A sacred lake city ringed by 52 ghats, one of only three Brahma temples in the world, and the annual camel fair that defies description.
Pushkar is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage town in Rajasthan, India, 145 km from Jaipur and 11 km from Ajmer. It is home to one of only three Brahma temples in the world, 52 stone bathing ghats on Pushkar Lake, and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair (November) — the world's largest camel fair, drawing 50,000 camels and 200,000 visitors over five days.
Pushkar sits in a natural bowl in the Aravalli Hills, its sacred lake (Pushkar Sarovar) ringed by 52 stone bathing ghats and over 400 temples. Hindu legend holds that the lake was created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower from the sky — making Pushkar one of the holiest pilgrim destinations in India, and home to one of only three Brahma temples in the world.
Yet Pushkar is also a remarkably welcoming place for non-Hindu visitors. The town's main bazaar — a single long street of guesthouses, rooftop cafes, jewellery shops, and tie-dye stalls — has drawn travellers since the 1970s. The pace is slow, the rooftop sunsets are spectacular, and the morning aarti on the ghats is one of the most genuinely spiritual experiences available to visitors in Rajasthan.
The Pushkar Camel Fair, held for five days in November during the full moon of Kartik, transforms this otherwise quiet town into a carnival of 50,000 camels, 200,000 pilgrims, folk musicians, acrobats, and international photographers. If your dates align, it is unmissable.
Pushkar is 11km from Ajmer and 145km from Jaipur — easily added as a one- or two-night detour on any Rajasthan circuit tour.
Pushkar rewards slower travel — build in at least two nights to do it justice.
The sacred lake is Pushkar's spiritual core. Bathe at one of the 52 ghats (non-Hindus are welcome as observers at most), watch the morning aarti (lamp ceremony), and walk the full perimeter at sunset. Photography on the ghats requires sensitivity and permission.
The world's largest camel fair draws 50,000 camels and 200,000 visitors over five days in November. Camel races, folk performances, hot-air balloon rides at sunrise, and a trading spectacle unlike anything else. Our team can arrange fair-period accommodation well in advance.
One of only three temples in the world dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Built in the 14th century, it remains an active pilgrimage site. Remove shoes before entering; photography inside is not permitted. The evening prayers are particularly atmospheric.
A 30-minute hike up the Ratnagiri Hill to the Savitri Temple rewards with the best panorama of Pushkar Lake and the desert horizon. Go at sunrise before the heat builds. A ropeway now runs for those who prefer not to hike.
Touts near the ghats offer "blessings" then demand payment and tie a thread (Pushkar passport) on your wrist. It is not obligatory. If you want a genuine blessing, visit the temple with a guide who will handle the interaction appropriately.
Pushkar is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free — no exceptions. Respect this. The food is excellent: lassi, malpua (fried pancake with sugar syrup), and fresh paneer dishes are the highlights.
Cover shoulders and legs near the lake and temple. The bazaar is casual, but modesty is appreciated throughout the town as Pushkar is an active pilgrimage site, not a tourist town.
During the fair (November), all accommodation within 20km fills up. Book 3–4 months in advance. The tented camp set up specifically for fair visitors can be excellent if booked through a reputable operator.
Pushkar is 11km from Ajmer (30 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk). The nearest major rail junction is Ajmer — well connected to Jaipur, Delhi, and Jodhpur.
Pushkar is a natural two-night addition between Jaipur and Jodhpur on any Rajasthan circuit.
Add two nights in Pushkar to any Rajasthan circuit — ideally between Jaipur and Jodhpur where it sits geographically.
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A dedicated tour timed to the annual Camel Fair — including tented camp, fair photography briefing, and folk cultural programme.
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A short break combining Jaipur's Pink City with a night in Pushkar — perfect as an extension of the Golden Triangle.
Get a QuoteWritten by Samarth Sharma, Rajasthan tour guide since 2010. Last updated: June 2026.