Pushkar Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Free Activities

Enjoy the sacred Pushkar Lake and its 52 ghats. Time here is free, offering spiritual and scenic moments.
Visit the Brahma Temple and numerous other temples. Entry is free, though donations are optional.
Walk through the bustling Old Pushkar Market.
Witness the beautiful sunset from the ghats overlooking the lake.

Transportation Savings

Walk within Pushkar; most attractions are close enough to reach on foot.
Use local buses for travel to Ajmer instead of more expensive private auto-rickshaws.
Bargain for auto-rickshaw and camel safari fares before starting the ride. Agree on the price to avoid disputes.

Accommodation & Dining

Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses for lower rates.
Consider staying slightly outside the main market area for potentially lower prices.
Happy hour and extensive dining deals are not common; focus on local eateries for value.

Affiliate Travel Tools

Optimize travel spending with a Capital One Travel Card for rewards on eligible purchases.
Organize belongings with Eagle Creek packing solutions for efficiency.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning maximizes your time in Pushkar, allowing you to see and do more without feeling rushed.

Attraction Access

Skip-the-line options are not applicable for Pushkar's main attractions.
Visit Brahma Temple/Ghats early morning for peace or late afternoon for sunset and evening aarti.
For Savitri Temple, go early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and ideal photography light.
For speed between Ajmer and Pushkar, a private auto-rickshaw or taxi is faster than a local bus, though more costly.

Efficient Routing

For reaching Savitri Temple, the ropeway (cable car) is significantly faster and less physically demanding than trekking.
Group attractions by proximity. Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, and the Main Market are within easy walking distance for combined exploration.
If time is limited, combine Pushkar and Ajmer into a single day trip, focusing on main highlights.
Pre-book accommodation and major transport (trains, long-distance buses, flights), especially during peak season or Pushkar Fair.

Local Insights

Knowing local customs and avoiding common tourist mistakes will enrich your Pushkar experience.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Avoid "Flower Boys" / Forced Puja Scams: Politely but firmly decline by saying, "Nahi, Dhanyawad".
Bargaining is expected for market purchases and auto-rickshaw fares; not doing so leads to overpayment.
Dressing disrespectfully at religious sites causes offense. Err on the side of caution with attire.
Strictly avoid tap water. Consume only sealed bottled water or purified water.

Local Customs

Always remove your shoes before entering temples, people's homes, and certain shops or ghats.
Use your right hand for all transactions, for giving and receiving items, and for eating.
Do not point with your finger; instead, use an open palm to indicate direction.
Be aware of cattle and other animals on the streets; they are sacred and have right of way.

Unofficial Rules

In Pushkar, the vegetarian and alcohol-free rule is strictly enforced within the town limits. Respect this policy.
It is generally advised not to give money directly to child beggars; consider donating to reputable local NGOs.
Using a few basic Hindi phrases will be appreciated: "Namaste", "Dhanyawad", "Kaisa hai?", "Accha".

Solo Traveler Tips

Pushkar is generally considered safe for solo travelers. Solo female travelers should exercise extra vigilance.
Hostels are excellent places for solo travelers to meet others. Cooking classes and yoga sessions also offer social opportunities.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Traveling to Pushkar as a solo explorer, with family, or in a group each has unique considerations.

Family Travel Tips

Choose accommodations with family rooms or amenities like swimming pools for entertainment.
Keep children well hydrated, especially during warmer months, and encourage bottled water.
Camel rides often appeal to kids and provide a memorable experience.
Be mindful of street hygiene for young children. Encourage frequent hand washing and use hand sanitizer.

Group Logistics

For groups, pre-book accommodation and transport (private vehicles) to secure availability during peak season or Pushkar Fair.
Consider hiring a local guide for the group; a guide helps navigate, share insights, and manage logistics.
Pushkar is not very accessible for travelers with mobility challenges due to uneven streets and many steps.
If you have mobility challenges, arrange private transport and seek assistance from accommodation or travel companion.

Smart Travel Note

Always carry small denominations of Indian Rupees for easy transactions, especially for local transport and market purchases.

Resources for Your Journey

Access to important information and tools supports a smooth and enriching travel experience.

Navigation & Guides

Use Google Maps for directions and explore local maps from hotels for orientation within Pushkar.

Communication Aids

Download Google Translate for offline use and learn basic Hindi phrases. Consider Babbel for conversational skills.

Digital Security

Utilize a VPN like NordVPN for secure Wi-Fi connections in public places, protecting your personal data.

Digital & Print Resources

Online Platforms

Booking.com/Agoda/MakeMyTrip/Goibibo for accommodation bookings.
IRCTC Rail Connect for Indian train bookings and schedules.
Rajasthan Tourism Official Website for state-specific information.

Guidebooks & Reads

Local maps of Pushkar often available from hotels or vendors.
Comprehensive guidebooks covering Rajasthan or India from reputable publishers.
Reading on Rajasthani history, mythology, or fiction set in Rajasthan.

Important Reminder

Remember to download offline maps and language packs before arriving to ensure access without internet.

Pushkar Travel Hacks