On the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, amid the enchanting Sufi music, Ajmer owes its reverence to the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti. Surrounded by the expansive Ana Sagar Lake, the Chauhan Dynasty epicenter today has turned into a bustling and chaotic city, while maintaining its rustic Islamic charm.
Ajmer prides itself for being one the most visited Muslim pilgrimages in the country. It got its name from Ajay Meru meaning ‘Invincible Hills’ and was founded by Raja Ajaypal Chauhan in the 7th century AD. The city receives followers in thousands who come here to make offerings to the shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, the founder of Chishtiya, a prime Sufi order in India.
Just like Islam, Jainism too has found a significant recognition in this land of Rajasthan. Home to the beautiful Golden Jain temple, Ajmer receives a high voltage crowd thus representing one of the finest examples of history and culture and beauty.
Dargah Shariff of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Sitting at the end of an isolated hill, Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s tomb is one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage. Equally visited by believers of all faiths, the Sufi saint from Persia (though not alive physically) continues to help the poor and oppressed. The gate of this dargah has silver frames and the pots here were an offering made to the saint by Emperor Akbar, when blessed him to have a son.
Nasiyan Golden Jain Temple
Dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara, Soniji ki Nasiyan is a 2 storey temple that sits over an area of 3,200 sq.ft. Built in 1865, the prayer area here has a huge idol of Lord Adinath. The area has a museum which has a gallery made of gold. It portrays the 5 stages of Lord Adinath’s life. The hall is embellished with Belgium stain glass, and also has wooden gold representations, paintings and glass illustrations.
Ana Sagar Lake
The famous man-made lake was built by Maharaja Anaji between 1135 to 1150 AD. He was the ancestor of Maharaja Prithviraj Chauhan. Ana Sagar was later modified by the Mughals till the present shape and size. As one takes a walk around the lake, there is Daulat Bagh (garden built by Emperor Jahangir) and also some options for motor boat riding.
Ana Sagar Baradari
Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Ana Sagar Lake, the white marble pavilions of Ana Sagar Baradari is a prominent Mughal structure. It is surrounded by water bodies in a garden-like setting. Each pavilion is a section of pleasure garden known as Daulat Bagh, set up by Shah Jahan and Jehangir. Later during British period, these five pavilions were doubled up as offices. Visit here for some bona fide pavilions, along with hamam - the royal bath.
Prithvi Raj Smarak
Dedicated to the brave Rajput chief Prithvi Raj Chauhan III, this black stone Smarak has Prithvi Raj III seated on his horse. Bordered by the Aravalli range, the memorial has a garden nearby, where tourists can relax and take some pictures of the area around.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda
A perfect blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda earlier used to be a Sanskrit college. It was in 1198 AD, that Sultan Ghori converted it into a mosque, further renovated by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD. The mosque is called Adhai din ka Jhonpda, meaning ‘The Hut of Two and a Half Days’ because it was built in 2.5 days. Since 18th century, Urs is being celebrated with great fervour.
Victoria Clock Tower
A British legacy, the Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower stands tall opposite the Ajmer railway station in Ajmer. Dating back to 1887, it is appreciated for its British architectural beauty that looks like another version of Big Ben.
Pragya Shikhar Todgarh
Located in Todgarh, and inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005, Pragya Shikhar commemorates Jain Acharya Tulsi. Constructed out of black granite, this temple in Todgarh is a serene place with a peaceful environment. Other attractions around are Dudhaleshwar Mahadev, Old C.N.I. Church, Bheel beri, Katar Ghati and Raoli-Todgarh wild life Sanctuary.
Kishangarh Fort
Once a Jail, Kishangarh Fort is still visited for its prisons, storehouses, arsenals and other critical structures present within it. The Durbar Hall is its greatest structure, and was where the rulers completed their official gatherings once a day. Furthermore, one can see the Phool Mahal which grandstands, appreciating the magnificence of the Rathores tribe, marvel at the ravishing paintings and frescos. Close to the fortification, are the lakes like Gundu lav talab and Hamir Sagar. Close to Kishangarh one can likewise observe Nimbark Peeth and Chor Baori - Salemabad(20Km.), Roopangarh(25Km.), Ruins of Karkeri stronghold and Cenotaphs of Shri Jawan Singh-Karkeri (30Km. by means of Salemabad), Group of old Makbaras-Tukda(7 Km.), Tilonia (20 Km.) ,Pitambar Ki Gaal-Silora (7 Km.) and ruins of old Palace or Sarai-Chatari .
Gateway Of Taragarh Fort
The overwhelming entryway Taragarh Fort sits on the peak of a slope. It comprises of two titanic bastions on the two sides with strong guard rooms with figures of elephants decorating it. The important features here are the water repositories and the Bhim Burj, on which Garbh Gunjam (Thunder from the Womb) was mounted. Rani Mahal (palace of the royal women) here has coloured windows and wall paintings. The fort is also known for Dargah of Hazrat Miran Sayyed Husain Khangswar(Miran Sahib) .
Ajmer Government Museum
A must see place in Ajmer, the Ajmer Government Museum has an exhibition hall inside the castle that belonged to the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was built in 1570. Also known as Bharatpur Museum, the repository is a rich accumulation of rare archeological treasures. Inside, one will find stone sculptures, inscriptions and armours. Also admire the paintings that belong to the erstwhile Maharajas of Bharatpur.
Sai Baba Temple
Spread over a an area of 5 beegha land at Ajay Nagar, the Sai Baba Temple was built by Suresh K Lal, from the Garib Nawaz City in 1999. The sanctuary has the most remarkable translucent stone, which allows light to pass through it. Sai Baba followers from all over the country visit this place, atleast once in their lifetime.
Lake Foy Sagar
Built and named after Mr. Foy, an English engineer in 1892 AD, this lake is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli range. People come here to relax and enjoy some cool breeze from the Aravalli.
Shopping
Despite being a small city, Ajmer is a heaven for shopaholics who are looking for different diverse things. Beginning from Jodhpuri Joothis, colourful turbans, silver ornaments, chaddars and table clothes the lanes of this busy city are full of scents (Ittar). Churi(bangle)bazaar is the most celebrated market of the city, where one can buy brilliant and shining bangles. The handlooms and colourful textures are worth buying too. Nearby, one would also find a couple of art markets where one can pick some good home decoration products. Other popular spots are Madar Gate, Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela, Nahila Mandi, Naya Bazaar, and Dargah Bazaar.
Winter
October to February can be considered a comfortable time to visit Ajmer. With day temperatures being perfect for touring (15 to 18 degree Celsius), the majority of the vacationers plan a trip during this time.
Summer
March to May: Summers are very hot in Ajmer, in May and June the maximum temperature goes beyond 40 degree Celsius. Hence to plan a visit during this time, one must carry a sunscreen and umbrella. Drink lots of water.
Monsoon:
June to September: Ajmer is not a rainy city, but it looks extremely delightful as the mountains are spotted with rich green. Considered an off-season, this is the best time to get some heavy discounts.
By Air
Jaipur Airport at 138 km is the closest airport.
By Rail:
Located on the Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmadabad-Mumbai railway line, Ajmer is well connected with most trains on this route halt at Ajmer.
By Road
Ajmer is well connected by bus from cities like Jaipur, Bharatpur, Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Haridwar, Barmer, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Agra and Aligarh.
