you visit Apteshwar Temple in Rajasthan during Shiva Ratri, when Lord Shiva is ritually revered, you shall get to see thousands of devotees placing bel leaves over the Shiva Lingam, after drenching it with milk, dahi, ghee and honey. It is said that Lord Shiva grants a handsome groom to the one who worships him with respect and devotion. These temples are the soul of India

Ramavaikunth Temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

In 1920, this temple was built with great taste and delicacy, and is also one of the largest temples in Pushkar. A team of masons from south India were specially called to build the outer gopuram (arch) over the entrance. Another stone gopuram bears beautiful sculpted images of not less than 360 different deities.

Savitri temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The Savitri temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. Positioned on the Ratnagiri Hill, this temple holds a legend to itself. It is believed that once Lord Brahma had to perform a Yagna immediately. However, the performance of the Yagna required the presence of his wife. So, he married a local milkmaid, Gayatri for the purpose. When Brahma's wife, Savitri, found out, she cursed Lord Brahma that he would be worshipped only in Pushkar and only once a year. Then, she immolated herself at the Ratnagiri Hill, where the temple now stands.

Temple of Rangji (New and Old) of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The temple of Rangji is also called as the temple of Shri Vaikunthnathji. Lord Rangji or Shri Vaikunthnathji is an incarnation of lord Vishnu. This temple was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad. This temple is unique due to confluence of Dravidian (South Indian style), Rajput and Mughal style of architecture depicting the diversity and influence of culture and architecture through out India.

Man Mahal of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence of Raja Man Singh of Amer, Man Mahal. Presently it is converted to RTDC Sarover Tourist Bungalow ensuring convenient accommodation to travellers.Pushakar palace ( Kishangarh House) adjoining it is a heritage hotel. Man Mahal is the erstwhile residence of Maharaja Man Singh of Amer perched on the bank of Pushkar Lake. Later on it was transfigured to RTDC Sarover Tourist Bungalow facilitating a comfortable resort for the tourist. Visitor will finds them surrounded by the rich ancient culture of bygone era inside the premises of the mahal.

Nag (Yajna) Hill - A Unique Attraction of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

It is said to be one of the oldest hills in the world. Its height is said to have been ten crores yojanas in Satya-yuga, ten lakhs yojanas in Treta-yuga, and ten thousand yojanas in Dwapura-yuga. In Kali-yuga its height is decreasing day by day because it is sinking into the earth. By the end of Kali Yuga it will almost disappear. It is said that if you visit this hill on your pilgrimages to Pushkar you will not have any interference or difficulties.

On this hill is Nag Kund. The story of this hill is that Rishi Chyavan cursed Vatu, the grandson of Brahma, to become a snake on the second day of the sacrifice performed by Brahma. Vatu was cursed because at the sacrifice he released a snake that coiled around Bhrigu Muni, the father of Rishi Chyavan. After vatu begged for forgiveness, Brahma blessed him to live near this natural kund (lake) on Nag Hill. Vatu did austerities here. People who worship here on the 5th day in Krishna Paksha of Sravana (July/Aug) are said to get their desires fulfilled. Agastya Muni's residence is said to be a cave on Nag Hill. It is about 2 km from Senior Pushkar. You cross Nag Hill to go from Ajmer to Pushkar.

Excursions and Fairs of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India
Following are some of the famous excursions around Pushkar, Rajasthan:

Kuchaman near Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

One of the well-known Pushkar excursions is Kuchaman. Kuchaman is mainly known for the magnificent Kuchaman fort. Built by the Gujjar Pratihara dynasty, the fort houses the Meera Mahal where you can get a peek into the life of Meera Bai through the miniature paintings. There is also a Lok Dev Temple, comprising some fascinating paintings of Lok Devtas such as Sant Tejaji, Sant Gogaji, Baba Ram Dev, Sant Kesaria Kanwarji, Sant Ravi Das, Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak, Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, etc.

Kishangarh near Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Kishangarh is a city and a municipality in Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded in the early 1600s by Kishan Singh, a younger son of the raja of Jodhpur. He was a courtier of the Mughals, and was rewarded for services rendered to the emperor Akbar. In 1818, Kishangarh first came into direct relations with the British by entering into a treaty, in common its neighbouring states, for the suppression of the Pindari marauders by whom the country was at that time overrun. The chief, who held the title of Maharaja, was a Rajput of the Rathor clan.

Maharaja Madan Singh ascended the throne in 1900 at the age of sixteen, at a time when the state was reeling from the impact of a devastating drought. The administration under him and his diwan was widely deemed worthy of approbation; irrigation from tanks and wells was extended and factories for ginning and pressing cotton were started. A social reform movement for discouraging excessive expenditure on marriages made remarkable impact during his reign.

The present maharaja is Brijraj Singhji. The town of Kishangarh has a beautiful palace-hotel known as PhoolMahal, which is lovely place to holiday.

In the 18th century Kishangarh acclaimed fame as one of the finest schools of miniatures paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh an heir to the throne, who later became a hermit. It is the birth place of the Kishangarh style of painting. Bani Thani, also called the Indian Mona Lisa, is a famous painting from Kishangarh that has also been depicted on an official Indian stamp. It is said that Savant Singh modeled as Krishna while his mistress nicknamed as Bani Thani modelled for Radha. Paintings of Bani Thani are it most celebrated. The artist of this school favoured evening lights and grey skies with fine colours. This outstanding school lasted only a few decades. Today the artists still create duplicates of the work. In recent years, Kishangarh has come to be known as the marble city of India. It is purported to be the only place in the world with a temple of nine planets. The town is now an industrial town for marble and textiles. Kishangarh is connected by train and bus via Indian Railways and National Highway #8.

Roopangarh Fort near Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

The construction of the Roopangarh Fort, Ajmer can be traced back to 1648. Constructed by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1648, Roopangarh fort has now been partly converted into a heritage hotel. The magnificent fort, at present, functions as a hotel is categorized among the other hotels in Ajmer. A wonderful amalgam of tradition and gracious hospitality, the Roopangarh Fort in Ajmer is imbued with the elements of regal grace and grandeur. Beautiful architecture and age-old traditions surround the Roopangarh fort. Its medieval stone granaries, royal armories, jails and formidable battlements leave you yearning for more.

Ajmer near Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Ajmer, the land of composite cultures, is a city in Ajmer District in India's Rajasthan state. South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" meaning the invincible hill in the local language. Ajmer continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam. The city gives its name to a district, and also to a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which, after India's independence, became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956, when it was merged into Rajasthan state. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British choose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (October / November), devotees throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
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Pushkar Fair in Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity and of course the occasion is the world famous Pushkar Fair. Also known as Pushkar ka Mela, Pushkar Fair, is the world's largest camel fair held in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. The Pushkar Fair is no less than an encyclopedia on the tradition and culture of the state of Rajasthan. It is the event when a better population of the state can be found at one place and at one time. It seems as if the whole state has come alive at Pushkar to stand witness to its pulsating cultural heritage. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair but it is much more than that. Competitions such as the "Matka Phod", "moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main attractions of this fair which attract thousands of tourists. It's during this period that the population of 14,000 swells to over 200,000 while the festival hosts over 50,000 camels which are sold, raced and decorated. Colourful sights at the fair can touch and move even the sternest heart. Hindu pilgrims can be seen flocking the place to take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake, washing away all the sins of the past. Devotees and worshippers can be seen surrendering themselves at the only Brahma Temple.

This small town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ashtmi 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima). The Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. It is also an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the only Brahma temple in the world. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation. It is an occasion for villagers from far and near to gather together and enjoy a welcome break from their harsh life of the arid desert. For the tourists, it is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place.

In the month of Kartik each year, a staggering number of camels travel their way across the golden sands of Rajasthan to collect at Pushkar for the week-long fair devoted to them. Coming in from all directions, their masters astride them, they flick the sand at every step with casual ease. The horses that march to this site find the sand-trot a tough exercise. Numerous cows and sheep also come to the animal fair. Completing the scene thousands of men, women and children, come with their beasts, suddenly inhabiting the barren plain with the camel providing the backdrop.

The contrast to the dull desert landscape is the riot of colours - the large gaudy turbans of the native males arriving here to trade their animals or set up the stalls to cater to the booming captive market, and the loud hues of the pleated ghagaras (ankle-length skirts) of the women bangled by the armful, bejewelled from head to toe- adding charm and zest to the massive affair.

At Mela time, Pushkar is Rajasthan under one roof, a complete exhibition of its culture.
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Camel Safari in Pushkar, Rajasthan

Camel Safari in Pushkar is a once in a lifetime experience. Travel India tailors these safaris to suit your requirements. Explore the rugged terrain of the Great Indian Desert of Sahara, while using camels as your load bearers. Sleep under the starlit skies. A traveler could not ask for a better introduction to the stark beauty of this place otherwise more famous for its spiritual activities. There is not an iota of doubt that a visit to Pushkar is incomplete without experiencing a camel safari.

Location and Transport of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Pushkar is located at 26.5° N 74.55° E. It has an average elevation of 510 metres (1673 feet). Pushkar offers the finest example of the diversity of terrain in India. It has hills, rocks, vegetation, lakes and above all the desert to provide the ideal venue for adventure activities of all kinds. The desert with its wide vistas and spectacular dawn and dusk located so close to the major cities provides a memorable experience in a tour of India.

The charm of Pushkar above all lies in its location. Nestled amidst the Arravali ranges, Pushkar radiates an aura of tranquility reflecting the peace and the open spaces of country life. The warmth and hospitality of the people will make a visit an occasion to remember.

Due to its location and proximity to the existing "Golden Triangle", it is an ideal destination to project the charm of India as it is today. Well connected by train to Jaipur and Delhi, travelling to and from Pushkar is relatively inexpensive, fast and extremely safe.

Air
The closest airport is 131 km away in Jaipur.

Train
The nearest railway station, in Ajmer (10 km), has trains to Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad you can get a train to Bombay or Dwarka. You can have a travel agent in Pushkar arrange your train a day or two in advance for a Rs. 30 charge, rather than going to Ajmer yourself. The best way to get to Delhi is to catch an overnight train from Ajmer. It is much better than taking an overnight bus, but it takes a little advance planning.

Bus
There are two bus stands in Pushkar-the Marwar bus stand, in the north of town by the post office, which services some long distance places, and the Ajmer bus stand, east of town by the Pushkar Hotel, which has buses to Ajmer and Jaipur. There are regular buses from Pushkar to Ajmer. The buses from Ajmer to Pushkar depart every hour from 6 am to 10 pm from near the Ajmer railway station. 

Facts of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Amongst the vastness and grandeur of India, discover a unique gem Pushkar. The town steeped in antiquity has tremendous potential that has been undiscovered until now.

Area : 16.34 sq. km 
Population :  11,506 
Distance :  11kms from Ajmer 
Altitude :  486 meters above sea level 
Languages :  Hindi, Rajasthani, English 
Best Time to Visit :  October to mid-March 
STD Code :  014581 

Climate of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Climate of Pushkar is of an extreme desert type. Pushkar weather witnesses wide differences in the day and night temperatures. In the summer time, the days are hot, with the blazing with its full strength. The nighttime is a complete contrast. The nights in Pushkar are pretty cold, even in summers. The average temperature in the summers ranges from 45° C (max) to 25° C (min), approximately. The climatic conditions of Pushkar, Rajasthan in the winter season are quite pleasant. The average temperature in winters ranges around 10° C, approximately. Rainfall in this city is very little. The best time to visit Pushkar is during the period of September to March. Pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all its small mountains become green, in winters temperature is chilled. The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from over development of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area.

In Summer:45 C (Max) - 25 C (Min)
In winter: 22 C (Max) - 8 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)
Our suggestion: Sept. Dec.  

Shopping in Pushkar, Rajasthan

Exquiste handicrafts and handlooms not only from Rajasthan but also from the rest of India are on display in the city reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of people who visit the city. Pushkar is considered amongst the better and least expensive shopping destinations in the country today. As a source of souvenirs, Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan. Visitors who make a tour to the holy town also throng at the bazaars to shop for textiles, vivid embroidery, jewellery, miniature paintings, leather goods, brass utensils, puppets and pottery. Pushkar is one of the best places in Rajasthan to purchase costume jewellery and embroidered clothes. During the Pushkar fair, you can buy various objects such as beads, bangles, embroidered clothes, camel cover, leather goods brass utensils etc during the fair. The shopping centres are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.

A pilgrimage to the holy town of Pushkar with us is an unforgettable experience. The place abounds with many temples, which are must-visits for any devout Hindu. Apart from the Brahma Temple, other shrines of importance are Savitri Temple, Rangji Temple, Warah Temple and Apteshwar Temple. Thanks to the extreme sacredness of the place, it is advisable for those who travel to Pushkar, to respect the town’s holy status and not to eat meat or consume alcohol. In fact it is an earnest desire for every pious Hindu to make a Pushkar pilgrimage.