Pushkar
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Pushkar if You want a tiny, walkable, strictly vegetarian holy lake town as a slow stop on a Rajasthan circuit - 52 ghats, the only major Brahma temple in India, and the chance to time the visit to November's 50,000-camel fair..
- Best for
- 52 ghats around the sacred lake, the only major Brahma temple in India, Aravalli sunset hikes
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- Budget anchor
- $55/day mid-range
- Skip if
- you want meat, alcohol, or a buzzy nightlife — the entire town is strictly vegetarian and dry
A small Hindu pilgrimage town in central Rajasthan built around a sacred lake ringed by 52 ghats and dominated by the only major Brahma temple in India - the rare temple to the creator god in a country that overwhelmingly favours Vishnu and Shiva. Pushkar is a strict vegetarian and alcohol-free zone year round, anchoring a slow backpacker scene of rooftop cafes and Aravalli sunset hikes for most of the calendar. Once a year, on the November full moon, the desert outside town fills with the Pushkar Camel Fair: 50,000-plus camels, horses, and cattle traded over five days in the year's flagship Rajasthani spectacle. Ajmer railhead is 30 minutes east.
Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Pushkar
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Pushkar
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 21,000 (town)
- Timezone
- Kolkata
- Dial
- +91
- Emergency
- 112
Pushkar is one of the five holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and the only town in India with a major temple to Brahma the creator - of an estimated 80,000 Hindu temples in India, only a handful are dedicated to Brahma and Pushkar's is the most important
The sacred Pushkar Lake is believed to have formed where a lotus dropped by Brahma touched the earth - 52 ghats (stone stairways) ring the lake and pilgrims bathe at sunrise to cleanse their sins
The five-day Pushkar Camel Fair held on the November full moon (Kartik Purnima) is the largest livestock fair in the world - 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle are traded across the dunes outside town
Pushkar is a strict vegetarian and alcohol-free zone year round - no meat, fish, eggs, or alcohol may be sold within the town limits, enforced by both religious tradition and local government
The town sits at the edge of the Thar Desert in central Rajasthan, ringed by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) range - Savitri Mata Temple on the western ridge is reached by cable car or a 30-minute climb for the iconic sunrise view
The 30-minute drive from Ajmer railhead and the close cluster with Jaipur (145 km) and Jodhpur (190 km) make Pushkar the standard short stop on a Rajasthan circuit - most visitors stay just 2 to 3 nights
Top Sights
Brahma Temple (Jagatpita Brahma Mandir)
📌The 14th-century rebuilt temple to Brahma the creator god, marked by a distinctive red spire and a silver tortoise inlaid in the marble floor of the inner sanctum. One of the only major Brahma temples in the entire Hindu world. Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum and shoes must be left at the entrance.
Pushkar Lake & 52 Ghats
📌The sacred lake at the heart of town, ringed by 52 stone-stepped ghats (stairways) where pilgrims bathe at dawn. Each ghat has its own name and story - the Brahma, Varaha, and Gau Ghats are the most sacred. Sunrise and sunset aartis (lamp ceremonies) draw saffron-clad pilgrims and tourists alike.
Savitri Mata Temple sunrise
📌The hilltop temple to Savitri (Brahma's first consort) on the western ridge, reached by a Doppelmayr cable car (3-minute ride) or a 30-40 minute climb of about 700 steps. The sunrise view over Pushkar Lake, the town, and the surrounding desert is the iconic photo of the trip.
Sadar Bazaar
🏪The crescent-shaped main bazaar street curving around the lake, lined with handicraft shops, leather mojri (slipper) makers, silver jewellery, embroidered Rajasthani fabrics, and rooftop cafes overlooking the lake. The most photogenic shopping lane in central Rajasthan.
Pushkar Camel Fair (Kartik Mela)
📌The five-day annual livestock fair around the November full moon (Kartik Purnima). Up to 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle are traded across the dunes outside town, with parallel cultural festivities including camel races, longest-moustache competitions, turban-tying contests, and folk music nightly. Hotel rates triple and book months in advance.
Old Rangji Temple
📌A 19th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Rangji (a form of Vishnu), built in a unique fusion of South Indian Dravidian, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. The towering gopuram (gateway) is unusual for north India and a striking visual contrast to the surrounding Rajasthani havelis.
Varaha Ghat & Varaha Temple
📌A central ghat and the adjacent temple dedicated to Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is one of the oldest in Pushkar (originally 12th century, rebuilt several times) and a favourite spot for sunset views back across the lake to Brahma Temple.
Ajmer & Dargah Sharif (day trip)
📌Ajmer is 30 minutes east through the Nag Pahar pass - a major Sufi pilgrimage city centred on the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, one of the holiest Muslim shrines in South Asia. The dargah complex, the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra mosque, and the Ana Sagar Lake make a strong half-day pairing.
Off the Beaten Path
Sunset camel ride into the dunes
A 1-2 hour camel ride from the back lanes of Pushkar out into the low Thar dunes west of town for sunset, organised through almost any guesthouse. The dunes are modest by Jaisalmer standards but the desert silence and the silhouettes against an orange sky are first-rate.
You get the iconic Rajasthan camel-on-the-dunes shot without the long drive and overnight commitment of a Jaisalmer desert safari - a 90-minute sunset version costs ₹500-800.
Ras Ka Maidan (Cricket Ground) stargazing
A flat sandy plain on the edge of town used as a cricket ground by day, almost completely empty after dark. With minimal light pollution and the Aravallis blocking the Ajmer glow, the milky way is clearly visible most cloudless nights from October through March.
Free, easy to walk to from Sadar Bazaar, and one of the best dark-sky spots within 50 km of any major Rajasthani city - bring a blanket and stay an hour.
Hidden rooftop yoga at Honey & Spice
A small Rajasthani-Italian fusion cafe with a rooftop overlooking Pushkar Lake. Beyond the unexpectedly excellent vegetarian food, the cafe hosts informal morning yoga and meditation sessions that double as the most peaceful sunrise lake-view in town.
The yoga is free with breakfast, the rooftop avoids the persistent lake-side bhang touts, and the lake view at 6am with priests beginning the morning aartis is unforgettable.
Daytime walk to Pap Mochani Temple
A small hilltop Devi temple on the eastern ridge, reached by a flat 20-minute walk and a brief climb. Far less visited than Savitri or Gayatri Mata, with views back over the lake from the opposite side and an intimate spiritual atmosphere.
Most visitors only climb Savitri Mata at sunrise; Pap Mochani gives a parallel ridge-top view in the afternoon with almost zero crowds, and the walk in passes through a working village rather than tourist back lanes.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Pushkar has a hot semi-arid desert climate similar to the rest of central Rajasthan - extreme summer heat, a brief moderate monsoon, and a mild pleasant winter. The desert proximity means large day-night temperature swings in winter, when nights can drop near freezing while days warm into the 20s.
Winter
October - February41-79
5-26
The best season. Warm sunny days perfect for lake walks and bazaar browsing, cool to cold evenings, and clear desert skies for sunrise camel rides. December and January nights can drop to 5 degrees - layers are essential.
Summer
March - June68-109
20-43
Brutally hot, with May and June afternoon highs above 43 degrees. Hot dry desert winds (loo) blow through town. Most visitors avoid this period; those who come limit outdoor exploration to dawn and dusk and rely on air-conditioned rooms midday.
Monsoon
July - September73-97
23-36
A moderate southwest monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat with intermittent afternoon rain. The lake fills, the surrounding hills turn green, and prices stay low - an underrated time to visit if you do not mind the humidity.
Best Time to Visit
October through March is the best window - cool comfortable days, clear desert skies, and the famous November full moon Camel Fair as the headline event. Outside the Camel Fair week, mid-December through February offers the most pleasant weather without the crowd surge. Avoid April through June when temperatures exceed 43 degrees.
Peak Winter (October - February)
Crowds: High in November (Camel Fair); moderate to high December - FebruaryThe most popular months. Warm sunny days and cool to cold evenings. The November full moon brings the Camel Fair (the year's flagship event) and December-January is the most pleasant for relaxed lake-side days.
Pros
- + Perfect weather for ghat walks and Savitri climb
- + Camel Fair in November
- + Clear desert skies for sunrise photography
- + Comfortable for shopping and cafe-hopping
Cons
- − Camel Fair week sees triple-rate hotels and packed crowds
- − Cold mornings and evenings (5-10 degrees in December-January)
- − Holiday weeks fill up months in advance
Spring shoulder (March)
Crowds: ModerateA pleasant transition month before the heat. Days warming into the low 30s, evenings still comfortable, prices lower than peak winter, fewer crowds at the lake and ghats.
Pros
- + Lower hotel prices than peak
- + Still pleasant weather
- + Quieter at all major sights
- + Holi festival in March is spectacular here
Cons
- − Afternoons rapidly warming
- − Lake water levels dropping
- − Less festival atmosphere outside Holi
Hot Summer (April - June)
Crowds: Very lowBrutally hot, with May-June afternoons above 43 degrees. Only for budget travellers or those with extreme heat tolerance. Most rooftop cafes close their daytime service. Outdoor exploration limited to dawn and dusk.
Pros
- + 40-60 percent discounts on accommodation
- + No crowds at any sight
- + Authentic local atmosphere
- + Easier to bargain in markets
Cons
- − Dangerous afternoon heat (43+ degrees)
- − Lake levels at lowest
- − Many rooftop cafes close
- − Outdoor sightseeing severely limited
Monsoon (July - September)
Crowds: LowA moderate southwest monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat with intermittent afternoon rain. The lake fills, the surrounding Aravalli Hills turn green, and prices stay low. An underrated time to visit if you do not mind humidity.
Pros
- + Lake at full level
- + Lush green surrounding hills
- + Lower prices
- + Janmashtami festival in August
Cons
- − Daily afternoon downpours
- − Humidity peaks in August
- − Some lake-side ghats slippery
- − Mosquitoes and dengue risk
🎉 Festivals & Events
Pushkar Camel Fair (Kartik Mela)
November (5 days around Kartik Purnima full moon)The flagship event. 50,000-plus camels, horses, and cattle traded across the dunes outside town, with parallel cultural festivities including camel races, longest-moustache competitions, turban-tying contests, and folk music nightly. Hotel rates triple and book months in advance.
Kartik Purnima ghat aarti
November (full moon)On the night of the November full moon, pilgrims float thousands of small oil lamps (diyas) onto the surface of Pushkar Lake. The synchronised lake-wide aarti is one of the most visually striking religious ceremonies in Rajasthan.
Holi
MarchThe Festival of Colours is celebrated with particular exuberance in Pushkar - the small town turns into one continuous color-throwing party for two days, centred on Sadar Bazaar and the ghats. Bring clothes you will throw away afterwards.
Diwali
October / NovemberThe Festival of Lights illuminates the lake, the ghats, and Brahma Temple with thousands of oil lamps. Quieter than the larger Rajasthan cities but visually striking around the small lake circumference.
Janmashtami
AugustLord Krishna's birthday is observed at temples around the lake with bhajan singing, butter-pot breaking competitions, and a midnight aarti ceremony - a quieter monsoon-season festival than Holi or Diwali.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Pushkar is generally safe for tourists, with a small-town Rajasthan feel and a long history of accommodating international backpackers. The main concerns are the persistent and sometimes aggressive bhang and "puja" touts at the ghats, opportunistic gem and silver jewellery scams, and the standard risks of an Indian small town - particularly during the chaotic Pushkar Camel Fair when the population multiplies overnight.
Things to Know
- •The most common scam is the "puja flower" trick - a friendly priest at the ghats asks you to participate in a free blessing, places a flower in your hand, then aggressively demands a ₹500-2,000 "donation" at the end. Decline politely from the start and walk on
- •Bhang lassi is widely sold, often labelled openly as "special lassi" - buyers should be aware that effects vary widely by dose and can be intense; some operators add extra without telling tourists
- •Auto-rickshaws and tuk-tuks rarely use meters in Pushkar - settle on a fare before boarding; from town to Ajmer railhead should be ₹400-600
- •During the Camel Fair (November), the temporary tent population multiplies the town's size tenfold - keep valuables in your hotel safe and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- •Solo female travellers report Pushkar as comfortable in daytime, but use prepaid taxis after 9pm and avoid the ghats and back lanes alone after dark
- •Photography is prohibited at most ghats and inside Brahma Temple - touts will sometimes demand "photography fees" that do not exist; politely refuse
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Unified Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
112
Police
100
Ambulance
108
Fire Department
101
Tourist Helpline (Rajasthan)
1800-180-6127
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$12-25
Lakeside backpacker guesthouse, vegetarian thalis, walking everywhere, free ghat visits
mid-range
$35-80
Heritage haveli hotel, rooftop restaurant meals, camel sunset ride, cable car to Savitri
luxury
$200-450+
Ananta Spa & Resort or The Westin Pushkar, fine dining, private guide, full-day chauffeured car
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationBackpacker guesthouse (double) | ₹500-1,500 | $6-18 |
| AccommodationMid-range haveli boutique | ₹2,000-5,000 | $24-60 |
| AccommodationLuxury resort (Ananta / Westin) | ₹10,000-20,000 | $120-240 |
| FoodRajasthani vegetarian thali | ₹150-350 | $1.80-4.20 |
| FoodRooftop cafe meal (Italian, Israeli) | ₹250-600 | $3-7 |
| FoodFalafel or smoothie | ₹100-200 | $1.20-2.40 |
| FoodPushkar special lassi | ₹50-150 | $0.60-1.80 |
| TransportAuto-rickshaw to Ajmer railhead | ₹400-600 | $5-7 |
| TransportSunset camel ride (1-2 hours) | ₹500-800 | $6-10 |
| TransportSavitri cable car round trip | ₹150 | $1.80 |
| TransportFull-day taxi to Jaipur | ₹2,500-3,500 | $30-42 |
| AttractionsBrahma Temple | Free | Free |
| AttractionsSavitri / Pap Mochani temples | Free | Free |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Walk Pushkar - the entire historic core, all 52 ghats, Brahma Temple, and Sadar Bazaar fit inside a 1-km circle and you save the auto-rickshaw fares
- •Eat Rajasthani thali at local dhabas behind the bazaar for ₹150-350 - the same dal-baati-churma at a rooftop cafe costs 3 times more
- •Skip the ₹500-2,000 ghat-priest "puja donation" scam - decline politely from the start; the lake itself is free to visit
- •The Savitri Mata cable car is ₹150 each way - the 700-step climb is free and a decent workout
- •Avoid the Camel Fair week premium (November Kartik Purnima) unless you specifically want the fair - hotel rates triple and stay at peak for 5 days
- •Buy rose attar by the gram at a small Sadar Bazaar shop rather than a tourist boutique - the same essential oil costs half
- •Travel from Jaipur or Ajmer by Volvo bus rather than private taxi - ₹200-400 versus ₹2,000-3,000 for the same journey
- •Many guesthouses offer free morning yoga and meditation sessions on their rooftops - included with the room rate
Indian Rupee
Code: INR
1 USD is approximately 83-86 INR (early 2026). Pushkar has a handful of ATMs (SBI, ICICI, Axis Bank) along Sadar Bazaar but they occasionally run out of cash on weekends and during the Camel Fair - withdraw enough cash on arrival from Ajmer. International cards work with a typical ₹200-250 withdrawal fee. No reliable currency exchange in town - exchange in Ajmer or Jaipur first.
Payment Methods
UPI digital payments via Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are widely accepted at restaurants, hotels, and most Sadar Bazaar shops - the easiest method for visitors with an Indian SIM. Credit cards work at mid-range and luxury hotels. Cash is essential for the bazaar, ghat donations, camel rides, and small cafes.
Tipping Guide
Tip 10 percent at sit-down restaurants and rooftop cafes. No tipping at small dhabas or pure-vegetarian thali joints.
₹100-200 to the camel handler at the end of a 1-2 hour sunset ride.
Settle a price before any ceremony - ₹100-300 is plenty for an honest puja; do not pay the ₹500-2,000 demanded under pressure.
₹300-500 per half-day for town walks; ₹500-1,000 for a full-day private guide.
₹50-100 per bag for porters; ₹50-100 per day for housekeeping in mid-range hotels.
Not expected. Round up the negotiated fare to the nearest ₹10.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Kishangarh Airport(KQH)
50 km north-east of PushkarA small regional airport opened in 2017 with limited domestic service - mostly seasonal IndiGo flights to Delhi and Hyderabad. Pre-paid taxis to Pushkar cost ₹1,500-2,000 (1 hr). Service is unreliable so most international visitors arrive via Jaipur (JAI).
✈️ Search flights to KQHJaipur International Airport(JAI)
160 km north-eastThe standard international gateway for Pushkar. Pre-booked taxis cost ₹3,500-5,000 (3-3.5 hr) or take a cheaper Jaipur airport bus to the city, then a Volvo bus or train to Ajmer (2.5 hr) and a taxi the final 30 minutes to Pushkar.
✈️ Search flights to JAI🚆 Rail Stations
Ajmer Junction (AII)
The main railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, 14 km east through the Nag Pahar pass. Direct Shatabdi Express runs from Delhi to Ajmer (6.5 hr, ₹700-1,500), and overnight trains connect Mumbai (16 hr), Jaipur (2 hr, ₹250-700), Jodhpur (5 hr), and Udaipur (5-6 hr). Auto-rickshaw from Ajmer station to Pushkar is ₹400-600.
Pushkar Terminus (PUS)
A very small local station on the eastern edge of town, served only by limited slow passenger trains - not the standard arrival route. Most visitors transfer from Ajmer Junction.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Pushkar Bus Stand
RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport) and private buses run from the central bus stand to Ajmer (every 15 minutes, ₹30-50, 30 min), Jaipur (8-10 daily, 3 hr, ₹200-400), Jodhpur (4-6 hr, ₹300-600), Udaipur (5-6 hr, ₹400-700), and Delhi overnight (8-10 hr, ₹600-1,200). Volvo AC buses run the longer routes.
Getting Around
Pushkar is small enough that almost everything inside town can be reached on foot - the lake, the 52 ghats, Brahma Temple, and Sadar Bazaar all sit within a 1-km radius. Auto-rickshaws and shared tempos cover the longer hops to the Savitri cable car, the Mela ground, and Ajmer. Ola and Uber do not operate in Pushkar - book taxis through your hotel.
Walking
FreeThe town centre is best explored entirely on foot. The lake, all 52 ghats, Brahma Temple, Sadar Bazaar, and most cafes and guesthouses sit within a 15-minute walk of each other on flat traffic-light back lanes.
Best for: Lake circuit, ghat visits, bazaar browsing, cafe-hopping
Auto-Rickshaw
₹50-150 in town; ₹400-600 to Ajmer railheadAuto-rickshaws and tuk-tuks gather near the bus stand and at the eastern entrance to town. Fares are negotiated upfront - meters are not used. The ride to Ajmer railhead is the standard out-of-town hop.
Best for: Out-of-town hops, late-night returns, transfers to Ajmer station
Savitri Mata cable car (ropeway)
₹150 round tripA modern Doppelmayr cable car runs from a base station 1.5 km west of town up to the Savitri Mata Temple - 3 minutes each way and air-conditioned cabins. Operates 6am to 8pm with a longer break in summer afternoons.
Best for: Avoiding the 700-step climb to the most famous viewpoint
Hired Car & Driver
₹2,500-4,000 per day for in-state day tripsMost hotels arrange an air-conditioned hatchback or sedan with a driver for full-day excursions to Jaipur, Jodhpur, or Ranthambore. The standard rate is per kilometre with a minimum daily mileage.
Best for: Day trips to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, or onward Rajasthan circuit transfers
Bicycle rental
₹100-150 per daySeveral Sadar Bazaar shops rent bicycles for ₹100-150 per day. The town and surrounding villages are flat enough for casual riding, though the noon heat from March through October is too much for most visitors.
Best for: Riding to the Mela ground, Pap Mochani Temple, and surrounding villages in cool months
Walkability
Pushkar is one of the most walkable towns in Rajasthan - the entire historic core including the lake, all 52 ghats, Brahma Temple, and Sadar Bazaar fits inside a 1-km circle. Streets are narrow, pedestrian-friendly, and almost car-free in the bazaar core.
Travel Connections
Jaipur
Rajasthan's Pink City capital and the busiest stop on the Golden Triangle - Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and the bazaars overflowing with block-printed textiles and gemstones. The standard add-on stop after Pushkar.
Jodhpur
The Blue City crowned by the colossal Mehrangarh Fort rising over a sea of cobalt-blue houses. Rawer and grittier than Udaipur with excellent Rajasthani thali and a thriving craft scene.
Udaipur
The City of Lakes and the most romantic city in Rajasthan. The Lake Palace floats on Lake Pichola, the City Palace sprawls along the eastern shore, and the surrounding Aravalli Hills frame the entire scene.
Ranthambore National Park
One of India's best Bengal tiger reserves, where wild tigers roam among the ruins of the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and lakeside forests. Morning and afternoon canter or jeep safaris.
Bundi
A small medieval town tucked into the Aravalli foothills, dominated by the Bundi Palace (Garh Palace) climbing the hillside above the old town. Famous for stepwells, Rajput frescoes, and a mellow backpacker scene that reminds many travellers of pre-tourism Pushkar.
Entry Requirements
India requires a visa for almost all nationalities. The Indian e-Visa (eTV - Electronic Travel Authorization) is available online to citizens of approximately 170 countries for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Most visitors to Pushkar arrive via Jaipur (JAI), an approved e-Visa port of entry, then transfer overland by taxi, bus, or train via Ajmer.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 30 days / 1 year / 5 years | e-Visa available: 30-day ($25), 1-year ($40), 5-year ($80). Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. JAI is an approved e-Visa port of entry; KQH is not. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 30 days / 1 year / 5 years | e-Visa available at the same rates. Approval typically within 72 hours. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 30 days / 1 year / 5 years | e-Visa available for all EU nationalities through the official portal. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 30 days / 1 year / 5 years | e-Visa available. Passport must be valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages. |
| Nepali & Bhutanese Citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited | Visa-free entry. Nepali citizens may use national ID instead of passport. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Apply only through the official indianvisaonline.gov.in portal - dozens of scam third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same e-Visa
- •Apply at least 4-7 days before travel; processing usually completes within 72 hours but Indian public-holiday delays do occur
- •Print the e-Visa approval (ETA) and carry it with the passport used to apply - immigration officers will check both
- •JAI (Jaipur) and DEL (Delhi) are the standard e-Visa entry points for visitors heading on to Pushkar
- •KQH (Kishangarh) is closer to Pushkar but is not an e-Visa port - foreign arrivals must enter via JAI or DEL first
- •Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
Shopping
Pushkar punches well above its weight as a shopping town - Sadar Bazaar curving around the lake is one of the most photogenic and well-stocked craft streets in central Rajasthan. The town specialises in leather mojri (slipper) makers, silver tribal jewellery, embroidered fabrics, and the iconic rose-petal attar perfume produced from the local rose farms. Bargaining is expected.
Sadar Bazaar
main bazaar streetThe crescent-shaped main bazaar curving around the north shore of the lake, lined with handicraft shops, leather mojri makers, silver jewellery, embroidered Rajasthani fabrics, and rooftop cafes. Bargain firmly - opening prices are usually inflated 200-300 percent for tourists.
Known for: Leather mojri slippers, silver jewellery, embroidered textiles, mirror work, gemstones
Brahma Temple Road shops
religious goods streetThe lane leading to Brahma Temple is lined with shops selling religious items - rudraksha mala beads, brass and silver puja items, marble idols, and small lake-water flasks. Prices are generally fair as most customers are Indian pilgrims.
Known for: Rudraksha mala beads, brass puja items, marble Hindu idols, ritual items
Rose attar perfume shops
specialty perfumePushkar is surrounded by rose farms that supply the country's largest source of rose attar (essential oil perfume). Several small shops on Sadar Bazaar press and sell pure rose attar by the gram - one of the most distinctive Pushkar souvenirs.
Known for: Pure rose attar essential oil, rose water, rose-based ittar perfumes
Camel Fair grounds (during Mela week)
seasonal marketDuring the November Camel Fair the open mela grounds west of town transform into a massive traditional bazaar selling camel saddles, leather goods, traditional Rajasthani textiles, silver tribal jewellery, and folk-art souvenirs at the broadest selection and best prices of the year.
Known for: Camel saddles, tribal silver jewellery, leather goods, folk-art textiles
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Pure rose attar essential oil perfume from the Pushkar rose farms - sold by the gram in small glass vials
- •Hand-stitched leather mojri slippers - Pushkar is a major centre for traditional Rajasthani embroidered slippers
- •Rudraksha mala beads - the dried seeds used in Hindu prayer, sold at Brahma Temple Road shops
- •Silver tribal jewellery from the Banjara and Rabari nomadic communities - bracelets, anklets, and necklaces with enamel inlay
- •Embroidered mirror-work textiles - bags, cushion covers, and wall hangings in vivid Rajasthani patterns
- •Pushkar-printed cotton notebooks and journals - small leather-bound books with hand-pressed paper
- •Brass and copper puja items - oil lamps, incense holders, and small Hindu deity figurines
Language & Phrases
Hindi is the official link language of north India and is universally understood in Pushkar. Locally, Marwari - a dialect of Rajasthani - is spoken at home by long-time residents. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and the bazaar tourist trade. Hindi greetings earn immediate goodwill.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Greetings | Namaste / Ram Ram Sa | nah-mah-STAY / RAHM RAHM sah |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaad / Shukriya | dhan-ya-VAHD / shoo-KREE-ya |
| Yes / No | Haan / Nahin | hahn / nah-HEEN |
| How much? | Kitne ka hai? | kit-NAY kah hay |
| Too expensive | Bahut mehnga hai | bah-HOOT meh-NGA hay |
| Make it less | Kam karo | KUHM kah-ROH |
| Where is...? | Kahan hai...? | kah-HAHN hay |
| Water | Paani | PAH-nee |
| Very good / Beautiful | Bahut accha / Sundar | bah-HOOT AH-chah / SOON-dur |
| No problem / It's fine | Koi baat nahin | koy BAHT nah-HEEN |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Maaf kijiye | MAHF kee-jee-yay |
| Goodbye | Alvida / Ram Ram | al-vee-DAH / RAHM RAHM |
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