Pushkar in One Day
Being one of the oldest cities in the country, Pushkar has many sightseeing spots that absolutely cannot be missed while visiting the city. The enchanting and charismatic environment in Pushkar makes sightseeing in the city a delightful experience for everyone. Whether you are on a religious pilgrimage or on a leisure trip, holiday in Pushkar will be in unforgettable experience.Arriving in the city
Pushkar has many natural attractions that cannot be seen in just one day, however, if you are just visiting Pushkar for a few hours, there are some sights that one must see while in Pushkar. The nearest major railway station in Pushkar is the Ajmer Railway Junction, which is about 30 minutes drive from Pushkar Lake. It is best to arrive in the city early in the morning so that maximum sights can be covered within one day. Furthermore, traveling within the city is also very comfortable due to easy availability of cabs, buses and auto - rickshaws.
Morning:
If you are arriving early in the morning, you can head straight to the Brahma Temple, which is about 20 minutes from Pushkar Bus Stand. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma Temple in the entire world. Built in the 14th Century, this temple is believed to around 2000 years old and is a very important pilgrim center for Hindus. The entire temple is made out of marble with a very unique red spire and a symbol of Hansa (Swan). By the time you finish praying at Brahma Temple, it should be around mid-day, you can then head towards the famous Pushkar Lake.
Noon:
Sightseeing in Pushkar cannot be completed without visiting the famous Pushkar Lake. The lake consists of 52 bathing Ghats and around 500 sacred Hindu Temples, of which many were destroyed under the reign of Aurangzeb. A dip in the lake is considered to be a cleansing ritual for the sins one has committed. The lake is also believed to have healing properties for many skin diseases. Pushkar Lake is also the epicenter of the famous Pushkar Fair, held annually during October – November. Around the Pushkar Lake, there are many small and local restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine at a very affordable price.
After lunch, one can head towards the famous shopping markets in Pushkar. Shopping in Pushkar is a delightful experience with a wide range of Handicrafts and souvenirs available for sale. Beads, bangles, handicrafts, embroidered shoes and clothes, traditional Rajasthani outfits, curios, brass utensils are just some of items that one can purchase at Pushkar Bazaar. This famous shopping market consists of many small shops lined up together in a narrow lane. From clothing items to Ganesh Statues to books of famous authors, one can find possibly everything in this market. Be sure to bargain for each item and visit a few shops before purchasing the product.
Evening:
For visitors who love adventures like hiking, one can visit the Savitri Temple. This temple is located at an elevation of 750 feet and one has to climb a number of stairs before reaching the shrine. The climb is hard and strenuous, however the entire effort will definitely be worth it as the view from the top of hill are completely breathtaking. Other popular temples in Pushkar are Varaha Temple, Pap Mochini Temple, Rangji Temple, Mahadev Temple and Apteshwar Temple.
The best time to visit Pushkar is during winters when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. However, one can also visit Pushkar during the annual Pushkar Fair when the entire city is out on the roads celebrating. The annual Pushkar Fair is held during the months of October and November and is a great time to visit the city. Many activities such as Camel Race, Cattle Fair, Longest Mustache Competition, Bridal Competition and so on are held during the fair and any person, whether local or tourist, can take part in the festival. Pushkar Fair is a great way to know about the cultural side of Rajasthan and be a part of this grand festival.