13 Best Things To Do In Pushkar In 2025
Are you planning a visit to Pushkar? Read on for the best things to do!
Pushkar is a lesser known destination in Rajasthan and that is very much part of the appeal. You can slow down and enjoy a more laid back city here. It’s known for backpacker and hippie travelers because it still has all the hustle and bustle of India with a touch of tranquility.
How much time do I need to explore Pushkar?
Pushkar is best explored over 1 to 2 days, making it an ideal stop on a broader Rajasthan itinerary. With its compact layout, you can easily visit the top attractions in a single day.
If you’re short on time, a day trip from nearby cities like Jaipur or Ajmer can also give you a good glimpse of the town’s charm.
For a more immersive experience, consider staying for more than 2 days. This allows you to enjoy a peaceful sunrise or sunset at the ghats, hike to Savitri Temple, and take a desert safari. If your visit coincides with the Pushkar Camel Fair, plan for 3 days to fully soak in the festivities without feeling rushed.
13 Best Things To Do In Pushkar
Below are my top recommendations for a quick trip to this city. You’ll only need a couple days here, but if you are immersing yourself in the chilled out vibes then you can settle in for a week or two.
1. Visit Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is a serene and spiritual hub, surrounded by 52 ghats. A sunrise or sunset stroll along the ghats or participating in an evening aarti is a must for every visitor.
Sunset Café is directly across from the lake and has tables outside on the street that give a nice view of the lake while also providing interesting people watching. Alternatively, a nice rooftop with lake views is the aptly named Café Lake View.
2. Savitri Mata Ropeway
Take the cable car up to Savitri Temple on a hill overlooking Pushkar for views of the city and beyond. Alternatively, you can hike up via a stone stairway (it takes 15-20 minutes depending on how many breaks you need to take).
While enjoying the view at the top be careful of all the monkeys; they are used to people and will snatch any food. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a chance to see the hills light up in color.
3. Shop Local
There are plenty of cute little shops selling anything from clothes and accessories to furniture. My personal favorites included home accessory shops that had cute décor and pillows. It was very hard to stop myself from buying anything. Sadar Bazaar is a main shopping area, but you’ll find shops scattered around town.
I’m not normally a big souvenir shopper, but I do think India can offer special items that are worth buying to keep a piece of your trip with you back home, especially in smaller cities and towns where there is quality craftsmanship. Avoid the cheap plastic knickknacks that can be prevalent.
You can and should haggle in most cases. You can start at half of what they offer and then meet halfway so you’re paying around 75% of what they originally set as the price.
4. Visit Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple is the most popular temple in Pushkar because it is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. This makes Pushkar a Holy Site and the journey to visit is an important pilgrimage for Hindus.
5. Witness Evening Aarti at the Ghats
Go to the ghats around Pushkar Lake in the evening to see the Hindu tradition of prayer offerings that includes lighting candles or diyas. This ritual is also known for happening in Varansi and other towns along the Ganges River.
6. Go for a Walking Tour
Here are just a couple options for easy walking tours with local guides. Having a local take you around is always a good idea in India, where many of the best spots are found through word of mouth and not on Google.
➡️ Afternoon Walk Tour with Sunset & Fire Ritual -The Pushkar Route: Takes you around Pushkar and shows you the temples. You also get to participate in the ritual of the evening fire ceremony.
➡️ Walking Sightseeing Tour – The Shine Pushkar: The local guide will take you through the highlights of Pushkar while explaining the history and cultural significance.
7. Enjoy Local Food
Pushkar is a vegetarian town with a variety of delicious street food and cafes. Try the iconic malpua (sweet pancake) or savor dishes at the many lakeside cafes offering stunning views and chilled vibes.
8. Attend the Annual Pushkar Camel Fair
I would be remiss not to mention that many people travel here for the annual camel fair (typically held in November), but I can’t comment on it since that is not when I visited. It is said to bring 200,000 people to town so unless your purpose of the trip is to attend the fair, I would avoid this more peaceful town at that time.
This iconic event showcases camel races, cultural performances, and traditional competitions. It’s a unique glimpse into Rajasthan’s rural life and a photographer’s paradise.
9. Find your inner peace with Yoga or Meditation Session
Pushkar’s spiritual ambiance makes it an ideal place to reconnect with yourself. Many ashrams and yoga centers offer classes for beginners and experts alike. Start your day with yoga by the lake for a truly rejuvenating experience.
10. Witness the Sunset at Pap Mochani Temple
This lesser-known temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a peaceful retreat for sunset lovers. The short hike rewards you with sweeping views of Pushkar bathed in golden hues.
It takes about 20 minutes to hike from the base to the top of the hill the temple sits on. It’s a rocky path with some rocks arranged like stair steps.
11. Go on a Desert Safari
Venture into the Thar Desert with a camel or jeep safari. You’ll pass through sand dunes, quaint villages, and lush oases. End your day with a sunset over the dunes and a traditional Rajasthani meal under the stars.
12. Take a Ride in Hot Air Balloon
For a unique perspective of Pushkar, try a hot air balloon ride during the Camel Fair or any calm morning for breathtaking aerial views.
13. Capture the Charm of Pushkar’s Streets
Pushkar’s narrow streets are filled with murals and colorful doors, making it a haven for photographers.
Where To Stay In Pushkar
Staying in Pushkar itself offers you the ability to step in and out of the busy streets whenever you want throughout your day. But there are also plenty of larger hotels and resorts around Pushkar that have sprawling properties in the Aravalli Hills that make for a nice relaxing setting.
Ajmer is a neighboring city with accommodation to consider. I stayed here and my hotel helped me arrange transport and a guide for exploring Pushkar.
📍Luxury option: Pratap Mahal Ajmer is a little outside of town, but the property makes it worth it. It is pretty and peaceful, surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. You get the experience of Taj service but at a lesser price point since it’s a less popular destination. We stayed here and took a full tour of the property as we were considering it for our wedding (and we came VERY close to picking it for our celebration). The hotel will happily arrange a car and/or guide to take you into town for sightseeing.
📍Budget option: Inn Seventh Heaven is centrally located in town so it’s perfect for exploring the area on foot.
How To Get To Pushkar
Pushkar does not have its own airport so I recommend flying into Jaipur and getting a car to Pushkar. Private car is the easiest way to travel much of Rajasthan, though there are also bus and train options.
Drive from Jaipur: ~3 hours, ~145 km
Drive from Jodhpur: ~4.5 hours, ~180 km
If you’re planning travel around Rajasthan and want to also see the Taj Mahal, check out the best ways to get between Jaipur and Agra.
Is Pushkar Worth Visiting?
Pushkar is one of Rajasthan’s most unique destinations, offering a mix of spirituality, and history. Known for its sacred lake and the iconic Brahma Temple, Pushkar attracts pilgrims and travelers from around the world. Its small-town charm, coupled with its distinct traditions, makes it a refreshing contrast to Rajasthan’s larger cities.
A major draw of Pushkar is its spiritual ambiance. Even if you’re not religious, the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful rituals by the lake create an unforgettable experience.
You can add Pushkar in as a 1-day stop on a larger Rajasthan Itinerary or even stay for a few days.
TLDR: Top Things To Do In Pushkar
Pushkar’s hippie vibes make it a perfect destination for those looking to get in touch with their spiritual side. From witnessing evening aarti at Pushkar Lake to visiting the many temples, you’ll definitely feel the spirituality here.
If you buy souvenirs at one place in Rajasthan, I recommend the Pushkar; I was impressed with the quality of the items for the price. Remember to relax and enjoy this chilled out Indian city!
If continuing your travels in Rajasthan then read more about how to spend two days in Udaipur.