By Anil Sharma, IANS
Pushkar (Rajasthan) : For a week, this Hindu holy town was transformed into a city of tents. In all shapes and sizes, with some even offering five-star comforts, the tents made for a unique experience for tourists who came to visit the colourful Pushkar camel fair that started Nov 18.
Every two to three kilometres, one could find camping sites where both the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and private tourism agencies had erected ordinary as well as luxurious tents – numbering 1,220 in all.
Bonnefond, a French tourist, said: “I love them. They make you feel as if you are staying in the middle of the desert. Plus, they offer you all the facilities that normally a five-star hotel provides.”
Pushkar, located about 145 km from state capital Jaipur in Ajmer district, comes alive at this time of the year. It draws tourists as much for the large cattle and camel fair – one of the largest in the world – as for its religious significance.
The town is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma that stands on the banks of a lake where pilgrims come to take a holy dip on Kartik Purnima (full moon day) Saturday.
More than 30,000 foreign tourists and 300,000 domestic tourists are believed to have visited the fair. And many have opted for the tents as accommodation.
“The tents offer everything that a hotel room offers, from running hot and cold water to good ambience and tight security arrangements, making the stay a pleasurable one for tourists,” said Sanjeev Sharma, senior manager, RTDC.
The RTDC has pitched up tented accommodation near the mela or fair ground. The RTDC Tourist Village has been specially designed to complement the natural beauty of the site.
Even the high prices – from Rs.2,500 to over Rs.10,000 per tent per night – failed to dampen the lure, especially among foreigners. Almost all the tents – offering around 2,400 beds in all – were fully booked.
Michelle, a foreign tourist who came for the weeklong Pushkar camel fair, said: “It is worth staying in the tents, most fascinating. It offered me all the facilities of a hotel along with personalised attention from the staff.”
The fair attracts hundred of thousands of cattle rearers from rural India to Pushkar along with camels, horses and cattle for livestock trading, pilgrimage and religious festivities.
Evenings at the Pushkar fair have their own charm. The silent night is pierced by the calls of camels. Passionate ballads are sung by artistes. Folk dramas, dances and skits are organised for the entertainment of tourists.