Top Things To Do In Pushkar 2024
Are you planning a visit to Pushkar? Read on for the top 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.
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.
Sunset at Pushkar Lake
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where to Stay in 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.
TL;DR: 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.