Rajasthan
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Rajasthan - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Camel Fair
If you really want an experience, go to Pushkar during its renowned annual Camel Fair, the largest in the world. Every October or November—depending on the lunar calendar—during the full moon (Kartik Purnima), people flock here by the tens of thousands (if you don't love crowds, be prepared to feel overwhelmed) to see the finest camels parade around the fairground, edging the sand dunes, in colorful costumes. People come to buy, sell, and trade camels, and to race one camel against another, and it is a treat to see Rajasthanis, who already dress in bright colors, kitted out in their best. A good male camel goes for at least US$500, although some of the popular Marwari animals go for much more. Other types of livestock are also sold. In addition to the camel activities, there are cultural programs, cricket matches, competitions during the day, and all kinds of spontaneous music, dance, and folk performances in the evenings. In recent years the festival has extended beyond the five days of camel trading (get here early to see the real traders in action), and the rest of the week-plus time has been packed with Indian and foreign tourists doing everything from snacking on cotton candy and playing fair games to taking camel rides out in the desert. Reserve a room far in advance---several months is best---and be prepared for street vendors and hawkers selling anklets, trinkets, and more to crowd you in hopes of making a sale. Several tented camps with modern conveniences also mushroom during the fair. The website only goes live before the event.
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2. Bathing ghats
Many of the marble bathing ghats on the holy Pushkar Lake—a must-visit if you want to see India's sacred sites—were constructed for pilgrims by royal families who wanted to ensure power and prosperity in their kingdoms throughout Rajasthan by appeasing the gods. It is believed that the waters of the lake are healing powers and that the water near different ghats have different powers. There are 52 ghats in all with various degrees of significance. When you pass an entrance to a ghat, be prepared for a priest (or 10) to solicit you by offering you a flower—he'll want you to receive a blessing, known as the "Pushkar Passport," and for you to give him a donation (or dakshina) in return upon completion of the ceremony (Rs. 100 is typical, or you can negotiate the sum when he approaches you). If you agree, he will lead you to the water's edge, say a prayer, and then ask you to recite a blessing in Sanskrit (you'll repeat after him). Then he'll paste a tilak (rice and colored powder dot) on your forehead and tie a religious red thread (denoting a blessing) to your wrist.Once you have the "passport," no other priest will approach you.The ghats get extra busy during auspicious pilgrimage times, especially during the Kartik Purnima, the full moon during the Hindu month of Kartik, around November (also the time of the Pushkar Camel Fair). Thus there may be tens of thousands of people here bathing and getting blessings from local Brahmins. If you are claustrophobic, this might feel intense. The peaceful parts of the ghats can be accessed from the eastern shore of the lake, close to Sunset Café. Be sure to follow etiquette, which includes taking off shoes and being respectful.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India -
3. Brahma Temple
In the center of town, not on the lake, this is one of India's most important temples in spite of its unimpressive architecture and more modern feel postreconstruction. Although many say it's the sole temple dedicated to Brahma in the world, in reality there are a few others; it's just that they are not considered authentic. The building is newer, but the shrine dates back to the 14th century. Pilgrims visiting the temple climb a long stairway into the walled area to take the blessings of the god—in the form of small sugar balls. There are varying versions of the legend concerning the temple, but most have to do with Brahma's wife Savitri, who was delayed in attending a special yajna or religious ceremony Brahma was carrying out. Impatient, Brahma married the goddess Gayatri (some say she was a milkmaid), and when Savitri found out, she put a curse on Brahma, declaring that the earth would forget him completely. She then relented, but said that Brahma could only be worshipped in Pushkar. Predawn and postsunset aartis (special rounds of worship) are held and are atmospheric. Shoes, bags, cameras, and video cameras are not allowed in the temple (do not try to take a photo with your phone)—it is best to leave everything in the car with your driver (if reliable) or back in your hotel, and deposit your shoes at the temple shoe stalls (for Rs. 20–Rs. 40). Mind your wallets and phones, and don't think of visiting the inner sanctum of the temple during festival times---there are thousands of others crowding to get inside---but if you're visiting at this time, you can view from afar.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India -
4. Dargah Sharif
The shrine of the 13th-century Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty is in the heart of Ajmer, a city about 11 km (7 miles) southeast of Pushkar. The shrine is very significant for South Asian Muslims—visiting it means the chance to set your soul free eternally—and is visited by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The busiest time is during Urs, the anniversary of the saint's death, which takes place during six days in the Islamic month of Rajab starting with the day of the full moon. The custom when you visit this shrine is to offer flowers, sugar balls, beads, and a chaadar (ornate scarf)—the beads and sweets will be blessed and given back to you. Sufiism is a more mystical and less austere aspect of Islam that is embraced vigorously in these parts. Be prepared to deal with crowds and aggressive beggars on the street leading to the dargah whenever you visit. Ajmer itself isn't much of a destination, so most people bypass it on their way to Pushkar, then backtrack for a half-day visit to the shrine; the drive to Ajmer to Pushkar is scenic and descends through some minor hills offering views of Ajmer and its lake. The shrine is located at the end of a narrow lane and is not very accessible. Have the driver (if you have a car) park on the wider main road and hire a tuk tuk for Rs. 200 or so (let the driver negotiate a price, if possible) to take you to the dargah and back. Shoes, purses, rucksacks, cameras, and video cameras are not allowed in the dargah—it is best to leave those items in the car with your driver (if reliable) and deposit your shoes at the shrine shoe stalls (for Rs. 50, and you get a basket of flowers to offer inside). Mind your wallets and phones. Women and men need to cover their heads inside the shrine and must be dressed appropriately (no skirts, shorts, sleeveless tops). Don't think of visiting the inner sanctum of the dargah during the Urs festival, but do view from afar. There's a lot of rush on the weekends and during holidays, especially toward evening, and you can stop by to hear devotees banding together and sitting down in the couryard to sing qawwalis, lovely devotional Sufi music, from about 6 pm onward. While you're here, the 19th-century Nasiyan Temple is worth a visit as well. The detailed display depicting the Jain story of the world's creation inside the temple is mesmerizing. It's near Agra Gate, or just ask people how to find the Jain temple.
Ajmer, Rajasthan, India -
5. Savitri Temple
Make an early start to check out the Savitri Temple on a hill overlooking Pushkar Lake. The 1½ km- (1-mile) climb up the long flight of stairs leading up the hill takes between a half hour and an hour, and the outstanding view at sunrise is worth it. Alternatively, the ropeway (cable car) to the top takes 6 or 7 minutes and costs Rs. 80. Be careful of menacing monkeys, which tend to grab anything edible; don't venture out to the temple if it is getting dark—it may be badly lit and dangerous.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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