Camel Festival at Pushkar. Courtesy: Rajasthan Tourism
During this festive season, there cannot be a better place to visit than the city of fairs and festivities, Pushkar. Being one of the oldest cities of India, this pilgrimage centre attracts not only pilgrims but also foreign tourists wanting a taste of India’s spirituality. Let’s take a look at Pushkar’s best hotels to stay in and eat at and places to visit.
Top places to stay
Dera Masuda
Dera Masuda’s candlelit al fresco dinner by the pool. Courtesy: Dera Masuda
Built by Dushyant Singh, a scion of the Masuda family and his wife Sangeeta Kumari, this resort is a paradise for any traveller who wishes to enjoy a luxurious stay.
Rawai Luxury Tents
Rawai Luxury Tents.Courtesy: Rawai Luxury Tents
Located at Brahma Mandir Road, near Savitri Mata Temple, this place has luxurious Swiss-style tents. You can choose from Luxury Suite and Swiss Deluxe. There is a fine dining place named Sulit, serving Indian food once prepared in the royal kitchens of the state. An array of interesting experiences are offered like a culinary workshop, hiking to the desert and Savitri Mata Temple at sunset and sunrise, yoga with yogini Kritika, etc.
This resort is surrounded by Aravalli Hills and lush greenery on all sides. Spread across 11 acres, this property has Classic Rooms, Deluxe Cottages, Super Deluxe Cottages, Tent Rooms and Tent Suites. A recreational room, activity area for kids, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and fitness centre are some of the shared spaces available.
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa. Courtesy: Marriott
This hotel by Marriott is a wellness oasis. For accommodation, you can choose from Deluxe, Premier 1 and Premier 2 rooms with a balcony and private pools. Some of the key amenities include airport shuttle, pool, full spa service and fitness centre. The dining service includes 3 types of breakfast buffets, Bar-B-Q and/or picnic area and room service. You can even opt for an outdoor floating pool breakfast.
Sights to see
Pushkar Sarovar
Pushkar Sarovar. Courtesy: Dera Masuda
This sacred lake is also known as Tirthraj, the king of all pilgrimage places. It’s around 9-10 meters deep and in a semi-circular form. More than 500 temples and 52 ghats guard the borders of this lake. It is believed that taking a dip in this lake during the full moon day in October-November washes away one’s sins. Also, it is an ideal spot for watching a beautiful sunset.
Gurudwara Singh Sahib Pushkar
Gurudwara Singh Sahib Pushkar. Courtesy: Rajasthan Tourism
Situated in the eastern part of Pushkar, this holy place was built during the early 19th century to celebrate the visit of the first and tenth Guru – Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Shri Guru Govind Singh Ji.
Savitri Mata was the first wife of Lord Brahma. Her temple is situated on a high hill. A legend has it that Lord Brahma got married to Gayatri in Pushkar to perform his yajna. This made his first wife Savitri very angry. Hence, she cursed him to be worshipped at only a single place. This is why there is only one Lord Brahma temple in the whole world, and that’s in Pushkar. To reach the top, you can also avail the rope-way facility.
Pap Mochini Mata Mandir
Pap Mochini Mata Mandir. Courtesy: Rajasthan Tourism
This beautiful temple is made in honour of Goddess Ekadashi. The name Paap Mochini suggests that the goddess will respite visitors from their sins. It is situated in the northern part of Pushkar.
