Best months
Per-day budget
₹580–1,300/day
Getting there
Pushkar is a small town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, built around a sacred lake that is believed to have been created by a lotus flower dropped by Brahma. It is one of the few places in the world with a temple dedicated to Brahma, and the lake with 52 ghats is the spiritual centre of the town. The vibe in Pushkar is a mix of pilgrimage and backpacker tourism — you will find sadhus and priests on the ghats alongside Israeli cafes and rooftop restaurants. The town is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, which keeps the energy calm. The November Camel Fair is the main event, drawing thousands of livestock traders, photographers and travellers from around the world. Outside fair season, Pushkar is a relaxed place for a few days of slow wandering, temple visits and lake-side sitting.
Plan your trip to Pushkar Travel Guide — Sacred Lake and Camel Fair
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Why go
Pushkar's spiritual centre is the Pushkar Lake, surrounded by 52 ghats where pilgrims perform rituals and bathe in the holy water. The Brahma Temple, one of the very few dedicated to Brahma anywhere in the world, stands at the edge of the lake and dates back to the 14th century. The temple is simple compared to Rajasthan's other grand temples but has a genuine, lived-in atmosphere. The evening aarti at the lake is less theatrical than Haridwar's but more intimate. Savitri Temple, on the hill above town, involves a 40-minute hike and offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding desert.
The Pushkar Camel Fair, held each year in October or November on the Kartik Purnima full moon, is the town's biggest cultural event. For a week, the desert around Pushkar fills with thousands of camels, horses and cattle brought by Rajasthan's herder communities. There are competitions, folk performances, and a carnival atmosphere. Outside the fair dates, Pushkar's bazaar is worth a walk — it sells embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery, leather goods and the famous Pushkar laddoos. The town has a relaxed, international traveller culture that makes it easy to meet people.
Pushkar's rooftop cafe culture is one of the best in Rajasthan. Many cafes overlook the lake or the ghats, serving everything from Rajasthani thalis to Israeli breakfasts and Italian pasta. The town is small and walkable, so you never need transport. You can spend a day walking clockwise around the lake (the parikrama path), stopping at ghats and cafes. The Savitri Temple hike is an easy evening activity. For a longer day trip, the Pushkar wildlife sanctuary or the nearby Ajmer Sharif dargah are within 30 minutes by auto.
How to reach
The nearest railhead is Ajmer Junction, about 15 km from Pushkar. Regular trains from Delhi to Ajmer take 6-8 hours (sleeper class ₹300-500). From Ajmer, local buses to Pushkar run every 15 minutes and cost ₹30-50. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹300-500 for the ride. Confirm current fares and frequency locally before setting out. Direct overnight buses from Delhi to Pushkar are also available (₹500-800, 8-10 hours). The nearest airport is Jaipur, about 150 km away, with flights from Delhi under ₹4,000. From Jaipur, buses to Ajmer run frequently and take about 2.5 hours.
What a day costs
| Dorm bed / budget hotel | ₹300–600 |
| Food (thali / cafe meals) | ₹200–400 |
| Local transport (auto / bus) | ₹30–100 |
| Entry fees / temple visits | ₹50–200 |
When to go
October to March is the best period. The weather is pleasant for walking, the lake is full, and the cafes are busy. The Pushkar Camel Fair falls in October or November — book accommodation months in advance if attending. April to June is hot — daytime temperatures cross 40°C and the town is quiet. July to September is monsoon — the lake fills up and the landscape turns green, but it can be humid. December to February is cool and can get chilly at night — carry a light jacket. The fair season aside, Pushkar is never very crowded and you can find a quiet spot any time of year.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Lake Walk
Arrive in Pushkar from Ajmer or Delhi by afternoon. Check into a hostel near the lake. Walk the parikrama path around the lake — it takes about an hour and passes all 52 ghats. Visit the Brahma Temple before sunset. Have dinner at a rooftop cafe overlooking the lake.
Day 2: Savitri Temple and Bazaar
Wake up early and hike up to Savitri Temple before it gets hot — the trail starts near the Brahma Temple and takes 40 minutes to the top. The view of the lake and the town from the top is worth the climb. Spend the afternoon walking through the Pushkar bazaar. Visit the Pushkar market for textiles and jewellery.
Day 3: Ajmer Dargah or Desert Walk
Take a morning bus or auto to Ajmer (30 minutes) to visit the Ajmer Sharif dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti — one of India's most important Sufi shrines. Return to Pushkar by lunch. Spend the afternoon at a quiet ghat away from the main area. Pack for your onward journey.
Student hacks
- ▸Hostels on the lake side near the Brahma Temple are cheapest — walk-in rates can be ₹100-200 less than online prices.
- ▸The Savitri Temple hike is free and offers the best view of Pushkar — do it at sunrise to avoid heat and crowds.
- ▸Beware of touts at the lake ghats offering free blessings — they expect ₹500-1,000 as donation afterward. Say no firmly at the start.
- ▸No alcohol is sold in Pushkar — stock up in Ajmer if you want a drink at your hotel, but do not consume in public areas.
- ▸The Camel Fair dates change each year — check the Rajasthan tourism calendar before booking if you plan to attend.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit Pushkar. The lake ghats and temples are open to all. Be aware of touts and self-appointed priests at the ghats who may offer to perform a puja and then demand a large donation — a polite refusal without engagement is the safest approach. The Savitri Temple trail is well used and safe. Pushkar is a vegetarian and alcohol-free town — do not carry or consume alcohol within the municipal limits. ATMs are available in the main market. The town is very safe for solo travellers, including women, though lanes can be quiet after 10 PM.
FAQs
How do I reach Pushkar from Delhi?
Take a train from Delhi to Ajmer Junction (sleeper class ₹300-500, 6-8 hours), then a local bus from Ajmer to Pushkar (₹30-50, 30 minutes). Direct overnight buses from Delhi to Pushkar are also available.
What is special about Pushkar Lake?
Pushkar Lake is considered one of the most sacred lakes in India. It has 52 ghats and is surrounded by temples. Pilgrims bathe in the lake believing it cleanses sins. The evening aarti at the lake is a quieter, more intimate ceremony than in Haridwar or Varanasi.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
The fair is held each year in October or November, coinciding with the Kartik Purnima full moon. It lasts about a week. Exact dates are announced by the Rajasthan tourism department a few months in advance.
Is alcohol available in Pushkar?
No. Pushkar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town. Liquor is not sold anywhere within the municipal limits. Do not carry alcohol in public. The nearest place to buy alcohol is Ajmer.
Is Pushkar safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Pushkar is very safe and sees many solo travellers from around the world. The main ghat area and market streets are busy until late evening. Stay clear of isolated stretches of the lake after dark.
What should I buy in Pushkar?
Pushkar is known for embroidered textiles, silver jewellery, leather items, and camphor-based products. The main bazaar near the Brahma Temple is the best place. Bargaining is expected — start at half the quoted price.