The quaint town of Pushkar is located at a distance of 11 kms from Ajmer in eastern Rajasthan. Separating the two cities is the NagPahar or Snake Mountain. Pushkar is a major pilgrim centre and is thronged by a plethora of sadhus and devotees. This small little desert town is a maze of narrow streets brimming with shops, food stalls, hotels and temples. Since the town is tourist-friendly, visitors usually have no trouble finding their way around.
History:
The city of Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma (The Creator). The temple dedicated to Lord Brahma was destroyed by Aurangazeb in the 17th century and later rebuilt by the Maratha king, Daulat Ram Scindia in 1809.
Best For:
The Cattle Fair (the largest camel fair in the world) held during the Full Moon Night of Kartik Pournima (October – November) transforms the ancient town of Pushkar into a spectacular fair ground. Pushkar is also known as the “City of Temples” and is visited by many for the famous Brahma Temple.
Pushar is abuzz with activity during the Kartik Pournima (October- November) when the popular Pushkar fair is hosted by the Rajasthan Government. The fair provides a rare opportunity for visitors to witness an incredibly huge assembly of camels, cattles, livestock, traders, pilgrims, tourists as well as film makers. Summer temperature range from a maximum of 45 Degree Celsius to a minimum of 25 Degree Celsius so light cotton clothes could be the preferable choice whereas light woolen clothes should be packed for the winter months when the temperature can drop down to 8 Degree Celsius. The rainy season usually begins from the month of July and lasts till mid September so the best time to travel is between the cool months of October to March.
Cash and travellers cheques can be changed at The State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur at places along Sadar Bazaar Road or at any of the heritage hotels which have a money exchange desk.
Pushkar can be reached by rail or road from the nearest international airports which are located at Jaipur and Delhi.
Getting Around – Road Travel Bus services are available from Ajmer to Pushkar, which is located just 11 kms away. Comfortable deluxe air-conditioned buses also operate from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and other cities of Rajasthan. Some buses, especially those travelling via Jodhpur, involve a change of bus and an extra fare so one is required to be careful while booking the ticket. A bicycle is the best way to go around Pushkar as no auto rickshaws are allowed in the town centre. Luggage can be carried to and from the bus stand by porters called wallahs who use hand drawn carts.
Getting Around – Train Travel Pushkar is well connected to all the metropolitan cities of India including Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai as well as Madurai, Mysore and Jaipur via Ajmer which is on the broad gauge.
Pushkar Lake- This lake is surrounded by a flight 52 of steps called ghats. The water of the lake is considered sacred and the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) were immersed at Gandhi Ghat.
Brahma Temple – This is the most famous temple at Pushkar marked by a red spire. Over the entrance gateway is the 'hans' or goose, the symbol of Brahma. Inside, the floor and walls are engraved with dedications to the dead.
The Temple of Savitri – This temple dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri is located on a hilltop. An hour’s trek gives a beautiful view of the lake below.
Shiva Temples – Located near Ajaypal, about 8 kms southwest of the town are a number of Shiva temples which can be a good excursion on motorbike.
Shopping:
The narrow bazaars of Pushkar are lined with an assortment of interesting small shops selling silver and bead jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed sheets, cushion covers, glass lamps and Rajasthani puppets. Textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur and brassware from Jaipur can be bought here. The Khadi Gramodhyog on Sadar Bazaar Road is a fixed price shop where traditional hand-woven shirts, shawls and scarves can be bought.
Nearby Places:
Ajmer, located at a distance of 11 kms from Pushkar can be visited as a one day destination while lodging at Pushkar.
During the Pushkar Fair, 50,000 camels are sold, decorated, shaved and raced. Movies are shown, animal races and competitions such as the popular moustache competition and bridal competition are held. Folk dramas, skits, folk dances, acrobatics and puppet shows are organized in order to entertain tourists. Body tattooing is a favourite activity at the fair. 5th to 13th November 2008 and 25th October to2nd November 2009 are the dates for the Pushkar Fair. Visitors should make bookings in advance in order to avoid disappointment as rates usually spiral up during the fair.
Where To Eat:
Pushkar has plenty of vegetarian eateries but hygiene standards are sometimes lacking so it is advisable to eat meals at the busiest places where the food is more likely to be freshly cooked rather than reheated.
Where To Stay:
One of the heritage hotels is Hotel Pushkar Palace on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. It belongs to the Maharaja of Kishangarh.
Hotel Jagat Singh Palace located 144 kms from the airport and 12 kms from the railway station is another popular heritage hotel known for its restaurant. Umaid Bhavan serves not only local Rajasthani food but also Continental and Chinese dishes.
Hotel Sarovar, located next to Pushkar Palace, is set in spacious grounds and offers Indian, Continental and Chinese food.
Pushkar Resort, set in an orchard 5 kms away from the town, has modern and comfortable cottages and a pool shaded by palms.
The RTDC Tourist Village is put up especially for the fair. The village is arranged in blocks of tents.
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Horse and camel safaris can be arranged through hotels or travel agents and most organizers can treat visitors to a tailor–made safari which is a good way to explore the landscape. It offers a good chance to have a unique rural experience and visit some little known spots. A camel safari can also be arranged all the way to Jaisalmer, a journey of about four weeks.
For reiki, yoga and shiatsu, the Reiki Master at Baba Restaurant can be contacted.
Pushkar can be a rare opportunity to enjoy an enriching mystical experience and forget the stress and strain of the daily grind. One can get mesmerized by the rich strains of haunting music floating across the desert sand during the fair but those allergic to dust or animal hair may face some trouble in this overcrowded place and should carry proper medication.
