Things to do in Pushkar
And where to stay, the best time to visit, what a day costs, and the traps to skip.
Best time to visit Pushkar
• a note or something on ✦ an occasion worth the trip
Main season from October to March, with cool weather best for hill climbs, safaris and walking the ghats.
Pushkar Camel Fair month. Trading early, cultural programme in the middle, and a pilgrimage crush at Kartik Purnima.
Fierce summer heat. Sightseeing only at dawn and after sunset, with the town at its quietest and cheapest.
Monsoon months with intermittent rain, greener hills, slippery steps and a calmer town.
What's on
- Pushkar Camel Fair 17 to 24 November 2026, reported
Livestock trading early in the week, cultural competitions in the middle, ending on Kartik Purnima. Confirm final dates with Rajasthan Tourism.
- Kartik Purnima 24 November 2026
The full moon climax of the fair, with Maha Aarti and ritual bathing at the lake. A religious event first.
- Holi March, date varies
Famous and intense in Pushkar, with dense crowds and coloured powder thrown widely in the square and lanes.
Best things to do in Pushkar
Pushkar Lake
The sacred lake ringed by 52 ghats, most powerful at sunrise and at the sunset aarti with lamps on the water.
Brahma Temple
One of the very few Brahma temples in the world, with a red spire and marble steps by the sacred lake.
Savitri Mata Temple
Hilltop temple reached by steps or ropeway, with the classic panoramic view over the lake and town.
Varaha Temple
One of Pushkar's oldest and largest temples, dedicated to Varaha, with substantial stone carving.
Old Rangji Temple
A Vishnu temple in South Indian style in the middle of Rajasthan, a calm short stop near the bazaar.
Sadar Bazaar
Pushkar's main market lane for rose products, block printed fabrics, silver jewellery and handicrafts.
Where to stay in Pushkar
Old Town and lake
first trip, walking Pushkar itself
Step out to the ghats at dawn and dusk, with the bazaar, temples and rooftop restaurants on foot.
Resort strip outside town
resort comfort, pool and spa days
Quiet Aravalli settings on Motisar Road and the Ajmer Pushkar Road, with a drive into town for the sights.
Best restaurants in Pushkar
Seasonal Tastes
The Westin all day dining room, Pushkar's closest luxury meal, known for buffets and its Maharaja Thali.
Out of the Blue Restaurant
A rooftop over the lake on Main Market Road for wood fired pizza, thalis and fresh juices at sunset.
La Pizzaria Restaurant
A long running pizza place at Varah Ghat, the traveller staple for Italian food by the lake.
Honey Dew Cafe and Restaurant
A simple good value vegetarian cafe on Main Market Road for breakfasts, thalis and unhurried meals.
Ganga Laffa & Falafel Restaurant
Laffa wraps, falafel and hummus at street prices near Narsingh Ghat, a Pushkar budget institution.
Outdoor things to do in Pushkar
Pap Mochani Temple
The gentler hill climb in Pushkar, a sunrise walk to a quiet temple above the town and lake.
Pushkar Camel Safari
A sunset camel ride from town into sandy tracks, villages and rose farms on the desert edge.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The great Sufi shrine in Ajmer, about 30 minutes away, and the natural major day trip from Pushkar.
SkyWaltz Balloon Safari
A sunrise balloon flight over the fairgrounds, lake and dunes, mainly during Pushkar Fair season.
Best hotels in Pushkar
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa
A large wellness resort by the Aravalli Hills with private pool rooms, a spa and several restaurants.
Ananta Spa & Resort, Pushkar
A luxury resort on the approach road with a pool, health club and balconies facing gardens or hills.
Inn Seventh Heaven
A characterful haveli hotel by the lake with a green courtyard, rooftop restaurant and decorated rooms.
Zostel Pushkar
The reliable budget hostel base with dorms, private rooms and a seasonal pool near the old town.
Is Pushkar expensive? What a day costs
| Budget | ₹1,500 a person |
|---|---|
| Classic | ₹3,000 a person |
| Splurge | ₹12,000 a person |
A day of food, drink, sights and getting around, before the room
What to book ahead
- Pushkar Camel Safari: a few days ahead
- SkyWaltz Balloon Safari: weeks ahead
- The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa: weeks ahead
- Ananta Spa & Resort, Pushkar: weeks ahead
- Inn Seventh Heaven: a few days ahead
- Seasonal Tastes: a few days ahead
- Book fair week accommodation months ahead and expect minimum stays and non refundable terms.
- Book balloon flights weeks ahead in season and confirm the Pushkar launch specifically.
- Book Inn Seventh Heaven and the resorts ahead for weekends outside fair week.
Is Pushkar safe?
- Remove shoes at the ghats, cover shoulders and knees, and never photograph people bathing or praying without clear permission.
- Pushkar town is vegetarian and alcohol is not served in town. Do not bring meat or alcohol to the ghats or temples.
- Everyday risks are donation pressure at the lake, monkeys on hill temple steps, wet ghat steps, heat, and traffic on the Ajmer road.
- Watch for monkeys on hill temple steps and take care on wet ghat steps and on the Ajmer road.
Pushkar travel tips: tourist traps to skip
- Decline any flower offered at the lake unless you want a puja, and agree any donation in full before a puja starts.
- Agree camel safari price, duration and return point before you mount, especially in fair week.
- Know what is in a special lassi before you accept it, as some contain bhang with real effects.
Getting around Pushkar: public transport and more
- Walk the old town. The nearest major railhead is Ajmer Junction, about 15 km away, with taxis and buses to Pushkar in about 30 minutes.
- Jaipur is about 145 km and roughly three hours by road. Use auto rickshaws for the resort strip and the bus stand.
Who Pushkar suits
| Solo travellers | Great |
|---|---|
| Groups of friends | Good |
| Couples | Good |
| Bachelor parties | Not ideal |
| Families | Good |
| Bachelorette parties | Not ideal |
Make Pushkar your trip
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