Pushkar Camel Festival in India

Lonely Planet Travel Editor Tom Hall is on a mission to discover 52 of the most awe-inspiring places to visit across the world. This week he recollects the sights and sounds of the bustling Pushkar Camel Festival, India.

Camel

For a few spectacular days, tourists, pilgrims, locals and traders bustle alongside over 50,000 camels and cattle at one of the biggest livestock fairs in India, and the only fair of its kind in the world.

Work and play go hand in hand as traders enter into the serious business of bartering over their prized animals while mystics, musicians and comedians entertain the vast crowds.

Pilgrims purge their sins while visitors feast their eyes on cultural performance, elaborately decorated camels compete against each other or enter into one of the many activities which make this week one of the most exciting on the Indian calendar. And if the festivities become too much, dive into one of the many bazaars which have made Pushkar a shoppers’ paradise.

Tips for visiting Pushkar Camel Festival

The festival is so popular that it is strongly recommended you book accommodation in advance. There are a variety of places to suit every budget but wherever you stay it is a good idea to bring earplugs: the energy and enthusiasm of the revellers extends well into the night. The nearest airport and town is Jaipur which is roughly a four hour drive from Pushkar.

Further information

Visit Pushkar Camel Fair and India’s main tourism portal is Incredible India.

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