India is a diverse country, every state here has its own cultural heritage, festivities and celebrations. Rajasthan is one such state with a tagline “Rangelo Rajasthan“, which translates to colourful Rajasthan. And it stands true to its name because of the people, food, music, dance, art, culture, heritage etc. Pushkar Camel Fair is one such example of living up to the status of this moto.
So if you are willing to experience the fair, here are some things you should know before planning the visit.
When to visit Pushkar Camel Fair?
Pushkar Camel Fair is a yearly affair that takes place for 9-10 days in the month of October-November ending at the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. The dates may vary every year, in 2019 the dates are 4-12 November 2019.
Where is the Pushkar camel Fair held?
The fair is organized in the city of Pushkar, Rajasthan, which is well-known as a pilgrimage with the only Brahma Temple in India. The place holds importance among the locals who visit the holy city to take a dip in the Sarovar during this period. Along with the same, a fair is organized for the visitors.
Locals Sand Dunes Moustache Competition Selling Sugarcane Sand Art Exhibition One with the Artist Sev Tamatar Breakfast Camel Cart Ghoomar Dance Performance Mela Ground Pancakes Holy Bath at Sarovar
What you should expect from the Pushkar Camel Fair?
As mentioned the fair holds traditional values for the locals. But along with the same, it is famous for trading. You can find camels, horses, buffalos, and many other cattle which are available there for trading. You can find owners from nearby towns or other states and cities to sell and buy the animals.
You can also enjoy the fair with swings, shop at local stores for local products. And enjoy the local food at restaurants and cafes.
- The fair is spread over a huge area and expects a huge rush, especially during the last 4-5 days of the fair from Ekadashi
- Most of the area is sand and mud, so cover yourself well
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be expected to walk a lot to experience the fair. You can also rent a bike, but most of the places are crowded enough for you to not able to drive through.
- the city is naturally expensive during the mela: hotels, restaurants etc may charge you more than usual
- Beware of clicking locals or getting clicked with them, they ask for money in return
- The washroom is some issue, though you can a few in the main market area
Things to do in Pushkar Camel Fair
- Walk through the market and shop at the local market or the temporary shops at the fair
- Scroll through the camel and horse camps/farms and meet local people
- Click some good pictures with the traditionally dressed locals, beware they are going to charge you for the same
- Camel Safari: bargain well, there are a lot of options available. I got it for 350 rs for an hour or so.
- Watch sunset during the safari, they have a stoppage where you can get clicked in local dress and enjoy the local music
- Experience people sand dunning with their personal cars, also jeep safaris are available
- Visit the Pushkar stadium for cultural programs like horse dancing competition, camel decoration, ghoomar dance, moustache competition, turban tying competition and various other dance and music events.
- Eat local rajasthani food: Dal bati choorma, Gatte ki sabzi, Padad ki sabzi, Sev Tamatar ki sabzi etc.
- Enjoy the cafes offering delicious food, they serve various cuisines due to a high footfall of foreign tourist. Some of my favourites are Il Padrino, Tiko’s and Narayan Cafe.
- Visit Brahma temple: it closes from 2-3 PM so plan accordingly
- Take a dip beside the Sarovar and watch sunset and evening aarti at Gahu ghat
Who should visit the Pushkar Camel Fair?
- Photographers
- Travel enthusiasts
- Traders for cattle
How to reach Pushkar Camel Fair?
By road Ajmer to Pushkar is 15 km and takes around a half-hour, you can take a taxi or even local buses ply on regular intervals
The nearest airport is Jaipur, which is around 135km away and takes around 2 hours to Ajmer and 2.5 hours to Pushkar.
If you still have any queries regarding the Pushkar Camel Fair, leave a comment below and I will be happy to respond back to the same. Till then keep Travelling 🙂 Go Banjare
Amongst the camels One with the Tractor It was nice meeting you…
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