Wrapped around the sacred Pushkar Lake, Pushkar city is a rare blend of dunes, hills, lakes, and spiritual calm. Home to the oldest Brahma Temple in India, it draws seekers and wanderers with its mystical energy. Here you can witness the soul-stirring aarti at the ghats, where bells ring, chants echo, and incense fills the air. For a dose of adventure, hike up to the Savitri Temple at sunrise or set off on a desert safari across golden sands. 

Even the town’s bustling bazaars are a dream for boho shoppers, stocked with wrap-around skirts, leather goods, juttis, and local handicrafts. Food lovers are in for a treat too, with delicacies like malpua, dal baati, kachori, and pani puri. Every lane here hums with Rajasthani warmth, colour, and tradition. 

If you time your visit between October and November, you’ll catch the Pushkar Mela—a grand celebration that brings together culture, colour, cattle, and chaos in the most unforgettable way.

Aerial view of the Pushkar City surrounded by the Aravalli hills

Pushkar Weather 

Winters – This is the best time to visit Pushkar City, with cool days and chilly nights making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Attend the iconic Pushkar Camel Fair, take serene dips in the holy lake, and explore the bustling bazaars without the heat.

Summer – Pushkar weather in the summer is hot and dry, with temperatures soaring during the day. If you're visiting during this time, early morning visits to temples and sunset views from the Savitri Temple are ideal, followed by relaxed evenings at lakeside cafés.

Monsoon – The monsoon breathes fresh life into Pushkar with light showers and cooler air, painting the town in earthy hues. It’s a good time to experience a quieter Pushkar, enjoy the greenery around the lake in Pushkar, and indulge in soulful retreats or yoga sessions.

And no matter the season, Zostel Homes Pushkar stands out among Pushkar hotels as it offers the perfect stay, whether you’re chasing sunsets, festivals, or moments of peace.

How to Reach Pushkar City

By Bus:

• From Jaipur, you can take a local bus to Pushkar—it's a 3-hour journey and costs around INR 145.
• From Ajmer, the best way is to get a local bus, which takes 30 minutes and costs approximately INR 17.
• From Jodhpur, the bus ride takes about 6 hours, with fares around INR 170.
• From Jaisalmer, expect a 10-hour ride, costing roughly INR 385.

By Train: 

• From Jaipur, take a train to Ajmer (around 3 hours), then Pushkar is just 15 km away. Tickets start at INR 140.
• From Jodhpur, direct trains to Pushkar take about 5 hours, with fares starting from INR 175.
• From Jaisalmer, trains take around 11 hours, and base fares are usually INR 175.

By Air:  

• From Jaipur International Airport, Pushkar is about 156 km away and takes roughly 3.5 hours to reach by taxi, with fares ranging between INR 2,000–2,500.
• From Kishangarh Airport (domestic), it's a shorter 50 km journey that takes around 1.5 hours by taxi, costing approximately INR 1,500–2,000.
• From Jodhpur Airport, the drive to Pushkar takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, with taxi fares typically between INR 2,500–3,000.
• From Jaisalmer Airport, reaching Pushkar takes around 7.5 hours by road, and hiring a cab may cost you INR 4,500–5,000.

What to see in Pushkar City Rajasthan 

Pushkar city Rajasthan is a visual feast—every corner tells a story, and every view has a soul. Here’s what to see when you’re in town.

Brahma temple – This Pushkar temple stands in the heart of the town and is the oldest in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the god of creation. With its striking red spire and serene marble interiors, it hums with centuries of devotion. During Kartik Purnima, when the Pushkar Mela is in full swing, the temple becomes a spiritual epicentre, drawing thousands of pilgrims for a holy dip and divine blessings.

• Timings: 5:00 am to 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm 

Pushkar Lake – Lord Brahma dropped a lotus here, and that’s how this lake in Pushkar came to be—one of the oldest in existence, as the legend goes. Tucked between desert dunes and the Aravallis, the lake shimmers with stories and serenity. Its 52 ghats aren’t just scenic; they’re believed to heal and wash away sins. In the evenings, they glow with mystic aartis—echoing chants, ringing bells, and flickering diyas filling the air with serenity. They’re also the perfect place to unwind and soak in the peaceful charm of Pushkar in Rajasthan.

• Arti timings: 7:00 pm (Summers), 5:30 pm (Winters)

Ghats beside the Pushkar Lake are the perfect place to chill 

Varaha Temple – This ancient and fortified Pushkar temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s boar avatar and stands as one of the oldest in the city. Inside its sanctum sits a striking 2-foot white idol of Lord Varaha, radiating power and grace. The temple walls are adorned with elegant carvings, intricate sculptures, and life-sized mystical figures that bring mythology to life.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm 

Man Mahal – This is one of Pushkar’s grandest royal retreats, built as a guest house for Raja Man Singh I. Overlooking the sacred lake, its Rajasthani architecture is a visual feast, featuring ornate balconies and arched corridors. Once a royal rest stop, today it draws visitors with its timeless charm and majestic views.

• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Rangji temple – This Pushkar temple is a stunning fusion of Mughal, Rajput, and South Indian architecture, crowned by a towering gopuram that adds to its grandeur. At its core lies the sacred Vaikuntha Venkatesh shrine, surrounded by eight smaller temples dedicated to various deities. Rich in culture and devotion, it stands as one of the city’s holiest temples.

​​Naga Pahar – Nestled between the sacred Pushkar Lake and the historic city of Ajmer, this hill holds deep religious significance. It is famed for its tranquil nature walks and scenic hikes, leading adventurers to the hilltop where they can witness the sacred Naag Kund, a sacred water source revered for its spiritual benefits.

What to do in Pushkar City Rajasthan 

Whether you're a seeker, a shopper, or a thrill-chaser, Pushkar city Rajasthan has something waiting around every corner. Let’s dive into the best things to do.

Savitri Temple hike and ropeway—Perched atop Ratnagiri Hill, the Savitri Temple is a revered Pushkar temple and one of the town’s most iconic spots. It is reached by climbing over 500 steep steps, a fulfilling hike best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. The journey blends spiritual calm with scenic charm, offering stunning vistas along the way. And for those who prefer a gentler ascent, the Savitri Mata ropeway glides you up the hillside, offering a spectacular aerial ride over Pushkar town and its shimmering lake. 

• Ropeway Tickets: INR 165 (age 3 and above), INR 125 (differently abled)

A bird's eye view of Pushkar city from the Savitri Mata Temple ropeway

Hot Air Balloon – A magical ride that offers the perfect way to see Pushkar city Rajasthan, from a whole new perspective—gliding over the town, temples, Aravalli hills, and the serene lake as dawn breaks. This unforgettable experience becomes even more special during the closing days of the Pushkar Fair. 

• Tickets: INR 6,000 - INR 15,000

Pushkar Holi – Holi in Pushkar city is an electrifying celebration like no other—a vibrant fusion of colour, energy, and spirit that begins buzzing as early as March. At the iconic Pushkar Chowk, thousands gather, drenched in gulaal, music, and joy—some high on bhaang, others simply on life. It's a festival where locals and travellers become one in a riot of colours.

Gayatri Mata Temple hike: A short 15-minute hike takes you to this peaceful hilltop Pushkar temple, perched on a hill with stunning views of the town and surrounding landscapes. Start just before sunrise, and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Aravalli range, Savitri Hills, and the Pushkar Lake glowing in the early morning light.

Pushkar Markets

Pushkar in Rajasthan offers one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in Northern India, where bustling lanes brim with silver jewellery, handicrafts, leather goods, and fragrant rose products. Here are the best shopping places that you can explore:

• Sarafa Bazaar: For traditional jewellery 
• Kedalganj Bazaar: For handicrafts 
• Sadar Bazaar: For traditional and bohemian clothes 
• Baza Bazaar: For Rajasthani home decor pieces

Pushkar Mela 

Every year, as the cooler winds of October and November sweep across Rajasthan, Pushkar city bursts into life with one of the most iconic festivals in India—the Pushkar Camel Fair. What began over a century ago as a humble cattle trading event has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture, devotion, and desert charm.

More than 200,000 visitors gather to witness over 30,000 camels being paraded, traded, and dressed in dazzling ornaments. But it’s not just about camels, the Pushkar mela is a riot of colour and energy, with folk music and dance performances, magic shows, and cultural events.

The festival invites tourists to dive into the fun through quirky competitions like turban tying, tilak contests, and tug-of-war matches. You’ll see locals and travellers competing in sports like kabaddi or cheering on moustache warriors in the "Longest Moustache" contest. From camel races and wrestling matches to bridal shows and matka races for women, there’s a spectacle at every corner.

The Pushkar Mela isn’t just a festival, it’s an unforgettable immersion into Rajasthan’s heart and heritage. ​​Want to dive deeper into everything the mela has to offer? Click here. 

The Pushkar Camel Fair is said to be the world's largest camel fair

Restaurants in Pushkar 

Pushkar city is a treat for food lovers, serving up an unforgettable culinary experience with every bite. Here’s where you should treat your taste buds while exploring the town:

• Sarvadia Mishtan Bhandar, Badi Basti: Famous for Malpua with Rabri
• Shree Pushkar Raj Kachori Bhandar: Known for its crispy Khasta Kachori
• Lala Ji Parathawala: Go-to spot for buttery Parathas
• Original Ganga Laffa and Falafel: Best for Falafel rolls
• Chaudhary Mishthan Bhandar: Try their delicious Kalakand
• Jodhpuri Daal Baati Churma Restaurant: For an authentic Rajasthani thali experience

Pushkar Hotels

Sure, there are many Pushkar hotels to choose from, but if you’re after a stay that’s away from the hustle and close enough to explore it all, Zostel Homes Pushkar is just right. Nestled in calm surroundings, it lets you soak in the town’s charm at your own pace: peaceful, yet perfectly connected.

About Zostel Homes Pushkar 

Situated on the peaceful outskirts of Pushkar city, this luxury retreat blends rustic charm with modern comforts—think cosy tents, spacious suites, and fun dorms. Lounge by the pool with the Aravallis in the backdrop, dig into flavourful Rajasthani cuisine, and soak in the festive spirit of the town. Whether you're here to chill with friends or dive into Pushkar's cultural pulse, it’s the perfect setting for an easygoing escape.

Aravalli hills in the backdrop, fun cafe and common area, and cosy bonfire area at Zostel Homes Pushkar

In-house swimming pool, tent-style stays, lively dorm, and cosy private room at Zostel Homes Pushkar

Ready to lose yourself in the colours, chants, and charm of Pushkar? Your journey begins now. Click here to explore your perfect getaway.

FAQs 

What are the best things to do in Pushkar City?

The best things to do in Pushkar city include hiking to the Savitri Temple, enjoying camel and desert safari, riding a hot air balloon ride, witnessing aarti at the ghats, shopping in vibrant local bazaars, and savouring authentic local flavours.

When will Pushkar Mela start?

The Pushkar Mela, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, is a vibrant five-day celebration usually held in October and November. In 2025, this event will take place from 30th October to 5th November.

What is the best time to visit Pushkar in Rajasthan?

The best time to visit Pushkar in Rajasthan is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and desert activities. This period also includes the famous Pushkar Mela, adding a festive charm to the town.

What are the best Pushkar hotels?

Well, there are plenty of Pushkar hotels, but if you’re looking for a stay that’s tucked away from the hustle yet close enough to explore it all, Zostel Homes Pushkar is just the right choice.