World's largest camel fair and sacred pilgrimage! Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) held annually during Kartik Purnima (October-November full moon) attracts 200,000 people and 50,000 camels, cattle, horses to desert town. Witness camel trading, beauty contests, races, acrobatics, folk performances, and religious fervor. Sacred Pushkar Lake (one of five sacred dhams, Brahma created by lotus petal) has 52 ghats where pilgrims take holy dip believing it cleanses sins. Visit Brahma Temple (only major temple dedicated to Brahma worldwide, rare marble deity). Fair features cultural programs (Rajasthani folk dances - Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, puppetry), adventure sports (hot air balloon rides, rural Olympics), handicraft bazaar, and mystical atmosphere. Colorful turbans, decorated camels, desert backdrop create photographers' paradise.
Day 1:
Arrive Pushkar - Arrive Ajmer Railway Station (15km from Pushkar, connected to all major cities) or Jaipur Airport (145km, 3 hours), transfer to Pushkar, check-in hotel/tented camp (during fair, book months in advance as fills up), afternoon explore Pushkar town: walk around sacred Pushkar Lake (3km circumference with 52 bathing ghats), visit ghats - Brahma Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Varaha Ghat (take holy dip if desired, considered most sacred at sunrise/sunset, Kartik Purnima most auspicious), evening aarti at main ghat (priests with fire lamps, bells, devotional songs, floating diyas), dinner at rooftop restaurant overlooking lake, overnight Pushkar|
Day 2:
Camel Fair Exploration - Full day at Pushkar Camel Fair grounds (1km from main bazaar, massive grounds): morning camel trading (herders bargaining, examining camels teeth and gait, fascinating rural economics), camel beauty contests (decorated camels with colorful attire, jewelry, best camel competitions), livestock market (horses, cattle, sheep, rural farmers trading), afternoon cultural programs on main stage (Rajasthani folk dances by professional troupes - Kalbeliya snake charmers dance, Ghoomar, Chari fire dance, Terah Taali, puppet shows, rural sports - matka race, turban tying, tug of war, mustache competition), visit handicraft bazaar (Rajasthani textiles, jewelry, leather goods, camel leather bags, puppets, musical instruments direct from artisans), optional: hot air balloon ride for aerial fair views (Ôé╣3000-5000, early morning, weather permitting), evening return to lake for sunset, overnight|
Day 3:
Pushkar Temples & Fair Events - Morning visit Brahma Temple (only major temple dedicated to Brahma, built 14th century, red spire, silver turtle floor, marble deity, four-faced Brahma with consort Gayatri - special prayer 6-7am and 6-7pm), Savitri Temple (hilltop, Brahma's first wife, steep climb or ropeway, panoramic Pushkar views), Old Rangji Temple (South Indian style Vishnu temple), afternoon return to fair: camel races (exciting races on track with skilled riders), camel acrobatics and dances (camels performing to trainer commands), shopping from temporary stalls (silver jewelry, leather juttis, colorful Bandhani dupattas), evening enjoy cultural shows, mesmerizing sunset over desert with camels silhouetted, dinner at fair food stalls (dal bati churma, mirchi vada, malpua), overnight|
Day 4:
Ajmer Dargah & Departure - Morning visit Ajmer (15km, short drive): Ajmer Sharif Dargah (tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, visited by Muslims and people of all faiths, powerful spiritual atmosphere, qawwali singers, devotees offering chadars and flowers, free langar food distribution - remove shoes, cover head), Ana Sagar Lake (12th century artificial lake, marble pavilions, Baradari built by Shah Jahan), optional: Taragarh Fort hilltop, afternoon final Pushkar visit for last-minute shopping, evening departure from Ajmer Station or drive to Jaipur Airport, tour ends with desert festival memories