Pushkar is a Hindi Holy City and a Backpacker Haven
A Beautiful Town to Escape India’s Ceaseless Bustle
Pushkar is one of the few places in India with a temple to Brahma (the creator) - and by some legends the only place that he can be worshipped. Because of that, it’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus - and its lake (which is believed to have been consecrated by Brahma) is surrounded by temples and ghats (places for holy baths). Alcohol is not allowed to be sold in the city (though you’ll find the occasional “special” cookie). Meat and egg consumption is also forbidden. (A heaven for me in that sense)
The city itself is small - hosting just over 20,000 locals. It attracts about one million tourists a year, though - and is one of the few places in India where white people don’t stick out. That’s because, for one reason or another, the city has become a backpacker hub. You’ll find plenty of western and fusion food, all the wares sold in traditional backpacker communities, yoga and wellness centers, and far too many white people in dreadlocks (far, far too many). You won’t find the drinking, though.
I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the time I got to Pushkar, so I ended up spending four days there to rest, relax, and catch up. Although it was the first place I caught a bout of Delhi belly, I had a truly lovely time enjoying the lake views, taking strolls and eating some delicious food. The city is more atmospheric than a center for site seeing - so the best part of it is just relaxing and strolling.
Catch a Sunset Along the Lake
Pushkar really comes alive at sunset - which is beautiful every day along the lake, especially from this point. Locals start to play traditional music and, not long after, religious chants can be heard from the city’s many temples. For the rest of the night, you’ll hear fireworks and music as there are always festivities taking place in the city.
Watch (or Partake in) the Morning Prayers Along the Lake
The lake is also incredible in the early morning - when many Hindus on pilgrimage come for their prayers. You’ll see people making offerings and taking baths in the ghats. Most likely, you’ll find someone who will offer to help you to make the offerings and prayers yourself - though they will pressure you to make a steep “donation.” It’s a really lovely experience and worth giving them some money - but definitely don’t give more than $5 unless you’re dropping it in one of the official donation boxes.
Other Things to Do
Pushkar is a small city so I wouldn’t expect to get up to something new and exciting every day. There are some things to explore, though:
Go Shopping: The entire city center is full of markets with the most common backpacker goods you’d find all over the world. To be honest, I love them - and I think they’re things that travelers often love. The best part is that the shopkeepers aren’t extremely pushy, so it’s one of the few places in India you can peacefully window shop. The prices are also good.
Hike to a Sunset View: Just outside of the city center, you can walk up a tall hill (or take a cable car) to Savitri Mata Temple. It offers some panoramic views of Pushkar, a place to watch the sunset (or sunrise) - and is brimming with naughty local monkeys.
Explore the Local Temples: All of Pushkar is full of temples for you to explore. The most famous two are Brahma Temple and Varaha Temple.
My advice for Pushkar is to just enjoy the calm town and its atmospheric charm - and to not keep yourself too busy. It’s a place easy to fall in love with each time you walk around - and one you won’t have to try hard to find something that catches your eye.
