Pushkar Travel Guide
The little city of Pushkar has its own distinct charm that is unmatched by any other city. A perfect town nestled into the side of the Snake Mountains and lining Lake Pushkar. Whitewashed buildings, patterned at minarets line the lake shore, pilgrims on the ghats performing puja all seems to have come straight from the fairy tales.
Pushkar History
Historically, Pushkar always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the great Moghula. One of the first contacts between the Moghula and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by British rather than being part of a princely state.
Exploring Pushkar
The Pushkar Lake :
It is revered as one the most sacred lakes among the Hindus. The belief is that; a dip in this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), and worship at the Brahma temple cleanses the soul and ensures salvation. The famed waters of the Pushkar Lake are said to wash away the sins of a lifetime. The mystical water is also believed to cure skin diseases. There are many temples located around the lake that add to the charm and mystique of this sacred town.
Bramha Temple :
The most famous temple in Pushkar, this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology) in the entire country.
Savitri Temple :
The temple in Puskar is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma and located on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. According to the legends when Lord Brahma performed a Yagna (holy fire devoted to gods) along with Gayatri, a local milkmaid, furious Savitri cursed her husband that he would never be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar and that too only once a year. Savitri left for the Ratnagiri Hill after cursing her husband and immolated herself there. There is beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri inside the temple.
Camel and Horse Safari :
Camel and Horse rides are some exciting activities one can take part in, at Puskar. The rides are provided by local population.
Getting there :
Airways : The nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai has also started from Pushkar by Indian Airlines.
Railways : The nearest railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, which is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning (Shatabdhi Exp).
Roadways : Pushkar is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good, and it takes around 3 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by hire private cars.