Pushkar is a well-known Hindu pilgrim centre. It is just 10 km from Ajmer. The Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple (see picture) are the most important sites here. Pushkar is better known for the cattle fair.

Pushkar lake: It is surrounded by hills on three sides and desert on the other side. The cave of Saint Agasthya was located on the snake mountain here. There is one belief that Kalidasa, the Indian counterpart of Shakespeare, had this place as his locale for his Sanskrit drama, Shakuntalam. According to a legend, the lake was formed when Lord Brahma wanted to perform a yagna here. A temple dedicated to him can be seen here.

Pushkar fair: It is one of the best known fairs in India. The pilgrims take a holy dip in the Pushkar lake. The fair falls in Kartik Poornima in Oct-Nov. Horses, camels, cows etc are traded at this cattle fair. There are also races and other events. A large number of markets come up selling various items as is usual with all fairs and festivals.

Other Sites: Savitri temple: a temple dedicated to the wife of Lord Brahma. It is situated behind the Brahma temple; Brahma temple (See under Pushkar lake above); Man Mahal: The palace is near Pushkar lake, it was built by Raja Man Singh

HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport is in Jaipur, 145 km from Pushkar. Nearest railhead is in Ajmer, 10 km. There is bus service to all major towns from here and nearby Ajmer. Ajmer to Pushkar is 20 minutes by bus, 10 km.

SHOPPING: The roadside stalls sell beads, bangles, embroidered clothes, camel cover, leather goods brass utensils etc during the fair. The shopping centres are Baza Bazar, Sarafa Bazar, Kedalganj bazar.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS: The Pushkar cattle fair during Kartik Poornima in Oct-Nov (See above)

CLIMATE: Summer, 25 to 40 deg C; winter, 5 to 25 deg C; Best season: July-March.

CLOTHING: Light cotton in summer and light woollen in winter

LANGUAGES: Rajasthani, Hindi and English.