Every alley, nook and cranny of this enchanting desert town throws up something new. Amandeep Singh and Akshay Bhoan share their exploits...

When you head into Rajasthan and suddenly start bumping into firangs selling English tea in the middle of a hot desert, topping it off with some dope, you know you have arrived in Pushkar.

Located near Ajmer, Pushkar is a quaint little town that promises to be a treat for travel freaks. Apart from the desert (which is just as fascinating, mind you, as a beach might be for people from inland towns), Pushkar is a colourful combination of true faith and wanna-be spirituality.

How to get there:
First things first. Get there from Jaipur in a bus or a cab (assuming you have arrived from a city). The place is about 140 km from Jaipur and 11 km from Ajmer. Try whichever is the nearest. The Ajmer and Jaipur buses will drop you off at the east bus stand.

Why go there:
Hidden away about an hour from Ajmer, it's a town with its own rhythm and flavour. Small and full of vibrant life, it's a place that is not visited by the average Indian tourist. This works in its favour. It has managed to retain its individuality and not (yet) succumbed to commercialism.

Best Time to go:
Arrive there in the early months of the year (January or February). It will be easier on your pockets. The end of the year (November and December) is not only super expensive, but thrusts...

you bang in the middle of the Pushkar Mela.

Places to Stay:
Pushkar has a lot of hotels, ranging from the cheap, shady ones to four-star properties. If you like a comfortable stay with nice rooms, try Jagat Palace, or any of its sister hotels.

PS: There is also a Hotel Pink Floyd. Go check it out.

Khaana/Peena:
Pushkar is strictly vegetarian, so all meat eaters and drinkers will have to go to Ajmer. But do try out the vegetarian food, especially the sweets and the traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

Must Visits:
Pushkar is one of the five holy dhams for Hindus and naturally attracts the religious sorts by the hordes. But it has enough and more to offer for the non-religious sorts too.

The first reason to visit Pushkar is the Bramha temple, the only one of its kind in India. It is not only an important place of worship, but also astounds you with its architecture.

The Pushkar Sarovar, which is surrounded by bathing ghats, also provides a beautiful view. Also, go to the hill-top temples of Pap Mochani and Savitri. Try going at dawn (if you can manage to wake up). The experience is indescribable. It truly takes your breath away.

And of course, there's the famous fair, the annual Pushkar mela, which is a must visit for every one. The fair is the annual sale of camels and other cattle, and is (girls, pay attention) a great place to shop

Must Dos:
Go for a desert safari, ride on a camel or...

take a long hot air balloon trip over the desert.

Then there are the desert rave parties, held in the moonlit desert, which are not mentioned in any of the guidebooks (for obvious reasons). International DJs perform at these parties and the music just flows like the sand beneath your feet. There are also small shops run by foreigners that will provide you with anything and everything that you might umm... need.

Pushkar is an enchanting little town, with narrow winding streets. There are many things on offer, and many mysteries in its alleys.

Explore the town on your feet. It will bring you up close and personal with several colourful sights that you will otherwise miss. Chat up a local guy and listen to the stories and legends he has to tell you. It is the perfect way to wrap up your trip to Tirtha Raj, the king of pilgrimages.