Ajmer

Ajmer An illustrious city encircled by the Aravalli ranges and housing the celebrated Dargah Sharif, Ajmer is truly fascinating.

Introduction

Founded by Raja Ajaypal Chauhan in the 7th century AD, Ajmer is a small city in Rajasthan displaying India’s diverse culture. The historic city is surrounded by the Aravallis and is famous as a cultural and educational centre. Ajmer is home to famous holy Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which is extremely revered by both Muslims and Hindus. As the city was ruled by many dynasties, one can easily see the ineffaceable mark of their culture and traditions making it one of the popular destinations in Rajasthan.

Places to see

The heritage city boasts of its various tourist places. Exploring these sites is nothing less than a delightful experience.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The 13th century holy shrine is dedicated to Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Throughout the year, devotees in huge number visit the world-famous shrine to pay their homage to the saint. The Dargah complex has many monuments and the most famous attractions here are three impressive gates - Nizam gate, Shah Jahan gate and Buland Darwaza. One will also find a mosque and a huge cauldron inside the Dargah complex.  

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda

It was once an ancient temple and a Sanskrit college which was later converted into a mosque by Sultan Ghauri in 1198 AD. The edifice displays perfect amalgamation of Indo-Islamic architecture and its double depth calligraphic inscriptions beautifying its façade are quite magnificent.

Anasagar Lake

Built by Arnoraj Chauhan in the 12th century AD, this scenic artificial lake is ideal to enjoy a jetty or paddleboat ride praising the beauty of adjoined Daulat Bagh Gardens, which was laid out by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. There is an island at the centre of the lake where one can go for a stroll. Lake Foy Sagar is another beautiful artificial lake built in 1892 AD by Mr. Foy - an English engineer - in order to provide employment to locals during a great famine.

Mayo College

Considered to be among India’s oldest independent boarding schools, Mayo College was established in 1875. The college is named after Richard Bourke who was the 6th Earl of Mayo and was built with the purpose to provide education of British standards to the heirs of the India’s princely states. The college building is made of white marble and showcases perfect example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan

Built in the late 19th century, Soniji Ki Nasiyan or the Ajmer Jain temple features gold-plated figures of peacocks and elephants from Jain mythology. The two-storey temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankar Risabhdev or Adinath. There is a prayer area on its first floor and on the second, a museum.  

Akbar’s Palace and Ajmer Government Museum

Built in 1570AD, Akbar’s Palace is a grand fortified edifice. Inside the palace, there is a museum which draws tourists in a large number. The well-known museum displays a wide collection of archaeological artefacts ranging from antique military weapons to exquisite stone sculptures, armours, inscriptions. It is also known as Bharatpur Museum and is adorned with the finest paintings of the previous Maharajas of Bharatpur.

Luxury hotels

While exploring Ajmer, tourists can stay at any of the city’s most promising luxury hotels to make their holidays amazing.

The Taj Gateway Resort

The five star hotel impresses its guests with its palatial accommodation in categories like - standard rooms, superior rooms and standard, junior, executive and deluxe suites. All units are fitted with modern technology and offer splendid views of the courtyard and private sit-out balcony. The hotel is embellished with rich interiors and its multi-cuisine restaurant Aravalli offers sumptuous delicacies from the region and from all across the world. Its gracious hospitality and eminent services are worth mentioning.

Xenious LN courtyard Hotel

The hotel features state-of-the-art facilities ensuring the comfort of its guests. All rooms are spacious enough and well-appointed. The hotel is perfectly located and some of the rooms offer picturesque views of the mountains, lake or city. Its elegantly-designed interiors match to its sophisticated and classy ambience. It is one of the best hotels in Ajmer built very smartly.

The Royal Melange Beacon

Offering genuine hospitality, The Royal Melange Beacon hotel makes a difference by catering to various needs of both leisure and corporate guests. A preferred choice for tourists, the hotel is a fine example of modern architecture. Its 24 rooms are well-furnished. It has a well-maintained banquet hall fit for organising conferences, seminars, meetings, functions and other events. Other popular hotels in Ajmer are Hotel Mansingh Palace, Royal Palace, Grand Xenia and Country Inn and Suites among others.   

Shopping

Shopaholics must visit Ajmer’s lively markets. At Madar Gate, they will get many shopping opportunities to shop geometrical patterns of bandhini work, Jodhpuri jootis, silver ornaments, ittar (perfumes) and Kishangarh miniature paintings made by local artisans. From Dargah Bazaar, which is located at Dargah Sharif’s entrance, one can buy flowers, chaddars as offerings to the holy saint and souvenirs. Local food can also be enjoyed at these two places. Women shoppers can buy beauty products, curios, jewellery items, hand-embroidered suits and varieties of tie-and-dye draperies at Women’s Market.

When to go: The best time to visit Ajmer is during winter season, i.e. between October and March. During this time, the temperature remains ideal for sightseeing and other activities.

Reaching Ajmer

By Air: At about 138 kms from Ajmer, the Jaipur Airport is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Ajmer Junction railway station is located in the city and connects Ajmer with all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Allahabad, Lucknow and Kolkata. By Road: There are both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses in deluxe and semi-deluxe categories which are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation to nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Private operators running Volvo and regular buses are also available.

 

Ajmer - a gem in the lap of the Aravalli

Featuring a glorious history, a rich culture and splendid natural beauty, Ajmer is a wonderful city to explore.