From Pushkar with Love! Story of Travel and Adventure

We visited this sacred pilgrimage site with a rich spiritual history, and streets showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans.

We still stand by our words — Spirituality is not found in places, but within self! So if you plan to visit Pushkar to find ‘Spirituality’, please don’t! Because you won’t ‘find’ it there. But if you are in a trans-state lately, and looking for a place to unwind and reconnect with yourself, visit Pushkar at least once in your lifetime.

What exactly is this place?

Pushkar is situated amidst the Sand Dunes of Rajasthan. It is 130 Km from Jaipur City and is a town unlike any other in Rajasthan. The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport, from where you can take a bus/taxi to Pushkar.

Pushkar’s history stretches back millennia, earning it the title of one of India’s oldest cities. According to Hindu folklore, it is believed that Lord Brahma, the God of Creation in Hinduism performed a yajna (fire sacrifice) here. Creating the Pushkar Lake with a lotus flower. This association with Brahma makes Pushkar a vital pilgrimage site, especially during the auspicious Kartik Purnima (full moon in November). You can find the only temple of Brahma in the world, here, in Pushkar.

Thousands of devotees visit the Pushkar Lake, considered sacred, to take holy dips and perform rituals. The atmosphere is one of piety and devotion, adding another dimension to Pushkar.

Also a Land of Contrast

Pushkar’s geography is a blend of rugged beauty! The Aravali hills cradle the town on three sides, and one side opens up to the vast stretch of dunes. Pushkar Lake, forming the heart of the town, is fed by rainwater. With an average elevation of 510 meters, Pushkar experiences an extreme climate, with scorching summers and pleasantly cool winters.

Best time to visit Pushkar: November to March

Culture and Tradition

Originally, the town hosted Rajasthanis as natives. But over the years, Pushkar town has become a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious practices. Due to its historical significance, it now attracts pilgrims, travellers and seekers from all corners of the globe.

Pushkar hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Pushkar Camel Fair.

Pushkar Camel Fair

This isn’t your ordinary county fair; it’s a spectacle on a grand scale, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Every year, as the Hindu calendar month of Kartik arrives (usually late October to early November), the desert town of Pushkar explodes in a vibrant celebration known as the Pushkar Camel Fair.

The exact history of the Camel Fair is still a mystery. But some sources suggest that it’s been held for centuries. Back in time, it was a marketplace for traders to buy and sell camels, horses and cattle. Today, you can witness some trading happening at the fair, but majorly it is a symbolic tradition and a time of festivity.

Beyond the camel trading, an exciting series of events is there to entertain you. There are one-of-a-kind camel races, competitions like “longest moustache” and “best-decorated camel”, and evenings showcasing Rajasthani folk dances and music.

Beyond The Temple Walls: Exploring Pushkar

Enough has been said about temples in Pushkar! This place is so much more.

Looking to feed your soul? Wake up early in the morning and visit the Pushkar lake. Witness pilgrims performing puja (worship) and offering prayers. Yoga and meditation sessions are readily available with multiple locals, allowing you to spend some time finding inner peace.

Pushkar, renowned for its Hindu pilgrimage sites also boasts a place of solace for Sikh devotees — the Gurudwara Singh Sabha. This historical gurdwara can be located near the Pushkar bus stand. Legend states that this is where the Guru Gobind Singh resided during his stay in Pushkar. The place extends a warm welcome to all visitors. Whether you’re a Sikh devotee seeking spiritual solace, a curious traveller interested in learning about Sikhism, or simply looking for a peaceful haven, the gurudwara’s doors are open.

If you are an adventurous soul, explore the surrounding dunes on camelback, a unique experience only to be found in Rajasthan.

If you are a foodie, indulge in the local Rajasthani cuisine. That is known for its simplicity, and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Not-to-miss delectable items are Malpua pancakes, dipped in sugar syrup and Kachoris, filled with legumes.

If you want to go a little offbeat, 100 Km from Pushkar, towards Ajmer is Sambhar Lake- India’s largest inland salt lake.

A Chance Encounters on the Streets of Pushkar

The streets of Pushkar are a place of a chance encounter with the divine. The streets of Pushkar are no less than a maze, where you stumble upon hidden gems — quaint temples dedicated to various deities. Step inside and you will experience the serenity of these sacred spaces, adorned with beautiful wall carvings.

While the air here is thick with the aroma of freshly brewed chai, and the sweet scent of incense wafting from temples, your ears overhear music played by the local artists. The stalls overflow with colourful textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs, vying for your attention.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a spiritual seeker, Pushkar offers an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, wear comfortable shoes, and visit this sacred oasis at least once in your lifetime.

Feeling the wanderlust? Book your tickets and make memories that last a lifetime! For more travel recommendations, write to me at parul715@gmail.com or reach out to me on Instagram.