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Ajmer Travel Guide
Ajmer Travel Guide
Location: Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah, Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara.
Festive Attractions: Urs Fair, Pushkar Fair
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Wrapped in green oasis in barren hills and situated in the heart of the desert of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a city in Ajmer District in the state of Rajastha, India. It is unique blend of Sufi culture and Hindu religion. Ajmer has always been a coveted and strategic place for the Rajputs, the Mughals and the Marathas. Ajmer was the seat of administration for the Chauhans till Prithviraj was defeated in 1193 AD by Mohammad Ghauri. It then became a part of the Delhi Sultanate.
However, Rana Kumbha of Mewar and Raja Maldeo again established Rajput rule over Ajmer. The annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held on a grand scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world irrespective of their caste and religion.
Prime Attraction
Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah : Themost important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths, Ajmer-e-Sharif is situated at the foot of the Taagarh hills, and consists of several white marble buildings arranged around two courtyards, including a massive gate. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to this Dargah from Agra once a year.
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara : Situated on lower slope of the Taragarh hills, Adhai-Din-ka Jhonpara is a mosque that is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. According to legend, this mosque was constructed in two and a-half day (adhai din). This mosque was a Sanskrit college in the 12th century. In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college and a mosque was built in its place. The mosque is built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike. The archways are finely engraved with Kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the Holy Quran (also spelt as Koran).
Nasiyan (Jain Temple) :Nasiyan is red coloured Jain Temple and it was built was in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall shows scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed.
Museums
Govt. Museum : Erstwhile this museum was the Royal palace of Mughal emperor Akbar. Today, this museum houses a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine and delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed here. The building itself has been constructed of red sandstone, which have been laid down in a square pattern giving it a magnificent look.
Lakes
Ana Sagar Lake :This beautiful lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer city.
Foy Sagar : This artificial lake was built during a famine relief programme. Named after the engineer responsible for its construction, the picturesque lake is 5-km from Ajmer.
Forts
Taragarh Fort : This fort was built in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan. The fort gives a bird's eye view of the city. This fort is also called Star Fort. It situated on a hill and to reach there, one has to take winding bridle path.
Kishan Garh :On the road to Jaipur, 27-km from Ajmer is located this medieval treasure house of art. This place had one of the finest schools for miniature paintings during 18th century. This town of artists is also famous for Gundelao Lake, Phool Mahal Palace, Temple of Sri Kalyan Raiji and the Majhala Palace.
Others
Mayo College : One of the India’s best public schools, located in the south-east of the Ana Sagar, has now been converted to the Circuit House. One can view the lake and the cenotaph and the shrine of the Hindu reformer Swami Dayanand, founder of the "Arya Samaj Movement" in India.
Excursions - Cites
Pushkar
: The sister city of Ajmer, Pushkar is just 11-km away from the city. Pushkar is one of the oldest places of India. According to legend, this place was created by Lord Brahma, but the actual date of its founding is not known. It is also called Thirth Raj (the king of pilgrimage centres). In current years it has become a popular destination for foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists. This city stands on the Coast of Pushkar Lake. It has five main temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims go down to the lake to take holy dip in the sacred water. The lake has a mythological significance related with it. Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples. Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple- the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. According to the legend of Ramayana, Vishwamitra performed Tapa here and Apsara Menka came to Pushkar to take a holy dip in its holy water.
Mangliyawas : Located at the distance of 26 kms from Ajmer, this town is famous for two 800 years old trees of a rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN- popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'. People visit this place through out the year but on dark moon day of 'Sravana' (also spelt as Shravana) thousands of people come to worship the trees.
Beawar : This town is located 54-km from Ajmer and is famous for the Badshahi procession festival held on the next day of Holi. On this occasion, people participate in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each other.
How to Get There
Air : The nearest airport is that of Jaipur.
Rail : The city is well connected by trains with all the major places in India.
Road : The state transport has its bus services from all over Rajasthan and also from Delhi. However, during the Urs, large number of people arriving in Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this time.
Local Transport : City bus service operate in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available for commutation.
Rajasthan
Tour Itinerary
