Places to Visit in Ajmer

The tourist attractions in Ajmer are the pilgrimage sites. Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. It houses the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar, about 11 km. from Ajmer, the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake.

Places to See in Ajmer



The Dargah of Khawaja Saheb (Ajmer Dargah)

The Dargah of Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif is at the foot of a barren hill. The shrine is next only to Mecca and Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. It is said that Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The saint's tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the center of the second courtyard, which is surrounded by a silver platform. There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjahan, the most marvelous of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra is a remarkable structure, a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located on the outskirts, of the city, just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days (adhai-din) and hence the name.

Nasiyan Temple

Ajmer also has a Jain Temple, Nasiyan Temple in red color built in 1865. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall exhibits images from the Jain mythology, describing the ancient Jain concepts.

Lakes in Ajmer

Ajmer is blessed with lakes - Ana Sagar Lake, built between 1135-1150 AD by damming the river Luni. This artificial lake is bounded by hills and on its bank is a beautiful park - the Dault Bagh, making this place one fine spot for strolling in the morning and evening. Foy Sagar is just 5 kms from the town and 3 kms further up the valley from Ana Sagar Lake.

Forts in Ajmer

Built during a famine relief programme it is named after the engineer responsible for its construction, the picturesque lake offers spectacular views form the hill. Ajmer has a fort, Taragarh Fort, a steep one and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra, which leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view of the city from here.

Museums in Ajmer

The fort was the site of the military activity during the Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the British Constructed by Akbar in 1570, the Royal palace of Akbar in red sandstone was converted into a Government Museum and today it houses a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armory. Very close to the main post office, the museum displays some of the fine and delicate sculptures of the region, from 8th century AD, which include - old weapons, miniature paintings, ancient rock inscriptions and stone sculptures.

Tourist Destinations Near Ajmer



One can make excursions from Ajmer to the neighboring town of Pushkar known for the annual Pushkar Fair. Pushkar becomes a bustling and colorful fairground in the month of Kartik (October-November) when the annual Pushkar Fair is held. Hindu pilgrims come for the holy dip in Pushkar Lake, which is considered most on Kartik Poornima.The highlight of the fair is the Camel Fair, the trading of camels. Camels are bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a picturesque sight. The camel, horse and donkey races are events that draw huge attendance. The Pushkar Fair also brings together a large number of villagers from different parts of the state who display their traditional ware and also making the evenings colorful and festive with music and dance.

There are about 400 temples in Pushkar famous as a spiritual tourist attraction, of which the most famous is the Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir.It is said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Brahma. Then there is the Savitri Temple overlooking the Pushkar Lake, the Varah temple, the Mahadeva Temple and the Ramvaikunth Temple. There are many ghats, which run down to the Holy Pushkar Lake whose waters are famed to wash the sins of a lifetime.

Other places of interest around Ajmer are Mangliyawas, 26kms from Ajmer is famous for two 800 years old trees of a rare species, 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, 54kms from Ajmer is famous for the Badshahi procession festival held on the next day of Holi when people participate in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each other. Kishangarh, 27kms from Ajmer has one of the finest schools for miniature paintings during 18th century. Badnor, 80kms from Ajmer is best known for its 500 years old imposing fort. Pachewar, 90kms from Ajmer is a small village in Rajasthan, which is an ideal stopover for the tourists traveling between Ajmer and Jaipur. The lake at Pachewar attracts thousands of migratory birds in the winters, a sight mostly loved by tourists. Fairs and Festivals.



Last Updated on : 2/09/2013