Perched atop Ratnagiri Hill, Savitri Temple has dominated Pushkar and its sacred lake for centuries. Dedicated to Savitri, the first wife of the god Brahma, it commands a 360° panorama over the town, the Thar Desert, and the ghats. The pilgrimage to the summit is itself a spiritual experience, undertaken daily by devotees and travelers seeking elevation and perspective.

Quick Facts

• Access: on foot via a stepped path from Pushkar's bazaar (approximately 30–40 minutes climbing) or by cable car (ropeway) from the hill's base
• Dress code: modest clothing required; shoes must be removed before entering the sanctuary
• Suggested duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (ascent, visit, descent)
• Best time: sunrise or sunset for light and cooler temperatures

What You'll See

The main sanctuary houses the statue of the goddess Savitri, adorned with flowers and colorful fabrics. From the terrace, your gaze sweeps across Pushkar Lake, white-washed ghats, the Thar dunes on the horizon, and Rajasthan's arid hills. Langur monkeys inhabit the path and temple precincts.

History and Context

In Hindu mythology, Brahma chose Pushkar to perform a yagna (fire ritual). Absent his first wife Savitri, he married Gayatri to complete the rite. Savitri, enraged, withdrew to this hilltop and became venerated there. The temple perpetuates this foundational narrative, woven into the spiritual identity of Pushkar itself.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Climb via the Stepped Path

The paved pathway winds between rock outcrops and dry vegetation. Devotees ascend barefoot, carrying offerings. Physical exertion is part of the pilgrimage; the view unfolds gradually, opening onto the town below.

The Panorama at the Summit

The sacred lake appears in its entirety, ringed by white ghats and temples. On clear days, the Thar Desert dunes stretch westward. It is one of the rare vantage points that encompasses Pushkar in full.

The Cable Car (Ropeway)

For those preferring not to hike, a cabin connects the base to the summit in minutes, offering its own sweeping views of the town and lake.

Etiquette and Visiting Rules

• Remove your shoes before entering the sanctuary.
• Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
• Avoid loud or disrespectful behavior during prayers.
• Do not feed the monkeys: they can become aggressive.
• Offerings (flowers, coconuts) may be purchased at the base or along the path.

Photography Tips

Sunrise bathes the lake and ghats in golden, raking light—ideal for photographing Pushkar from the summit. Sunset sets the desert ablaze in orange. Midday light is harsh, casting sharp shadows. Check restrictions inside the sanctuary before using your camera.

Location and Access

The temple sits on Ratnagiri Hill, west of central Pushkar. The trailhead and the cable car's base station are a few minutes' walk from the main bazaar. Pushkar is connected to Ajmer (approximately 14 km) by road; Ajmer has a well-served railway station. Tuk-tuks and taxis link Ajmer and Pushkar.

Nearby attractions: Temple of Brahma, one of the world's rare temples dedicated to Brahma, located in central Pushkar.

In the Vicinity

• Pushkar Lake — sacred lake ringed by ghats where pilgrims bathe at sunrise.
• Temple of Brahma — 14th-century sanctuary, one of the world's very few temples dedicated to Brahma.
• Ghats of Pushkar — stone steps leading to the lake, alive with daily rituals.
• Ajmer Sharif Dargah — major Sufi mausoleum in Ajmer, a site of interfaith pilgrimage.