Situated in the heart of Rajasthan, Pushkar is where spirituality is filled in the air. If you’ve got this city on your travel radar this winter, you’re in for a treat. As the mercury dips, this charming desert town comes alive with a whole new vibe.
From jeep safaris under the warm winter sun to sipping chai by bonfires, Pushkar’s got a winter checklist that’s as cool as the breeze. So grab your scarf and beanie and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure with the help of this list of top things to do in Pushkar during winter.
Top Things To Do In Pushkar During Winter
- Attend The Pushkar Mela
- Experience A Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Desert Camping
- Explore The Ghats Of Pushkar
- Visit The Rose Garden
- Visit The Savitri Temple
- Pray At The Brahma Temple
1. Attend The Pushkar Mela
To immerse yourself in the authentic Rajasthani culture and explore the activities in Pushkar, visit the Pushkar Mela. This lively fair takes place from late October to early November and lasts for 5 to 8 days. However, the excitement surrounding this captivating fair is so intense that traders begin to bring their camels and cattle five days before the official start date.
The fair commences with a camel race, music, and songs. The main highlight of the fair is the famous trading of camels and cattle between various villages. The best-decorated camel receives a prize, and the animals’ selling price reaches sky-high rates. The event also features the mustache competition, the matka phod, and the bridal contest.
During the matka phod, men climb on top of each other to break earthen pots hanging high above the ground. Yeah just like during Janmashtami. With so much to see and enjoy at the fair, make sure to include a visit to the Pushkar Mela in your itinerary.
2. Experience A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Next on the list of top things to do in Pushkar during winter is the exhilarating hot air balloon ride. One of the most incredible things about hot-air ballooning is how peaceful and serene it is. The only sounds you hear are the gentle whooshing of the flames as the balloon rises, and the occasional bird chirping in the distance. It can be a relaxing and calming experience – almost like floating on a cloud.
Hot air ballooning can also be quite thrilling! As you soar higher and higher, you feel a sense of excitement and adventure. It’s not every day that you get to fly through the air like a bird, after all. The price range can be a bit on the higher end starting from INR 12,000 per person. However, for an experience like this, one wouldn’t mind investing this amount of money. Right?
3. Desert Camping
After attending the Pushkar Mela and experiencing the magical hot air balloon ride, you can rest at the various camps in the Thar Desert. These camps are surrounded by endless sand dunes. The exciting part about camping in Pushkar during winter is that you can snuggle up in traditional Rajasthani tents. These tents are not your ordinary ones; they’re decorated with vibrant fabrics and have comfortable beds that will make you feel like royalty in the desert.
Enjoy the warmth of bonfires with your friends, toast marshmallows, and share spooky stories. It’s like having your own desert party! There are many tour packages that come with the inclusion of camping. The camps can range from normal tents to luxurious tents. You can also witness the Kalbeliya dance and folk songs. So, don’t forget to pack your warmest PJs and prepare for a night under the starry desert sky!
4. Explore The Ghats Of Pushkar
You may have heard of Varanasi’s famous Assi Ghats, but Pushkar has a smaller version of it. Pushkar Lake is surrounded by over 52 ghats and more than 400 temples that you can explore. According to local beliefs, a holy dip in the lake is worth washing away 100 years of sins. Enjoy the lovely views of the famous Pushkar Lake and watch the daily life of Pushkar unfold itself before you.
Visit the Varaha Ghat, Saptrishi Ghat, Gurjara Ghat, Yajna Ghat, among many others. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the spiritual evening aarti at the Varaha Ghat. The aarti involves the chanting of prayers, the peal of bells, and the aromatic scent of incense. All these contribute to creating an atmosphere of serenity and devotion, making it an absolute must-experience.
5. Visit The Rose Garden
Despite being the home to the largest desert in India, you would be surprised to know that Rajasthan also has multiple rose gardens. Visiting the Rose Garden, a magical place filled with thousands of blooming roses of various colors and fragrances, should be one of your top things to do in Pushkar in winter. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date with your special someone.
These sprawling acres are tended by dedicated farmers who grow roses of every color and variety, which are exported all around the world. The fragrant and tranquil atmosphere of the gardens makes for a serene and beautiful experience. Take a stroll and unwind amidst the breathtaking surroundings. So what are you waiting for? Plan a romantic date at the Rose Garden in Pushkar and make unforgettable memories with your loved one.
6. Visit The Savitri Temple
The temple atop the hill is devoted to Goddess Savitri/Saraswati, who was the first wife of Lord Brahma. It was originally constructed in 1687 CE and later rebuilt by the Bangar family in the early 20th century. The temple houses the idols of both Savitri and Gayatri. The Savitri Mata Temple in Pushkar is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Legend has it that Goddess Savitri ascended this hill in a fit of anger towards Lord Brahma. Curious about the reason for her anger? Read on to discover the complete tale in the next section.
To reach the temple, you can either take a cable car or climb almost 1000 stairs. The cable car costs 150 rupees return per person, but locals usually prefer to walk as it is an important part of the pilgrimage. Sunset is the best time to visit, when it’s cooler, but be careful walking back down in the dark. The cable ride is a great activity for tourists who don’t want to trek through the rugged terrain. It’s a must-try for those looking for moderate thrills on their religious journey to the top of the hill.
7. Pray At The Brahma Temple
The wives of Brahma have impressive temples, but the Brahma Temple in Pushkar holds significant cultural importance as it’s the only temple in India dedicated to him. Hinduism recognizes more than 30 million gods, but Brahma is one of the holy trinity along with Vishnu and Shiva. Built with marble, stone, and silver coins, the Brahma Temple has existed since the 14th century.
Apart from the intriguing history, visiting the Brahma Temple in Pushkar is like stumbling upon a mystical spring in the heart of the desert. As you step into the temple courtyard, the aroma of fresh flowers and the soft hum of prayers will wrap around you like a warm hug from the universe. The temple itself is a marvel of architecture with its red spire reaching for the sky. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Summing Up
With its serene lakes, vibrant culture, and unparalleled beauty, there is so much to do and explore in Pushkar. From taking a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake to witnessing the grandeur of the Pushkar Mela, there is something for everyone here. So, pack your bags, put on your warm clothes, and head to Pushkar for an unforgettable winter experience!
FAQs
Is 1 Day Enough In Pushkar?
Pushkar is a relatively small town, so one or two days should be enough for exploring Pushkar.
What Is The Famous Food Of Pushkar?
Kadhi Pakora is the famous delicacy of Pushkar. They are basically deep-fried fritters filled with hot Kadhi i.e. spiced thick chickpea flour mixture.
What Is The Curse of Pushkar?
As per religious beliefs, Goddess Savitri got angry when she got to know that her husband, Lord Brahma, had married another woman. So, she cursed Lord Brahma that his followers would only worship him in Pushkar and nowhere else in India.
Is Non-Veg Banned In Pushkar?
As Pushkar is a spiritual and holy town, non-veg is completely banned here.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Pushkar?
The best time to visit Pushkar is between October to November, during the Pushkar Mela.
What Are The Activities Done In Pushkar Mela?
You can enjoy many activities in Pushkar Mela like local talent shows, hot air balloon rides, live musical performances, camel races, etc.
Which Is The Nearest Railway Station To Pushkar Mela?
The nearest railway station to reach Pushkar Mela is the Ajmer Junction railway station. It is just 30 minutes away from Pushkar and connected to major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
