Hotels in Pushkar

Pushkar: Sacred Lake Town in the Thar Desert Edge

Pushkar sits 11 km northwest of Ajmer in Rajasthan, at 510 metres elevation on the edge of the Thar Desert. The town encircles Pushkar Lake, a sacred freshwater body fed by 52 bathing ghats. Hindus regard Pushkar as one of the five sacred dhams, and the Brahma Temple on the main street — one of very few temples in India dedicated to Brahma — draws pilgrims year-round. The old bazaar along Sadar Bazaar Road sells silver jewellery, textiles, and rudraksha beads within a compact, walkable quarter.

Who Visits and Why

Pilgrims from across India arrive for ritual bathing, especially during Kartik Purnima (October–November full moon). The Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually for five days around that same full moon, draws over 200,000 visitors and 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle — it is one of the largest livestock fairs on Earth. International backpackers and yoga tourists fill the guesthouses along Panch Kund Road and near the lake ghats, drawn by the car-free inner lanes and rooftop cafés with desert views.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Ajmer Junction (11 km) is the nearest railhead; frequent shared taxis and buses connect the two towns in 25–30 minutes.
• Alcohol and meat: Both are prohibited within Pushkar town limits — plan accordingly.
• Camel Fair timing: Book accommodation 3–4 months ahead for the November fair; prices rise sharply during that week.