Pushkar & Ajmer

How the day works

Ajmer and Pushkar sit about 20 minutes apart, roughly 2.5 hours from Jaipur — an easy day trip by private car, or a stop en route if you're continuing on to Jodhpur or Udaipur. Most travellers visit Ajmer first, then spend the afternoon by the lake in Pushkar.

1. 1

   Jaipur → Ajmer

   Around 2.5 hours by road.

2. 2

   Ajmer — Dargah Sharif

   The shrine of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India for Muslims and visited by people of all faiths. Dress modestly; a head covering is expected inside.

3. 3

   Ajmer → Pushkar

   A short 20-minute drive over the hill separating the two towns.

4. 4

   Pushkar Lake & ghats

   52 stone ghats ring the sacred lake, believed to have been formed where a lotus petal fell from Brahma's hand. A quiet place to walk, especially at sunset.

5. 5

   Brahma Temple

   One of the very few temples in India dedicated to Brahma the creator — most Hindu temples are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva, which makes this one unusual.

6. 6

   Pushkar Bazaar

   A laid-back market street known for silver jewellery, camel-leather goods, and cafes — Pushkar has long been a stop on the backpacker trail.

Photos

Pushkar ghats — Pinakpani (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

What's included

Good to know

Pushkar is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free within the town, in keeping with its status as a pilgrimage site. If your visit lines up with Pushkar Camel Fair (usually October/November), expect much larger crowds and book well ahead.