The ULTIMATE 2-Day Pushkar Itinerary- All You Need To Know

If you’re dreaming of a destination that has a bit of spirituality, culture, and great food, Pushkar might be your new favourite spot in Rajasthan.

This town is tucked in the heart of the Thar Desert and is a sacred town, home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma and is centred around the beautifully spiritual Pushkar Lake.

I remember arriving in Pushkar and immediately feeling like I knew this was going to be a place I loved.

One moment you’ll be relaxing, drinking a chai over the lake, the next losing hours in a shopping frenzy at the local markets, or ending up at a random hippy party that someone at your hostel told you about.

Because of its religious significance, Pushkar is completely meat and alcohol-free, but don’t worry, you’ll still eat incredibly well here.

The vegetarian food is flavour-packed, and the famous Bhang Lassis offer a rather… unique alternative to your usual cocktail.

Whether you’re looking to unplug and unwind, explore ancient temples, or just soak up this beautiful part of Rajasthan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to enjoy Pushkar to the fullest.

Let’s dive into your perfect 2-day itinerary.

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About This 2-day Pushkar Itinerary (My Experience)

Before I dive into this 2-day Pushkar itinerary, I want to share a little about my own time there. I spent almost 2 months backpacking through India, and Pushkar truly stood out to me as one of the most unique towns in India.

I spent two full days soaking up the town’s energy, wandering through colourful markets, attending an evening aarti ceremony, and relaxing by the Pushkar Lake.

As a solo female traveller in Pushkar, I found it to be welcoming and fairly safe (with a few quirks and tips I’ll be sure to share so you can travel here more confidently).

This itinerary is based entirely on my own experience. Every stop I’ve included is something I personally visited, ate at, or did myself.

It’s designed for travellers who enjoy a more relaxed pace, but I’ve also added optional extras at the end if you prefer to keep your days jam-packed.

Day 1 In Pushkar

Stop 1 – Breakfast at Laura’s Cafe 

There are a lot of rooftop cafes in Pushkar, but Laura’s Cafe is my absolute favourite.

It’s calm, charming, and gives you a postcard-perfect view of Pushkar Lake.

Laura’s cafe is one of the

best brunch spots in Pushkar, so I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds and claim a seat with the best view.

And trust me when I say that trying their French toast is an absolute must.

Stop 3 – Visit the Lord Brahma Temple 

One of the reasons Pushkar is such a significant pilgrimage site is its unique connection to Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

The Brahma Temple is one of the very few places in the world where you’ll find a temple completely dedicated to Brahma.

The temple itself is simple but striking, with a red spire rising above the skyline and a stone swan statue, said to be Brahma’s vehicle.

Pilgrims and travellers alike come here to pay respects, make offerings, or simply admire the architecture.

🕘 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
💸 Entry: Free, though small donations are welcome.

This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Pushkar, so make sure that you give it a visit during your 2 days in the city.

📸 Photography tip: You’ll need to store your shoes and bags outside before entering, and photography inside is not allowed

Stop 4 – Grab a Chai from Honey Dew Cafe 

No Pushkar itinerary is complete without regular chai stops, and Pushkar takes its chai game very seriously.

During my trip, I tried several spots, but Honey Dew Cafe was one of my favourites. It’s a small, no-frills café but a very cosy spot to chill out for a short while.

Their masala chai is perfectly spiced, and if you’re someone who’s been missing proper coffee during your India trip, then you’ll be pleased to know they also offer real Italian-style coffee.

☕ Bonus gem: If you’re after something a little more local, I also stumbled across Krishna Tea Stall, tucked away on a quiet side street. It’s tiny, but the owner was incredibly kind and even gave me a free chai just because we got chatting!

Stop 5 – Shopping 

If you leave Pushkar and your backpack isn’t bursting at the seams, honestly, you’ve shown more restraint than I ever could.

Pushkar’s market scene is colourful and dangerously tempting, especially for those of us who love picking up locally made goods.

Almost every corner of the town is lined with small shops selling hand-stitched clothing, embroidered bags, jewellery, and boho accessories.

Many of the clothes feature traditional Rajasthani patterns, and it’s the perfect place to refresh your travel wardrobe, especially if you’ve been living in the same 3 outfits for weeks (guilty).

You’ll also find:

• Handmade leather journals
• Dreamcatchers and wall hangings
• Crystals, incense, and spiritual keepsakes
• Locally made silver jewellery

💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to bargain, but keep it respectful. Most vendors expect a little back-and-forth.

Stop 6 – Head to Ganga Laffa for dinner 

When it comes to dinner in Pushkar, Ganga Laffa is an absolute must. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food speaks for itself.

They’ve got a surprisingly big menu for such a tiny place, offering different combinations of laffa wraps, falafels, hummus, sabich, and spicy sauces. You’ll likely have to wait or share a table as it’s that popular, but that’s part of the charm and a nice way to meet new people.

It’s super budget-friendly, and I can highly recommend ordering the classic falafel laffa wrap with extra tahini.

Stop 7 – Watch an Arti Ceremony on the Lake

As the sun sets over Pushkar, make your way back to Pushkar Lake for the evening aarti ceremony.

Held at various ghats around the lake, this ritual of light is a way to give thanks and seek blessings.

During the ceremony, priests (pujaris) and sadhus light wicks soaked in ghee and wave them rhythmically in front of sacred images, chanting mantras and ringing bells.

This ceremony is fairly small compared to what you can see in other cities in India, like Varanasi, but worth it nonetheless.

Stop 1 – Breakfast at Honey and Spice

Kick off your second day in Pushkar with breakfast at Honey and Spice, a hidden gem just off the main road (It’s one of those places you might walk right past if you didn’t know about it).

After several days of rich Indian food, I really appreciated the more varied and health-focused menu.

Their scrambled tofu is delicious, and the herbal teas are a great option if you’ve hit your chai limit.

Honey and Spice is also a great spot to meet other travellers, as it tends to attract a more wellness-focused crowd.

Beware of the scammers in Pushkar 

There are quite a few scams you need to be aware of during your time in Pushkar. Here are some of the most common ones you might come across: 

• Fake Priests: Tourists are offered prayer rituals by fake priests who then demand high fees, claiming it will bring blessings or avoid bad luck. They may also say that you need a red string bracelet to enter the lake, which is not true. 
• Pushkar Passport: Locals may try to sell a fake “Pushkar Passport” for temple access or blessings.
• Flower Offerings: Tourists are given flowers to offer at the lake, and then pressured to make large donations.
• Overpriced Goods: Market vendors often inflate prices for tourists, even after bargaining.
• Fake Guides: Some people pose as guides, charging high fees or falsely claiming entry fees are required.
• Transportation Scams: Auto-rickshaws may overcharge or take tourists to shops where they earn a commission.
• Fake Sadhus: Imposters dressed as holy men may demand money for blessings or photos.

Planning More Time in India?

I hope this 2-day Pushkar itinerary helps you get the most out of your visit to this unique town.

Whether you’re here for the temples, the food, or just to slow down and soak up the atmosphere, Pushkar has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

If you’re continuing your journey through India, don’t miss my 1-week in Rajasthan guide, or my 2 Weeks in North India itinerary for more stops across Rajasthan, Varanasi, and beyond.

And if you’re going all in on the adventure, check out my 4-Week Backpacking India route for the ultimate travel loop that includes both famous highlights and some hidden gems.

Wherever you go next, happy exploring. And as always, feel free to reach out if you’ve got any questions or need help planning your trip.