Pushkar Lake

Pushkar is the town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. It is about 10 km from Ajmer city and about 150 km from Jaipur. Pushkar is famous for two reasons, one for fair and another for Temples, ghats and Pushkar Lake. This is a very ancient city and many Hindu Temples were destroyed by the Muslims in the 18th Century. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is the holy pilgrimage spot of Hindus and holds 52 ghats.

Visitor information

The lake is open for visitation from 9 am to 6 pm. the men visiting the lake should wear full-length pants and a t-shirt while women should wear full-length clothes. You should also remove your shoes before going into the water and walk barefoot on the ghats.

Traveler tip

As a traveler, you should have a minimum of an hour to explore this beautiful location so that you could fully admire its natural beauty. Another thing to keep in mind is that you are not allowed to take photos on the Pushkar Lake, Pushkar.

Things to do

Pushkar offers a variety of things to do with your loved ones. From camping to camel fairs, temples and palaces to explore you are spoilt for choices with the fun-filled activities to do. You could also go shopping in Sarafa bazaar which is stuffed with items related to spirituality and religion. The local markets sell stunning ornaments and other variety of things which you can take as a keepsake.

Availability

There are lots of traditional items available for Tourists such as small souvenirs, embroidered dresses, colorful shiny bangles, jeweler, footwear, leather items, and much more can be purchased from this fair and also from Bazaar. You can also purchase idols of deities and other religious items for your home.

History

The lake has a very rich history with many archaeological dating of the lake measuring to the existence of the lake even in the 4th century. It is also referred to in many sources such as inscription in Sanchi to the records of Chinese traveler Xian. Many Rajput kings and chiefs of Ajmer tried to restore the original glory of the lake Pushkar. But the lake lost its significance during the brief period in Mughal rule except during the reign of Akbar.

The Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is also mentioned in the sacred Hindu texts and is associated with lord Brahma when he kills demon Vajranabha it is said that three petals of his divine lotus fell in the three parts creating springs in their place known as Pushkar. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed a Yagna at the place but at the end of his ritual he was cursed by his first wife that he will be worshipped at this spot only.

Festival

Holi is considered to be the most important festival in Pushkar. The Pushkar fair is a huge attraction to this lake. The fair starts at Prabhodini Ekadashi and ends at Kartik Poornima as it is the perfect time for a devotee to take a holy dip in the sacred water of the Pushkar Lake, Pushkar. This fair is also Asia's largest camel fair and tourists from different parts of the world come to participate in this colorful event.

Popular culture

The culture of Pushkar is best seen and extravagant during the Pushkar Fair. This small town becomes colorful and amazing during the Fair. People wear colorful dresses during fair and women wear colorful ghagra, choli. Religion forms an important part of Pushkar.

Best time to visit

The ideal to visit this tourist attraction is between Octobers to march during the winter seasons. The weather is pleasant during this time. The summers are sweltering with a temperature rising to 45 degrees Celsius.

How to reach?

The lake is well connected by all modes of transport by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station being Ajmer railway station which is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, etc. you can also reach Pushkar Lake by airways with the nearest airport being Jaipur railway which is wee connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi and Mumbai. As the lake is centrally situated you can easily reach by hiring a taxi or bus from Ajmer.

Interesting facts and trivia about

The lake is home to the world’s only Brahma temple. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is among the top five sacred places for Hindus in India. The Pushkar fair is also amongst Asia’s largest camel fair.

Nearby attractions

Pushkar is famous for pilgrimages of Hindus and Sikhs. Pushkar Lake is also famous for Sikhs for its Gurudwara and many more places. There are lots of other places for tourist attractions like:

Pushkar Bazaar

Pushkar Bazaar is famous for tourist attractions where traditional Rajasthani apparels, jeweler, accessories and décor items are available. It is the best market to buy puppets and also bangles for women.

 Brahma Temple

Brahma Sarovar is ancient Lake which is sacred to Hinduism. Brahma Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India, who is said to be the creator of the Universe. It attracts lakhs of pilgrimage every year.

 Singh Sabha Gurudwara

The Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev and also known as Guru Nanak Dharamshala. It is also considered to be a sacred place for Sikhs. Thus it also attracts lots of Sikhs pilgrimage from all across the country.

 Rose Garden

It is a delightful attraction in the desert of Rajasthan. Various species of roses are grown both by local farmers and others are outsourced from various parts of the world. The garden is full of colorful and fragrant roses which you can enjoy with your friends and family.

Tips for visiting

Be aware of Touts attempting to sell tourists flowers or prayers as it is a scam.

Don't wait and just pack your bags to explore this beautiful town of Ajmer and enjoy the craziness of the camel fair. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is also a tourist-friendly town, where getting around is easy because most things are within walking distance.