As a travel blogger who’s spent years wandering across the rich tapestry of India, I can honestly say Pushkar is unlike anywhere else. Nestled between the rugged Aravalli hills and centered around a sacred lake, this quaint Rajasthani town is a cocktail of spirituality, culture, color, and culinary delight. Whether you’re a soul-seeker, a photographer, a foodie, or just a curious traveler, Pushkar offers something memorable for everyone.

Finding My Stay: Thanks to CheQIn.ai

Before I even set foot in Pushkar, I knew I wanted my base to feel authentic but comfortable — something close to the lake, away from the usual tourist buzz. That’s when I turned to CheQIn.ai, a smart hotel booking platform I had used earlier on my Sri Lanka trip. Within minutes of entering my preferences (budget, heritage feel, proximity to lake), it found me the perfect stay: a restored haveli-style boutique hotel with jharokhas, vibrant murals, and a terrace that overlooked the sacred ghats.

And the price? Way better than any other booking platform I compared it with. I saved nearly 30%, and all check-in instructions, recommendations, and contacts were shared directly through the app. Zero stress, full efficiency.

Pushkar Lake and Ghats: Where Time Slows Down

The soul of Pushkar is its lake. Legend has it Lord Brahma dropped a lotus here and created the lake — making this one of the holiest places in India. Early mornings were my favorite. I’d walk down to the lake, barefoot and wide-eyed, with the air filled with incense, chanting, and temple bells. Pilgrims bathed in the lake, sadhus meditated by the steps, and the rising sun bathed everything in gold.

Photo by Gaurav Patil on Unsplash

The 52 ghats around the lake each have a story. Varaha Ghat, with its beautiful sandstone steps and views of the temples and hills, became my morning journal spot. Sitting there with a cup of chai, watching the reflections ripple across the water, is something I’ll never forget.

The Brahma Temple: A One-of-a-Kind Pilgrimage

Pushkar is home to the world’s only prominent temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Its striking red spire and blue walls stood out in the town’s skyline. The energy inside was powerful — intimate, yet humbling. During evening aarti, the place came alive with bhajans and lights, and even as someone not deeply religious, I felt something shift inside me.

Savitri Temple Hike: The View That Made Me Stay

On day two, I tackled the hike up to Savitri Temple. It’s perched on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the entire town and the desert beyond. The climb took about 40 minutes, but it was worth every breath. Pushkar lay beneath me like a mirage — hazy, colorful, and alive. The sunset painted the sky in blush, orange, and lavender. I was so moved I stayed long after the sun had dipped, just to breathe it all in.

Markets, Magic, and the Street Life

Pushkar’s main market street is a sensory explosion — shops overflowing with hand-embroidered garments, silver jewelry, leather goods, and fragrant oils. I picked up a beautiful patchwork jacket and a few bottles of rosewater (Pushkar is known for its roses). But more than the shopping, it was the people that made the experience special.

Photo by Ishan Sharma on Unsplash

One day, I was buying a scarf when the vendor, Rajiv, invited me for chai at his cousin’s stall. We sat on plastic stools, sipped hot spiced tea, and talked about everything from cricket to karma. That unexpected conversation was worth more than any souvenir.

The Famous Chai: Pushkar’s Liquid Gold

Speaking of chai — Pushkar’s chai is next level. The best one I had came from a tiny, nameless stall near the Brahma Temple, run by an elderly gentleman with a majestic mustache and warm eyes. His masala blend was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted — earthy, spiced just right, and utterly comforting. I ended up visiting him daily.

Photo by Aman Gupta on Unsplash

Cafés also offer some stellar teas and views. Sunset Café, overlooking the lake, became my go-to evening spot. The way the lake lit up during twilight, paired with a cup of steaming tea and some sitar music playing in the background — that’s my definition of bliss.

Food That Warms the Soul

Pushkar is strictly vegetarian, but the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse. Thanks to its international backpacker crowd, you’ll find everything from Rajasthani thalis to Israeli laffas, all made with local love.

Some of my favorite food discoveries:

🍽️ Malpua from Sarvadia Mishtan Bhandar: A syrupy Rajasthani dessert that’s crispy, warm, and sinfully good.

🍽️ Falafel Wraps at Ganga Laffa: So good I went back twice. Creamy hummus, crunchy falafel, and fluffy pita.

🍽️ Rajasthani Thali at Thali House: Gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, bajre ki roti, dal baati churma — it was a flavor bomb.

the flavors are still bursting in my mouth

🍽️ Poha at Om Shiva Café: Simple, fragrant, and perfect with ginger chai for breakfast.

You could spend a week here just eating and not get bored.

Beyond the Town: Hidden Views and Desert Dreams

Pushkar isn’t just temples and lake views. There’s more waiting if you venture a little beyond the tourist trail.

🌄 Pap Mochani Temple: A smaller hilltop shrine that offers incredible views of the lake at sunset. Less crowded and more intimate.

🐫 Camel Safari: I booked a sunset safari and rode into the desert on a camel named Raju. We stopped at the dunes, and a young boy played a flute while we watched the sky explode into colors. That moment — camel tracks in the sand, music in the air, fire in the sky — was a core memory.

Photo by Jay Pateliya on Unsplash

Café Culture: Relaxed, Real, and Rooftop

Pushkar has fully embraced café culture. These aren’t just for food — they’re social hubs where travelers swap stories and locals sip slowly.

Favorites include:

☕ The Laughing Buddha Café: Overlooking the lake, with killer smoothies and good vibes.

☕ Pink Floyd Café: Yep, it’s a real place. Quirky, colorful, and very chill.

☕ Café Nature’s Blessing: Vegan-friendly, plant-filled, and peaceful.

Most cafés offer both Indian and international menus, along with WiFi and comfy cushions. I ended up spending hours here, writing, reading, or just staring at the lake.

Final Thoughts: Pushkar Gently Stays With You

Pushkar isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand attention. Instead, it gently tugs at your spirit, slowly revealing its layers.

What started as a 2-day plan turned into a week of soulful wandering. I found serenity in its ghats, flavors in its food, stories in its streets, and warmth in its people. It’s one of those rare places where the heart slows down and finds a rhythm that’s easy to love.

And if you’re planning a trip, don’t stress about where to stay — just use CheQIn.ai. It found me a gem of a hotel that matched my vibe perfectly and saved me money in the process. It’s one less thing to worry about when all you really want to do is soak in the magic of this desert town.

So pack light, bring your open heart, and let Pushkar do the rest.

Pushkar Travel Blog: Top Things to Do, Eat & See in Rajasthan’s Holy City