Pushkar (Rajasthan)

Nice little town built by Brahma - according to legend, that is - around a lake, it hosts one of the largest cattle fair in India. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country (dates unknown) and its nickname 'Tirth Raj' - the King of the Dhams (pilgrimage sites) - many devout hindus come here and perform rituals both in and out of the lake's sacred waters.

The atmosphere during the fair is pleasant and very relaxed. There's a great many camels, horses, cows and the like spread all over the arid, deserted plain that outstretches beyond Pushkar. I think there were more camels than any other cattle at the time I was there, and a lot of them were 'decorated' for lack of a better word. Multicoloured leash and harness and whatnots. Quite interesting.

There is also a couple of temples on top of the two hills overlooking the lake. I'm sorry I didn't get the names but one is definitely higher than the other and the view of the valley from the summit is stunning.

Near the end of the pictures, you'll see a magnificent, spotless white, blue-eyed horse. It was on offer for $150,000, but I could've gotten less I think. I need to do some research, but I'm quite sure those horses are endemic, i.e. you can't find them anywhere else in the world. I might be wrong and I am by no means a specialist of the equine world, but their build, ears and colours are really different from any other horse I have seen so far. if someone can light my lantern, I'll gladly welcome him or her.

Now for the pictures of Pushkar!

Editor's note: I really wish people would notice I refrained myself from any pun on the name of this charming little town where very few...mmmh...automobiles are to be seen.