Pushkar [Rajasthan]

Despite having a distinct touristy flavour these days, Pushkar is still a bewitching little town. It is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake mountain. This traveller-friendly town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of sadhus.

Surrounded by hills on three sides, pushkar abounds in temples. Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple- the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country.

Every year thousand of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and co;lourful cattle fair-the pushkar fair, is also held during this time.

Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here each October/November. This massive congregation of camels, cattle, livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and film-makers is one of the planet's most incredible events. If you are anywhere within striking distance at the time, it's an event not to be missed. Being a holy place, alcohol, meat and even eggs are banned.

Places Of Interest (Pushkar)

Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir (Temple)
This is the only existing temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Built in the 14th century, it stands on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the sanctum-sanctorum or garbha-griha. Around the turtle, the marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donor's names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahama's consort Saraswati. The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple ,Warrah Temple
This 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The Warrah temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a wild boar.