Pushkar is a holy town on Pushkar Lake, not far from Ajmer and a pilgrimages site for both Hindus and Sikhs. There are countless temples and ghats (a series of steps leading down to the water) in Pushkar, but the most famous one is the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. The temple enshrines a life-size idol of Brahma. For that reason numerous pilgrims come to Pushkar every year and on the shore of Pushkar Lake are numerous ghats, where they can have ritual baths. The temple has a red spire and sits on top of a hill, about one hour walking from town and the views over the lake are magnificent. You can also get there by camel.
The Sikh Dharamshala is a two-storeyed building consisting of a central room, surrounded by a verandah. the Gobind Ghat houses an old hand-written copy of a Sikh scripture.
One of the most important Hindu festivals is Holi, which takes place each year in March. Holi represents the triumph of good over evil and the coming of springtime. During Holi, Bhang (ancient Indian cannabis edible) is served in Pushkar, which is known to have some of the best Bhang in India.
In October or November, depending on the year, camel and cattle fairs are held in Pushkar.
There are many hotels, hostels and restaurants in town, but meat and alcohol are not available as they are banned in India's holy places. Pushkar is 10 km (6 mi) northwest of Ajmer and 370 km southwest of Delhi.
Pushkar ©Vivek Vatsyayn
Pushkar ©Anuj Bansal
Pushkar ©Manu Mumbai
Pushkar ©Gaurav Patil
The Pushkar Camel Fair ©Cenk Gencdis
Pushkar Lake ©Prateek Keshari
Pushkar ©AXP Photography
Pushkar Sarovar ©Vatra Voda
Pushkar ©Austin Curtis
Pushkar ©Sudev Kiyada
Pushkar ©Steven Hon
Temple ©Damini Rathore
Pushkar ©Leesa Charlotte
Pushkar ©Vivek Vatsyayn
Camels in Pushkar ©Jyotirmoy Gupta