Ajmer
About Ajmer
One of Rajasthan, India's most famous cities is Ajmer, which is well-known for its rich cultural and historical legacy. It is well-connected to Jaipur and Delhi by road and rail, and it acts as a gateway to Pushkar. Among its most notable features is the sacred Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a major Islamic pilgrimage site honoring Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, a Sufi saint. Recognized for its lakes, forts, and involvement in government heritage and Smart City initiatives, Ajmer, the fifth-largest city in Rajasthan, is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains.
History
Chahamana king Ajaydeva established Ajmer, which was formerly known as Ajayameru, in the eleventh century. It appears to have existed before 1113 CE based on historical records. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra's Vigraharaja IV inscription denotes Ajayadeva's shift in residence. The construction of Taragarh fort and Ajayameru fort was ordered by Ajayaraja I, the king of the eighth century, according to Prabandha-Kosha. The invasion by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1556 came after the Ghurid annexation in 1193. Mughal favor and patronage helped Ajmer become the capital of the Ajmer Subah. From 1752 until 1818, the Scindias held power, and then the British. The provincial capital of Ajmer-Merwara, Ajmer became a municipality in 1866. It became part of Rajasthan in 1956 after independence.
Culture Ajmer thrives on the coexistence of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The Urs of Khwaja Moinddin Chisti stands out in the city's festivities. Ajmer's culture is a vibrant blend of religious harmony, lively festivals, traditional crafts, rich cuisine, folk arts, historical architecture, language, literature, and educational excellence seen through institutions like Mayo College.
Climate Ajmer's climate varies widely. Summers are scorching, exceeding 40°C, making it hot and dry. Winters are cool, ranging from 5 to 20°C, providing a pleasant escape. Monsoons, from July to September, bring intermittent rainfall, offering relief from the heat.
How to reach
By road' It's convenient to go to Ajmer by car. From Jaipur, it takes 1.5–3 hours to travel the six-lane Jaipur–Ajmer expressway. The distance in the other direction is 4-5 hours to Jodhpur. To explore Ajmer's historical and cultural attractions, regular buses and private taxis travel along NH48 from Jaipur and Delhi. The trip is scenic. By plane Ajmer lacks an airport of its own. About 135 kilometers away, Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the closest airport. Alternately, SpiceJet and Star Air offer daily flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Indore, Belgam, and Surat to Ajmer Airport (Kishangarh Airport), which is about 25 kilometers from the city center. By train Rail transport is a convenient way to get to Ajmer. The Ajmer Shatabdi Express is the fastest from Delhi, and the Delhi-Ahmedabad Mail offers an overnight option. Jaipur and Ahmedabad are connected by passenger trains. Travelers from Kolkata can easily reach Ajmer Junction with trains such as the Ananya Express and Kolkata-Ajmer Express, which depart from Sealdah and Kolkata (Chitpur) stations. The primary train station, Ajmer Junction, offers regular trains such as Ajmer Rajdhani and Shatabdi that link the city to Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
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2 days itinerary
| Day | Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morning | Dargah Shariff | The tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is one of the holiest places of worship in India. |
| 1 | Afternoon | Ana Sagar Lake | An artificial lake constructed in the 12th century AD by Anaji Chauhan. |
| 1 | Evening | Visit Adhai Din ka Jhonpra | A Masjid built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak, first Sultan of Delhi in AD 1199. |
| 2 | Morning | Visit Akbar's Palace & Museum | The place where Akbar and his troops stayed at Ajmer whenever he visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. |
| 2 | Afternoon | Visit Nasiyan Jain Temple | A beautiful Jain temple. |
| 2 | Evening | Visit Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower | A historical clock tower. |
Get around
The market in Ajmer is small and concentrated around Dargah Bazaar, which is 15 minutes away from the railway station. Ana Sagar is a calm lake 30 minutes away that has marble pavilions. See historic buildings and murals by meandering through quaint back streets close to Dargah Bazaar. Hireable horse-drawn tongas, autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are available modes of transportation. Tempos and minibusses also link the train station and bus stand, providing reasonably priced transportation throughout the majority of the town. Because of the city's compact layout, walking is a viable option for local transportation, although auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are also convenient.
Things to do
Akbari Fort & Museum: Emperor Akbar's royal residence in Ajmer was Akbari Fort, also called Rajputana Museum. Constructed in 1570, it currently houses a museum featuring sculptures and armor from the Mughal and Rajput dynasties. During Akbar's reign, the enormous square building with its octagonal bastions housed the administrative headquarters. It was essential to the Mughal Empire's ability to rule over Rajput states. Offering expansive views of Ajmer, the fort showcases the architectural styles of the Mughals and Rajputs. Explore this historical site to learn more about the local culture.
Ana Sagar Lake: Arnoraja constructed Ana Sagar Lake, an artificial lake in Ajmer, Rajasthan, between 1135 and 1150 AD. It is 13 km long and includes the ancient dam that Maharaja Anaji built. Relaxation can be found in Daulat Bagh, a calm park by Ana Sagar that is decorated with marble monuments. The lake's beauty was enhanced by the Baradari pavilions added by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, Daulat Bagh was renovated, and in more recent times, Subhash Udhyan took the place of the Baradari garden, providing a peaceful haven. Ana Sagar is a beautiful and important historical site.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is honored at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a renowned Sufi shrine located in Ajmer, India. Attracting millions of devotees, this sacred Muslim site features Mughal architecture. Representing India's syncretic culture, it welcomes people of all faiths and celebrates Urs every year. Situated at the base of Taragarh Hill, the Dargah provides spiritual harmony and comfort.
Prithviraj Smarak: The brave Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan is honored at Prithviraj Smarak, which is situated on Taragarh Road in Ajmer. The memorial has a life-size black stone statue of the king with a bow and arrow riding a horse. Situated on the way to Taragarh Fort, it honors the emperor of the eleventh century.
Taragarh Fort: Ajmer, Rajasthan, India's Taragarh Fort, also called Ajmer Fort, is a historic fortification. King Ajaypal Chauhan constructed it in the twelfth century, showcasing Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Situated atop a hill, it provides expansive views. Remodeled during the reign of Emperor Akbar, it is historically significant and served a tactical purpose in conflicts. It is reachable via a strenuous ascent and has attractions like Bhim Burj and Rani Mahal that showcase Ajmer's rich history.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra (अढ़ाई दिन का झोपड़ा): The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque was constructed in 1193 CE by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak and is situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.. Before becoming a mosque, it was a Sanskrit college. Its quick construction is implied by the name, "Two-and-a-half-day hut". The mosque has beautiful domes and elaborate designs that are a reflection of Indo-Islamic architecture. Once Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak defeated Prithviraja III, it was originally a Jain shrine that was altered. As a noteworthy historical site, the mosque combines Islamic and Hindu architectural elements.
Offbeat places
- Seven Wonder Park: Little duplicates of the seven wonders of the world can be found in the park in Ajmer which is close to Ana Sagar Lake. It's appropriate for all ages and perfect for photography. Open from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, with a Rs. 10 admission fee. The spot in Ajmer is a must-visit due to its detailed replicas.
- Baradari
- Buland Darwaza
- Maharana Pratap Smarak
- Mayo College
- Foy Sagar Lake
- Nareli Jain Temple
- Durga Bag Gardens
- Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower
- Nasiyan Jain Temple
Cultural shows
Given that Ajmer is a city with a predominantly Muslim population, the festivals of Urs and Id are observed there with great gusto. Here, Hindu holidays like Diwali, Holi, and Teej are also widely observed and enthusiastically observed.
Fairs and festivals
The Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, held in May at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is the main celebration in Ajmer. Participating pilgrims represent the wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds of the city. Pushkar Fair: A renowned cattle fair with cultural events, camel races, and religious rituals. It attracts visitors globally and adds vibrancy to the town.
Shopping malls
Ajmer's Mahila Mandi, a women's market, is closed on Tuesdays. It offers traditional odnis, which double as lovely table covers, and a variety of saris. Ornate lehengas (skirts with blouses) are also abundant. Hand tie-dyed turbans (safas) are sold where men's fabric is available.
City Square Mall: This shopping mall is a delightful experience with a variety of brand stores. I've visited multiple times and always found it surprising. It hosts events, adorned with beautiful props for great photo backgrounds. Indoors, it covers food, shopping, movies, and a game zone. Features Burger King on the ground floor and top brands like Trends and Decathlon for shopping.
Food
- Chicken Biryani.
- Mutton.
- Daal Baati Churma.
- Moong Daal Ka Halwa.
- Rajasthani Gatte Ka Pulao.
- Bajre Ki roti.
- Ghevar.
- Honeydew restaurant
- T Mos Best garden Restaurant
- Pandit Restaurant
- Karim's
Government hospitals
- R K Hospital.
- Shubham Nursing Home & Diagnostic Centre.
- Hada hospital.
- Barala Hospital & Research Centre.
- Kg Stones.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital.
- Y N Hospital.
- Satellite Hospital.
Private hospitals
- Mayani Hospital
- Ajmer E.N.T. Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital
Blood bank
- Gpm Nursing Home Care.
- Rajasthan Blood Centre.
- Barala Hospital & Research Centre.
- Freedom Blood Centre.
- Phulera Blood Centre.
- Keshav Blood Centre Deoli.
- Dr.Rampal Blood Bank.
- Pink City Blood Center
Go next
Jaipur: Rajasthan's capital city of Jaipur is renowned for its vivacious culture, opulent palaces, and pink-hued architectural design.
Pushkar: Famous for its holy lake, colorful ghats, and the yearly Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar is a holy town in Rajasthan that draws pilgrims, tourists, and traders alike.
Day trips
Pushkar: Take a day trip to Pushkar to experience its spiritual atmosphere. See the holy Pushkar Lake, the Bramha Temple, and wander through colorful marketplaces. For a taste of the local cuisine and a cultural experience, enjoy camel rides.