Overview
Rising dramatically above the western edge of Pushkar town, Ratnagiri Hill (also called Ratnagiri Parvat) stands at approximately 750 meters above sea level. The hill is home to the Savitri Mata Temple, dedicated to Brahma's first wife Savitri, who โ angered by his second marriage โ climbed this very hill and refused to descend.
For pilgrims, climbing the hill is an act of devotion to Savitri. For travelers, it offers the single best panoramic viewpoint in Pushkar โ the entire lake, the white-walled town, and the golden Aravalli desert stretching to the horizon.
Ratnagiri Hill is one of the best spots in Rajasthan for astrophotography. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible above the darkened desert. Carry a torch and warm layers โ temperatures drop significantly at altitude after dusk.
Ropeway vs. Hiking Trail โ A Comparison
Duration: 8 minutes. Views during the ride are spectacular. Comfortable for families and elderly visitors. Opens at 8:00 AM โ not available for sunrise hikes. Cost: โน180 return.
Duration: 45โ60 minutes (1,000+ steps). The authentic pilgrimage experience. Can begin before dawn for sunrise. Steep in places โ wear proper footwear. Free of charge.
Ropeway Guide
The Pushkar Ropeway (also called the Savitri Mata Ropeway) is operated by Rajasthan Tourism. The cable car journey takes approximately 8 minutes each way, offering bird's-eye views of the lake and town from angles impossible to reach on foot.
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM โ 8:00 PM (last car 7:45 PM)
- Frequency: Runs every 10โ15 minutes. No advance booking needed
- Capacity: 8 passengers per gondola
- Recommendation: Book the last ropeway of the day (7:30 PM) for city light views
The Hiking Trail โ 1,000 Sacred Steps
The traditional stone staircase begins near the Old Rangji Temple on the western edge of Pushkar town. The path winds steadily upward through a series of switchbacks, with small shrines and resting points scattered along the route.
- Trailhead: Near Old Rangji Temple โ ask any local for "Savitri Mata ki paidi" (Savitri's steps)
- Distance: Approximately 1.2 km one way
- Difficulty: Moderate โ steep in the final third. Not recommended in sandals
- Water: Carry at least 500ml. No vendors on the trail itself
- Wildlife: Monkeys are common โ do not feed them or show food openly
Sunrise & Sunset โ The Golden Hours
The hilltop platform faces both east and west, making Ratnagiri Hill exceptional for both sunrise and sunset. The morning light illuminates the lake in molten gold while the mist still clings to the valley below. At sunset, the entire western sky turns a blazing palette of saffron and crimson over the desert.
For sunrise, begin the hike by 5:00 AM (approximately 60 minutes before first light). For sunset, arrive at the summit by 5:30 PM โ the platform fills up quickly on weekends.
Savitri Mata Temple
At the summit, the small but beautifully decorated Savitri Mata Temple houses a marble image of Savitri in her meditative form. Pilgrims offer red chunris (cloth coverings) and fresh flowers to the goddess. The presiding priest conducts a simple puja for visitors who request it.
- Entry is free. Donations welcome
- Remove footwear before entering the temple courtyard
- A second smaller shrine on the summit is dedicated to Gayatri โ the goddess who took Savitri's place at Brahma's side
