About Pushkar
The only Brahma temple on earth stands here, ringed by 52 bathing ghats around a sacred Aravali lake. Come November, the camel fair swells the population to 200,000 — a week of folk music, pilgrimage and livestock trading.
History
Pushkar is one of the five sacred dhams of Hinduism, and the legend says the lake was formed when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus petal (pushp-kar) from his hand to choose the site of the only Brahma temple on earth — Brahma being otherwise uncommemorated because of a curse by his consort Saraswati. The 14th-century Brahma Temple still stands on the west side of the lake; a Hindu pilgrim is expected to bathe at one of the 52 ghats during their lifetime, ideally on Kartik Purnima (October–November full moon) when the five-day Pushkar Camel Fair draws 50,000 livestock and 200,000 visitors. The town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited in India — the Kushan emperor Kanishka's coins (2nd century CE) mention its rituals.
Best Time to Visit
October to March
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Plan your visit
Stay, fly, or ride to Pushkar, Rajasthan
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Travel Tips
- Respect the 'shanti' rules — no meat, no alcohol, no eggs, no public displays of affection within 10 km of the lake
- Photograph the ghats from a rooftop, not down at the water — pilgrims find it invasive
- Avoid 'bathing pujas' offered by touts — many are extortion rackets; use the official paid priests marked by the Pushkar Nagar Palika
- Book Camel Fair accommodation 9 months in advance — tented camps run ₹8,000–25,000 per night during the week
Famous Food in Pushkar
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Brahma Temple — the only one on earth, 14th-century rebuild
- Savitri Temple — atop Ratnagiri hill, 1 hour hike at sunrise
- Varaha Temple — Vishnu's boar incarnation, 12th-century
- Rangji Temple — south Indian-style Vishnu temple rebuilt in 1844
How to Reach Pushkar
Pushkar is located in Rajasthan, India at coordinates 26.4899°N, 74.5511°E. You can reach Pushkar by air (nearest airport in Rajasthan), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Planning Your Visit to Pushkar
Pushkar lies in Rajasthan, India, and ranks among the state’s most-visited pilgrimage destinations. The nearest major city and transport gateway is Jaipur, roughly 131 km away — most travellers route through Jaipur by air or rail before continuing on to Pushkar. Time your trip for October to March for the most comfortable weather.
Visitors from United States are eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa — apply online a few days before you fly. all on-site costs are in Indian Rupees (₹); use the currency converter above to see each ticket tier in your home currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Pushkar?
- The best time to visit Pushkar is October to March.
- What are the top travel tips for Pushkar?
- Respect the 'shanti' rules — no meat, no alcohol, no eggs, no public displays of affection within 10 km of the lake. Photograph the ghats from a rooftop, not down at the water — pilgrims find it invasive. Avoid 'bathing pujas' offered by touts — many are extortion rackets; use the official paid priests marked by the Pushkar Nagar Palika. Book Camel Fair accommodation 9 months in advance — tented camps run ₹8,000–25,000 per night during the week.
- What food is famous in Pushkar?
- Famous dishes in Pushkar include: Malpua at Sarvadia — the best in town, served with rabri, Pushkar ki Kachori at Honey & Spice, Thali at Rainbow Restaurant — rooftop, great lake view, Marwari thali at Pushkar Palace's courtyard dining.
- Where is Pushkar located?
- Pushkar is in Rajasthan, India, at 26.4899° N, 74.5511° E. The nearest major city and transport hub is Jaipur, about 131 km away.
- What are the best places to visit near Pushkar?
- Top attractions near Pushkar include Ajmer Sharif Dargah (about 8 km away), Hawa Mahal (about 136 km away), Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur (about 154 km away) — all easy to combine on a Rajasthan trip.
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