Camels Converge on Pushkar for the Annual Camel Fair

Camels at the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Sharell Cook

It's almost that time of year again for the Pushkar Camel Fair. I find camels strange enough creatures normally, but this is taken to a whole new level by the wacky activities that are held during the fair.

The camels -- and there are over 50,000 of them! -- are brought to Pushkar primarily to be traded, but they're also shaved, decorated, entered into beauty contests, and raced. It's such an hilarious sight. If you're not keen on getting up close and personal with so many camels, you can see the spectacle from above in a hot air balloon.

This year, the fair will get underway from November 5. The best time to go there can be quite confusing because the official dates are November 10-13. However, most of the camel activity actually takes place in the five days leading up to the published start of the fair, after which the focus shifts to religious celebrations. This means you really must arrive early to catch the action.

More About Travel in Rajasthan:

• Compare Flights and Find Discounts
• Compare Hotels and Find Discounts
• Explore the Desert on a Camel Safari
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride