Rajasthan
Pushkar Travel Guide
A holy lake town known for its Brahma temple and camel fair.
- Best months Oct–Mar
- Ideal trip length 1–2 days
Pushkar is a small holy town around a sacred lake in Rajasthan, ringed by hills and famous for one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma. It is a relaxed place of ghats, bazaars and cafes, and its annual camel fair is one of India's best-known festivals. One to two days is enough, and it pairs easily with Jaipur or Ajmer.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to March is the best season. The camel fair is held around the time of Kartik Purnima in October or November, when the town is at its busiest and rooms need booking well ahead. Summers are very hot, and the monsoon months are green and quiet.
How to reach
The nearest airports are Kishangarh (near Ajmer) and Jaipur, which is the larger option, followed by a road transfer.
Ajmer Junction, about 15 km away, is the main railhead, with trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and other cities. Taxis and buses connect Ajmer with Pushkar.
Pushkar is reached by road from Ajmer over a short hill route, and from Jaipur in around three hours. Taxis are easy to arrange.
Where to stay
Staying near the lake and main ghats puts you within walking distance of temples and cafes. Guesthouses, havelis and tented camps are available for all budgets, and quieter stays are found away from the bazaar. Book early for the camel fair.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Pushkar Lake and ghats
A sacred lake surrounded by many bathing ghats; visitors walk the ghats barefoot, and the evening aarti is a calm moment.
- 2
Brahma Temple
One of the few temples in India dedicated to Brahma, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus.
- 3
Savitri Temple
A hilltop temple above the town, reached by a climb or ropeway, with views of the lake and desert at sunset.
- 4
Pushkar Camel Fair
An annual fair with camel trading, livestock markets, sports and cultural events, held around the October to November full moon.
- 5
Main Bazaar
A lively street of shops selling textiles, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
- 6
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
A major Sufi shrine in nearby Ajmer, easily combined with a trip to Pushkar.
Food to try
Pushkar is a vegetarian town, and eggs, meat and alcohol are not served in the main area. Try malpua, a sweet fried pancake, along with rabri, dal baati and the many cafes serving vegetarian international dishes.
Travel tips
- Be polite but firm with strangers who offer flowers or a quick prayer at the ghats and then ask for money; you can say no and walk on.
- Remove your shoes and dress modestly at the ghats and temples, and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.
- Book rooms very early for the camel fair, and expect higher prices.
- Pushkar is a holy town, so respect the local rules on food, alcohol and behaviour.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Pushkar?
One full day covers the lake, the temples and the bazaar. Stay two days for the sunset at Savitri Temple and a visit to Ajmer.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
It takes place around the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November. Dates vary by year, so check the official Rajasthan Tourism announcements.
Is Pushkar vegetarian-only?
Within the town, meat, eggs and alcohol are not served. Outside the main area, rules and availability may differ.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.