Pushkar

Pushkar is a proper pilgrimage town, not a theme park version of one. It holds the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, and that distinction draws Hindu devotees from across the country year-round. The lake at the center of town, Pushkar Sarovar, is ringed by 52 bathing ghats and more than 400 temples. For Hindus, bathing here during Kartik Purnima (the full moon in October-November) is considered one of the most sacred acts possible. You will see sadhus, pilgrims, and backpackers all sharing the same narrow lanes. This mix is what makes Pushkar so strange and interesting. It was a key stop on the 1960s Hippie Trail, and that legacy lingers in the rooftop cafes, Israeli falafel joints, and yoga studios competing for space with ancient temples. The town is also known as the rose garden of Rajasthan - Pushkar rose essence is exported worldwide. Everything within city limits is strictly vegetarian, with no officially licensed alcohol sales. Dress modestly throughout town. Covering your shoulders and knees is not optional here - it is just respectful, and locals notice.

Pushkar is generally one of the safer towns in Rajasthan, especially within the Brahma Temple-to-lake corridor where police presence is consistent. But there is one persistent problem: the fake priest scam at the lake ghats. Someone approaches you with a flower, begins a 'blessing' ritual you never agreed to, and then demands several thousand rupees. Some escalate to threats of police action (empty threats) if you refuse to pay. The fix is simple: do not accept flowers, strings, or anything handed to you near any ghat. Keep walking. Keep hands in fists if needed. One practical trick - buy a red Raksha thread and tie it on your wrist before visiting the ghats. It signals to scammers that you have already performed the puja. Other watch-outs: hotel booking scams during the Camel Fair and Holi are increasingly common. Hotels 'lose' confirmed reservations, then re-offer the same room at massive markups. Always get booking confirmations in writing and pay through platforms with cancellation protection. ATMs frequently run out of cash during festivals. Carry enough physical cash in advance. For solo women: Pushkar is considered one of the more relaxed towns in India for female travelers, but dress modestly at all times. Avoid isolated areas after dark. During Holi specifically, go in groups - the celebration can get physically intense and incidents of groping have been reported. The general rule: daytime, in busy areas, with common sense, Pushkar is very manageable.

Getting here from Jaipur by road takes about 3 hours (150 km). Train to Ajmer from Delhi or Jaipur (the Shatabdi Express is the comfortable option, departing Delhi around 6am and reaching Ajmer around 1pm), then a local bus over the mountain pass to Pushkar for ₹12. Tuk-tuks on the same route charge significantly more. Within Pushkar, you can walk almost everywhere - the main areas around the lake and bazaar are compact. Cycle rickshaws cover short hops. Scooter rentals are available for exploring the desert surroundings. The Savitri Mata Temple has a ropeway (cable car) for those who don't want to hike the steps. During the Camel Fair, the fairgrounds are outside of town - camel carts, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws all run between town and the grounds. Negotiate fares before you get in, always. For the Camel Fair period specifically, staying in one of the desert tent camps near the grounds makes transport a non-issue.