Ensconced in the famous Aravalli ranges, Ajmer exudes bustling life with its engaged market places and moving (and obstructed) traffic. One specific street sells just silver items!
A religious place with a famous dargah of a pious Muslim saint, Ajmer is known to fulfil the wishes of many a disheartened soul. The qawwalis at the dargah on Thursday and Friday nights (and also during Urs festival ) inspires the spirit of devotees and tourists like never before. The history of city reveals changing of ruling dynasties, from Chauhan Rajputs to Ghoris, Mughals and finally British.
The city has numerous other attractions in store for tourists. The famous Mayo college established by British had the Maharaja of Alwar as its first student. The Maharaja arrived in a true royal style, seated on an elephant and followed by a whole fleet of servants, trumpeteers and not to forget camels and horses! One remarkable example of the countless eccentricities of the Maharajas and Nawabs of India.
Ajmer also provides a good base for a day visit to Pushkar. Infact, the city provides shelter (whatever little facility it has) to considerable number guests during the highly famous Pushkar festival.
How to Reach Ajmer
By Air The Sanganer Airport at Jaipur, at a distance of 130 km, is the nearest airport for reaching Ajmer. From Jaipur buses, trains and taxis bring tourists to Ajmer.
By Rail Ajmer is on Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line and hence well linked to all major. Ajmer is connected to Delhi by fast Shatabdi Express. The Jaipur Bandra Express runs between Ajmer and Mumbai. There is a fast Express to Udaipur as well.
By Road Buses from Jaipur run for Ajmer every half an hour and take around 21/2 hours to reach there. From Delhi buses reach Ajmer in around 9 hours. Good National and State highway network also enables tourists to hire a car and drive down Ajmer themselves. Roadways connect Ajmer to Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mt. Abu, Jaisalmer, Mumbai and Delhi.
Tourist Attractions in Ajmer
Durgah in Ajmer ( Khwaja Sahib ) It is the landmark of Ajmer and one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in the country. It has a secular appeal and revered by people of all sect. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint from Persia made this place his abode from 1192 till he died in 1236 AD. Mughal King Humayun completed the construction of the shrine. The Dargah is approached through a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage to Ajmer.
Ana Sagar Lake The artificial lake was constructed on river Luni at the behest of the 12th century ruler Anaji Chauhana. The lake, which becomes waterless every summer, has Daulat Bagh and Khobra Behroon on its bank. From the temple, the views of gardens is extremely pleasant.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra Stories are abound as to how the name of the mosque came into being. According to few, the mosque was constructed within two and half days and thus its name. However, there are others who believe its name derived from the festival that lasted for two and a half days. Whatever be the story behind the name, the fact is that the mosque was originally built as a Sanskrit college and functioned so till the time Mohammad Ghori converted it into a mosque. He added seven arched walls covered with Islamic calligraphy in front of the pillared hall. The mosque, despite its bit dilapidated condition, attracts visitors because of its fine architecture.
Nasiyan (Red Temple) A Jain temple hugely dissimilar to any other temple of Rajasthan. The temple has a double storeyed hall with wooden Jain mythological figures adorning it. Gold, silver and precious stone adds to the glittering charm of the temple. It is open for visit between 8.30 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening. An nominal entry charge is levied.
Akbar's Palace This palace, constructed in 16th century, is today a government Museum. Items on display include old weapons, miniature paintings, ancient rock inscriptions and stone sculpture. The museum is open for visit between 10 - 4.30 daily except Friday.
Taragarh Fort Also known as the Star Fort, Taragarh Fort is situated atop a hill. It was built by the founder of Ajmer, Ajaipal Chauhan in 12th century and offers exemplary view of the town below. The fort's history also speaks about the military activities during Mughal period and health services during Britishers. It can be reached by covering three km and a steep one and half hour climb on the hill.
Temperature Max 43.7 °C, Min 37.7 °C (summer) Max 23.3 °C, Min 5.5 °C (winter)
Languages English, Hindi, and Merwari
Ideal Time July to March.