Pushkar is like an Oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. Owing to its location at the windward side of Aravalli Mountains, Pushkar receives abundant rainfall during monsoon. This is the reason why it is popularly known as “The Rose Garden of Rajasthan”. The aroma of the famous Pushkar rose attracts the tourists from all over the world, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations among foreign tourists.
Bordering Ajmer on the west and the Thar Desert on the east, this fascinating city lies near Pushkar lake in the midst of Aravalli Mountain range and is surrounded by hills on three sides making it a perfect holiday destination. So don’t forget to put Pushkar in your list whenever you plan to explore the state of Rajasthan.
The city is famous for its milky blue-temples and the Pushkar lake, the site of renowned “Pushkar Fair”, which is a 5-day camel and livestock fair. It is one of the largest cattle fairs in the world.
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Pushkar Lake is one of the best spots in Rajasthan for Camera-buffs. According to the folklore, this Lake was formed when Lord Brahma, creator of Universe dropped a lotus to the ground, resulting in the formation of a lake, which was named after the flower ‘Pushkar’, (Sanskrit: Lotus). Thus, this place has major religious significance for Hindu devotees and is considered as “Tirtha Raj”, the king of all pilgrimage sites. No pilgrimage is considered to be complete without a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake.
The Lake is semi-circular in shape and has 52 ghats with stone staircases to reach the edge of the lake. Over 500 temples surround the lake.
You can visit the lake any day of the week and it will take you only an hour to explore the lake and surrounding area.
Thousands of devotees flock to this temple throughout the year, as it is one of a few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and is the most prominent among them.
The temple is built with white marble and is situated in the scenic Pushkar Valley. At the entrance, you will find the statue of goose (Hans). The walls and pillars of the temple are carved to form beautiful stone sculptures and are decorated with silver coins. The four-faced statue of Lord Brahma is placed in the garbhagriha of the temple. A marble idol of the Sun god, Surya wearing warrior’s boots is also placed in the temple complex.
You can visit the temple any day of the week.
This palace is a flawless example of fine Rajasthani architecture. It was built as a resting house for Maharaja Man Singh but now has been transformed into a heritage hotel, with the name the RTDC Hotel Sarovar. I suggest you put up in this hotel for at least a day, as this place not only provides a great experience of the Royal treat but also gives an ample opportunity to feast your eyes on the magnificent landscape of Pushkar valley, lakes and temples around the lake.
This hotel provides a variety of facilities to its guests like camping, camel cart ride, a tour of the famous Pushkar fair, visit the Pushkar lake and camel ride along with other recreational activities that include spa and bar. This place is a complete package where you can taste the essence of Royal Rajasthani Hospitality.
Rangji temple is over 150 years old. The unique part about this temple is, unlike all the other monuments of Rajasthan this temple is built in South Indian style of architecture, with high-rising ‘Gopuram’ right at the entrance of the temple. Spectacular figures and stone sculptures are carved out of the stone walls of the temple with the exclusive touch of Mughal, Rajput and South Indian style of architecture.
The main deity of Rangji temple is Lord Vishnu. Thousands of tourists and devotees flock to the temple throughout the year. The head priest of the temple belongs to the Iyengar community of Tamil Nadu.
This place is of a great significance for the followers of Sikhism, as this place was visited by both the first and tenth Sikh guru. In order to commemorate their visit to this holy land, Gurudwara Singh Sabha was built over a hundred years ago in the 19th century.
This Gurudwara is double story building, built in white marble. One can have a breathtaking view of the Pushkar valley from the top.
During your visit to Pushkar, spend a soulful evening in its Rose Garden. Besides its magnificent temples, Pushkar is also famous for its exquisite and export quality of roses which are cultivated on a large scale on the holy land. A great variety of roses are cultivated in Pushkar, this is why it is known as ‘the Rose Garden of Rajasthan’.
Sitting amidst the blooming flowers, cherishing the mesmerizing fragrance under the blue sky would leave you spellbound.
Being built in the 12th century, Varaha temple is the oldest temple of Pushkar. It is also the largest temple of the city. This temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha, who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a wild boar.
The temple reflects the ancient Indian essence of Hindu architecture, with a ‘Shikhar’ over ’garbhagriha’ and a ‘mandapam’. Thus, this place holds not only religious significance but also historical significance. This makes it a must-see sight in Pushkar.
The best way to explore the culture of a place is by visiting its markets, where you can find all the necessary ingredients that contribute to the existence and flourishing of that culture. Rajasthan is known for its rich cultural heritage and Pushkar bazaar is the perfect archetype of it. While strolling the market you can find the glimpse of fine Rajputana jewelry, handicrafts, leather products, embroidered Rajasthani outfits, wall hangings, Rajasthani fabric and much more.
Sarafa Bazaar and Bada Bazaar are the major markets of Pushkar.
‘Nag Pahar’ or ‘Snake Mountain’ forms the border of Pushkar and Ajmer. According to the folklore, this mountain is shrinking day by day and one day will be disappeared completely. I’m sure you all heard of the renowned Sage Agastya, it is believed that he had his residence at this hill only.
This hill offers a perfect panoramic view of the valley from its top and thus serves as a perfect site for the photography, luring shutterbugs from all over the world.
Pushkar fair is a 5-day long grand carnival held every year at the bank of the Pushkar Lake. It is one of the largest cattle fairs in the world where a variety of cattle and camel are traded on a large scale. This fair provides an opportunity to have the essence of rural Rajasthan in its most pristine form.
A variety of cultural events like camel processions, cultural performances, puppet shows and sports events like horse races and camel races are organized in the fair. Camel races organized during this carnival is gaining popularity not only in India but all over the world, in which camels are beautifully and colourfully decorated in signature Rajasthani style.
Don’t miss
You can make your trip to Pushkar, a memory that will last a lifetime by trying Camel safari, Jeep safari, and hot air ballooning.
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