There are many things to do in Pushkar. A vibrant, spiritual town in Rajasthan, Pushkar is one of the best places to visit in the state. It is considered to be one of the most sacred towns in India, with more than 400 temples and 52 ghats. The small town has many things to do, no matter when you visit this place. Read on to find out the things to do in Pushkar.
Go on a camel safari
One of the most exciting things to do in Pushkar and in Rajasthan is taking a camel safari in the desert. The sand dunes of Pushkar are perfect for a nice camel ride through the arid landscape. No matter what time of the day you go on this safari, there will always be something beautiful to see – you can watch the sun rise or set during an early morning or evening safari, or take a camel safari under the dark night skies.
See also: Best travel tips for Rajasthan
Take a hot air balloon ride
Pushkar is a beautiful town, and it looks even more beautiful from the skies. A hot air balloon ride over the vibrant landscape of Pushkar is a great way to see the region. The Pushkar International Balloon Festival takes place in October or November during the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Stroll along Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is the epicenter of the spiritual town, and is one of the most sacred lakes for Hindus in India.
You will find the lake always teeming with people busy with various activities. There are 52 bathing ghats around the lake, where you can see people taking a dip in the holy lake. The Pushkar Yoga Garden is a great place to spend some time practising yoga and meditation.
Attend the evening aarti at Varah Ghat
The holy Pushkar Lake is surrounded by more than 400 temples. The Varah Ghat near the lake is a beautiful place to experience the evening aarti, a unique spiritual experience. You will see hundreds of earthen lamps with the sound of ringing bells and sacred chants echoing throughout the place.
Visit the temples
The spiritual town of Pushkar has many temples dating back to ancient times. You certainly cannot visit all the temples if you are here for a short time, but you must visit at least a few before leaving this town.
The town is home to one of the very few Brahma temples in the world. You should also visit the Savitri Temple, perched on a hilltop. You can either hike around 1000 steps up the Ratnagiri Hill or ride a cable car to the temple. The temple offers a stunning view of the landscape. Some other popular temples are the Varaha Temple and Rangji Temple.
Read more: Places to see in Pushkar
Go shopping
The streets of Pushkar have many local shops selling beautiful souvenirs to take home. The Sadar Bazar is a beautiful market selling local clothes, jewelry, and trinkets.
Shiv Shakti Art and Handicraft sells traditional Rajasthani home decor, embroidery, and other handicrafts. Sarafa Bazaar sells clothes, handicrafts, and yummy food. Another good place for shopping in Pushkar is Kedal Ganj Bazar, where you can find miniature paintings, ethnic home decor, and other fun items.
You can always bargain, but don’t do it if you actually find the prices reasonable. Also don’t bargain if you find something handmade, since a lot of effort goes into it. This is the only means of livelihood for most locals.
Read more: Things to buy from India
Experience the festivals and events
Festivals in Pushkar are the best way to celebrate the culture and tradition of not just Rajasthan, but of India. Celebrations in Pushkar are a riot of colors, vibrant and chaotic. Try to attend at least one festival in Pushkar while you are here.
The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place in October or November. It is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. While trading camels and other livestock is the main purpose, the week-long fair witnesses many fun events and competitions as well.
The festival of Holi is also celebrated on a grand scale in Pushkar in March. People from all over the world come to Pushkar for the festivities that take place around Pushkar Lake.
Try adventure activities
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Pushkar has many activities you can try. For one, a jeep safari is one of the most popular activities here. Drive through the rugged terrain of the desert for a thrilling experience.
You can also try activities like zip lining, zorbing, quad biking, and rocket ejector. Another fun thing to do in Pushkar is to camp overnight in the desert. There are many camps that give you the opportunity to stay outdoors underneath the skies, with bonfires and musical performances.
Immerse yourself in the culture of Pushkar
A unique experience in Pushkar is watching a Kalbelia dance performance. This is a traditional dance form in Rajasthan performed by the indigenous Kalbelia tribe. You will find these dance performances in many hotels, or you can arrange to see one for yourself.
Another cultural experience you can have is to learn the musical instrument nagara. Music is a part of Pushkar – you will find many people playing music during the evenings. One musical instrument popular here is the local drum called Nagara. You can take lessons to learn this instrument.
Try the street food
The food of Pushkar is an amazing affair – this vegetarian town is a paradise for food lovers. You will find streets full of stalls, shops, and cafes serving delicious snacks and sweets. Some of the specialities of Pushkar are the Pushkar Lassi, spicy poha, samosas, daal baati churma, kachori, aloo puri, and malpuas.
Things to note before visiting Pushkar
- Alcohol is banned in Pushkar as it is a holy city with religious importance. You can of course buy it in a few places, but we would recommend respecting the local customs of the city and avoiding it if you can. A great alternative to alcohol is bhaang, a form of cannabis which is added to lassis in this city. It is available in most restaurants here, so you could try that.
- You need to remove your shoes to walk around Pushkar Lake due to the sanctity of the place. Avoid smoking or taking pictures of people bathing. You may also not be allowed to bathe in the lake unless you are a Hindu, but you can dip your feet in.
- Respect the local customs and traditions of Pushkar. Dress decently while visiting temples, and take off your shoes before entering.
- Most temples will not allow you to click pictures or shoot videos inside the premises. You will have to leave your phones and other valuables behind or pay for the lockers outside the temples.
So, what will you be doing first in Pushkar? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan itineraries to India for you based on your likes and dislikes. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
