Pushkar Tour & Travel

 

Pushkar is an enchanting small town located exactly on the edge of the desert and is situated just 11 kms from Ajmer, but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake mountain. The town frequently visited by the devotees lies to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its multitudes of bathing ghats and temples. Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus and is thronged by plethora of sadhus and devotees.

Pushkar is recognised in the country for its Camel Fair which takes place here each October/November. This huge assembly of camels, cattle, livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and film-makers is one of the planet's most incredible events. Its an event that should not be missed.

Pushkar is a "City of Temples" , though not as much old but in number as generally claimed. The Brahma Temple is the most famous temple in the town and is said to be the only dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. A red spire marks the temple, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans (goose), the symbol of Brahma who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as his place.

Temple of Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma, is situated on a hill top and is another important temple here. It takes a one-hour trek to reach the temple which presents a beautiful view of Pushkar Lake in the morning. Other major places to visit in Pushkar are numerous ghats that run down the lake.

Pushkar Fair

According to the legend, the Pushkar lake was formed where Lord Brahma - the lord of creation - dropped a lotus on the day of the full moon. Every November, the famous Pushkar Fair is held for 7 days which begins on Noami ( the ninth day of the month of Kartik, Oct- Nov, of the Hindu calendar) and finishes on Kartik Poornima (Full Moon). The Fair is marked by a gathering of thousands of camels, cattle and horses for trade, with added attractions of games, races, local folk dances, song and entertainment.

Pushkar is internationally known for its colourful cattle fair when thousands of devotees from all faiths assemble to take a dip in the holy lake. Dance, music, gaily-attired folks and various cultural events add to the fun and chrisma of the occasion. The phenomenal camel races are the most interesting part of the fair augmented by cattle auction and colourful shops exhibiting beautiful handicrafts.

Camel Safari in Pushkar

All those who travel to the holy town of Pushkar should never miss a chance to go on a camel safari. This is a great way to explore the vast expanse of the desert landscape in Pushkar which pulls travellers from every corner of the world.

Camel Safari in Pushkar is a great experience where one can explore the rugged terrain of the Great Indian Desert of Sahara using camels as ones carriers. The Aravalli Range here are one of the world's oldest, and have sandy fields, small dunes, beautiful hills and mesmerising sunrises and sunsets. The camel safaris in Pushkar takes one to the destinations where one witnesses small villages along the way and if one happens to visit during crop harvesting , the views are exceptionally alluring .

Places to See in Pushkar

Brahma Temple

This is the most revered shrine in Pushkar, which happens t be the only temple devoted to The Lord Brahma, worshipped as the Creator of the Universe in the known Hindu Trinity. According to legend, Brahma performed a Yagya here.

Varah Temple

The Varah Temple is devoted to the Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. The temple is houses an image of Vishnu in his fifth incarnation of wild boar and was built by the King Anaji Chauhan (1123-1150) and is equal in importance to the more well known, Brahma Temple. As per the legend, the Lord Vishnu came to earth to kill the demon Hirnayaksh who had stolen the Vedas and then took the shape of Varah (wild boar) and killed the demon thereby liberating the world from his atrocities.

Savitri Temple

This temple is devoted to the Godess Savitri, one of Brahma's wives, and is located on the highest hill above the Pushkar town. One can climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine which offers a panoramic view of the Pushkar Lake and surrounding sand dunes.

Pushkar Lake

The sacred Pushkar Lake is said to have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is believed to be as old as the creation. The lake is one of the most holy spots in the town, and it is said that a single dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is same as performing yagnas for several hundred years.

This enigmatic lake has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around it. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is considered to give fertility, Roop Tirth bestows beauty and charm, the water of Kapil Vyapi Kund is said to have powers to cure leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund gives the blessing of wisdom.

The Pushkar lake is encompassed by hills on three sides and desert on the other side. It is saaid that the cave of Saint Agasthya was located on the snake mountain here. Itis also believed that Kalidasa, the great poet of the ancient times, chose this place as his locale for his Sanskrit drama, Shakuntalam.

Man Mahal
On the banks if pushkar is the magnificent palace built by Raja Man Singh 1 of Amer now converted into the RTDC Hotel sarovar it offers a comfortable accommodation to the visitors.

Shopping in Pushkar
Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of souvenirs and visitors who visit this holy town definitely go the bazaars to purchase textiles, clothes with elaborate embroidery, ethnic jewellery which is a speciality of Rajasthan, alluring miniature paintings, leather goods, lovely brass utensils, mesmerising puppets and pottery. Pushkar is considered to be one of the most interesting places in Rajasthan to buy costume jewellery and embroidered clothes.
At the time of Pushkar fair, one can purchase various items like beads, brass utensils, lovely colourful bangles, leather goods, unique embroidered clothes, camel cover, and much more. Major shopping areas in Pushkar are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.