Pushkar Sightseeing

Pushkar does not need any introduction for the glory, history and culture that it exhibits. One of the ancient cities of the country, located in Ajmer, it has been largely known for its religious significance as the city boasts of one of the very rare temples of Lord Brahma(Hindu god). The annual cattle fair, the holy lake, a handful of adventure activities, and endless emotions to capture on camera — Pushkar has it all for any avid traveler. Just before we introduce you to an exclusive list of places to visit in Pushkar, here are a few essentials:
Best time to visit Pushkar: During the months of October – November. This is time when the famous Pushkar Camel Fair comes to town, and also the weather is nicer during these months.

Getting around in Pushkar: Not that large a city, Pushkar can be easily navigated on foot. The tour operators, here, organise walks and spiritual tours. One can also rent a bike and explore the areas around. Camel Safari is another good option to explore the holy city.

Temples in Pushkar – For a spiritual getaway

Pushkar is one of the prominent cities in India that is known for its amazing temples. The famous Brahma Temple, here, is one of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. The temple is revered by Hindu devotees and people come here from far and wide to pay obeisance to the god of genesis. The city boasts of several other temples worth visiting — Savitri Temple, Old Rangji Temple, Apteshwar Temple, Paap Mochini Temple, Raghunath Temple, Atmeshwar Temple, Mahadeva Temple. These temples not only provide a spiritual getaway but also take one through the history lanes of this ancient city.

Things to do: Visit these temples during the darshana timings and participate in the magical celebrations during aarti.

Pushkar Lake and Other Ghats – For quaint evenings and spiritual baths

Pushkar lake is closest to the temple of God Brahma. As per mythology, this place is where Brahma and Savitri offered their prayers. It is believed that a dip in this holy river is the harbinger of Moksha — freedom from birth. The lake has several ghats, designed especially for taking baths and offering prayers. Brahma Ghat is the most famous among many others like Varaha, Dadhich, Saptarishi, Gwalior, Kota, Gau, Yag, Jaipur, Karni and Gangaur Ghat.

Things to do: Offer prayers at the ghats and get a pooja done for the ancestors; participate in aarti, photography.

Merta – The Meera Bai Connection

Merta is almost 400 years old and has been famous for Meera Temple — the Krishna devotee. Previously known as Medantak, this city happens to be the birthplace of Meera Bai and this connection has kept it among the pupular places to visit in Pushkar. Dadhimati Temple and Charbhuja Temple, located here, also attract a large number of devotees round the year. This city also holds a lot of historical significance owing to the large number of battles it has witnessed and hence, is among popular places to visit in Pushkar.

Things to do: Visit the famous Raj palace and temples — attend aarti at Charbhuja Temple.

Naga Pahar – A mountain bound to disappear

Pushkar and Ajmer are divided by a hill — known as Naga Pahar. As per the legends, the hills at Naga Pahar continue to diminish till date and will eventually disappear totally. These hills are believed to be the residence of the famous Sage Agastya. The hills also house a lake called Nag Kund. Naga Pahar offers a spectacular view of Pushkar city from its top and has often been used as a vantage point for photographers.

Things to do: Photography, small trekking, spiritual walks

Rose Garden – Live the magical evenings the soul yearns for

Surprisingly, Pushkar is also known for its rose farming. It is referred as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan. The farmers, here, grow rose extensively and the diversities of this flower grown here, are exported all over the world. There are acres of farm lands with beautiful red roses in different hues spreading the fragrance — enchanting enough to make one crave to sit and spend some rosy time .

Things to do: Sit, unwind and relax amidst the mesmerizing fragrance of roses

Sarafa Bazar – Shopping in the holy city

Think Rajasthan and you get colors. The markets in Pushkar are a perfect ambassador of Rajasthani handicrafts, textile, jewellery and leather products. From trinkets to turban – the markets like Sarafa Bazar and Bada Bazar have it all that has been fascinating tourists from all across the globe. The embroidered Rajasthani clothes, wall hangings, handicrafts are something that one can't afford to miss.

Kishangarh

A municipality on the outskirts of Pushkar, Kishangarh is famous for its magnificent forts and marble mines. The Phool Mahal and Roopangarh Fort here are a peep into the rich history of this region. The marble mines in Kishangarh are also worth visiting as they help you understand the processes involved behind those marble slabs in your home.

Things to do: Shop for marble made décor items, visit the forts that have, now, been restored into hotels

Man Mahal

Built by Amber's Raja Man Singh, this beautiful palace is located close to the Pushkar sarovar. The palace is built in traditional Rajasthani architecture and has a temple inside. The palace is maintained by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and is used as a tourist bungalow. The key attractions for tourists are breathtaking sunset views of the lakes and temples around. Camel riding and camping arrangements can be made on request for guests.

Things to do: Admire the scenic views of Pushkar and the evening aarti, go on a camel or a camel cart ride