Pushkar
Relatively a small town in Rajasthan as compared to Jaipur or Jodhpur, Pushkar has its own share of fame. The beautiful Pushkar Lake and the annual Pushkar Fair are not the only reasons for the tourists to visit this place, but for the fact that Pushkar is reputed as one of the ancient places of India, the date of whose existence has no records. But a legend definitely states how it came into being. According to the ancient legend, Pushkar was formed out of a lotus flower carried by a swan in its beak. The swan was given this task to find out a place where the Creator of the universe, Lord Brahma would perform a holy ritual. It was said that the spot where the lotus will fall from the beak of the swan will be the chosen place. The site of the present Pushkar Lake is said to be that chosen destination. The importance of the place starts from this only and with time Pushkar has become one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. Located at a distance of 14 kilometers from the city of Ajmer, Pushkar is also hailed as "Tirth Raj".Pushkar Lake is the prime attraction in the town of Pushkar as it is on the banks of this holy lake that the pilgrimage site has flourished over the years. Surrounding the lake, there are five main temples, with many smaller ones and nearby 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar is also the first place where the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma came to be constructed.
Credit goes to one of the Pratihara rulers of Mandore, Nahadarava for developing the place. Not only did he have the lake cleared, but also constructed embankments along the river Luni and put up resting houses for the travelers.
Definitely an important holy site, Pushkar is the newest holiday destination for the real wanderer.