Known for its world-renowned camel fair, the city of Pushkar is one of the oldest in India and a tranquil destination for thousands of tourists and devotees who travel to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510m, this temple town is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The “Nag Pahad” (snake mountain) forms a natural border between Ajmer, the nearest city, and Pushkar. The essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world but it is the spiritual ambience and striking architecture that will captivate you from the moment you step foot inside the city.
Here then is a two-day guide to Pushkar for the Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan long weekend.
Start your trip by visiting the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. The ancient structure is about 2,000 years old and dates to the 14th century. Legend has it that Brahma came down on Earth to perform a yajna (a ritual of sacrifice) and chose this site for his temple. The building is made of marble and stone stabs and its red pinnacle can be seen from a distance. It is well-known for its distinct hamsa (bird) motif, too. Devout pilgrims visit the temple after bathing and cleansing themselves in the sacred Pushkar Lake.
Follow this up by checking out the aforementioned lake. Legend has it that a lotus fell from the hands of Brahma and so Pushkar Lake was born, making it as old as creation itself. According to Hindu theology, there are five sacred lakes collectively called the “Panch Sarovar”: Manasarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar. The latter has 52 bathing ghats (steps leading into the water) and the water around each of them is believed to possess special medicinal powers. Observe the motions that go on at Pushkar Lake and appreciate its calm beauty.
Head to the Savitri Mata Mandir located on Ratnagiri Hill. The temple is situated at an elevation of about 228m and a flight of 970 steps leads up towards it. There’s also a ropeway which makes the ascent a breeze. The temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of Pushkar and its lake. Wonder at the building’s architectural simplicity and spiritual significance.
If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous than trekking up nearly 1,000 steps, visit Xcapade Adventures. Spread across 7 acres of land, the park offers activities such as rock climbing, zorbing, quad biking, an obstacle course, bungee jumping, ziplining, a paintball experience, archery and more. The place will satisfy the needs of adventure sports lovers and those who want to live a more active life. Their 100 per cent vegetarian restaurant serves up daal baati, pav bhaji, paneer butter masala, chowmein and more for ravenous visitors.
Go back into town for a spot of shopping at the Pushkar Main Market near the lake. Be it embroidered clothes, silver jewellery, pretty accessories, rose products, leather goods, miniature paintings, colourful puppets or wall hangings, you will have a delightful evening browsing through stalls and haggling with vendors to take home authentic souvenirs.
If it strikes your fancy, consider going on a camel safari to experience the shimmering glory of the desert. There are many types of safaris you can choose from such as half-day, full-day, overnight, two-day and sunset to sunrise rides. You will learn about the customs and lifestyle of the local people, the role of the camel in their survival, and eat delicious Rajasthani food.
For those who want to skip the camel safari experience, book a jeep safari ride instead. It is an exciting way to cruise through the desert and see the beauty of the wildlife and dunes. The thrills of dune bashing will stick with you long after you have gotten out of the jeep.
In the afternoon, start by visiting the Varaha Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s avatar Varaha, who was incarnated in the form of a boar, the temple has a remarkable architecture and consists of a dome, white walls and pillars. Due to its religious sanctity, it attracts a lot of Hindu devotees from across the country. The temple is often thought to be one-of-a-kind since there are no other notable or significantly large temples of the Varaha form of Vishnu anywhere else in the world.
Next up is the Gurudwara Sahib. It is believed that two Sikh gurus named Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh rested at this place on their visit to Pushkar. The Gandhi Ghat, earlier known as the Gobind Ghat, is the place where the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, stayed for a long time. A handwritten copy of the “Guru Granth Sahib,” the most important religious scripture in Sikhism, can be found here.
Watch the sunset from the Ana Sagar Lake. Boat on the water, go bird watching, and stroll through the promenade and the Daulat Bagh gardens with their attractive marble pavilions known as baradari—they were constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1637. Let the serenity of the moment capture you entirely.
The nearest airport is Jaipur International (JAI), 145km away. The closest railway station is Ajmer Junction (AII), 14km away. Take a taxi or bus from any major Rajasthani city like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner and Udaipur to Pushkar.