Things to do in Pushkar

Things to do in Pushkar encircles visit ghats of Pushkar, camping, zip-lining, jeep safari, Camel safari and desert safari, Hot Air balloon, paintball, adventure desert camp, visit the City of Merta, Hike to Ratnagiri hills, Shop in The Markets of Pushkar and many more.

Pushkar is the ideal place for you to visit if you love color, camels, and sand all combined together to form a town that has an amazing personality. Bordering on the Thar Desert, this town is set on Pushkar Lake, a revered site for many Hindu followers, and if you visit this place, you will get to see several pilgrims bathe in the waters before offering their prayers to the Gods.

Pushkar is famous for several sites of religious importance and of late has also got people flocking to every nook and corner of the town to be a part of the colourful fairs, markets, indulge in the unique style of Rajasthani food and engage with the people who are there. Tourists often visit the place to attain salvation and ardent adventurers flock here to see the brimming pot of Indian culture that has many a story made around it.

Here are a few exciting things to do in Pushkar that may have you packing your bags and heading to this exciting sandy region on your next holiday, or anytime you want to escape the torrential rains from your city or the harsh, biting winters!

Here are some of the best things to do in Pushkar:

1. Leisure Stay at Garden of Dreams by Barasingha Luxury:

Overlooking the magnificent hills of Puskar, the Secret Garden is one of the chic and coziest properties you will find here. This boutique resort lies at a distance of just 3 KM from the center of Pushkar City, hence makes sure that you stay away from the hustle and the bustle but still stay connected to the major attractions and experiences. The cozy rooms here come with six different options, each of which is different from the other. The interior of the rooms reflect the culture and rustic charm which this country has, hence attracting numerous tourists.

For your entertainment, activities like jeep safaris, camel tours, ATV rides, horse riding and folk dancing sessions are organized. The whole experience of staying here will let you enjoy a sneak peek into the Rajasthani Culture, and if talking about the food, it is the best. To take care of your healthy daily routine, the resort also offers “The Yoga Shala”, which is a huge room filled with natural light where people can practice yoga.

Location: Village, opp. Hotel Pushkar Fort, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

2. Visit The Ghats of Pushkar: 

How does a visit to a beautiful lake in a desert town sound? The Pushkar Lake is beautifully surrounded by over 52 Ghats and more than 400 temples that you can explore to your hearts content, and this is one of the best things to do in Pushkar! According to the local’s beliefs, a holy dip here is worth washing away 100 years of sins. 

Near the Ghats, you will get to see several religious ceremonies, indulge in the reverberating music of the temple bells, the chants from the priests and the illuminated lamps that make these Ghats come alive in so many ways.

The several resplendent ghats at Pushkar are not only visited by the pilgrims or even by tourists but also double up as a haven and resting place abode for many Sadhus ,ascetics and other sects of Hindu saints who visit these areas, giving you a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with them and meet them as well. 

A visit to these ghats is a muxt on your TO-DO list when you visit this desert town on your next vacation. Enjoy the lovely views of the famous Pushkar Lake and watch the daily life of Pushkar unfurl itself before you. Visit the Gau Ghat, Badri Ghat, Pachdevri Ghat, Varaha ghat, Saptrishi Ghat, Gurjara Ghat, Swarup Ghat, Yajna Ghat among many others. 

3. Experience The Noise and Colours of The Pushkar Mela: 

If you want to feel and experience all that real Rajasthani culture is about while wondering what are the different things to do in Pushkar, you should head out to be a part of the Pushkar Mela whenever you are here on a holiday! The main essence of this event is to get a chance to see the famous camel and cattle trading that happen between the different villages.

The most well decorated camel gets to take home a handsome reward (well, his owner does) and the animals selling price gets very high as well. There are other activities from these things to do in Pushkar to watch out for over here, such as the moustache competition, the ‘matka’ phod, the bridal competition.

During the matka phod, there are men climbing one atop the other, to break earthen pots hanging high above the ground. Indeed, there are so many sights to enjoy here; you need to ensure that visiting the Mela in Pushkar is a part of your itinerary. 

4. Pray at Brahma Temple: 

Hinduism, Lord Brahma is revered as the creator of the universe and holds a special place in the scriptures that they abide by. In Pushkar, the famous Lord Brahma temple happens top be the only temple dedicated to the God in the whole of North India, therefore it is a must visit when you are here with your family for your holidays.

The temple is also known as the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir and is one of the many temples close to the Pushkar Lake. The temples architecture glistens of beautiful white marble and stone slabs and once you enter the temple, you will see images of Lord Brahma and his second consort Gayatri.

The temple has recently developed to become a thriving tourist attraction for several travelers as well as pilgrims and holy men. Though there are many temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India, this temple stands out for its resplendent architecture and finesse. 

Suggested Reads: A Detailed Guide of Pushkar Camel fair

5. Engage in the Pushkar International Balloon Festival: 

There is nothing more beautiful than getting a chance to see the vast beauty of Pushkar from the comfort of your hot air balloon whilst you are high in the skies. Enjoy your time at the Pushkar International Balloon Festival on your next visit to this place and enjoy the views of the deserts, hills and lakes beneath you. This festival has gained wide popularity in recent times, since its incorporation in 2010. The idea behind this festival was to add an element of adventure into the otherwise serene and calm environment that Pushkar generally portrays for tourists.

The view of so many hot air balloons in the sky along is enough for you to be in awe, and if you stay here long enough, you might be lucky enough to get a chance to see the fusion concert that takes place at the Pushkar Mela Grounds. If you are spending the whole day here, you can get a chance to avail the different packages offered by the tour providers here and go visit the Brahma Temple, the Pushkar Mela among other things to do in Pushkar as well. 

Suggested Reads: Comfortable and affordable resorts in Pushkar

6. Cable Ride to Savitri Temple: 

One of the most exciting activities to do in Pushkar is the cable ride to the 16th century Savitri Devi Temple. Giving you a bird’s eye view of the scintillating city, this cable ride will take you across the Ratnagiri Hills to its summit.

Quite popular among the tourists this cable ride is the best option if you do not wish to take the muscle tiring trekking through the rugged terrains of the Ratnagiri Hills. For the ones looking for moderate thrill while you are on the religious conquest to reach the top of the hill for the temple, then this is your must-try thing.

7. Go Shopping for Colourful Handicrafts in Pushkar: 

If you love shopping, you need to head to the amazing market road and sharafa bazaar in Pushkar and keep your bargaining skills ready at the tip of your tongue.

The colours here alone will leave you in awe and those who love photography can go crazy clicking many photos here as they please. Get a chance to buy the colourful sarees, sweets, handicrafts and much more while you are here and end your trip to Pushkar with some festive hues in your bag.

8. Explore Amazing Cafes of Pushkar with Ghat View: 

While you’re strolling the beautiful suburbs of this city, you will find numerous cafes serving palatable dishes to your platter. Let the local dishes of the place serve you well with their mouth-watering taste as you watch the ghats from these cafes.

Not just limited to their local food, these cafes also serve various delicacies, including international cuisines as well. Tasty food with an eye-feasting view, what else does one need! You might have to wait for your turn as these cafes are quite flooded with people in the evenings. Warm and welcoming ambience of these cafes will lure you to the core, making it one of the mandatory things to do in Pushkar. 

9. Drive to Ajaypal Ji: 

Located 10 Km away from Pushkar, this is temple is one that provides the historical traces of the place. Founded by Raja Ajay Pal, who was also the founder of the city Ajmer, this temple has the most scintillating driveway you’ve ever imagined.

Passing through the lush green forest, a hill surrounded valley, and sand dunes, the driveway to this temple is best if done on a bike or scooter. The scooter and bikes are easily available for rent in the local markets. If you are up for a thrill-filled vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city then this is one of the activities to do in Pushkar without fail.

10. Witness The Sunset at The Dharma Camel Safari: 

The Pushkar Dharma Camel Safari gives you the chance to view the beautiful golden sands of Pushkar desert. The safari here has a series of activities that you can enjoy and participate in as well. If you wish to see Rajasthani folk in traditional attire, enjoy serene music and spend an evening watching the sun set behind the sand dunes, then head out for the Dharma Camel Safari, one of the most interesting things to do here.

This safari takes you through many villages by day and by sunset, you can relax and enjoy some quality time with your friends and loved ones. 

Recommended Reads: 10 Best Tent Stays in Pushkar