Pushkar — a holy lake in the desert
Temples, ghats and Rajasthan's famous camel fair
Holy lake town · Best Oct–Mar
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Pushkar is a sacred lake town on the edge of the Thar desert, ringed by 52 bathing ghats and home to one of India's few temples dedicated to Brahma. It's a compact, easy-going stop known for its holy lake, rooftop cafés and the famous annual camel fair.
Travel scores
Who it's for
Compact and walkable, though the temple town's religious intensity suits older kids better.
Rooftop cafés and lakeside sunsets make for a relaxed, low-key stop.
A well-worn, easy solo destination with a strong traveller café scene.
One of Rajasthan's cheapest and most backpacker-friendly towns.
Small and walkable, though the ghats involve some uneven steps.
Best time to visit
October to March is best — cool, pleasant days ideal for exploring the ghats and lake. The Pushkar Camel Fair (Oct–Nov) is the single best time to visit but also the busiest. Summers (April–June) are very hot and best avoided.
Major attractions
- Pushkar Lake & Ghats — 52 bathing ghats ring the sacred lake, most atmospheric at sunrise and sunset.
- Brahma Temple — One of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Brahma, at the heart of the town.
- Pushkar Camel Fair — A famous annual livestock fair (Oct–Nov) with camel trading, races and folk performances.
- Savitri Temple viewpoint — A hilltop temple reached by a short trek or cable car, with sweeping views over the town and desert.
- Rooftop café strip — A row of lakeside cafés perfect for sunset views over Pushkar Lake.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
Lake & ghats
Walk the ghats, visit the Brahma Temple, and catch sunset at a rooftop café by the lake.
- 2
Viewpoint & bazaar
A morning hike or cable car to Savitri Temple, then shop the Sadar Bazaar in the afternoon.
- 3
Slow morning
A relaxed final morning by the lake before continuing your Rajasthan circuit.
Food & drink
Pushkar is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free due to its sacred status — expect Rajasthani thalis, Israeli-influenced traveller cafés, and Malpua (a local sweet).
Shopping
Sadar Bazaar sells silver jewellery, tie-dye textiles, leather goods and semi-precious stones — a relaxed, less pressured shopping experience than bigger Rajasthani cities.
Local etiquette & customs
Pushkar is a sacred pilgrimage town — it's officially vegetarian and dry, and photography at the ghats requires sensitivity and, at times, a small donation to temple priests who may approach you.
- No meat, eggs or alcohol are sold or permitted within the town.
- Remove shoes before entering the Brahma Temple and before stepping onto the ghats.
- Be cautious of priests offering unsolicited 'puja' at the ghats — agree any donation amount upfront or decline politely.
Festivals & events
One of the world's largest camel and livestock fairs, with races, music and a huge temporary tent city.
A holy bathing festival at the lake, coinciding with the camel fair.
Getting there & around
Kishangarh Airport (~20 km) has limited flights; Jaipur (~150 km) has far more options. Ajmer (~15 km) is the nearest railway junction. Pushkar itself is small and entirely walkable.
Good to know
- Book accommodation months ahead if visiting during the Camel Fair.
- Remember Pushkar is dry and vegetarian — plan meals and expectations accordingly.
- Agree photography and 'puja' donation amounts with priests before engaging.
- The town is small and walkable — you rarely need transport within it.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid-budget couple typically spends ₹1,800–3,000/day; prices spike sharply during the Camel Fair.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Pushkar.
Safety & essentials
Politely decline or agree a firm price upfront to avoid pressure for large donations at the ghats.
Small and easy to navigate on foot, with a long-established traveller scene.
Frequently asked
Is Pushkar the same as the Pushkar Camel Fair?
No — Pushkar is the town; the Camel Fair is an annual event held there each October–November.
Can you drink alcohol in Pushkar?
No — the town is officially dry and vegetarian due to its sacred status.
How many days do you need in Pushkar?
One to two days is enough outside fair season; during the Camel Fair, three or more lets you see the full event.
