Ajmer in Rajasthan India

The beautiful city of Ajmer is encircled by the lush green Aravalli hills. Founded by Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D, Ajmer remained a major center of the Chauhan rulers till 1193 AD when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Home to former saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, founder of Chistiya order, Ajmer is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in India. Thronged by thousands of devotees all around the year, it is equally venerated by people of all sects. Ajmer comes alive at the time of its annula Urs Fair that is held for six days in the memory of great saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

Best Time to Visit

October to March

What to Buy

Ittar (Perfume), local handicrafts, embroidered shoes, Lac bangles, brass utensils, saris .

Fairs and Festivals

Urs Fair (August)

Places of Interest

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer is revered for its Dargah Sharif, which is the resting place of Sufi saint, Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti. Visited by devotees of all religions, Ajmer Dargah Sharif is considered a place where wishes of everyone are fulfilled. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti had come from Persia and established the Chishtia (Sufi) order at Ajmer. He dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. Popularly known as 'Gharib Nawaz',Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six-day prayer in seclusion. The annual Urs fair, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their religion, is held at Ajmer every year to commemorate those six days.

Adhai Din ka Jhopra

The magnificent Adhai Din ka Jhopra is located on the outskirts of Ajmer. It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in Rajasthan. Designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, this remarkable mosque is believed to have been built with in just two and a half days as its name suggests. Donned with arched façade inscribed with Islamic calligraphy, Adhai Din ka Jhopra is spread over a huge area with cloisters on all four sides. Surmounted by exquisite marble cenotaphs, the mosque also has four-star shaped slender minarets on its four corners.

Government Museum

The Government museum of Ajmer is located in the magnificent sandstone monument built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1616. The museum was started in 1908 by the Indian government with an objective of collecting and preserving the precious artifacts and archeological collectibles excavated in Rajasthan. The museum is divided in to various sections that are devoted to Sculptures, epigraphs, Prehistoric antiquities, and armaments. This rich collection dated back to from the Gupta period to the late medieval period. There is a small library attached to the Government museum, which is a treasure trove of countless rare books and many historical publications.

Anna Sagar Lake

Surrounded by verdant hills, the picturesque Ana Sagar Lake was constructed in the 12th century AD by King Anaji, the grand father of Prithavi Raj Chauhan. Lying on the banks of lake are the Daulat Bagh Gardens, which were set up by Emperor Jehangir. The lake has a series of white marbled pavilions, which were later added by Shah Jahan in 1637. The temple of Khubra Behroon lies on the southern bank of this lovely lake. It derives its name from the word Khobra, meaning mischievous. It is believed that a newly wed couple should pay a visit to this temple for a happy and peaceful married life.

Mayo College

Originally built as a school for princes, Mayo College is now one of the leading educational institutions of India. It was established by Richard Southwell Bourke who served as a viceroy of India from 1868 to 1872.

Taragarh Fort

The impressive Taragarh fort is located at a distance of 3km from Ajmer Sharif. Built in 1300 AD by Ajaipal Chauhan, it is one of the first hill forts of India and provides paranomic views of the city.

Nasiyan Jain Temple

Built in the late 19th century, this red colored jain temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabdeoji. The temple also houses a museum that displays collectibles related to Jain beliefs and mythology.

Excursions - Pushkar (11 km), Mangliyawas (54 km), Foy Sagar (5 km)

How to get there

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur ( 138 km), which is well connected with all key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

By Rail: Ajmer has its own railway station, which is just ten kilometer from Pushkar. It is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India.

By Road: Rajasthan Roadways operate regular deluxe buses from Jaipur to Ajmer. Luxury and Deluxe buses are available from Ajmer to all major destination of India.