Pushkar: History, Geography, Time to Visit & Tourist Places

If you are looking to rejuvenate through spirituality, Pushkar is the place to be. In the northwest of Ajmer, bordering the desert, Pushkar is an ancient city with lots of history to it. Thousands of vacationers and devotees across religions and geographies converge to this city throughout the year to have their dose of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.

Thanks to its mesmerizing roses exported the world over, Pushkar has earned the moniker of the ‘Rose Garden of Rajasthan’. Also, the city is recognized for its timeless architectural legacy and rich mythology.

If Pushkar is on your bucket list, we offer all the information for ready reference when creating a bespoke itinerary. Check out to learn more on when and how to reach Pushkar, along with the top 20 places you must visit. The point is to help you plan well for a memorable trip.

Location and Geography

Pushkar India, located at the center-east of Rajasthan, is placed in the lap of the Aravalli hills. The place is well connected with the rest of the world through highway 58. Ajmer, the closest city, is at a 10 km distance from Pushkar. Also, it’s the nearest major railway station in the area. The city is situated at an elevation of 510 meters and is surrounded by hillocks from three sides. Jaipur to Pushkar is a 144 km run, accomplishable in 2 hours 50 minutes.

How to Reach Pushkar?

You can reach Pushkar by Bus, train, and flight.

By Air: At a distance of 146 km from Puskar, Sanganer Airport in the capital city is the nearest to Pushkar. You can reach there from all the other parts of the country. From the airport, public transport is available as well.
By Train: If you want to come to Pushkar by train, then accessing a train to Ajmer is the best option. From there, local trains are available to take you to Pushkar Terminus Railway station. The station has been functional since 2012.
By Bus: The bus is the primary means of transportation in Pushkar. The place is well connected through a network of highways. Thus, buses from all the major cities like Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Jaipur are available. Ajmer to Pushkar is a 40-minute ride.

When is the Best Time to Visit Pushkar?

Pushkar Rajasthan is a desert city. The desert receives intermittent rainfall and thus, has its own color to showcase in each season. You will see a different aspect of the city, no matter when you visit. That said, the best time to visit is subject to your travel objectives.

To experience pleasant weather during your desert safaris, you may consider going to the place from November to March. During the winter, the temperature lies within 15 degrees. The summer tends to be extreme with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees making it hard to sustain outside. If you are more of a spiritual person and want to explore locales rather than the desert, you may consider going there in the month of November when the Pushkar fair takes place.

Pushkar Annual Average Temperature:

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Avg Temp.

15.2 °C

18.6 °C

24.3 °C

29.9 °C

33 °C

32.2 °C

28.6 °C

26.6 °C

27.2 °C

26.1 °C

21.4 °C

16.7 °C

History of Pushkar

The history of Pushkar is rich, replete with mythologies. That’s why it is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim sites in the country. They even call it the ‘Teerthraj’, the king of all pilgrim sites. Pushkar has the only Brahma mandir in the world.

Legend tells us that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, himself created the Pushkar lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma’s children, Brahma retaliated and struck him with his weapon, the lotus. The Pushkar Lake formed with the impact of one of the lotus petals.

In his famous book Abhigyan Shakuntalam, an eminent Indian poet Kalidasa has given a lot of importance to Pushkar. The 4th-century Chinese traveller Fa-Hian wrote a travelogue on this holy city. There’s some literature from the Mughal invasion of India which also talks about Pushkar.

Pushkar at a Glance:

District: Ajmer
Elevation: 510 m
Average Annual Temperature: 25 Degree Celsius
Average annual precipitation: 451 mm
Population: 21,626 (2011)
Distance from Jaipur: 150 Kilometres
Famous for: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage, Fairs
Nearby Cities: Ajmer, Jaipur, Pali, Bhilwara, Jodhpur
Nicknames: Teerathraj, Rose Garden of Rajasthan

Now, you know all the basic information about Pushkar, let’s have a look at the top 20 places that you must explore on your trip.

20 Top Pushkar Tourist Places

Pushkar has a reputation for being home to some stunning tourist attractions. Here is a list of some must-visit locations in Pushkar.

1. Pushkar Lake

It’s the prime tourist attraction in Pushkar and one of the most religiously significant places across the country. Located in the core of Pushkar and surrounded by the Aravallis, the lake receives lakhs of pilgrims each year. People believe in the therapeutic capabilities of Pushkar Lake water. Per a popular perception, taking a bath here treats skin diseases.

Pushkar Lake has enjoyed tremendous popularity since antiquity. However, due to limits on pilgrimage tax and religious processions during the Mughal rule, the lake lost its significance temporarily. It regained its lost status during the reign of Akbar.

When Should You Visit?: If you want to experience the time-honored traditions and culture of Pushkar, then plan a visit during the Pushkar fair. The fair starts from Karthik Purnima in November. However, if you don’t like crowds, consider visiting Pushkar anytime between October and March.
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Entry Fee: Zero

2. Mahadeva Temple

It is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination in Pushkar, located on the banks of the Pushkar Lake in the city’s core. There is a marble idol of Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum having five faces. Each face represents five different avatars of Shiva, including Sadyojat, Aghor, Vamadeva, Ishaan, and Tatpurush. Around the main shrine, you’ll come across statues and carvings depicting many Hindu deities.

The temple holds a magnificent architectural style inspired by the local traditions. There are also numerous exquisite carvings and complex embellishments representing Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls and pillars as well. It was built in the nineteenth century.

When Should You Visit?: Mahashivaratri is Lord Shiva’s feast, and it is considered the right time to visit the temple. On this day, a large feast is hosted at the temple, which is adorned with lights and flowers.
Location: Main Market Rd, Pushkar, India
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: Zero

3. Merta

Mira Bai was born in Merta City, some 60 kilometers from Pushkar. The city honors its iconic daughter with a 500-year-old antique temple. A deluge of visitors who come across Pushkar city visit the temple every year. In Merta City, a museum is being developed near the Mira Bai temple. This museum contains a picture-by-picture account of Mira Bai’s life. You must visit the museum at least once to comprehend Mira Bai’s life struggles.

When Should You Visit?: You can visit the temple in Merta at the time of Mira bai Jayanti. The birth anniversary of one of the greatest Krishna devotees, Mira bai, is celebrated during the Sharad Purnima. Thus, visiting the temple at that time will allow you to know the mysteries surrounding Meera bai’s life from the locals.
Opening hours: From 04:30 in the morning to noon.
Entry Fee: Free

4. Naga Pahar

It is nestled in the middle of Ajmer and Pushkar Lake. This is where Agastya Muni is said to have lived. It is also stated that Nag Kund first appeared in Naga Pahar. Nag Pahar is also thought to be the home of Vaatu, Lord Brahma’s son, who lived on this hill after being punished for mischief by the sage Chyavana. The splendor of this location and religious significance make it a must-visit. It is also known for its spiritual walks and trekking.

When Should You Visit?: Usually, visitors come throughout the year to visit Agastya Muni’s cave. To have the best experience, visit at the time, Pushkar Mela.
Opening hours: Open all-day
Entry Fee: Free

5. Brahma’s Temple

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage places to visit in Pushkar. It honors Brahma, who is credited with creating the universe. Mind you, it’s the only temple in the world devoted to him. The temple attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Because of the presence of the Brahma temple, this little place has immense spiritual significance. It is one of the world’s 10 main religious sites and one of India’s five holiest shrines for Hindus.

The Brahma Temple, which is about 2000 years old, is thought to have been built in the 14th century. Images of Lord Brahma’s two wives, Gayatri and Savitri, are housed in the temple, which is made of marble and massive stone boulders. Also, you will find over 500 temples in Pushkar, both new and old. The Brahma temple, which is located here, is the eldest and most important of all these temples.

When Should You Visit?: Visitors come all through the year. However, during the Pushkar Mela, it receives the highest footfalls.
Opening hours: In Summers, the time for darshan is from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you are visiting in the winter months, then the opening hours are different. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening.
Entry fee: Free

6. Man Mahal

The exquisite Man Mahal in Pushkar, which was built as Man Singh’s royal home, is one of the key points of interest in the city. It was a popular place for royals and select guests of Sawai Raja Mansingh to unwind and take in the panoramic vistas of the area.

Man Mahal is currently being transformed into a heritage hotel and is operated by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). Post the transformation, they’ll call it Hotel Sarovar Pushkar. Man Mahal offers a stunning example of architecture, offering shutterbugs some stunning photographic opportunities.

When Should You Visit?: Since the palace-turned-hotel is situated on the border of the desert, the summer is quite extreme in this region. Thus, visiting the Man Mahal in the winter is recommended. From November to February, the weather remains soothing.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours if you want to book a stay at the hotel. But just for exploring the palace, you need to visit between 9AM to 5 PM.

7. Rose Garden

Pushkar’s Rose Garden is a beautiful site amid Rajasthan’s desert. There are huge areas of land covered in fragrant red roses of varying colours. Some of the rose species are farmed by local farmers, while others are imported from across the world.

8. Sarafa Bazar

Sarafa Bazaar is one of Pushkar’s most popular markets, with little businesses placed next to each other along the roadside. Apart from handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, Kashi Dakari camel coverings, and colourful sculptures of various gods and goddesses, the market also includes Rajasthan’s specialty, stone bangles.

Opening hours: Open all-day
Entry Fee: Free

9. Kishangarh

Kishangarh is known for its antiques, forts, and marble mines all over the world. The majestic Kuchamarts and Phool Mahal Palace can be visited on your visit to Kishangarh. The calm Gundalu Lake, where a variety of bird species may be found, is one of the key attractions here. Feel free to purchase marble antiques, presents, and souvenirs.

10. Varaha Temple

Varaha Temple is Pushkar’s largest and oldest temple, honoring Lord Varaha Boar. It is thought to be Lord Vishnu’s third avatar. The shrine features an idol of Lord Vishnu depicting a wild boar-shaped boar. The ancient Varaha temple was damaged by Aurangzeb in 1727. It took Sawaiman Singh, the then Raja of Jaipur to restore its former glory. Aside from the majestic idol of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, various incarnations of Lord Vishnu are represented throughout the temple with exquisite handiwork.

Opening hours: Between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM and from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

11. Savitri Mata Temple

It honors Goddess Savitri, Lord Brahma’s first spouse. You will find this holy shrine on Ratnagiri Hill in the Aravalli mountain range. This temple houses the idols of Lord Brahma’s first and second wives, Savitri and Gayatri. Savitri Devi, however, is always adored first. The place offers stunning vistas of Pushkar City and Pushkar Lake. Also, the sunrise and sunset from Savitri Devi Temple can be an unforgettable experience. Because the temple is atop the Ratnagiri hill, you’ll have to walk 200 steps to get there, which could be a tad exhausting.

Opening hours: From 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 to 9:00 PM.

12. Rangji Temple

Another popular temple in the tinsel town is the Rangji Temple, devoted to Lord Rangji, whom they consider an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The shrine stands out from the rest of Pushkar’s old temples, thanks to its exquisite architecture. The architecture reflects influences from South Indian, Rajput, and Mughal architecture. Every year, devotees flock to the Lord Rangji temple to seek his blessings. The temple houses idols of Lord Rangji, along with that of Goddess Lakshmi and Sri Ramanujacharya.

Opening hours: From 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, darshan isn’t available from 12 pm to 4pm.

13. Gurudwara Sahib Pushkar

Pushkar isn’t religiously significant for Hindus only. Even Sikhs throng this place for some religious reasons. Their destination is Gurdwara Sahib, honouring Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru. A manuscript of holy Sikh scripture is also available here, which they attribute to Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself.

Location: Opp. Indian Overseas Bank, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Opening hours: Open 24 hours.

14. Gayatri Mata Temple

Gayathri Temple is among the most frequented tourist attractions in the state. It is devoted to Goddess Gayatri, revered as a sin-forgiver. This temple is also known as Pap Mochini Temple. Obviously, devotees visit the Pap Mochini temple in the hopes of finding salvation. This temple is also linked to the Mahabharata tale of Guru Dron’s son Ashwatthama who came here for forgiveness and salvation. You can visit it at any hour of the day.

Opening hours: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm

15. Varaha Ghat

There are 52 ghats on Pushkar Lake, each with its own significance. Varaha Ghat has to be the hands-down the most popular of them all. The ghat offers an entirely different view of Pushkar Lake in the evening. It hosts an aarti every evening, which is a tourist attraction.

At night, Bhajan evening concerts at the Ghat promote mental relaxation. Nearby, various food stalls are there to cater to your palate. Also, sellers have put up their modest shops to offer Rajasthani handicrafts.

Opening hours: Any time of the day.

16. Gau Ghat

Apart from Varaha Ghat, the most prominent Ghat for religious rites is Gau Ghat. Located on Pushkar Lake, it attracts the majority of pilgrims that visit Pushkar. In Hinduism, the body is burnt once someone passes away. After cremation, the deceased’s ashes are placed in an urn and submerged in water, with a full religious ceremony. The Gau Ghat is ideal for such rites.

17. The Laughing Buddha Cafe

This restaurant lies in the heart of Pushkar’s main bazaar. Think of it as a welcoming paradise always bustling with locals and tourists. In the soothing and inviting ambience of the Laughing Buddha Cafe, you can enjoy local and international delicacies. Pancakes, coffee, tea, masala chai, and hot chocolate are all available. For breakfast, expect a fine range of teas, rolls, cafes, and cakes to choose from.

Opening hours: From 9:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Location: Main Market in Badi Basti ( near Gau Ghat) Pushkar.

18. Pushkar Bazar

Pushkar Bazar is a unique icon of Rajasthan’s culture, particularly during the Pushkar Fair. The market sells a wide range of Rajasthani costumes and puppets, needlework, bangles and beads, brassware, and numerous Rajasthani handicrafts. The goods sold here are mostly brought from Barmer and other parts of Rajasthan.

Location: Pushkar Bazaar, Rajasthan
Opening hours: Anytime

19. Apteshwar Temple

Speaking about historical temples in Pushkar, this is one of them. The temple came up in the 12th century to celebrate Lord Shiva and whatever he stands for. The shrine rivals the Brahma Pushkar ji ka mandir in terms of spiritual importance. Attapeteshwar Mahadev Temple was built in the traditional Hemadpanthi style. The excellent work done on the stones during the temple’s construction is still visible today. A significant number of devotees flock to the shrine during Mahashivratri to worship Lord Shiva.

Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Opening hours: 6:30 am to 8:30 pm

20. Sri Agastya Muni Cave Pushkar

The cave of Shri Agastya Muni is a holy site near Pushkar, cradlelled amid the hills. To get to this cave, you’ll have to hike. However, all your effort is well-rewarded as the place is a sight to behold. You can view the cave from here, as well as Agastya Muni’s idol. There isn’t a single amenity here, as it’s located in the wilderness. Ensure to bring a bottle of water because there is no way to get drinking water.

Best Hotels at Pushkar

After the long, arduous day, you will definitely seek rest to get charged for another day. Leave your planning and worries to the hotel as they will give you a complete package with exciting offers. Apart from that, hotels will surely give you comfort, privacy, and the best service. Hotel Brahma Horizon, Hotel Radhika Palace, Hotel Raj Garden, and many more hotels will give you the utmost satisfaction.

Things to Do at Pushkar

Apart from brightening your spirit in the sacred places of Pushkar, the city also offers you some great activities to do during normal days. If you want to take breathtaking views from the sky like a bird, take a ride to Hot Air Balloons. It will enable you to see the city like a bird. Make yourself free from all earthly worries and feel free in the endless sky of Pushkar City.

If you are an adventure lover, come and try hiking here. Take the pathway, go across the wood and lake, explore the adoring side of nature, and fall in love with it. Trekking will give you tremendous experience as you will always be protected by the lord almighty in this sacred city. Camel Ride, Rooftop Café, Camping, and some other activities in the city will furnish your heart with ecstasy and eyes with serenity.

Top Resorts at Pushkar

Resorts will make each day enjoyable and unforgettable. Enjoy the pleasant indoor and outdoor activities and give the best you can to your family. Resorts like Ananta Resort, Clarks Resort, The Westin Pushkar Resort, among others, will also fill your day with something surprising and exciting.

Food

Pushkar is the best place for foodies. Come and taste the rich dishes of the city. Whatever you choose, any street food like Poha or sit more comfortably in the restaurants will find extraordinary flavor as people use to pour their heart out for the outsiders.

Conclusion

So, that was all you needed to know about Pushkar. As an endnote, the town is home to hundreds of temples. As such, you cannot explore it in a day. You are better off spending at least two days here to get the feel of the city. Also, the city offers spiritual and mental peace. Knowing the location will help you plan your journey through the city.

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Pushkar: History, Geography, Best Time to Visit & Pushkar Tourist Places