A Short Affair with Pushkar

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Pushkar has the famous Brahma Temple, which makes it one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage site of India. Pushkar is a place where the new meets the old. The bazaar with its narrow lanes offers a lot to be explored in terms of Rajasthani food, traditions, temples and cafes.

Best Time: November to February

How to reach: From Delhi- The route that can be followed for a road trip would be Jaipur- Ajmer - Pushkar or you can fly to Jaipur and take a cab/train/bus.

The combined beauty of the sun and the lake can be witnessed at Pushkar Lake.

Photo of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini

This is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. There are various stories associated to - why it is the only temple in India where Lord Brahma (creator) is workshipped. One being that when his wife Savitri failed to join him for yagna, Brahma married Gayatri and completed the yagna. As a result, the enraged Saraswati cursed Brahma that he will be workshipped only in Pushkar and no where else.

The temple is dedicated to Brahma's first wife, Savitri. The climb is a must for all the fitness enthusiasts, as for others there is a ropeway (Rs92/- includes to and fro)

Where to eat: Apart from temples, Pushkar has a log list of cafes to explore. Here are some of them listed:

1. Pink Floyd Cafe

2. Funky Monkey Cafe- for Nutella pancakes and coffee

3. Laughing Buddha Cafe- only 3 tables are available that overlook the bazaar, must have homemade fresh bread here

4. Honey Dew Cafe- for coffee, pasta

5. La Pizzeria- must try for wood fired pizza

6. Sunset cafe- for lake view and sunrise/sunset.

7. Falafel and Rolls on the street

8. Misthan Bhandar- Malpua

Other things to do: Camel Safari

Tips for Travel:

1. Don't get fooled by the 'Babas' who'll convince you to perform poojas and yagnas. They'll be people who'll convince you to take a holy dip in the lake, beaware of them!

2. Be careful of 'langoors' :)

Pushkar was a surprise for me, I never knew a small city could have so much to explore. The lanes which may seem dull in the morning, are full of hustle-bustle during evening.

Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini
Photo of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Damini