Vansh TiwariFor the last few years, I couldn’t make my way to the Pushkar camel fair due to various reasons.
In 2024, I finally decided, irrespective of everything, to witness the Pushkar Camel Fair!
Furthermore, I asked my friend, whom I met in a Chandni Chowk photowalk, whether he would like to accompany me to the fair.
I got a quick reply from him, “Yes“.
After that, we quickly finalised the train tickets and stay arrangements in the Pushkar.
Table of Contents
Delhi to Pushkar by Train
We reserved seats in Delhi to Ajmer Aii Vandebharat Express.
The train started from Delhi Cantt at 6:35 p.m.
Though, the experience on this train is quite unusual & hilarious to me!
In our coach, there appeared some problem between the serving staff. They seemed very confused as to what meals to give to the passengers.
Soon people started losing their patience and started shouting at them. No snacks, no water, and nothing seemed like coming our way.
It was almost time for dinner, and nothing was served. Shortly people gathered around the pantry. Everyone stood at the head of the staff. Indeed, there was a single member packing food for people. Then everybody took a tray and started putting the things for themselves. It was chaos!
Similarly, I also took the tray and started putting things in it for dinner.
Phew!
The train reached Ajmer railway station at 11:45 p.m.
We have already informed the Zostel homes that we require pick-up from the Ajmer railway station. Hence, someone was already present there for the pick-up.
Ajmer Railway Station to Pushkar
It took us almost 25 minutes from Ajmer railway station to reach Zostel Homes Pushkar.
The road was empty, the time being 12:15 a.m. Thus, we reached well before.
Since I was also the first-timer at the Pushkar Camel fair, I have encountered a lot of things that might help you in planning.
10 Tips for the First-Timer to Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair
1. Book your stay within the Pushkar city
I booked my stay at Zostel Homes, which is perfect! But, unknowingly, I booked a stay which is on a little outskirts of the city.
The Zostel homes to Pushkar Mela ground distance is approximately 5km, which is too much.
Furthermore, there are no street lights on the road to Zostel homes, situated somewhere inside off-road. If you’re coming to relax & chill, then staying far away is acceptable. Even there’s a pool.
But to see Pushkar Mela, the closer, the better.
It would help if you consider staying at a place at a walkable distance to the Pushkar Mela ground.
2. Rent a two-wheeler
The price for renting a two-wheeler during Pushkar Mela is Rs. 450-500. Though, during other seasons, it’s Rs. 300-400.
Primarily, you’ll find all the two-wheeler renting shops near the “Gurudwara”. When you ask someone the way to Gurudwara, you will effortlessly reach there. The exact we did, passing through the beautiful lanes of the Pushkar.
We had to rent a scooty because we were staying far from the city, and needed to commute multiple times to different locations.
First, we rented a Jupiter. As soon as we intended to start, the scooty was not getting started. Then, after multiple tries, the owner replaced it with Activa. However, the condition of the Activa was also not the greatest, but, it works.
Notably, you should thoroughly check the two-wheeler before renting or taking a test drive is the best choice. Though, in our situation, every other scooty condition remains the same! Ha-Ha!
3. Dine at local dhabas
Local Dhabas near the Pushkar Mela ground are reasonable and delicious. During our 2 days in Pushkar, we ended up consuming food from local shops and dhabas near the mela ground.
4. Check the schedule at the mela ground
Different happenings will take place at different times of the day at the Pushkar Mela ground.
You can reach outside the mela ground, check the activities happening each-day, and then plan your visit to the Pushkar Mela ground. This way, you’ll remain already informed about the happenings and can manage your time effectively.
5. Be prepared to walk in the desert if you don’t want to pay
If you plan to visit a spot where the camels gather, then that place is a little walk in the desert.
You can take your two-wheeler to the point where the road ends. But, in the desert, the two-wheeler won’t move.
It’s almost a 20-minute approximate walk in the desert till you reach the point where camels gather.
If you don’t want to walk, taking a baggi is an option. The ride will cost around Rs. 300-400 roughly for the drop in the desert. You need to confirm if the same baggi will do both drop and pick-up or not.
Ultimately, there’s no time limit—you can stay as much longer as you can.
6. Waking up before the sunrise
If you want fantastic photographs, then you have to utilize your time effectively at the Pushkar Camel Fair. For instance, one of the days, you must wake up before sunrise and reach the spot in the desert to witness the charm.
It’s worth setting up your alarm an hour before the sunrise!
If you’re staying a little far away, which you shouldn’t, then you have to wake up much earlier.
For example, We stayed at Zostel Pushkar Homes and used to wake up at 4:30-45 to reach the spot by 6 a.m.-15 for the sunrise and to take photographs in that wonderful light.
7. Must visit Pushkar mela ground at night
Undoubtedly, you’ll go to Pushkar Mela ground in the morning.
But don’t overlook visiting Pushkar Mela ground at nighttime—to see the colorful ferry wheel, the surroundings all lighted, the music, the ambiance. Precisely, the Pushkar Camel Fair comes alive at nighttime.
We spent quite some time photographing the ferry wheels creatively. It was so much delightful shooting at night!
8. Avoid clicking photos of women’s bathing at the ghat
Taking photos of random womens while they’re bathing at the ghat is a very offensive thing. Avoid indulging in such activities.
Furthermore, security guards are roaming, especially near the Brahma temple and ghat. So, they will keep an eye on everyone’s activity and reach out to you if they find you suspicious.
9. The camels gather before the start of the Pushkar camel fair
If you think that the Pushkar Camel Fair starts at a specified date mentioned online, then you’re wrong. In actuality, the Camel Fair starts a few days before the specified date.
For example, The Pushkar Camel Fair 2024 specified starting date was 9th Nov-15th Nov, but the camels started gathering around 2nd Nov in the desert along with the herders. That’s an unofficial start of the Pushkar camel fair. Rest, all the tourists will start coming from the mentioned dates.
10. Money for portraits
If you’re a photographer/videographer and want to shoot Portraits of the people in local attire. The people will ask you for money.
And, if you roam around them for photos, they’ll continuously poke you for the money.
If you’re comfortable paying for the photos/videos you require. Then, you can go ahead. Else, you can move on from that spot.
Undoubtedly, you’ll come across a crowd of photographers, including international photographers as well at the Pushkar camel fair. Ultimately, the people ask money from foreigners because they easily pay as compared to the Indians.
Also read, How to spend 72 hours in Jaisalmer?
Reels on Pushkar camel fair
I made two reels at the Pushkar Camel Fair, which I feel you’ll love as well.
Summing-Up
Pushkar Camel Fair is a fantastic time to go to Pushkar and get involved. Yet there are certain tips I mentioned above that you must keep in mind.
If you may have any questions; please let me know in the comments.