Ajmer

Traveler’s Facts

About Ajmer: The Holy city of Rajasthan, a popular pilgrimage center
Famous for: Dargah Sharif, Taragarh Fort, Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra, Ana Sagar Lake
Should I Visit: Yes, if you are interested in Historical Sites
Location: Central Rajasthan and about 135 kms from Jaipur
Founded by: Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan
Founded in: 7th Century A.D.

About Ajmer

At a distance of 135 km from the capital city of Jaipur, Ajmer is surrounded by the Aravali range and is located at the slopes of the Taragarh Hill. The city is guarded by the mammoth Taragarh Fort that is one of the country’s oldest hill forts, and is at the summit of the Taragarh Hill providing a breathtaking view of the city below.

Ajmer is famous for the Dargah Sharif of the great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Located at the foot of the Taragarh hill, the site is visited by thousands of devotees from all religions and sects who come here to offer their prayers. Especially during the festival of Urs, believers from all around the globe throng the holy site with the hope of getting their wishes fulfilled by offering prayers to the Saint.

The Anasagar is a beautiful artificial lake located at the north of the city. The Bardani pavilions which surround the lake and the adjoining parks add to the beauty of the location and are popular for outings and picnics. The city has several other attractions like Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, which is the remains of an old mosque and is a unique example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the Nasiyan (Red) Temple which is a well known Jain temple, the Nimbark Peeth, Nareli Jain temple, among many others. The Ajmer Museum, which was once the residence of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, has a range of unique sculptures and armour of the Mughal and the Rajput dynasties preserved here for visitors to see.

The city of Ajmer has been the hot seat for culture and education from ages. The British established the prestigious Mayo College, an institute set up exclusively for the erstwhile Indian nobility, which is now considered to be one of the best schools in the country.

Ajmer is also the gateway to the holy city of Pushkar, which is just 11 km away from the here. Pushkar is famous for the Lord Brahma temple and the sacred Pushkar Lake, and the town has become a favorite spot for domestic and international tourists.

Places to visit

Gharib Nawaz Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Mosque or The Dargah

Situated in the old town area, It is the most important Muslim Pilgrimages site in India. The Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192 and lived here until 1233. This Mosque was constructed by Humayun, Akbar used to make pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra every year.

Ana Sagar Lake

The beautiful artificial lake was created in 12th century by damming the River Luni.

Taragarh Fort

The massive huge has a historical importance; It was the meeting point of the King Prithviraj Chauhan & It has six gates & a Dargah. The fort has a wonderful view of the city.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra

A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located on the outskirts, of the city, just beyond the Dargah.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Jaipur, which is 135 kms away.

By Rail

Ajmer is located on the main Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line. Most of the trains on this route stop at Ajmer. There is a daily Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Ajmer.

By Road

Ajmer can be easily reached by road from both Jaipur and Delhi. It is a nine-hour road-trip from Delhi to Ajmer.