The Savitri Temple sits high on Ratnagiri hill, the tallest point above Pushkar, and is dedicated to Savitri, the first wife of Lord Brahma. Beyond its religious importance, it is the town's great viewpoint: from the summit the whole of Pushkar unfolds below — the sacred lake, the maze of the bazaar, the Brahma Temple and the desert stretching to the horizon.
This guide covers the temple's legend, the choice between the ropeway and the trek, timings, ticket prices, the best times for views and how to reach it. For the wider picture, see our places to visit in Pushkar and things to do in Pushkar guides.
The hilltop temple
The temple honours Savitri, whose story is woven into Pushkar's most famous legend. When Brahma began his great fire ritual at the lake without her, Savitri is said to have cursed him to be worshipped only in Pushkar, then retreated to this hilltop. Her shrine looks directly across to the Gayatri (Pap Mochani) temple on the opposite ridge, where the goddess who took her place during the ritual is honoured.
The shrine itself is small and unadorned, but its setting is unmatched. Pilgrims climb here to pay respects to Savitri, while most visitors come as much for the sweeping views as for the temple. The exposed summit can be windy, so a light layer is useful even on warm days.
Ropeway or trek?
There are two ways to the top. The ropeway (cable car) whisks you from the base station to the summit in just a few minutes, an easy option that suits families, older travellers and anyone wanting to save energy for the views. Cars run through the day with short queues at sunrise and sunset.
The alternative is the trek — a stepped path of around 1,000 steps that takes most people 45 minutes to an hour. It is a steady climb, best tackled in the cool of early morning with water in hand. Many visitors trek up for sunrise and take the ropeway back down, getting the best of both.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ratnagiri hill, on the southern edge of Pushkar |
| Timings | Roughly 5:00 am to 7:30 pm; ropeway hours similar (varies by season) |
| Ropeway ticket | Around Rs 130–230 return per adult (subject to change) |
| Trek | About 1,000 steps; roughly 45–60 minutes up |
| Best time | Sunrise and sunset for the finest light and views |
| How to reach | About 15 km from Ajmer; short drive or walk to the base station |
Timings and tickets
The temple and ropeway open very early to catch the sunrise, typically from around 5:00 am, and run until early evening, with hours shifting by season. The temple itself is free to enter; the cost is the ropeway, which runs at roughly Rs 130 to 230 for a return adult ticket, with lower fares for children. Prices change periodically, so check at the base station.
If you plan to trek, there is no charge for the path, only for the ropeway if you ride it one or both ways. The base station has parking and a few small refreshment stalls.
Best time for views
Sunrise is the classic time, when the rising sun lights the lake and the desert glows gold, and the air is cool for the climb. Sunset is equally rewarding, with the town and Aravalli hills bathed in warm light, though it can be busier on the ropeway.
Midday visits are best avoided in the hotter months, as the summit is exposed with little shade. Whichever you choose, allow time at the top to take in the 360-degree panorama — it is the best view in Pushkar.
How to reach the Savitri Temple
The base of Ratnagiri hill is on the southern edge of Pushkar, a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from the lake and bazaar. From there, take the ropeway or the stepped trail to the summit. Pushkar is about 15 km from Ajmer (around 30 minutes by road) and roughly 150 km from Jaipur, about a 3-hour drive.
The nearest railway station is Ajmer, well connected to Jaipur, Delhi and Jodhpur, with taxis and buses on to Pushkar. Within the town, an auto-rickshaw to the ropeway base station is the easiest way to start the trip.
Frequently asked
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