There are travelers of every kind in this world, some prefer big exotic cities, filled with amenities and a vibrant nightlife, and then there are people who completely abhor the hustle-bustle of cities and prefer remote hamlets where they can truly experience the nature or culture different than what they grew up in, in an absolutely unadulterated form.
And when we talk about places which can give us a little bit of both (Comfort + authentic experience ), options get very limited.
Pushkar is one of those rare cities in India (and the world) where you can expect the luxuries and at the same, get to experience authentic quintessential Indian culture and a sumptuous vibe of spiritual India.
This is the only place in the world where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma is the God who has created this universe and all the living creatures on it. But still, you would never find a temple dedicated to him or any person worshipping him. He is the most secluded god in Hindusim.
This is because, as per Hindu lore, when Lord Brahma created this world, he also created a female deity called Shatarupa ( the one who can acquire a hundred forms).
Shatarupa was so beautiful that Brahma got infatuated with her and stared at her wherever she went. Shatarupa embarrassed by this, tried to escape his gaze but wherever she turned, Brahma sprouted a new head to continue gazing.
In the process, he sprouted four heads to look into all four directions. Desperate Shatarupa jumped high in the sky to escape. But in order to continue his gaze, the fifth head was sprouted at the top of his other four heads.
This really angered Shiva. He then chopped off Brahma’s fifth head as a punishment and cursed him not to be worshipped.
And there is another story which clarifies why lord Brahma gets worshipped in Pushkar only.
Once Brahma killed a demon named Vajranabha, with his lotus. Subsequently, the lotus fell on earth at Pushkar. In the area where the lotus and its petals fell, lakes were formed, out of which Pushkar is the main.
Brahma decided to do yagna at Pushkar lake, but somehow his wife Savitri was not there, so to complete the yagna, Brahma married another woman named Gayatri. And later, when Savitri came back and saw another woman at her place she cursed Brahma that he would be worshipped at this place only, not anywhere else.
As a traveler or backpacker, we have many things to do in Pushkar and that too in affordable budgets. The only prerequisite is, you have to visit this place at the right time to experience some famous Pushkar special gatherings such as Holi or camel fair.
Holi in Pushkar (in March)
India is a land of colors. You can get a glimpse of it in every nook and cranny. Be it food, attires, houses, or festivals.
Holi is one such festival that is solely dedicated to colors. In this festival, you can witness people throwing colors on each other and embracing in sheer ecstasy. All-day long, people keep dancing, eating, and drinking special dishes and beverages, obliterating all the grudges or differences they have had in the past.
Even though this festival is equally famous throughout India but in some places, it gets celebrated at a grandeur level. With proper arrangements and settings. And Pushkar is one such city other than a few others such as Mathura, Vrindavan.
Plan a trip here around Holi to understand why India is a place full of traditions and rituals? which depicts nothing but lively vibes amongst all the people living or visiting here.
Pushkar camel fair
Every year in November, you can witness a huge crowd of camels immensely adorned and beautifully dressed up, participating in races with other fellow camels, doing parades, dancing, and even available to trading in this week-long fair in Pushkar also known as Pushkar camel fair.
Rajasthan tourism profoundly promotes this event and people from the rest of India and all over the world gather in huge numbers to witness, one of its kind traditional events.
Pushkar Lake
As per Hindu mythology, there are five sacred lakes collectively called Panch-Sarovar, exist in India. And one of them is Pushkar Lake.
The reason why these five lakes being called as sacred because, it is believed that, a bird carrying the immortality water (Amrit) flew around India and dropped five drops of it at five different locations. And one of them is now, Pushkar lake.
Pushkar lake is magnificently situated in the middle of the city and is surrounded by plenty of ghats which one can use to take a dip in the holy water.
And the rest of the time, we can just sit back at this laid-back place, doing absolutely nothing but just witnessing the calm atmosphere and sense of tranquility this place radiates which can make even restless minds, absolutely placid.
Pushkar Temple or Brahma Temple
As you already know why Lord Brahma is not very much revered in Hinduism? and finding a temple dedicated to the god of creation is rarest of rare. Precisely, Pushkar is the only place in India.
Therefore, this place is also quite famous amongst spiritual seekers and the believers of Sanatan Dharma because no other place offers the opportunity to worship God who is believed to be the creator of almost everything out there to perceive.
Camel Safari
Rajasthan is the land of the deserts and camels symbolize why these barren wilderness are not as mundane, dull, and deadly as regarded by the people.
If given due attention and taken care of properly, these sand lands could be a great place to try out things that can not be done in the cities, mountains, and beaches.
Occasions like Jaisalmer Desert Festival every year around December in Jaisalmer splendidly exhibit the fun elements and cultural values of this part of India.
In Pushkar too, we can have such experiences such as trying out Camel Safari. Even though it is not as splendor and grandeur as Jaisalmer but surely can be tried out on the trip to Pushkar.
Pro-Tip — Bargain shamelessly as they quote 2–3 times than the original price. And if you are a Non-Indian, they can even go up to 5–6 times.
Mouth-watering food
Every part of India has its own set of impeccably special delicious cuisines. And so does the Rajasthan.
Dishes like Dal Bati Churma, Malpua, Mawa Kachori, Ghevar are extremely famous throughout Rajasthan and also can be easily found in Pushkar.
Other than this, Pushkar city is also filled with cute and cozy cafes such as The Laughing Buddha Cafe, Tiko’s, Sunset Cafe, Funky Monkey Cafe where anyone can spend some me-time along with a nice meal.
Trek to Savitri and Saraswati Temple
Pushkar is not only about Lord Brahma. We can also find temples dedicated to the desolated wife of his, Savitri, which is also famous for sunrise and the sunset amongst travelers. Located at a distance of 2 km from Pushkar city and even though the road is motorable for the most part, but still have to walk up the hill to reach there.
Another famous temple around Pushkar is Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the wife of Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, who is considered to be the goddess of knowledge, learning, and education and revered immensely throughout India.
Stay Options in Pushkar
When it comes to the ephemeral abode, Pushkar has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you are seeking luxury or are on a tight budget, this place can accommodate travelers of every kind.
Places like Ananta Spa and Resorts, Pratap Palace, Pushkar Bagh, Dera Masuda, Aaram Baagh, perfectly suitable for those who are extravagant and love to splurge.
On the other hand, options like Moustache, Zostel, Namaste India, Hostelavie, and the Hosteller, very well satiate those who are on a tight budget but still don’t want to compromise with decent comfort and services.
How to reach Pushkar
Pushkar city is around 380 km from Delhi, 150 km from Jaipur, 15 km from Ajmer, 190 km from Jodhpur, and 280 km from Udaipur.
Reaching Pushkar is not a very herculean task. Several buses run daily to Ajmer from all the nearby cities and from there, local buses will drop you to Pushkar. If you are willing to travel by train then Ajmer also has a railway station.
When it comes to travel by air then Jaipur airport is the nearest. And then a 150 km ride to Pushkar city.
Daily budget
Considering the fact that India is not very expensive ( If you are not getting scammed), 10$ — 15$ (700–1000 INR) per day is adequate for budget travelers to explore this, spiritually significant, extremely adorable settlement amidst the wilderness of Rajasthan.
Staying in dormitories, eating at inexpensive but hygienic hotels and restaurants, and sharing transportations with other fellow travelers or even hitchhiking sometimes( not a very safe option every time though) is the best way to save money while traveling in India.
And if saved slyly and sufficient, then India has no dearth of the splendidly beautiful places to visit.
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