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“A cultural hub with one of the very few temples for Lord Brahma”
Pushkar Tourism
The city of Pushkar is famous as the “rose garden of Rajasthan” and is full of culture and knowledge. With vibrant festivals, a culturally active atmosphere and immense beauty, Pushkar is one of the most popular destinations in Rajasthan, forming its own iconic image that draws tourists from far and wide. The west winds that hit Pushkar add a fresh feel to the otherwise heated town, making it suitable for many activities. Pushkar is also the location of one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma and is a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindus seeking spiritual peace and bliss. As a pilgrimage site, there are many ghats located in the vicinity that are packed with devotees enjoying the soothing chants from the nearby temples. With spirituality, culture and charm, Pushkar is a must-stop destination for tourists.
Pushkar is considered to be among the oldest cities in the country and for Hindus, it is also important because it is one of 5 sacred dhams and one of the exceedingly few existing temples that are devoted to Lord Brahma is located here. The Pushkar annual Camel Fair also brings the city great name and is held in November each year. Interestingly, Pushkar is among the few tourist spots in Rajasthan that has not gained fame for a fort, instead, drawing tourists for its numerous temples. Despite Pushkar being a religious and spiritual destination, it also has a relaxed and chilled-out feel. There are multiple cafes that are perfect for lounging and observing the small-town life in the city, and also offer mouthwatering, vegetarian Indian food. However, visitors are advised to respect the deep spiritual and religious significance of Pushkar and observe the local traditions by not consuming non-vegetarian food items or liquor in or close to Pushkar.
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Shopping In Pushkar
An excellent destination for those fond of shopping, Pushkar is known for the bustling shopping stops around the city. There are numerous stores and emporiums where you can explore and shop for Rajasthan’s traditional handicrafts, ethnic jewellery, and especially the leather studded kundans that are a staple for locals. The top markets in Pushkar include the baza bazaar, Brahma temple market and Sarafa bazaar that offer items at affordable prices. Apart from the typical style malls in the city areas, on the outskirts of the town, there are rural markets where you can shop for rare traditional handicrafts such as hand embroidery, miniature paintings and mirror work.
Ghats In Pushkar
There are over 50 Ghats in the city of Pushkar and the ghats are believed to hold impressive purifying and healing abilities. When visiting Pushkar, the trip would often be thought incomplete without visiting the ghats and taking a dip. The Kartik Poornima evenings are especially considered auspicious for visiting the ghats. The ghats include the Gau ghat, Kota ghat, Yag ghat, Varaha ghat, Gangaur ghat and Karni ghat, however, the most visited ghat is the Brahma ghat where many pujas and rituals take place.
Fairs and Festivals in Pushkar
If Rajasthan is the land for festivals, then Pushkar is at its heart. Many national/international fairs take place in Pushkar, the most famous of which is the week-long Pushkar Fair that takes place in late October or early in the month of November. The Pushkar Fair features a vast range of stalls selling traditional Rajasthani products such as fabrics, décor and food items. An extensive cattle and camel market is also set up.
Another famous event held in Pushkar around the same time is the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which draws fans from across the world. The pleasant weather makes the environment even more suitable for festivals and fairs. As a considerably religious city, Pushkar celebrated religious festivals with great aplomb, including Diwali, Holi, Dussehra and Teej, all of which are celebrated with much enjoyment and revelry, offering tourists an opportunity to glimpse the life in Pushkar.
Restaurants and Local Food in Pushkar
Pushkar may be a relatively small-sized town, but it has a lot to offer foodies. Restaurants in Pushkar present a variety of cuisines ranging from Chinese to Italian, while local food joints have street food options and other popular food items at reasonable prices. Top dishes to try while in Pushkar are the Lassi, Malpua, Dal Baati Choorma, Pha and Dal Chaat.
As Pushkar has many temples and typically has many religious activities, meat products and alcohol are both prohibited.
Cafes in Pushkar
Apart from the restaurants and street food, Pushkar also has a vibrant café culture, with cafes or coffee houses available on nearly every corner, offering hot drinks and light snacks. The Funky Monkey Café, located close to the Mahavir Chowk is famous for the great food as well as the panoramic views of the city skyline visible from the café. The Coffee Temple is popular for its outdoor seating where you can enjoy the pleasant weather and tasty food. The Nirvana Café and Pizzeria is a great hangout to spend time at and have food or even have food packed to take away. Café Lake View has restaurant-style seating on the terrace and offers a combination of traditional and modern style food.
Itinerary
Arrive in Pushkar city either by road or rail and settle down in your hotel. Explore the streets of the city and try out the local food and flavours, such as the ladoos, mohan maas, ker sangri, Daal bati churma, and sohan halwa. Also try out a few of the several street markets where you can buy souvenirs, Rajasthani style fabrics, décor, and food items such as masalas or pickles. Once the evening sets in, adventure out into the villages that surround the Pushkar city on a jeep, or a tractor or even with on a camel. These forms of transport will take you into the actual desert where you can view the sand dunes and enjoy the mesmerizing sights of the setting sun.
On the second day, travel to the Pushkar Lake and visit the ghats built at different moments in history. Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake, check out the Brahma Temple and the Man Mahal. In the evening, enjoy some local Rajasthani food and traditional folk dances, both of which are offered by local resorts, and you can even try your own hand at dancing.