Pushkar is one of the most ancient towns in all of India. Located in the Ajmer region of Rajasthan, Pushkar is sometimes called tirtha-raj, which translates as king of pilgrim sites. Its location in the Aravali Mountains is really breathtaking. Along with being one of the five dams, or most sacred sites, in Hinduism, it stands apart.
The most sacred of Pushkar’s many temples and the most easily identifiable feature in the town is the Brahma temple, which is one of only a few such buildings in the whole globe.
Another reason the town is famous is because of Pushkar Lake, which is formed by 52 ghats. People visit the lake from all across the country to dip their toes in its hallowed waters.
The sacred Pushkar Lake reverberates with the chanting and chants of four hundred blue-domed temples that surround it. Because of all the flower farms in the area, Pushkar is often called the rose garden of Rajasthan by some. This flower arrangement is delivered all over the world.
Pushkar, surrounded by hills, is a favorite spot for both pilgrims and sightseers. Recently, Pushkar has risen to prominence as a top tourist attraction in India and throughout the world.
History
Pushkar is the Sanskrit word for a blue lotus flower. The history of Pushkar is fascinating. Brahma supposedly thought Pushkar was perfect for his Mahayana. The town’s inhabitants were being murdered by a monster named Vajranash, which he soon learned about. In order to vanquish the demon, Brahma chanted a mantra upon a lotus flower.
Three locations in Pushkar—Jyaistha, Madhya, and Kanishtha Pushkar—were named after the lotus petals that fell to the ground there. Brahma conducted a yagna to ward off demons and save Pushkar. The yagna could not have been performed without Savitri, the spouse of Brahma. To finish his yagna, Brahma married a Gurjar girl named Gayatri, but she wasn’t there.
Savitri, infuriated by the wedding announcement, cursed that worship of Brahma would be limited to Pushkar. Bhopas, who are Gurjar priests, are still active in the Pushkar temple. With 3,831 inhabitants in 1901, the town was administered by the Rajputana Agency.
Things to do
Holi festival
There are many different kinds of Holi that are played in India, but Pushkar Holi stands out from the rest. Holi is a spring festival celebrated by engaging with vibrant colors. The festival is a great way to reconnect with loved ones through the act of applying color to one’s face. People from all over the world, including Israel, participate in the festival with great enthusiasm, smearing color on the faces of one another and splashing water playfully. Holi is known for its generous use of colors, both natural and artificial, with gulal being the main color. It comes in vibrant shades of pink, red, green, and yellow, among other hues.
Explore the city
The town is not very large, so you can easily explore it on foot. As you stroll around the city, you’ll be able to take in the intricate intricacies of its many stunning temples and other structures. Only a small number of tour operators also provide spiritual walking trips. We provide walks in the morning and evening. Typical stops on these walking tours include Pushkar Lake and its renowned temples, as well as opportunities to sample regional food, participate in the havan, a fire ceremony, and peruse the local market.
Camel Safari
In Pushkar, this is a common pastime. You will never forget the unforgettable experience of riding a camel across the picturesque desert backdrop as you pass through the little village. In this settlement, you may see members of many nomadic tribes. Ask the camel operator to make the camel gallop instead of stroll if you’re happy with the animal’s leisurely pace but would want it to be more thrilling. The camel safari company also provides horseback riding and camel cart trips in addition to camel rides.
Jeep safari
Jeep safaris are another thrilling way to see Rajasthan’s vast Thar Desert. This is the most exciting and quickest way to view the picturesque desert towns and take in the breathtaking desert scenery. Tourists love to go on Jeep safaris. You will never forget the sights of the golden beach and the passing towns. Jeep safaris provide a unique chance to see more than simply towns; they also allow you to visit tribal areas, old temple ruins, desert animals, and more. Just like a camel safari, a vehicle safari allows you to discover uncharted landscapes and pathways. Jeep safaris are perfect for thrill seekers and daredevils. After a day of adventuring in the bush, you may cool down with a plunge in one of the secret waterfalls.
Places to stay in Pushkar
Hotel Kishan Palace
A family-run establishment, Hotel Kishan Palace can be found on Panchkund Road. This hotel is a cheery and welcoming white Mughal structure. Pushkar Lake is about 1.3 miles from the hotel. Comel safaris, rooftop restaurants, sunrooms, and terrace lounges are all part of the hotel’s amenities.
The Green House Resort
Situated on ten acres of land, the Green House Resort is a charming boutique resort in the countryside. Tents at this luxurious resort include air conditioning, canopy ceilings, 4-poster beds, hardwood flooring, and wooden terraces. An improved tent with a sitting area and a rain shower is also available as an option. Luxurious furnishings and soaker baths are available in the suit tent. The hotel also offers a restaurant, hot tub, pool as well as a bar. Just 5 miles and 4.7 km, respectively, separate the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma temple, respectively.
Hotel Everest
Surrounded by mountains, this beautiful motel is owned by a family. Hotel Everest offers brightly decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi and antique furniture; it is about an 8-minute stroll from the famous Brahma temple. Another amenity of this hotel is its rooftop restaurant, which provides guests with breathtaking views of the landscape below.
Premvillas
Located on Panch Kund Road, this vibrant hotel is within 1.6 miles of Pushkar Lake. The hotel has a garden, an organic restaurant, and a pool, all set in a mountain and woodland setting. Additionally, they provide massage services, horseback riding, and bicycle rental.
How to reach
By Air
With Jaipur’s Sanganer Airport as its hub, Pushkar has excellent international and domestic connectivity. Located 146 km from Pushkar, this airport offers convenient connections to all major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
By Rail
Ajmer is around 11 km distant and is the closest railway station to Pushkar. Ajmer is well-connected to other important cities in Rajasthan and India, and it is also a major tourist destination in its own right. The Shatabdi Express and the Pink City Express are the two fastest trains that go to Ajmer from Delhi and Jaipur.
By Road
Pushkar is conveniently located on many major roadways in Rajasthan and India. Marwar is a bus terminal north of Pushkar that links to long-distance destinations including Bikaner, Delhi, and Jodhpur. Ajmer bus station is the second stop; it is 11 miles east of Pushkar. Ajmer, Jaipur, Indore, and Nagda are the destinations served by buses that leave Pushkar every fifteen minutes.