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Pushkar, a city in the state of Rajasthan, is a place of wonders. The city pulls people in with its beautiful lake, the historic forts, temples, etc. and the unique relaxed aura of a small city. With history, Indian culture and heritage seeped into the very air, Pushkar is a wonderfully unique experience waiting for you to visit. The city has also gotten well-known for its animal fair, known as the Pushkar animal fair, which has people travelling from everywhere to either take part in the annual Pushkar animal fair or to just witness all the spectacle and wonder of the fair.
What is the Pushkar animal fair all about?
The Pushkar Animal Fair, held annually in the holy town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, is a captivating cultural spectacle that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. Taking place in November, the fair attracts thousands of locals and tourists who gather to trade livestock like cattle, camels, horses, and goats. Amidst the lively trading, the fairgrounds come alive with traditional music, folk dances, and competitions, such as turban tying and moustache contests. Pilgrims also visit the sacred Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple during the fair. With its colourful decorations, spiritual significance, and vibrant atmosphere, the Pushkar Animal Fair offers a unique and immersive experience that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of rural Rajasthan.
Things to do in Pushkar beyond the Pushkar animal fair
1. Varah ghat evening aarti
When looking for things to do in Pushkar, the evening aarti at the Varah Ghat should definitely be on your itinerary. A mind-blowing experience, everyone should attend this evening aarti at least once. The floating diyas in the lake, the temples coming alive with their hymns and the ringing of their bells and the chanting of holy mantras by the priests are sure to put you into a mesmerising trance. You will find yourself entranced by this divine experience, rejuvenating your very soul.
2. Jeep safari
An activity that is definitely not to be missed, especially by adventure-loving travellers, Pushkar also offers you a desert jeep safari. One of the top favoured among all things to do in Pushkar, the jeep will take you deep into the desert and take you on a roller-coaster right in the sand of the desert. Going over dunes, and sand hills at an exhilarating speed, it is the perfect activity to indulge in if you are seeking an adrenaline high.
3. Hot air balloon ride
The lake, surrounded by beautiful buildings on all four sides, the historic beauty of the city looks even more enchanting from up above. One of the more unique things to do in Pushkar, a hot air balloon ride lets you have amazing views of the scenes on the ground while letting you escape the chaos and cacophony of the crowds. You should definitely go for a balloon ride to fully appreciate the beauty of this historic sacred town.
4. Camel safari
As very well-known for its camels, and animal fair, it should really be no wonder that camel safaris are one of the most famous things to do in Pushkar. Camels have always been closely tied to the deserts, even serving as the major means of transportation and livelihood for some people. The camels in Pushkar do the same for the locals while also serving as the means to take visitors travelling on a safari across the city, the desert and the historic monuments all around the city.
5. Hike to Ratnagiri hills
For history lovers, this trek to Ratnagiri Hills is the best of all things to do in Pushkar. The hills, with a famous temple on the very top, known as Savitri Temple, are quite famous among the locals and visitors to the city alike. The ancient temple and other ancient structures on Ratnagiri Hills make them a quite preferred destination in this small city. A trek of two hours is completely worth it for the amazing views of the city from the very top and the ethereal sunset you may catch if you time your trek well.
6. Kalbelia dance performance
It is difficult to visit a city in the state of Rajasthan and not get wound up in its rich culture and heritage. One such example of the rich history and culture is the Kalbelia people. Nomadic people by their history, they resided on the outskirts of the city of Pushkar and worked as snake charmers traditionally. When the activity was declared illegal, they took to performing their cultural music and dance in Pushkar for travellers to the city as a means to earn. Nowadays, you can catch a performance of these traditional Kalbelia people and revel in Rajasthani heritage.
7. Spend your evening at the Pushkar lake
The Pushkar Lake, the very symbol of the city, is known for its stunning beauty and the atmosphere of utter calm and peace surrounding its premises. The historic lake, sacred to Hindu people, holds a certain mysterious charm to it. Surrounded by temples and other heritage buildings on all four sides, it is the perfect spot to sit back and relax your mind and soul. People also go for a dip in the lake water, believing the water to hold sacred and rejuvenating powers.
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