Is Missing Pushkar a mistake?
 

Well after a year of planning, thanks for everyones help, we are off to India next week! YEAH!!!
We did some last minute changes due to not wanting to go to Nepal at this time with the uncertainties. We have a month all together and happy with our itinerary, but we do have three nights that are not spoken for yet. We arrive in Jaipur at 5AM by train from Jaisalmer and then have three free nights until our hotel booking for two nights in Jaipur. So we dont want to stray too far from Jaipur. Originally we thought of going to Pushkar right away, but from reading some of the blogs on this site and India Mike etc it sounds like the touts and 'holy men' etc are so agressive it can sometimes be a less than pleasurable experience. And some say it has gotten so touristy compared to other parts of India
Our other thought was to perhaps instead head north to Nawalgarth and Mandawa with a car and driver. This sounds a little calmer perhaps, but is Pushkar a MUST DO in everyones opionion? Places we are visiting on this trip already are:
Udaipur and Rankapur
Jodhpur
Jaisalmer
Jaipur
Aurangabad
Mumbai
Varanasi
Agra
Delhi

Any imput is greatly appreciated.

I have no opinion on Pushkar, but you mention Aurangabad here and in Craig's thread, and I do have an opinion on that.

The main sights are Ellora and Ajanta, and I assume that's why you're going there. Those are pretty good, but what makes the trip to Aurangabad worthwhile, in my opinion, are the other places you can take in on the way (to Ellora): Panchakki, a 17th century watermill, Bibi-ka-Maqbara (Baby Taj), Daulatabad Fort (really spectacular), and Aurangzeb's tomb (in Khuldabad). Apart from the fort, these are all fairly minor, but they add greatly to the total experience.

Great, Thanks so much someotherguy. I will look into those.

I've been to India five times, and havenot been to Pushkar. Though I'll probably get there one day, I don't feel I've missed anything.

You are certainly not missing much by not going to Pushkar. There is nothing there to attract you, unless you come from Israel. The lake is dry, the Ghats - how I wish - were cleaner & those touts!!
Pushkar is worth a visit, for a day, only during the November Cattle Fair.

Thanks very much Lcuy and vp. It is decided then, I shall head north!