Tourist Places To Visit In Pushkar

Situated in the Thar desert, at the heart of Rajasthan, Pushkar is a popular tourist destination not only for Indians, but also for foreigners. The chaotic beauty of this place is truly an incredible experience. The famous Pushkar fair, camel rides, the ghats, traditional arts and crafts, these are some of the things that contribute to the essence of Pushkar as a tourist spot. Below are some of the tourist places to visit in Pushkar when on a holiday here, some of the most famous ones including the Brahma Temple, Merta, Gau Ghat and Man Mahal.

Merta is a 400 year old place, which is popular for the temple of Meera Bai. Earlier, it was known as Medantak, but its name was changed to Merta. It is the birth place of Krishna Devotee Meera bai, whose story and poems are quite popular in India. Therefore, it is a popular place to visit in Pushkar. The Dadhimati temple and Charbhuja temple situated here are also worth visiting.

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India, and definitely the most popular Brahma Temple. Lord Brahma in Hinduism is accredited with being the 'Creator' of the world, and he is one part of the trinity powers of Brahma-Vishna-Mahesh. The architecture of this temple is quite sophisticated, and beautifully done. A lot of devotees and tourists visit this temple throughout the year. Some of the special poojas (worship rituals) and yagyas in Hinduism are only performed here.

The Savitri temple is the temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri, wife of Lord Brahma. Situated atop Ratnagiri hills, this temple not only offers devotion, but also a fabulous view of the town of Pushkar. The walk to the temple is quite a strenous trek. Visitors have the option of doing the trek or going by the cable car. Devotees prefer climbing to the top of the hill, as it is considered a means of achieving 'Tapas' for salvation.

In spite of being a desert town, Pushkar has a big lake in the middle, surrounded by beautiful ghats. The true cultural beauty of Pushkar can be seen on these ghats, and the temples sitting atop them. The bell-chimes, mantra-chanting, sound of nagaras, music of aarti, and illuminated diyas contribute to the charm of this place. One must also take a spiritual Bath in the lake to purify themselves. 

The cities of Pushkar and Ajmer are divided by a small hill which goes by the name of ‘Naga Pahad.’ According to a popular story, the hills of Naga Pahad are diminishing day by day, and eventually they will disappear altogether. It is believed to be the residence of Agastya Rishi.  The Nag Kund is situated in these hills.  Naga Pahad is also known for its view, and tourists can click brilliant pictures from its top.

These markets in Pushkar are the perfect destination to shop for ethnic items, handicrafts, traditional jewellery and attire, leather products, turbans, sarees, etc. The embroidered clothes, wall hangings, and other intricately made handicrafts fascinate a lot of tourists. The traditional art is preserved along with modern culture in this market. One cannot simply miss to visit this bazaar on their trip to Pushkar.

Man Mahal is a palace located near the Pushkar lake. It was built by Raja Man Singh. Currently the palace is being administered under the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and is used as a bungalow for tourists. The marvellous view of sunset, lakes and temples around here attract a lot of tourists. Camel riding and camping can be arranged as per guest requests.

Pushkar is known for is rose plantations. In fact, it is known as the rose garden of Rajasthan. For someone who loves flowers, or a touch of serenity, this place is surely to be visited. Different varieties of Rose are grown here. This colourful garden has a special aroma to it, which is almost inexplicable, only enjoyable.

A lot of foreigners and Indians are attracted to the Yoga Ashram in Pushkar. In order to rejuvenate your mind and body, and awaken your senses, you must visit this place in Pushkar. Yoga is taught, practiced and preached here, along with Indian therapeutic practices. This place is known for its Ashram like setting, with calmness and serenity in abundance.

Other popular pilgrimage and tourist spots in Pushkar include the Varah temple, Rangji temple, Ramavaikunth Temple, Mahadev Temple, Kishangarh, etc. Since this city is a religious hub in many ways, a horde of pilgrims visit here. From Vaishnavs to Shaivites, all branches of Sanatan have something or the other that is sacred to them in Pushkar. And the Brahma Temple? Well, that's one of its kind and a must-visit for every Hindu.

A unique temple, in that, it boasts of traditional South Indian architecture, the Rangji Temple is a must visit when in Pushkar. Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal built it back in the year 1823 CE to revere Lord Rangji, a form of Lord Krishna. What makes this temple even more interesting is the Mughal and Rajputi styles incorporated in its make, leaving a fusion mark on its look. The temple falls on most cycling routes that tour the city so you can stop by on your way.

Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu is one of the earliest incarnations where the great lord came in the form of half boar and half human. This avatar saved a drowning earth from the great sea of calamity by picking it up on his tusks. And here in Pushkar, Lord Varaha is worshiped. The architecture of this shrine is in dedication to this valiant avatar, its beauty all strong and sturdy domes and pillars.

Known for its history and legendary stories, the Gayatri Mata Temple is a beautiful pitstop in the city of Pushkar. The story goes — once Brahmaji married an untouchable girl called Savitri to sit with him in a yagya as his consort Gayatri wasn’t present. When Gayatri was informed of this marriage but failed to listen to the reason behind it, she cursed Brahmaji that he would be worshipped nowhere on this earth. Later she allowed that he be worshipped in Pushkar only. And hence in this temple here, Brahma and Gayatri are worshipped together.

Aloo Baba Temple, one of the most interesting and fascination places in all of Pushkar, was named for Aloo Baba. He was a man who meditated here for long years. With his long and hard penance he became a guru, preaching healthy lifestyle and simple habits. Why did he came to be called Aloo Baba? Because he is 70 years old and survives on only potatoes (aloo in Hindi). If you are lucky on your visit you may even find him sitting in one of the corners of the shrine.

Also known as the ‘cow bank,’ Gau Ghat makes for a popular tourist haunt. The Raj Babra Temple is one of the highlights around the bank, and the place is famous for those who have lost a family member and wish to do pind daan or other rituals post death. The ghat is so sacred in Sanatan dharma that the ashes of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Pundit Nehru and even Gandhiji were immersed from this ghat in the lake. Shopping for little trinkets, handicrafts and idols is fun from the small street shops lining the ghat.

Budha Pushkar Lake is the place where King Ram performed the last rites of his father Dashrath after he was exiled from Ayodhya. This in itself makes the lake an entity of legends. Recently the lake, which was almost turning into a desert, has been restored and refilled to its former glory. Attracting huge number of devotees and tourists all through the year, Budha Pushkar Lake makes for one interesting visit.

Varaha Ghat is famous, more than most other ghats of Pushkar, for its grand aarti that is done every shayan (evening). As the sun sets, an aarti is performed with all rituals to revere the lake and the gods. All the hymns echo off into the darkening world as on the beats of bells the aarti is done. People from all walks of life, be it locals or tourists, flock here for this spectacle. After the aarti, you can enjoy a walk by the parallel market selling loads of local handicrafts and jewellery.

The highlight of Pushkar, the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most exciting times to be in this town. It falls in the Kartik month (November-December), and is also hence popular as the Kartik Mela, when the local tribesmen and cattle herders gather at one place to trade their cattle (mainly camels). This gathering gives rise to a fair, with camel races, musical nights, games, shows and parades. The fair is set up on a field by the NH89 intersecting with Brahma Temple road.

A hip little cafe in Pushkar, Doctor Cafe is a blend of Chinese, Italian and unique Israeli cuisine. A lot of foreign tourists are found milling around here during season, especially during breakfast. The place is clean and very hygienic, hence makes an impact on most guests who choose to return again and again even on one single trip. Doctor Cafe is located near the Brahma Temple, putting it smack in the middle of all activity.

Another awesome cafe in Pushkar, Laughing Buddha Cafe Pushkar is a backpacker’s delight. Travellers are found in hordes here, eating everything from vegan to gluten free to lactose free to keto. This place is that cool. Healthy juices, salads, smoothies etc are perfect here. The ambiance is also very soothing and calming, with mouth watering scents of burritos, lasagna and fresh falafels wafting in the air. Laughing Buddha Cafe Pushkar is located on Gau Ghat.