Pushkar is one of the oldest and holiest towns in India: a small, peaceful lake town ringed by white ghats and temples, only three hours from Jaipur. A same day Jaipur to Pushkar tour by private car is one of the favourite day trips of our foreign guests, adding a calm, spiritual day to a busy Rajasthan or Golden Triangle tour.
Why Visit Pushkar from Jaipur?
- A different side of India: after the big forts of Jaipur, Pushkar is quiet, colourful and full of daily life on the ghats.
- One of the very few Brahma temples in the world, and 52 ghats around the sacred lake.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the way, one of the most important Sufi shrines in South Asia.
- Easy by car: a smooth expressway from Jaipur, so you are back in your hotel the same evening.
Jaipur to Pushkar Same Day Itinerary
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Pickup from your Jaipur hotel by your English speaking driver |
| 9:45 AM | Ajmer Sharif Dargah (about 1 hour) |
| 11:30 AM | Drive over Nag Pahar hill to Pushkar (about 30 minutes) |
| 12:00 PM | Brahma Temple and a walk along the Pushkar Lake ghats |
| 1:30 PM | Lunch at a lakeside rooftop café |
| 2:30 PM | Savitri Mata Temple by ropeway, then the Pushkar bazaar |
| 5:00 PM | Optional: sunset aarti on the ghats, or start the drive back |
| 8:00 to 9:00 PM | Drop-off at your hotel in Jaipur |
What to See in Ajmer and Pushkar
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is visited by people of every faith. The atmosphere is intense and moving, especially when qawwali singers perform. Cover your head, remove your shoes, and keep valuables close in the crowds.
Brahma Temple
Pushkar’s most famous temple is one of the very few in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator. Its red spire is easy to spot from the lake. Phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside, so leave them with your driver.
Pushkar Lake and the Ghats
Fifty-two bathing ghats surround the holy lake. Sit quietly and watch pilgrims bathe and pray, or join a short puja with a priest if you wish.
Savitri Mata Temple
Take the ropeway up the hill for the best view over Pushkar, the lake and the desert beyond.
Pushkar Bazaar
Colourful textiles, leather, silver jewellery and rose products, plus malpua, a famous local sweet.
Local Customs for Foreign Visitors
- No meat, eggs or alcohol anywhere in Pushkar: it is a holy town.
- Shoes off on the ghats and in temples. Ask before photographing people bathing.
- Dress modestly and carry a scarf for Ajmer Sharif.
- Puja offers on the ghats: some people offer you a flower and a blessing and then ask for a large donation. Politely say no if you do not want it, or agree the amount first.
Ajay’s Insider Insight
"If you can, come in the late afternoon and stay for the evening aarti on the ghats. The bells, the lamps on the water and the sunset over the hills are the most beautiful moment in Pushkar. We will simply drive back a little later."
Tour Cost by Private Car
The round trip Jaipur – Ajmer – Pushkar – Jaipur is about 300 km:
| Vehicle | Rate | Est. Day Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Dzire (Sedan) | ₹12/km | ≈ ₹3,600 (approx. US$42) |
| Toyota Rumion (MPV) | ₹16/km | ≈ ₹4,800 (approx. US$56) |
| Toyota Innova Crysta (SUV) | ₹19/km | ≈ ₹5,700 (approx. US$67) |
| Force Tempo Traveller | ₹30/km | ≈ ₹9,000 (approx. US$106) |
Toll tax and parking are extra at actuals. The Brahma Temple, the ghats and Ajmer Sharif are free to enter; the Savitri Temple ropeway has a small ticket.
Other Same Day Tours from Jaipur
- Same day Jaipur to Agra tour: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, back in Jaipur the same night.
- Jaipur to Mandawa and Shekhawati: the open-air art gallery of painted havelis.
- Same day Jaipur to Delhi tour: travel from Jaipur to Delhi with sightseeing on the way, or a one-way transfer with your driver to catch your flight home. Ask us for a quote.
Ready to go? Book our Same Day Jaipur to Pushkar Tour with pickup from any Jaipur hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pushkar from Jaipur?
Pushkar is about 145 km from Jaipur, around 3 hours by car on the Jaipur–Ajmer expressway. Ajmer is on the way, 15 km before Pushkar.
Is a same day Jaipur to Pushkar tour worth it?
Yes. In one day you can see Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the Brahma Temple, the ghats of Pushkar Lake and the Pushkar bazaar, and be back at your Jaipur hotel in the evening.
Can we eat meat or drink alcohol in Pushkar?
No. Pushkar is a holy town, so meat, eggs and alcohol are not served. The vegetarian food is excellent, especially the cafés around the lake and the local malpua sweets.
What should foreign tourists wear in Pushkar and Ajmer?
Cover shoulders and knees. At Ajmer Sharif Dargah everyone covers their head, so carry a scarf. Shoes are removed at the temples, the dargah and on the ghats.
Can we visit Pushkar on the way from Jaipur to Jodhpur or Udaipur instead?
Yes. Pushkar sits on the road west from Jaipur, so on a Rajasthan tour we often stop or stay a night there on the way to Jodhpur or Udaipur.
