A Traveler's Guide to Puskar Mela

At the break of dawn, the sun stretches its golden arms over the glimmering ochre sand dunes of Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan. Located 14 km northwest of Ajmer on the edge of the Thar desert, Pushkar is a peaceful and quaint town renowned for its profound religious atmosphere. The town boasts over 400 temples and 52 Ghats, a hub of unparalleled religious celebration. Notably, Pushkar is home to 'the only Brahma temple in the world' and is the site of the famous Pushkar Camel Fair. Choose Tempo Traveller Rental Jaipur and get ready to dive into the world of festivities.

The Pushkar Camel Fair, drawing over 12,000 camels, cattle, and horses to the dusty town, is renowned as the largest camel trade fair globally. More than 200,000 people, including backpackers, pilgrims, tourists, traders, and locals, gather for this grand celebration. Excited about the Camel Fair? Travel to India offers a golden opportunity to witness this lively fair at an affordable cost.

When is Puskar Celebrated?

As the fair approaches, the usual ambience of Pushkar transforms into a lively and festive one, filled with noise and excitement. This famous fair takes place in the holy month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, over five days between Kartik Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima, usually falling in November.

Puskar Fair 2023 Date: The fair will be celebrated from November 20th to 28th, 2023.

Climate During Puskar Fair

This period coincides with winter in Pushkar, bringing pleasant temperatures ranging from 15-18 degrees Celsius. Pushkar is bustling with activity during this time, thanks to increased festivities and delightful weather. Pilgrims also flock to Pushkar due to the Kartik Purnima celebrations.

How to Reach Pushkar?

• By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is Sanganer Airport, situated 146 km away. This airport connects Pushkar to both national and international flights.
• By Rail: Ajmer Junction Railway Station, located just 11 km from Pushkar, is a major railway hub connecting the town to other cities in Rajasthan and across India. Popular and convenient train options include Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express.
• By Road: Regular buses operate from Pushkar to Ajmer, Jaipur, Indore, and Nagda, with services available every 15 minutes. Also, there is a better alternative if you are planning to arrive by road. Consider Hiring a Car on Rent with a Driver with top-notch amenities and services. With this luxurious vehicle, arriving and getting around in the city is comparatively easier and more enjoyable.

Finding Stay in Pushkar

If you are planning to attend this Camel Fair, it is strongly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance. Usually, packages offered for the Pushkar tour include stays at renowned hotels. During this period, hotel and inn prices can increase significantly, sometimes up to 10 times more than the usual rates. For those looking for a unique experience, luxury tent services are available with amenities like running water, comfortable beds, showers, 5-star quality meals, and Wi-Fi facilities. Apart from luxury stays in Pushkar, there are various resorts and hotels in and around Pushkar catering to different budgets and preferences for a Luxury Travel Experience in India.

5 Topmost Reasons to Visit Pushkar

Lively Atmosphere

The town buzzes with activity as traders decorate their camels, and competitions like "matka phod," "longest moustache," and "bridal competition" are announced. The local women stand out in bright Paisley prints and rustic, chunky jewellery. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the air is filled with the tempting aroma of freshly fried Kachoris, spicy Pakoras, rich Malpuas, Jalebis, and other traditional delicacies. Vibe with Bollywood songs while the surroundings come alive with lively folk and tribal dance performances.

Traditional Camel Trade

Trade kicks off with camel races, "most beautiful camel" contests, and parades featuring camels carrying heavy weights to demonstrate their strength and reliability. The camels, freshly bathed, shorn, and adorned in dazzling clothes, bells, mirrors, and metal ornaments, are the centre of attention. Traders carefully groom their camels, a process that can take up to 3 hours. Leather whips, saddles, and other animal products are exchanged, and visitors can enjoy camel rides.

Evenings Amidst A Tranquil Atmosphere

As the activities for the day wind down, the desert air turns chilly, and twilight descends with picturesque orange and pink skies. The atmosphere is smoky from the chillums and bonfires outside the tents. Men sit around, smoking and conversing, while women cook rotis over open fires, a tranquil atmosphere of weariness and relaxation.

Fun Activities to Try

The fairground is adorned with colourful Ferris Wheel rides, and visitors can experience "Amazing Computer" for fortune-telling. Snake charmers, carousel rides, and traditional food stalls add to the festive ambience.

At this fair, you will spot sheep, goats, camels, horses, cows, and bulls, all adorned with vibrant clothes and ornaments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Gypsies and participate in exciting contests like the turban-tying competition. The sky is adorned with colourful hot-air balloon shows. Circus performances and gymnastics are the entertainment highlights of the fair.

Shopping Heaven

For avid shoppers, the fair is a paradise. You will find diverse arts and crafts bazaars. Visitors can also explore cafes like Out of the Blue and Honey Dew, where they can place an order for a fantastic coffee. The availability of hot-air balloon services allows tourists to enjoy a stunning bird's-eye view of the picturesque landscape.

Explore Nearby attractions

Pushkar lies very close to Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bikaner which makes it a favourite spot to travel to nearby places without any hassle. Plan 7 Day Tour in Rajasthan to enjoy Pushkar mela, Jaipur sightseeing, Havelis in Bikaner, Ajmer and cultural immersion.

Things to Buy at the Puskar Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair is a bustling hub of trade and commerce, where women actively participate in the business of jewellery. They showcase a dazzling array of bangles, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, crafted from pure silver or gold, giving them a rustic, antique Rajasthani charm. These exquisite pieces are adorned with brilliant, deep-coloured stones. Also, traditional hand-made jewellery and glass-bead necklaces from Nagaur, known for their craftsmanship, are also featured.

Apart from jewellery, the fair offers an extensive selection of hand-printed textiles, brassware, saddles, halters, and other items sourced from nearby cities like Ajmer and Jodhpur. Visitors can find authentic Rajasthani puppets, pottery, miniature paintings, glass lamps, fabrics such as wall hangings shoulder bags, and traditional musical instruments.

Also, visitors can explore popular market areas like Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar, and Kedalganj Bazaar within Pushkar. Haggling is a customary and important aspect of shopping in these markets, as sellers often inflate prices, especially for foreigners.

Conclusion

Contact our team and book a Puskar Camer Fair tour at reasonable prices. The tranquil atmosphere, playful activities, and mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisine await you in the vast landscape of Pushkar. Be ready to be amazed by the vibrant ambience of the festivities.