Pushkar doesn’t feel like the rest of Rajasthan.

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Small, laid-back and deeply spiritual, it’s one of India’s oldest and most storied places - many Hindus believe Lord Brahma himself established the town over 2,000 years ago.

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It’s also one of the most popular traveller hangouts in the entire country, with funky cafes, abundant hostels and a lively party scene.

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And the town has managed to hold onto its spirit. A site of Hindu pilgrimage for hundreds of years, the holy lake which sits at the centre of the town is rumoured to have formed when a lotus flower fell from the hand of Lord Brahma, and is believed to hold healing properties for the thousands of pilgrims who flock here every week.

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Here are ten of the best things to do whilst relaxing at this serene, charming town, both the best chill spot and a vibrant glimpse of Rajasthani tradition.

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Pushkar Camel Fair

Nothing on Earth quite compares to Pushkar’s most famous festival, when thousands of the region’s camel farmers march their dromedaries to the sacred city to trade, celebrate and compete. It’s a surreal spectacle to witness if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in town for the week. The usually-serene lakeside hangout is swarmed with colour and camels for a week when a colourful range of activities - from moustache competitions to camel racing - turn the whole town into a frenzy of colour and activity.If you’re planning a trip to Pushkar and will be in town for the festival, be sure to book accommodation in advance.  

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Relax by the Lake

Pushkar’s holy lake is one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites, and the perfect spot to relax whilst taking in the town’s spiritual energy. Legend tells that Lord Brahma formed the lake when a lotus flower fell from his hand, and Hindus believe it holds the power to cleanse sins and provide salvation.
To access the ghats (steps leading down to the water), you have to remove your shoes. Photography is technically prohibited, but you see plenty of people snapping pics anyway.
Even in a town the size of Pushkar, the intensity of India can overwhelm. Come to the lake to counteract the madness.

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Go Shopping

Pushkar’s main shopping street bursts with trinkets, clothes and spices for visitors to browse. Simply take a walk at sunset and you’ll be mesmerised; artisans sell bespoke carved decorations, ethically-sourced garments and intricate rugs and carpets.
Sample Rajasthani sweets; . There’s plenty of good, touristy fun to be had browsing what’s on offer.
And if you’re overwhelmed by the choice, don’t worry - there are numerous shipping agencies based in Pushkar in case your wallet is bigger than your suitcase! For a relatively small fee you can ship your treasures home.

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Attend an Evening Aarti

Every evening, the shores of the town’s sacred lake transform as the Aarti ceremony acts as a spiritual cleanser for attendees and divine offering.
People may offer you a flower to float out onto the lake - typically, we wouldn’t advise taking up the offer. These touts can get pushy and sometimes aggressive if you don’t agree to pay their (often incredibly high) price.

Hike to Savitri Temple

Perched on one of the many hills surrounding Pushker, the Savitiri Temple offers stunning views on the town below and is a moderately challenging hike for when the laid back spirit of the town makes you feel as little too lazy.
5. Enjoy some of Pushkar’s finer hashish
- You don’t need to spend long in Pushkar to see (and smell) why it attracts hippies and stoners. Hashish is often in the air, and numerous cafes are here to indulge your craving for a high amidst Pushkar’s magical surroundings. For those so inclined, there ate numerous options

Getting To Pushkar

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Pushkar doesn’t have its own train station, but it lies only 7km from the city of Ajmer, which does.
From the station, you can take a shared taxi or bus to Pushkar.
12Go, Redbus and Trainninja all offer ticketing services for trains, as does the government’s notorious IRCTC website. Booking online saves a ton of hassle and stress at the station, and will guarantee you a reserved space on a carriage class of your liking. For more in depth detail, see our easy guide to train travel in India.
Tickets go on sale 120 in advance and will often get booked up around festival dates, especially the Pushkar Camel Fair and Holi.

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