Getting to Pushkar
By Train (Recommended)
The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction, 14km from Pushkar town. Ajmer is well-connected to Delhi (5β6 hours), Jaipur (2 hours), Jodhpur (3 hours), and Mumbai (12β16 hours).
From Ajmer station, take a shared auto-rickshaw (βΉ30β50) or private taxi (βΉ350β450) to Pushkar through the narrow mountain pass β a scenic 20-minute journey.
By Bus
Rajasthan State Transport buses run directly to Pushkar from Jaipur (3 hours, βΉ130β180), Jodhpur (4 hours), and Udaipur (6 hours). The bus stand in Pushkar is centrally located.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (145km), followed by Kishangarh Airport (33km) β a newer regional airport with growing connectivity. From Kishangarh, a taxi to Pushkar takes about 45 minutes (βΉ800β1,200).
Getting Around Pushkar
Pushkar is a compact town β almost everything is walkable within 20β30 minutes. The main bazaar, all major ghats, and key temples can be reached on foot from most guesthouses.
- Walking: The best way to explore. Most streets are too narrow for vehicles
- Auto-rickshaw: For reaching the fair grounds or the ropeway base station. Agree on a price before boarding (βΉ50β100 for most destinations)
- Bicycle rental: Available from multiple shops near the bus stand. βΉ50β100 per day. Perfect for exploring the outskirts
- Camel cart: Novelty rides around the bazaar area β fun but slow
Where to Stay
Restored traditional mansions with courtyards, jharokha windows and rooftop terraces. The most atmospheric stay. βΉ2,500β8,000/night.
Hotels directly overlooking the lake β perfect for watching sunrise rituals from your window. Higher prices but worth every rupee. βΉ1,800β6,000/night.
Family-run guesthouses in the bazaar lanes offer excellent value with rooftop communal areas. Ideal for solo travelers and backpackers. βΉ400β1,200/night.
Tent camps on the outskirts with campfires and stargazing. Very atmospheric but requires transport into town. βΉ1,500β5,000/night (usually includes dinner).
Accommodation during the Camel Fair (OctoberβNovember full moon) sells out months in advance. Book by August at the latest. Prices increase 3β5x during this period.
Local Laws & Customs
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Temperatures 15β30Β°C. Clear skies, cool evenings. November brings the Camel Fair. February brings Holi. Perfect for all activities.
Temperatures rising to 35β42Β°C. Busy during Holi. Crowds thin after March. Mornings and evenings pleasant; avoid midday activities.
Extreme desert heat: 40β48Β°C. Brief monsoon rains in JulyβAugust can cause flash flooding. Not recommended for visiting.
Camel Fair. Kartik Poornima. The most spectacular time to visit β but also the most expensive and crowded. Book everything months ahead.
What to Pack
- Lightweight cotton kurta or salwar kameez (or buy on arrival β bazaar prices are excellent)
- Comfortable walking shoes β the ghats have uneven, slippery stone steps
- Small day backpack for ghat visits
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a wide-brimmed hat β desert UV is intense
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Cash β many small shops and street stalls don't accept cards. ATMs available in town
- Flip-flops for constant shoe removal at ghats and temples
- Warm layer for evenings OctoberβFebruary (temperatures can drop to 8Β°C)
Safety & Local Tips
- Photography: Respect the "No Photography" signs at the main ghats, especially where people are bathing or performing rituals. Avoid pointing cameras directly at bathers.