Pushkar is a bewitching little town set right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer, but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake mountain. This traveller-friendly town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of sadhus there.

Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here each October/November. This massive congregation of camels, cattle, livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and film-makers is one of the planet's most incredible events. If you are anywhere within striking distance at the time, it's an event not to be missed. Being a holy place, alcohol, meat and even eggs are banned in the town.

Sightseeing in Pushkar -

Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple : This is the only existing temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Built in the 14th century, it stands on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the sanctum-sanctorum or garbha-griha. Around the turtle, the marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donor's names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahama's consort Saraswati. The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple : This 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Warrah Temple : The Warrah Temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a wild boar

Camel Fair : Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here each October/November. Each year, upto 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, live stock trading, horse dealing and spirited festivities. There are camel races, street theatre and a variety of stalls selling interesting handicrafts. The place becomes a flurry of activity with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and devotees all converging on the small town. A good camel can fetch tens of thousands of rupees and is a vital source of income for many villagers. This fair is the only one of its kind in the world and has featured in numerous magazines, travel shows and films.

Gangaur Fair : This festival honours Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The women gracefully balancing brass pitchers on their heads, wend their way to the temple of Gauri (Parvati) for the ceremonial bath of the deity. Idols of Shiva and Parvati are taken out in a procession accompanied by caparisoned horses and elephants.

Reaching Pushkar -

Rail : Nearest railway station is 11 kms far from Pushkar in Ajmer.

Road : Well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan.

Shopping in Pushkar -

Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also a great place to buy books. There is an excellent range of second hand novels in various languages available

Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of souvenirs. The shopping centres are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.

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