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Mesmeric beauty and powerful spirituality make Pushkar one of Rajasthan’s top destinations. Set on Lake Pushkar, the sacred town is home to hundreds of temples, grand festivals, rich culture and several monuments or landmarks. All of this makes touring the town exciting, evocative and refreshing. From the moment you step into this ancient Indian city, you’ll discover folklore, tradition and a peaceful charm reverberating in your every move.
The top places to visit in Pushkar make the best way to get to know the city and its many facets. They include not just temples, but palaces, lakeside views, monuments and more. So where should you begin? Here’s a handy guide of the must-visit places in Pushkar to get you going.
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This is the most significant of tourist places in Pushkar as there aren’t many temples dedicated to Brahma around the world. Although it isn’t in its original avatar, which is said to be over two thousand years old, the 14th-century rebuild still stands proudly today, welcoming visitors from near and far who seek divine inspiration.
Climb 650 steps up the Ratnagiri hill to the Savitri Temple that sits at the top, dedicated to the wife of Brahma. This is the second most important temple in the town and one of the really popular places to visit in Pushkar. You don’t have to be a believer to come out with a renewed sense of faith.
Tip: Begin your trek at dawn for a spectacular sunrise overlooking Pushkar Lake and its sacred surrounds.
You’ll come across many temples on your trip, but don’t miss out on Apteshwar Temple, one of the most revered places to go in Pushkar. Built-in dedication to Lord Shiva, the temple sees a massive influx of visitors around the occasion of Mahashivratri. If you’re seeking a true cultural experience, that’s when you should visit too. But no matter when you do, the stunning architecture and detailed stylistic elements of the structure are a sight in themselves.
None of the other tourist places in Pushkar are as popular or frequently visited by one and all, like the sacred lake upon which the town is set. While mythologically the lake is said to be ancient, its modern construction only came about in the 12th century, with a dam built over the River Luni. The lake is often considered the holiest water body in India and homes over 400 blue temples on its bank. It is a sight to behold during the famed Pushkar Fair, with thousands making their way for a holy dip in its said-to-be healing waters.
If you like taking photographs of your travels, this is one of the best places to visit in Pushkar. Naga Pahar is the hill that stands between Pushkar and Ajmer, and legend says it will one day disappear. But for now, it stands tall, awaiting curious travellers who make their way to the top for the picture-perfect views of the town below.
Pushkar markets are everything you imagine them to be — vibrant, always stocked and complete with every Rajasthani traditional item you’d possibly want. Sarafa Bazaar and Bada Bazaar are the two main ones you should visit, for your fill of handicraft products from clothing to jewellery to decor. It stays open late so you can go there after a full day of sightseeing and still have enough time to shop for your favourite things.
Built-in the 12th century in honour of Vishnu’s third avatar, Varaha, this is one of Pushkar’s largest and oldest temples. As with many other monuments and structures of Rajasthan, this too was torn down by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, only to be rebuilt in the 18th century by the ruling Rajput king. On your visit, check out the inner sanctum with its two-foot idol of the lord, while sculptures, carvings and detailing are the other features to look out for.
If you’re looking for royal tourist places in Pushkar, make your way to Man Mahal, a grand palace in true Rajasthani architectural style. Like many other palaces in the state, this too has been converted into a hotel. But you don’t have to be staying there to experience its old-world resplendence, epic lake views or a delicious meal at one of its famed restaurants.
Take a day trip to the Nagaur district over 60 kilometres away from Pushkar, to the historic town of Merta — the birthplace of Meera Bai. It has played a big part in regional history, as the site of countless wars and captures. But even shifting rulers couldn’t stop this from evolving into a beautiful town, that still holds something from its rich past even today. Especially if you visit the Mira Bai Museum, Banwala Mata Temple and Aurangzeb Mosque.
Now that you know so much more about the places to visit in Pushkar, you can be sure that your trip will be smooth and enjoyable. SOTC will help you to choose some of the best packages that will further add to the convenience of the journey. Whether it be the perfect itinerary or making prior arrangements, you can be sure that your Pushkar holiday will be a memorable one.
