Monday, February 1, 2010

Sunset at Pushkar

A popular spot in Pushkar is sunset point located adjacent to the Pushkar Palace overlooking the lake and temples. It is rather unfortunate that the lake has been dry for over 2 years now - the Government of Rajasthan is supposedly de silting and cleaning the lake ( we saw no work happening when we were there). Sunset Point is a favourite hang out place overlooking the holy Pushkar Lake where you can watch the sun setting. The very strategically located 'Sunset Cafe' is just in front of the KIshangarh Ghat offering a wide variety of vegetarian though mediocre fare. Nice place to relax and watch the sun go down. Be there an hour before sunset as the place has only 5 or 6 tables outside that give you a view of the place.
Sunset at Sunset Point in Pushkar
Street singers are a common feature at this point . For a small tip of $1 to S2, the musicians will break into song with some fantastic drumming and playing of the local Sarangi.

Street Musicians performing for Tourists
The Pushkar lake has around it 52 bathing ghats where devotees come for blessings and take a dip in the holy waters. Just in front of the viewing platform at sunset point is the Kishangarh Ghat where a priest will offer prayers for you for an amount as low as $1 ( depending on your bargaining skills). This is also the only spot where you can take photographs.Kishangarh GhatsThe numerous Temples surrounding the Pushkar Lake
Pushkar is a popular place to visit for tourists from around the world. There is a wide variety of cuisines from around the world ( the quality though is middling) ranging from Italian, Hebrew and Mexican to a wide range of Rajasthani vegetarian food. Pushkar has a surprisingly large no of tourists from Israel and you will find signs in Hebrew, Indians speaking Hebrew and numerous restaurants with Israeli food. Tourists in Pushkar