Pushkar
This holy little town is centered on a sacred lake that, according to legend, appeared at the spot where Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower from the sky, which has made it an important Hindu pilgrimage site. On an international level, Pushkar is famous for its colorful camel fair, which takes place every October/November and attracts thousands of tourists.
How to Get There
Pushkar can be reached by bus from a handful of Rajasthani towns that include Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. There are no train services to Pushkar, but you could catch a train to nearby Ajmer and get a bus from there to Pushkar (Ajmer is about seven miles [11 kilometers] away).
How to Get Around
You get around (small) Pushkar by foot. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or motorcycle (just ask around to find rental outlets). There aren't any cycle rickshaws or autorickshaws in Pushkar, but jeeps can be hired for trips to surrounding areas.
Attractions
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a major tourist draw, and although the festival is rooted in spirituality, it has taken on somewhat of a carnival flavor. Tens of thousands of camels and cattle are traded during the fair, while sadhus (ascetics) converge on the town to take a soul-cleansing dip in the holy lake. There's ample entertainment for tourists, with musicians, dancers, snake-charmers, and magicians flocking to the town. The dates of the fair vary annually according to the Indian lunar calendar, taking place in late October or November (consult the tourist office for exact dates).
There are scores of temples in Pushkar including the Brahma Temple and the hilltop Savitri Temple.
Places to Eat
Pushkar is a vegetarian town so no restaurants serve meat.
Sporting lake views, the rooftop Raju Terrace Garden Restaurant is a travelers' favorite, with plenty of comfort food such as hot baked potatoes and crispy pizzas. There's also a good range of Indian dishes. Sadar Bazaar.
Sun-n-Moon is a mellow spot, set in a relaxing courtyard. The menu offers everything from curry to mashed potatoes, and they also cook good breakfasts. Northwest of Pushkar Lake.
Although the food is nothing special, the Sunset Café, right by Pushkar Lake, is indeed a good place to watch the sun go to bed. The menu has a bit of everything—Indian, Chinese, and continental. Eastern Ghat area.
Places to Stay
During the Pushkar Camel Fair, hotel tariffs skyrocket due to the incredibly high demand for rooms; advance reservations at this time are essential.
The nicest place to stay in Pushkar is the Jagat Singh Palace Hotel, which is modern but with traditional architecture and interiors. The rooms are delightful, with wood-carved furniture. There's also a lovely swimming pool. A couple of miles east of the center. tel. +91 (0)145 277 2953.
The mid-priced inn Seventh Heaven is a restored century-old haveli that has just 11 rooms, set around a courtyard. The rooms are individually designed, with carved wooden furniture and homey touches. There's a good rooftop restaurant as well as a meditation/yoga area. Chotti Basti; tel. +91 (0)145 510 5455.
General Tips
If you're keen to see the animal trading at its peak during the camel fair, get to Pushkar about a week prior to the published (official) festival dates.
For More Information
Tourist Information Center Hotel Sarovar compound; tel. +91 (0)145 277 2040.
Rajasthan Tourism
