We did a 16 days trip to Rajasthan visiting Pushkar, Ajmer, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Udaipur & Jaipur. We had hired a taxi from Jaipur and would be covering these destinations one by one. Keep visiting!
Pushkar was the first leg of our long journey through one of the most traditional and colorful states in India, Rajasthan. Pushkar, the city famous with its origins through Lord Brahma is situated about 12 kms north west of Ajmer. We drove from Jaipur, starting at about 7:30AM with an excellent 4 lane highway all the way up to Ajmer. About an hour into the drive we stopped by a dhaba called Hotel Radhaswami for some chai and breakfast, however could not resists having some hot and delicious Tandoori Stuffed Parathas ( One of the best parathas I have had in recent times ). We reached Ajmer at about 10:30AM and checked into Hotel Regal, a fairly decent overnight place with available guest parking. Since the check in was only available after noon, we left our luggage with the front desk and left for Pushkar.
The road from Ajmer to Pushkar is single lane and goes through small hills, so it took about half and hour to cover the distance.
We first headed towards the all too famous cattle fair. Few points to consider
- Try to get the fair itinerary in advance and mark the events you would want to visit. The events are generally far and wide, and you don't want to be missing your favorite ones.
- Reach 10 minutes early to grab the front seats
- Because it's heavily crowded at the event, beware of pick pocketers.
After doing a quick Camel ride on the back of beautifully dressed up Camel's we headed towards the ghat's. While you drive towards the ghats beware of the local so called pandits, who will pester you to take them along or show you the way. If you do need to perform a pooja, you can get a pandit at the ghat itself.
Its said that Pushkar lake was created from Lord Brahma's Lotus flower and that he also used this place for a Yajna. The lake has ghat's all around and famous ones are Brahma Ghat & Savitri Ghat. We left our footwear at a shack just next to the ghat where you can buy some Prasad and offerings.
We spent some time sitting at the ghat, enjoying the beauty and looking at colorful religious followers taking the holy dip in the pond. Once through we walked through the streets towards the Brahma Temple. Its best to shop for some knick knacks from the shops which sell pottery, decorations, clothes and artificial jewelry.
Since the Temple was closed at Lunch time, we decided to grab some lunch. There are small restaurants on the street side, which look all the same. We sat in one which was slightly less crowded at the time named Karni Mata restaurant. Its easy to over eat at the place with delicious traditional Rajasthani food and this place was no different. Apart from the regular North Indian dishes, it had traditional Rajasthani on the menu including Malinda, Gatte Ki Subzi, Lehsun Ki Chutney, Daal Baati etc. Do keep some space to have the Malpua Rabdi from the street shops, one of the must have delicacies from Pushkar.
It was also great to click some great faces, children dressed as goddesses, Sadhu's et al. Visit the Brahma and Apteshwar Temple, however the queues may be heavy at times. We spent some more time on the streets, had a kulhad chai before deciding to head to Ajmer. Post coming up soon.
Places to visit in Pushkar
Brahma Temple ( 6 am - noon and 3-7 pm )
Ghats ( Important ones are Brahma ghat, Varaaha ghaat and gau ghat )
Cattle Fair ( It happens every year in the month of October or November )
Places to Eat in Pushkar
One of the may road side restaurants which serves authentic Rajasthani food.
The sixth sense ( For a roof top experience )
Blue frog have some really good food.
Sunset cafe for a beautiful view on sunset over the lake.
Do not miss the Malpua's from the street side shops.
Shopping in Pushkar
Shops all along the road are stocked with cloths in cotton and silk, funky jewellery, souvenirs and handicraft. They are pretty reasonable and most shops are fixed price shops.
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