After Jaipur we traveled onwards to the holy city Pushkar. Originated around Pushkar Lake, and located at the border of the Thar Desert, the city is is surrounded by desert and hills on all three sides.
Besides being an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs, Pushkar has also grown into a popular, non-religious tourist destination (partly because of the famous Pushkar Camel Fair).
The small center has something intimate to it and we found the atmosphere in this Rajasthan city very peaceful and relaxed (which made it more difficult to leave :)).
The main attractions are the beautiful lake and the many temples. But of course there’s always more to it.
Here’s our top #10 activities you could consider if you’re paying a visit to Pushkar. Enjoy!
#1 Appreciating the energy of the holy lake
Pushkar Lake
When you’re in Pushkar, you ofcourse can’t miss its prime attraction, Pushkar Lake. The city has become a pilgrimage place because of this holy lake in the middle of the town. Walking around it is a good way to get to know the city. Read more..
#2 Taking a selfie with one of the many city cows
Holy cows
Never before have we encountered so many cows in the streets of an Indian town that we visited. Each of them with their own looks and personality.. and the perfect subject for an attractive photo! Read more..
#3 Walking up to the Pap Mochani Temple
Pap Mochani Temple
One of our first days in Pushkar, we decided to go up the hill and visit this pink Pap Mochani Temple (or Gayatri Peeth). To see the temple, but also to get one of the best panoramic views of the city, we heard. Read more..
#4 Meeting the Naked Baba (or Aloo Baba)
Baba visit
A very special, and probably the most memorable trip in Pushkar: our meeting with the Naga Sadhu or Naked Baba. Him being a Shaivite, a follower of the lord Shiva, means he’s very well respected in India and lives according specific ancient Hindu traditions. And then there’s the other special thing about this baba: he hasn’t spoken for years! Read more..
#5 Climbing up the Ratnagiri Hill & enjoying the sunrise
Savitri Temple
After an unplanned early morning rise, we decided to use the opportunity to finally hike up Ratnagiri Hill to see the Savitri Temple on top. And moreover, the apparently spectacular sunrise over Pushkar.
It turned out to be a beautiful site and an unexpected adventure at the same time, because of the curious monkeys living up there. Read more..
#6 Staying at a hotel with an amazing rooftop view
Paramount Palace
This hotel in Pushkar we booked in advance, and the choice was merely because of the price and reviews. We didn’t really look at the pictures.
Because of that, an unexpected advantage we only discovered the next morning after our first night: a big rooftop terrace and wide view over the city! And it turned out to be a perfect film location as well. Read more..
#7 Getting a haircut at the local hairdresser
Local haircut
Or, at least, getting the haircut done by a local! A good way to get to know the Indian grooming customs better. This man is also fond of giving massages, even without asking. Read more..
#8 Trying a real French (Indian) croissant in the country side
French croissants
Both being addicted to croissants, we had to find this place people were talking about.. a little cafe in the middle of the country side of Pushkar, with an Indian guy that actually knows how to bake real French pastries!
Italian coffee, croissants, baguettes.. we had to find this place! Read more..
#9 Going on a day trip to Ajmer
Day trip Ajmer
Another option in Pushkar is renting a scooter or motorbike and to drive down to the neighboring city Ajmer. One of the oldest cities of Rajasthan, located a few kilometres from Pushkar, and surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. Read more..
#10 Trying out the restaurants
Pushkar restaurants
Ofcourse, more than enough good cafes and restaurants with the best food, service and views in Pushkar!
In this article we suggest the places we really liked. Read more..
#12 Tips in Pushkar – shortlist to screenshot
- Enjoying the energy of Pushkar Lake
- Capturing the holy cows
- Hiking up to Pap Mochani Temple (or Gayatri Peeth)
- Meeting Naked Baba (Naga Sadhu) and/or Aloo Baba
- Climbing up Savitri Temple on Ratnagiri Hill
- Staying at hotel Paramount Palace
- Going to the local hairdresser
- Trying the croissants at the French Bakery
- Making a day trip to Ajmer
- Restaurants in Pushkar: Coffee Temple, Sixth Sense, Laura’s Cafe, Moon Cafe, Raju’s Garden Restaurant, The French Bakery, Italian Garden
#Tips in Pushkar – shortlist to screenshot
- sights: Pushkar Lake, Pap Mochani Temple (or Gayatri Peeth), Savitri Temple (on Ratnagiri Hill), day trip Ajmer
- activities: holy cows, hairdresser, croissants at the French Bakery
- visit: Naked Baba / Aloo Baba
- staying: Hotel Paramount Palace
- Restaurants in Pushkar: Coffee Temple, Sixth Sense, Laura’s Cafe, Moon Cafe, Raju’s Garden Restaurant, The French Bakery, Italian Garden
Tips @breuhuys
Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022, India
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