Pushkar

Pushkar is a small town located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its beautiful lakes, temples, and the Pushkar Camel Fair, which is held every year in November. Some of the famous attractions in Pushkar include:

1. Pushkar Lake: This is a sacred lake that is believed to have healing properties. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats (bathing steps) and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

2. Brahma Temple: This is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

3. Savitri Temple: This temple is located on a hilltop and offers beautiful views of the town and the lake.

4. Pushkar Camel Fair: This is an annual event that is held in November and is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. It features camel trading, cultural performances, and competitions such as the "Longest Moustache" and "Best Dressed Camel" contests.

5. Pushkar Bazaar: This is a popular market place in Pushkar, where you can find traditional crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.

6. Pushkar Sarovar: This is a small lake located in the south of the town, it's a sacred spot for the Hindus and it's believed that bathing in the lake will cleanse the soul.

Pushkar is known as one of the main cities in India to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi. Holi is a festival of colors, celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March). The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Pushkar, where people play with colors, dance, sing and consume bhang (a drink made from cannabis leaves) which is legal during the festival.

During the festival, the streets of Pushkar are filled with people of all ages, all dressed in white, smearing each other with colored powder and water, and dancing to the beats of traditional music. The main event takes place at the Brahma Temple, where a fair is organized, with a wide range of activities including devotional singing, cultural programs, and lots of food, drinks and sweets.

It's a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and join the celebrations, making it one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in India. If you're planning to visit Pushkar during Holi, it's a good idea to make your travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance as the town tends to get quite crowded during this time.

How to Reach Pushkar

There are several ways to reach Pushkar:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is the Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, which is located about 145 kilometers from the city. From there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pushkar.

2. By Train: Pushkar has its own railway station and is well connected to major cities in India. There are many trains that run to Pushkar from cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi.

3. By Bus: Pushkar is well connected by road to other major cities in Rajasthan. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private operators operate regular bus services to Pushkar from cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur.

4. By Car: Pushkar is well connected to other major cities in Rajasthan through National and State Highways. You can rent a car or drive your own vehicle to reach Pushkar.

Please note that the best way to reach Pushkar depends on your location, budget, and time availability. You can choose the best option that suits your needs.

Best hotels in Pushkar

Pushkar offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels in Pushkar:

1. Hotel Pushkar Palace: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is known for its traditional Rajasthani architecture and decor.

2. Hotel Royal Heritage: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is known for its traditional Rajasthani architecture and decor.

3. Hotel Pushkar Fort: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is known for its traditional Rajasthani architecture and decor.

4. Hotel Pushkar Bagh: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is known for its traditional Rajasthani architecture and decor.

5. Hotel Pushkar Resort: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is known for its traditional Rajasthani architecture and decor.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and there are many more good hotels in Pushkar. The best way to find a hotel that suits your budget and preferences is to do some research online and read reviews from other travelers.