Pushkar, also known as, one of the oldest cities in India, is situated bordering the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert. It is known for its scenic beauty and unique temples that have a mass following among its devotees. Moreover, Pushkar is known as one of the most serene and culturally driven cities in all of Rajasthan that instantly takes you back in time. The city is also famous for its stunning hike routes and adventure sports, along with hot air balloon rides, that you need to experience once you’re here. Apart from all this, there are tons of places to visit in Pushkar that perfectly encapsulate the beauty of this city and its history.
8 Best Places To Visit Pushkar
All those who’re planning to visit Pushkar anytime soon need to know about these places and put them in your itinerary, right away.
1. Pushkar Lake
Located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, this lake is surrounded by more than fifty bathing ghats. Hindus consider it as a sacred water body and it is at this place, where the world-famous Pushkar fair is held every year.
In this fair, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake to take a holy dip, which is believed to cleanse the sins of anyone who takes a dip here. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Rajasthan and one of the most popular places to visit in Pushkar because it lies amidst beautiful hills and the lake is full of different varieties of fish.
The region surrounding the lake is home to exotic flora and fauna. There are no restrictions on timing and entry is also free to this lake.
2. Brahma Temple
It is also called Jagatpita Brahma Mandir and is located just near Pushkar lake. It is a very rare location as it is one of the few Brahma temples still in existence in the country. It was constructed using marbles and stones and has unique architectural importance.
A distinctive identity is given to this temple because of the bird motif it has. However, married men are not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum as this place is only for sanyasis. It is one of the 3 temples in India where men are not allowed. The entry here is free but the timings are from 05.30 hours in the morning to 2200 hours in the evening.
3. Pushkar Camel Fair
Also known as the Kartik Mela, because of the holy Kartik Purnima period when it is held, the Pushkar Camel Fair is famous all across the country and is amongst the most beautiful camel festivals in the world.
Every year in the month of November, this festival is held for 8 days mainly to promote the businesses of camel and cattle traders in the holy period of Kartik Purnima.
Different markets and several shops are set up featuring the Rajasthani art, culture, and handicrafts. Also, it has a unique set of activities to itself such as snake charmers, magic shows, camel parades, ghoomar, etc.
Reaching here early is required to fully enjoy the whole fair. The entry here is free but the activities require you to pay the specified charges.
4. Varaha Temple
This temple is located in the heart of Pushkar and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s avatar, which was in the form of a boar. Built on a remarkable architecture consisting of white walls and pillar along with a dome, this temple attracts a lot of Hindu devotees from all around the country mainly because of its religious importance and is one of the most-visited places to visit in Pushkar.
You can be at this temple from sunrise to sunset and the entry to is free over here. And, if you’re looking for peace and solitude, then it would be an ideal location for you in Pushkar.
5. Savitri Temple
Dedicated to the distressed wife of Lord Brahma, Gayatri, this is one of the most famous pilgrimage places to visit in Pushkar. You’d be required to reach the Ratnagiri top by climbing nearly 200 stairs, however, the facility of the ropeway is also available. It is famous mainly because of its architectural and scenic beauty.
It is believed that Goddess Gayatri took a rest here on her visit to Pushkar. There are no entry fees but the timings range from 0900 hours in the morning to 1830 hours in the evening.
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6. Rangji Temple
Known mainly for its South Indian architecture, Rangji Temple is another famous location of Pushkar. It was dedicated to Lord Rangji and also incorporates the architectural designs of the Rajputs and the Mughals, thus making it very unique.
As it is a Vishnu Temple, you will see a large number of devotees of Lord Vishnu here on important occasions. There is no entry fee and also no timing constraint is there.
7. Gurudwara Sahib Pushkar
This beautiful gurudwara is located in the heart of this town and is a popular place among Sikhs. It is believed that the two Sikh gurus, Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev took a rest here on their visit to Pushkar.
The main priest of this place has a handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered to be the most important religious scripture in Sikhism. It is open all the time and the entry is also free.
8. Gayatri Mata Temple
This temple is known for its string of mythological connections, and there is a very famous story behind this temple, it is said that Lord Brahma married an untouchable girl named Savitri, during the absence of his wife Gayatri, for which he gave her a curse.
So, Goddess Gayatri gave him a curse that he wouldn’t be worshipped anywhere else except Pushkar. Since then, both Lord Brahma and Goddess Gayatri are worshipped here in this temple. It is open for 24 hours and the entry also is free of cost.
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So, these were some of the best and most popular places to visit in Pushkar, which is not only the oldest city in the country but also a city with some of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. Moreover, the city is a beautiful representation of the Rajasthani ethical culture and morals.