Pushkar is a small town in rural India where they host an annual camel fair. Think Regina Agribtion only with 50,000 camels and horses instead of cattle. And a row of shops in little tents instead of modern exhibition halls. With streets vendors selling all manner of food and goods on dusty streets while hawkers follow you pressing their wares.
In the distance giant Ferris wheels. This is a big deal here, the town prospers because of it.
We arrive in Pushkar late after another endless bus ride jostling over rough and broken roads with our Indy 500 driver. We are delivered to our home, The Desert Tent Village, a temporary accommodation constructed just for this event. It is impressive. Large tents form a square with grass mats laid out to create a series of walkways with pagodas and outdoor living areas in the centre. 
Off to one side a giant "Dinning Hall" where we join other guests for delicious buffet meals. And outside a large social gathering area complete with firepit. The ground is packed and painted with Indian symbols and drawings.
I am escorted to my tent. This is not camping tent! It is about 15x15 with fabric draped walls and rugs covering the straw mats on the floor. The bed is large, two twins pushed together piled high with warm and cozy comforters to keep out the chill, although it is complete with a small heater (which I didn't notice until morning). It is complete with electricity, power bar to charge devices, tea kettle and water. 
I notice a zippered compartment at the back and discover an attached bathroom. On three wooden pellets inside another tent are a shower, sink and flush toilet. Now this is camping !!!
I sleep like a baby, snuggled in my cozy tent. The air is chilly and I am reminded of chilly Prairie evenings, with just my nose sticking out of the covers.
The next morning we set out to explore the fair in all its color and festivities.
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| Getting Henna tattoos at the Fair. |
We spend the afternoon in the markets of Pushkar before we head back, on our bus once more.
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| Monkeys at Pushkar Lake. |
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| Pushcart Lake. The local women bathe in this lake to cleanse themselves. It is a religious site and sacred. |
The markets of Pushcart with its colorful people and merchandise.
Onward we go, back into our bus and heading to our next destination, the city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.
Come With Me.......
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