Pushkar, a religious city in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, is famous for the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, and several other temples. Pushkar also has 52 ghats around Pushkar Lake, another tourist attraction in this city. The religion and culture in Pushkar, you could say, is woven into the fabric of the town. While there is plenty else you could do here, the main reason you would come to Pushkar is to see the temples and the lives of the priests and others who live there. Apart from temples, there are a lot more interesting places to visit in Pushkar and if you plan wisely, you can enjoy both the religious fervour and the laid-back, hippie charm of this city.
With its close proximity to the Thar Desert, Pushkar, like other cities in Rajasthan, undoubtedly is the hub for desert safaris as well. And since it is located just 15kms from Ajmer, you can even check out all the tourist places to visit in Pushkar and Ajmer and plan a short getaway with your friends and family.
Best time to visit Pushkar, Rajasthan
November to February Is the best time to visit Pushkar. The city experiences winters when the weather is quite favourable for a desert expedition and also exploring the city.
Summers in Pushkar
The months from March to June are extremely hot in Pushkar owing to the summer season here. The temperatures can soar as high as 45°C and above. If you are planning a trip to Pushkar in summer, ensure to carry a good sunscreen, umbrellas and other summer essentials with you.
Monsoons in Pushkar
The monsoon months in Pushkar are from July to October. Although the city does not experience heavy showers, the weather is comparatively cool during this period, giving you the much-needed respite from the heat.
Winters in Pushkar
November to February are the winter months in Pushkar and an apt time to visit this city as well. The temperatures in winter are around 15°C to 18°C, making it convenient for tourists to spend more time outside, exploring the city, shopping and indulging in some local food.
How to Reach Pushkar
Jaipur International Airport and Ajmer Railway Station are the nearest transit points to Pushkar. The connectivity to Pushkar via roads is excellent from these two points and you can easily reach your destination.
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 150kms from Pushkar. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from there to reach Pushkar.
- By Train: As only Intra-State trains stop at Pushkar Railway Station, you will have to get down at Ajmer Railway Station (located 15kms from Pushkar) and hire a taxi or take a bus from there.
- By Road: National Highway 48 and 58 passes through Pushkar and connect it to Jaipur and Ajmer. You can take buses from these points or hire a taxi for your trip to and fro.
In this blog, we will comprehensively cover all the important places in Pushkar – temples, lakes, and other touristy places, attractions and things to see. We bring you the top 15 tourist places to visit in Pushkar.
Best Places to Visit in Pushkar, Rajasthan (Temples)
1. Brahma Temple
Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is one of the biggest and most famous temples in Pushkar. It is also the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma or the Lord of creation. Ensure to include this temple in your list of places to visit in Pushkar. The temple is said to have been built in the 14th century AD and has been rebuilt again, later. A red spire marks the temple and there is a hamsa bird’s motif at the entrance. The floors and walls of the temple are marked with carvings that are dedicated to the dead. For a special experience, we recommend you visit the temple during the special prayer service.
- Location: Ganahera
- Timings: Summers – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Winters – 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM; Closed – 1:30 to 3:00 PM;
- Entry Fee: None
2. Savitri Mata Temple
A popular pilgrimage in Pushkar, Savitri Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri. The temple houses the idols of Lord Brahma, Goddess Savitri and Goddess Gayatri, both of whom are consorts of the Brahma. There is a ropeway ride that leads to the Savitri Mata Temple, so it is easy to get to the top. Others who want to take the long way up can hike up to the temple via the Ratnagiri Hill. From the temple complex, you can enjoy lovely views of the lake and Pushkar’s skyline.
- Location: Ratnagiri Hill
- Distance from Pushkar: 1.3kms
- Timings: Morning – 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Evening – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM;
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Tips: Experience a scintillating sunrise and sunset from the hilltop and also enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city.
3. Gayatri Temple
Gayatri Temple of Pap Mochani Temples is one of the most important places to visit in Pushkar. It is dedicated to Goddess Gayatri who is believed to absolve all the sins of mankind and protect them. The temple is constructed in Rajasthani architectural style. Each day the temples see hundreds of visitors who come with deep faith to offer prayers and pay respect to Devi Gayatri. The hill near the temple is often used by outdoor enthusiasts for hiking.
- Location: Vamdev Road
- Distance from Pushkar: 1.7kms
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
4. Old Rangji Temple
.Located in the Chotti Basti near Pushkar lake, Rangji Temple temple is a fine example of South Indian architecture. The walls at the temple are adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and people. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranga, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu There are small arches too around the temple that have decorative inscriptions. There is also a stupa on the temple premises. Don’t forget to include this temple in your list of top places to visit in Pushkar!
- Location: Chotti Basti
- Timings: 6:00 Am to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
5. Varaha Temple
The Varaha Temple attracts a large crowd because it is located close to the Pushkar bus stop. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Pushkar. Inside the temple, you can find the image of Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also famous for its beautiful architecture along with being dedicated to Varaha. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century and was destroyed by the Mughals after which it was rebuilt again in the 18th century.
- Location: Near Pushkar Lake
- Timings: Morning to Evening
- Entry Fee: None
- Distance from Pushkar:Less than 1km
6. Gurdwara Singh Sabha
The Gurdwara Singh Sabha is one of the most popular places to visit in Pushkar and an important religious site for the Sikh community here. This gurdwara is one of the most beautiful ones in Pushkar. Legend has it that two of the important gurus of the Sikh community, Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev, had rested here while travelling to Pushkar. It is mandatory to cover your head while visiting the premises of the gurdwara. They give you a shawl or a cloth to cover your head free of cost. Inside the gurdwara, you can listen to the soulful prayer songs sung by the members of the community. On Sundays, they have langar (free kitchen) where they serve delicious vegetarian food to everyone who visits the gurdwara.
- Location: Near Pushkar Bypass
- Timings: All day long
- Entry Fee: None
- Tips: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the premises of the gurdwara.
7. Naya Rangji Temple
Situated on the east side of the Pushkar Lake, the Naya Rangji temple is an important place of worship for the locals. The top of the temple has on it carvings and statues of many Hindu gods. The best time to visit the temple is during the prayer services that are usually held in the evenings.
- Location: Near Pushkar Lake
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM; 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM;
- Entry Fee: None
- Distance from Pushkar: Less than 1km
8. Mahadeva Temple
Among the top places to visit in Pushkar, Mahadeva Temple undoubtedly is such a place that you cannot miss seeing. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahadev Temple is one among the many historic temples present in Pushkar. It is also the most visited temple in Pushkar. Constructed in the 19th century, the Mahadev Temple has an idol of Lord Shiva made from marble carved with 5 faces, a unique feature rarely found in other Shiva temples. The temple is also artistically and architecturally alluring and a must-visit for every tourist and Shiva devotee alike.
- Location: Near Choti Basti
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
Best Places to Visit in Pushkar, Rajasthan (Lakes, Ghats)
1. Pushkar Lake
A must-visit spot for all tourists, the Pushkar Lake is a scenic beauty located in the heart of the city. There are around 52 bathing ghats near the lake that are visited by thousands of devotees while visiting the city for a tour. During the holy occasion of Kartik Poornima, locals, as well as devotees from across the country, visit Pushkar to take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake and also attend the Pushkar Fair that is organised around this time. Surrounding the lake are many temples that are worth visiting if you are looking for peace and silence or love Indian architecture.
- Location: Pushkar Lake
- Timings: All day long
- Entry Fee: None
2. Budha Pushkar Lake
If you are looking for good places to go around Pushkar, Budha Pushkar Lake is a definite must-see spot here. Located in Pushkar, the Budha Pushkar Lake is a must-visit for anyone that loves peace, quiet and tranquillity. Surrounded by greenery and open areas, this place is where you should stop by to meditate or to enjoy the silent ambience that nature offers. There is a temple nearby, where you can offer prayer. It is also a great place to visit in the evening where you can relax and unwind for a while.
- Location: Budha Pushkar Lake
- Distance from Pushkar: 6.7kms
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
3. Varah Ghat
The Varaha Ghat is one of the 52 ghats near Pushkar Lake. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in this ghat in his third incarnation – the Varaha or boar to fend off evil spirits – and the ghat got its name thus. The best time to visit the ghat is in the evening when the Aarti is held. It is a unique and serene experience and quite different from what you might experience in Ganga Aarti held in Haridwar and Varanasi.T
- Location: Pushkar Lake
- Aarti timings in Varaha Ghat: Summers – 7:30 PM; Winters – 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: None
- Tips: Wearing slippers while attending the evening aarti is not allowed.
4. Gandhi Ghat
Gandhi Ghat surely features as one of the best places to visit in Pushkar. This ghat is where the holy ashes of our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were sprinkled. After the Varah Ghat, this is the most popular ghat in Pushkar. Visit the ghat in the evening to watch the sunset. This ghat was previously called the Gau Ghat.
- Location: Near Pushkar Lake
- Timings: All day long
- Entry Fee: None
5. Jaipur Ghat
This is yet another ghat in Pushkar that is popular. The Jaipur Ghat is well known as a place to watch the sunset. Each day in the evening thousands of locals and tourists converge at the ghat to watch the sunset. After which, they head out to the nearby restaurants to savour a few snacks and chai.
- Location: Near Pushkar Lake
- Timings: All day long; 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for sunset;
- Entry Fee: None
Tourist Places to Visit in Pushkar, Rajasthan
1. Adventure Desert Camp
Located near the Aravali Mountains, the Adventure Desert Camp is an excellent place to explore Pushkar’s hospitality and culture. Organised in the desert, the camp offers you a variety of local entertainment. From dance and music performances to traditional food, you can enjoy the best of all that Pushkar has to offer.
- Distance from Pushkar: 11kms
- Best time to visit: Best time to visit Adventure Camp is during the winter season, from November to February
- Price: From Rs 4000 to Rs 5500 for each tent
- Things to do: Enjoy the local folk music and dance programmes, go on a camel safari to sunset points.
- Duration of stay: Tourists can stay here for 2 days and one night.
Read More About: Offbeat Things to Do in Pushkar
2. Man Mahal
Man Mahal is the largest royal residence situated in Pushkar and is a complete visual treat to tourists and locals alike. Located near the Sarovar lake, the Man Mahal was a former palace built as a retreat for Raja Man Singh-I and is now converted into a public guest house. The palace has beautiful architecture, in typical Rajasthani style and offers great views of the area. You also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sarovar Lake and capture the vast expanse of the palace as well as the lake through your lenses as well! L
- Location: Near Sarovar Lake
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
3. Pushkar Main Bazaar
For shopping in Pushkar, there is no better place than the Pushkar Main Bazaar. Besides everyday essentials, in this market, you will find many stores and stalls selling religious items and traditional Rajasthani clothing. A must visit if you want to take something memorable back home, the Pushkar Main Bazaar has products at very reasonable rates.
- Location: Main Bazaar Road
- Timings: All day long
- Tips: You could shop for bangles, beads, puppets and other traditional Rajasthani goods.
4. Pushkar Desert
When you are in Pushkar, you must not miss out on making a desert safari. Held at the Pushkar Desert, the safari will take you on a magical journey through the local culture. Witness traditional music and dance performances, camel rides and enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisine.
- Location: Pushkar Desert
- Timings: Morning to evening
Read about: Guide to Street Food in Pushkar
5. Brahma Temple Market
The market near the Brahma Temple is yet another popular place for shopping. The market is famous for its Bandhani saree and puppet stores. There are a few shops that sell chaniya cholis and sarees with mirror work too. If you are looking to buy any of the above-mentioned items, shopping at the Brahma Temple Market is the right thing to do.
- Location: Near Brahma Temple
- Timings: The market is only open on the weekend between 9 am and 6 pm.
- Tips: Shop for Bandhani sarees, sarees with mirror work, puppets and other stuff.
Read more about: The Definite List of 9 Shopping Places in Pushkar
6. Mela Maidan
For a taste of local Rajasthani culture, drop by at the Mela Maidan to witness a local festival. This huge ground plays host to the most important festivals in Pushkar. From the Pushkar fair to other important festivals, this ground hosts them all. Sometimes, there are trade fairs held here too.
- Location: Mela Maidan
The next time you are visiting Pushkar, enjoy a complete tourist experience by checking out these 19 amazing tourist places in Pushkar. They are historic and have a close cultural connection to the city. You can book your stay at budget hotels in Pushkar while visiting and exploring this city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to visit in Pushkar at night?
Some of the best places that you can check out at night include the Main Market Square, Safar Bazaar, Brahma Temple, Kedalganj Bazar, Temple Road and Pushkar Lake.
Read about the list of top places to visit in Pushkar at night.
2. What are the best places to visit in Pushkar in one day?
Top places that you can cover in Pushkar in one day include Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Gayatri Temple, Brahma Pushkar Lake, Man Mahal, Gandhi Ghat and Varaha Ghat.
If you have 2 days in hand, you can visit the above places and also cover Safar bazaar, Pushkar Main bazaar, Merta City, Adventure Camping and camel safari, desert safari, and visit other ghats as well.
3. What are some of the famous places to visit near Pushkar?
Some of the famous tourist places near Pushkar within 300kms include:
- Ajmer (15kms) – Dargah Sharif, Ajmer Museum, Nasiyan Temple, Numark Peeth etc.
- Nagaur (135kms) – Nagaur fort, Deepak Mahal, Akbari Mahal and more
- Jaipur (142kms) – Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur Palace, Jal Mahal etc.
- Chittorgarh (207kms) – Chittorgarh Fort, Tulja Bhawani Temple, Fateh Prakash Palace, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, etc
- Kota (218kms) – Godavari Dham temple, Azamgarh Sahib Gurdwara, Jagmandir Palace etc.
4. What are the top 10 places to visit in Pushkar?
The top 10 places to visit in Pushkar include Brahma Temple, Gayatri Temple, Pushkar Lake, Savitri Temple, Man Mahal, Adventure Desert Camp, Rangji Temple, Mahadev Temple, Gandhi Ghat and Varaha Ghat.