Pushkar is a famous town in the state of Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan is a heritage state of India and its cities resemble a vast history of India’s ancient architecture. Pushkar is famous for its existing temples and camels. Being considered the holy city, it is a prime destination for many pilgrims from every corner of India.
The desert state of India produces an aura of tradition through its architecture and lifestyle. Pushkar is one of them and covers a part of India’s diversity of lives. Today we will discuss ten possible places in Pushkar that visitors must include in their must-visit spots.
List of 10 Best Places to Visit in Pushkar
1. Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is considered to be the holiest lake in India. The lake is surrounded by many little temples and ghats for bathing. The lane has a beautiful view around it. The distant hills, temples, and houses create a sense of positivity in the air.
The Brahma mandir, which is located next to it, is the main attraction of Pushkar, attracting many pilgrims who come to experience the sacred place. The temple is for the creator Brahma and is considered to be the only temple where Brahma is worshipped. The other big attraction of Pushkar is the annual fair which is held every year.
From October to November, on the holy moment of Kartick Purnima, a hereditary festival fair is organized here. This fair features everything from cattle trading to Rajasthani handcrafted clothes, toys, and other handmade necessities. A variety of Rajasthani cuisines are served to tourists to fortify their appetites. But if visitors want to experience the heritage fair they have to go at a particular time of the fair.
Why Visit: The Brahma Temple is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred water body believed to have been created by a lotus dropped by Lord Brahma.
Things to Do:
- Temple Visit: Offer prayers at the Brahma Temple.
- Holy Dip: Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.
- Aarti Ceremony: Attend the evening aarti at the lake.
Other Details: The best time to visit is during the early morning or evening. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm.
How to Reach: Located in the heart of Pushkar, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
2. Savitri Temple
Another hereditary temple of Pushkar is the Mata Savitri temple. It is only two kilometers away from Pushkar. Visitors can reach them by local carriages or by walking. Located on the top of Ratnagiri hills the temple is dedicated to Mata Savitri, the devoted wife of Brahma.
Travelers have to cover nine hundred and seventy steps to reach the top to offer puja to the goddess. From the top of the hill, the overview of the whole of Pushkar city gives a celestial feeling of joy. The green meadows, distant hills, and city houses in the footsteps of the hills are a treat to the eyes. So don’t forget to cover the temple on your trip.
Read more: Top 10 Things to Do in Ranakpur
Why Visit: Savitri Temple, dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri, offers panoramic views of Pushkar and the surrounding Aravalli hills.
Things to Do:
- Trekking: Hike up the hill to reach the temple.
- Photography: Capture stunning views from the top.
- Meditation: Spend some quiet time in the serene surroundings.
Other Details: The trek takes about 1 hour and is best done early in the morning to avoid the heat.
How to Reach: Located on a hilltop, about 2 km from Pushkar, accessible by foot or ropeway.
3. Apteswar Mahadeva Temple
This temple is located in the prime location of Pushkar. The temple is within one km of the center of Pushkar and six hundred meters from the Brahma Temple. The temple is an emblem of holiness. It displays beautiful architecture and structure. Read More: 10 Most Popular Temples in Pushkar.
The idol worshipped inside the temple is a five-faced Lord Shiva idol made out of marble. The idol is decorated with gems and jewels. The temple is designed with beautiful carvings of Hindu deities.
Why Visit: Apteswar Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spiritual ambiance and historical significance.
Things to Do:
- Temple Visit: Offer prayers and explore the temple complex.
- Meditation: Spend time meditating in a peaceful environment.
- Photography: Capture the temple’s architecture and serene surroundings.
Other Details: The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm. It’s less crowded, offering a peaceful experience.
How to Reach: Located near Pushkar Lake, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
4. Man Mahal
This beautiful architectural palace is set only two hours’ drive from Pushkar. The grand palace is an emblem of Indian royal architecture and excellence. It was built by Raja Man Singh, one of the Navaratnas in the royal courtyard of Emperor Akbar. Raja built this palace to relish his frequent visits to Pushkar.
The mahal was also best served for the royal guests to stay and enjoy the beauty of Pushkar. The palace conveys significant royal views that satisfy the wandering thirst. The palace is now under the Tourism Board of the Rajasthan Government. Read Also: Top 10 Tourist Places in Pushkar to Visit.
Why Visit: Man Mahal is a grand palace built by Raja Man Singh, offering a glimpse into the royal heritage and beautiful views of Pushkar Lake.
Things to Do:
- Palace Tour: Explore the palace and its architectural beauty.
- Photography: Capture scenic views of the lake from the palace.
- Museum Visit: Learn about the history and heritage of the region.
Other Details: The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to experience royal hospitality.
How to Reach: Located near Pushkar Lake, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
5. The Rose Garden Flower Market, and the Flower Factory
Pushkar itself is popular as the “Rose Garden of Pushkar.” A vast field, probably 700 hectares of land, has been occupied to grow and cultivate a variety of roses for business purposes. Rose floriculture happens around the perimeter of Pushkar Lake. It is a must-see spot in Pushkar. Local farmers work for the whole year to bloom colorful roses.
Every day, a large number of roses are exported abroad and to many other Indian states. You will have an intact idea of flower picking and the procedures for exporting them etc. After the garden tour, you can have an insight into the flower market and the factories where the rose water rose oil and rose essence are being processed by roses.
Why Visit: Pushkar is famous for its rose gardens and flower markets, offering a vibrant and fragrant experience.
Things to Do:
- Market Visit: Explore the flower market and buy fresh roses and other flowers.
- Flower Factory Tour: Visit a flower factory to see how rose products are made.
- Photography: Capture the colorful and aromatic scenes.
Other Details: The best time to visit is early in the morning when the market is most active.
How to Reach: Located on the outskirts of Pushkar, accessible by local taxis or private vehicles.
6. Varaha Ghat and Varaha Temple
The periphery of Pushkar Lake is encircled by several holy temples. One of them is Varaha and the Varaha temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his wild incarnation, the Varaha avatar. The temple is a symbol of conventional Rajasthani architecture made out of plaster stones.
An idol of Lord Vishnu resembling the body of a wild boar and the head of a man is being worshipped inside the temple. The temple is a valuable resource of old Vaishnava culture, with sculptures of it. Varaha is a surrounding ghat of Pushkar Lake beside this temple. It is considered one of the sacred places of Pushkar.
Why Visit: Varaha Ghat is a prominent ghat on Pushkar Lake, and Varaha Temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Things to Do:
- Holy Dip: Take a dip in the sacred waters at Varaha Ghat.
- Temple Visit: Offer prayers at Varaha Temple.
- Photography: Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the ghat and temple.
Other Details: The ghat is particularly crowded during festivals and aarti times. It’s a significant spot during the Pushkar Fair.
How to Reach: Located near Pushkar Lake, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
7. Gurudwara Singh Sabha
Another place to visit in Pushkar is Gurudwara Singh Sabha, a Sikh pilgrimage of Pushkar. The scenic beauty spread all around this gurudwara is mesmerizing beauty.
The green peaks of the hills are visible from there. The gurdwara is a significant architectural landmark. The large monuments, shrines, and sculptures are the primary things to visualize here.
Why Visit: Gurudwara Singh Sabha is an important Sikh pilgrimage site, offering a peaceful and spiritual retreat.
Things to Do:
- Langar: Participate in the community kitchen serving free meals.
- Prayer Services: Attend the prayer services and listen to Gurbani.
- Meditation: Spend time meditating in a serene environment.
Other Details: The Gurudwara is open to all visitors, and it’s respectful to cover your head and remove shoes before entering.
How to Reach: Located near the main market area of Pushkar, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
8. Pushkar Market
Colorful, handcrafted clothes and jewelry are the main attractions of Rajasthan. To satisfy the shopping lists of tourists there are several markets like Sadar Bazaar and Kedalganj Bazaar etc. Customers can buy a variety of handcrafted jewelry, clothes, home décor, and many other things.
From rose-made products to leather goods and silver ornaments, these are notable things in these markets. Visitors can taste a variety of veg and non-veg cuisines in many hotels restaurants and markets. So a long-hour walk through these markets is worth visiting on your trip.
Why Visit: Pushkar Market is a bustling hub for shopping, offering a variety of traditional Rajasthani goods, handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing.
Things to Do:
- Shopping: Buy souvenirs, traditional attire, and handicrafts.
- Street Food: Try local snacks and delicacies.
- Photography: Capture the vibrant market scenes and colorful displays.
Other Details: The market is best visited in the late afternoon or evening when it’s most lively.
How to Reach: Located in the center of Pushkar, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
9. Rangji Temple
The temple city is unique with its devoted temples to various gods and goddesses. Another of them is the Rangji Temple in Pushkar. This temple is dedicated to the South Indian God, Lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh. Travelers will find a lot of similarities with the architectural compositions of south Indian temples here.
It is also an existing heritage of Pushkar, one of the most ancient temples in Pushkar. There are many small temples in this part of the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Laxmi. It is an aesthetic pleasure to visit there. People who want to have a complete Pushkar experience should pay an obvious visit to this temple.
Why Visit: Rangji Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its unique South Indian architectural style combined with Rajput and Mughal elements.
Things to Do:
- Temple Visit: Offer prayers and explore the temple’s architecture.
- Cultural Insight: Learn about the temple’s significance and history.
- Photography: Capture the temple’s intricate details and vibrant atmosphere.
Other Details: The temple is open from 5 am to 8 pm. It’s a peaceful place, offering a glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage.
How to Reach: Located near Pushkar Lake, easily accessible by foot or local transport.
10. Desert Safari in Pushkar
Finally, a Pushkar tour is incomplete without exploring the deserts and their people. In the outskirts of the city within an hour’s distance, visitors will be dropped in the middle of small fields of sand and dunes. You can adventure here on camels, horses, or jeeps.
Why Visit: A desert safari in Pushkar offers an adventurous experience through the Thar Desert, including camel rides, jeep safaris, and cultural performances.
Things to Do:
- Camel Ride: Enjoy a camel ride through the sand dunes.
- Jeep Safari: Experience an exhilarating jeep safari.
- Cultural Programs: Watch traditional Rajasthani folk dances and music.
Other Details: Desert safaris are best experienced during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. It’s advisable to book through a reputable tour operator.
How to Reach: Desert safari starting points are located on the outskirts of Pushkar, accessible by local taxis or private vehicles.
In this way, visitors will come across small villages and villagers who are very polite and cooperative with tourists. Here you can enjoy tribal dances and foods made by local villagers. So it is a must-visit place in Pushkar.
Conclusion
All the spots mentioned above in Pushkar are unique with their hereditary perspectives and nature. Make your Pushkar trip a worthwhile visit by exploring these places as per your schedule. It will be a life-long memory of traveling to the sacred town of Rajasthan.