15 Fascinating Reasons to Visit Pushkar
India is a home to numerous fascinating towns and villages, and one such hamlet is Pushkar, calmly nestled in the lap of world’s oldest mountain ranges, the Aravali, aloof from frustrating and dry city life. It is a quick hide out for Jaipurites and charmer for the foreigners because of its easy-lazy vibe. Localite (people from Ajmer) quite often drop in here during weekend staycation.
So why is Pushkar a quick thought for a small weekend vacay? Why do backpackers have it on their bucket list without fail? And some just couldn’t leave the town when they came, pretty back. Can’t wait to know the mystery behind the engrossing town Pushkar? Get scrolling!!
Why visit Pushkar?
I’ll give you 15 reasons to visit this hippie hamlet:-
1. Pushkar Lake
This holy lake is located in the heart of the town. Surrounded by cemented stairways called “Ghats”, the lake is primarily a worship place for the hindu devotees. If you count all the ghats, the answer is 52! These are the very places where the action begans. Artistically carved domes give a royle touch to the serene lake views. You will be asked to put off your footwear when you stroll around the ghats. Carry them in a small bag.
Devotees take a dip in the water to wash their sins (as they say). You may find few bathing near the ghats. It is recommended to have a comfy ghatside seat and admire the panoramic views of the hills spread around. The houses constructed in vivid colors on the banks of the water body will transport you silently to an old world delight.
Do not miss visiting the site early in the morning. You will have a chance to sit with a huge flock of pigeons fluttering all over the ghats with almost complete absence of humans (which makes it more heavenly!). Get your yoga mats and breathe life here. Swans flapping in the tarn helps you detox a lot. Have your morning coffee and yummy breakfast for the nearby cafes and restaurants to kickstart your day ride.
2. Evening Aarti
You are going to regret it if you miss this awesome aarti in the late evening. All the worshipers gather around ghats and perform puja to the deity. You will be accompanied by a myriad of people around. Social media influencers will be trying to get some insta-worthy pictures and some simply enjoying the loud yet melodious chants of mantra in the puja. Reflection of temple lights on the lake exudes a mesmerizing appeal for the sightseers. Pujaris (priests) perform puja with huge aarti thaali. Everyone joins with clapping hands and . We spotted some travelers playing guitar and mouth organ, making the close of the day cozy & cheery.
Soon after the aarti is completed, the place gets vacated as localities walk to their home or any pastime and it becomes perfect for a late night date! Me and my macho, have our time, licking ice cream sticks and biting shoulders as we can't resist the stimuli induced by the early night with the moon looking in the lake. The unhurried breeze helps you to get even closer. The dark privacy could make you do a lot more!
3. Naga Pahar (Hill)
Hey hiker! It is another gem located between Pushkar and Ajmer. On your way up to the trek, you will spot a cave of the sage Agastasya, and a small rivulet called Nag Kund. You will barely see people around as this one is among the less travelled sites in Pushkar tourist place.
If you are a group of more than four then this is your den for mischief! Take your stuff (along with light music arrangements) and hike the hill to make your happy time even happier amidst the alpine beauty till you can see! The hillock appears heavenly during rains. Admire the spectacular view of the vintage city from the top of this snake mountain. You will have to manage for the transport as this one is located on the outskirts of the main town.
4. Savitri Mata Temple
One of the temples that you see on the hills while having an aerial view from the ghats is the Savitri Mata Mandir. It is a mini trek of about an hour or a little more on the series of stairs on the Ratangiri hill to reach the temple place. If you are tired of hanging around the Pushkar bazar, you may opt for the ropeway. After bowing down the head in the goddess Savitri temple made of marble, hikers can have their time on the hillside.
Enjoy the birds eye view from the top. Here's where you will see the lake absolutely in the core of the town. On the other side you will spot desert and empty farm lands with almost no habitation and trees. Pushkar desert camps are also visible from the height.
The hillwalker in you knows that the best time to visit the hill temple is the earliest morning to meet sun coming to the city. You may either keep it for the day starter or in the evenings as the hilltop offers picturesque sunset too. We chose the latter one. Yes, we believe the beauty becomes more enthralling at night!
After hiking all through the stairs, the residue of our energy was completely exhausted by the time we reached the top. There are many sneaky spaces to grab and relish the sun moving down. I quenched my thirst with a sip of water left in our bottle and he as usual planted a long kiss on my lips to satisfy his thirst! Chocolates are best friends for the hungry birds. We never forget to stuff my sling bag with five stars.
Do not be late to descend to the plains back as the hill temple is located in the outskirts of the town. Our (rented) Pulsar 125 made it easier for us. For others it is advisable to wrap their love making before it gets too dark, so you guys are back to your nests safe and well in time.
5. Paap Mochini (Gayatri Mata Temple)
Actually named as “Paap Mokshini”, the other hill temple is situated exactly opposite to the hill of Savitri Mata temple. The only way to get here is to put on your snickers and get set for another trek. There is no ropeway facility available here. But it is a smaller climb, so no worries. Avoid sun time, and rest will fall in the place. Keep it for another day so you have some energy left for other exciting stuff waiting for all the weirdos in the small rooftop cafes with interesting unfamiliar faces.
6. Bhrama Mandir
Pushkar is home to the world's only Jagatpita Bhrama temple. Lord Bhrama is worshipped as the creator of the universe. The temple is located in the vicinity of the bazar itself. You can make your way to the temple from the nearby ghat.
The marble and stone slabs with a distinct red shikhara (pinnacle) and a swan (bird motif) makes the temple bring the 14th centuray architectonics alive. You will step in the temple from the marble stairs from the main archway entrance and egrraved canopies.
Goddess Savitri and Goddess Gayatri are the two consorts of Lord Brahma. Two temples are situated on the opposite ends of the lake dedicated to both of them. You can take darshan (have a look) of the Savitri Mata temple from a window in another temple on the left side of the temple area.
On Karthik Poornima, a large number of devotees take the holy dip in the Pushkar lake and then visit the temple to perform pooja. The temple was destroyed and damaged by the muslim emperor Aurangzeb but was rebuilt again subsequently.
7. Gurudwara Singh Sabha
Another serene, utterly calm sikh temple of white marble. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here after he was forced out by Aurangzeb from Anandpur. The ghat next to the gurudwars sahib is called as the Gobind ghat.
This gurudwara sahib is one of the fewest pacific places to be during waking days when the mercury is scaling heights. The place will instantly relax you as you enter the shrine. You only need to put on a headscarf. The ambience and its vibes will withdraw all your stress and fatigue from head to toe.
We took a round in the corridors and sat there in the open spaces. I did not know when my eyes got closed. He tapped my hand and I opened my eyes. I was rejuvenated with refreshing vibes running in my veins. Yes, it is probably the absorbing influence of these sacred places which magically washes away all the dirt of the mind, body, heart & soul.
8. Rangji Temple
Devoted to lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh, It is one of the astounding ancient temples. It's glorifying architecture and high rising entrance showing the monumental elegance will leave you spellbound. It is definitely one of the most visited temples here. Get snapped with an antiquated marvel and win loads of love and likes on your social media platforms!
9. Man Mahal
Also known as RTDC Hotel Sarovar Pushkar, the palace is the largest imperial residence in the town. If you are high on the budget and wish to relish the glimpse of the royal era that has gone by, then book a night without any doubt and delve into royal Rajasthani culture. Let them pamper you with a sumptuous stay of old-world charm. They will take utmost care of your amusement, that includes, camping arrangements in the dreamy desert, camel, jeep safari in the sand dunes, dine and wine like a maharaja (or maharani)!
10. Pushkar Mela or (Pushkar Camel Fair)
Quirky bright turbans, 11 feet long moustaches, regally decorated and vibrantly dressed camels, wooing Rajasthani handicrafts, lip-smacking local savories and a lot more awaits for the globetrotter like us who are ever ready to startle our restless soul with something invigorating. Witness or be a part of various captivating competitions like, bride & groom contest, moustache competitions, matka race, camel dance, kalbelia dance, horse dance, turban tying, kite flying ………. the list is endless.
Locals trade their cattle here at good prices. Have a picture of rustic Rajasthani life here at the mela ground in a short time.
11. Hot Air Baloon
Get some adrenaline rush with a flight in a hot air balloon when the day is setting down. Drone view of the lit up old Rajasthani town will give you loads of memories to treasure and share.
12. Desert Safari
Soak in the warmth of the desert during sunset safari. Let your soul slow down with the sand waves For those who suffer from vertigo may skip the hot air balloon for this dreamy safari.
13. Pushkar Holi
If you're planning during March, you can not miss this eccentric color carnival called Holi!! When you step out of your nest, your nose is going to smell the earthy odor of floating gulaal (colour) in the streets all across with the flood of people dancing to thumping electronic music and regional folks, singing and shouting ‘Holi Hai’ on the top of their voices. Get ready to throw a fistful of your favorite color in the air and join the huge party. You are going to be high all day with your clothes painted and (even torn). The messier, the merrier!
14. Maal Pua
For those who have a sweet tooth, malpua will be a delight! Prepared from maida (refined flour), milk and yogurt, this bubbling pancake is dipped in a sugar syrup. Its crispy edges make it yummier to munch. Grab one from the endless sweet shops when you are strolling the bazaar. It will give you quick energy to explore the town more. Just remember- the hotter, the tastier.
15. Pushkar Bazaar
A short walk from the bus stand will take you to the market area which is a series of tiny alleys spread all along the lake. This shopper’s paradise offers famous tie & dye fabric, colorful and attractive handicrafts, puppets, traditional silver and glimmering stone jewelry, hand-embroidered handbags, wooden carvings, silver anklets, Ali baba pants, scarves, and trinkets. You got to be pro at bargaining. If you are afraid of negotiating you’ve got to get over that.
I hope you've enjoyed this travel blog on Pushkar tourism and if you've got any other suggestions for me to add to the list of Pushkar travel guide, then just let me know in the comment section below. Don't forget to share your unforgettable experience with me. Or, if you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Become a happy Pushkar hippie !!
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