Ajmer, the Holy City

One of the holiest places for the Muslims and the Hindus alike, the holy city of Ajmer is a renowned pilgrimage destination in India and situated in Rajasthan. Formerly called Ajaymeru, Ajmer was founded in the 7th century by the Chauhan Rulers. Located between the scenic Anna Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Mountains, Ajmer reached its zenith under the Great Rajput Ruler Prithviraj Chauhan.

Attractions

The holy place of Pushkar is located 18 km away from Ajmer and is a famous tourist spot much renowned for its religious significance and the colorful and lively Pushkar Fair held annually at the place that attracts visitors from far off places. The Pushkar Fair is also called Camel Fair as camels attractively decked and bejeweled are sold and bought here in large numbers during the festival.

Pushkar is the only place in the world that has a temple dedicated exclusively to Lord Brahma. The statue of the four-headed and bearded Brahma is a big attraction of the Brahma Temple which is situated near the Pushkar Lake which is yet another attraction of the place and much known for its religious and medicinal importance.

Yes, the Pushkar Lake has curative and medicinal properties and cures those suffering from any skin diseases provided he takes a bath in this sacred lake that’s believed to be “blessed” by none other than the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma.

The Dargh Sharif of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer--which is a shining symbol of religious tolerance and secularism--is another attraction of the Ajmer. In fact, it is the chief attraction of the place. The dargah sharif is located at the conjunction of three bazaars and is always crowded with the devotees and the general visitors.

Equally revered by the Muslims and the Hindus, the Shrine of Moinuddin Chishti attracts the visitors, inspired by faith, from all over the world, who come here to pay their respects to the great sufi saint. The dargah (shrine) was built by the Mughal Emperor Himayun and later patronized by Akbar the Great.

The much famous Urs Fair, which is marked with quwwallis, is held at Ajmer to mark the death anniversary of Moinuddin Chishti and is yet another attraction of the place. On this special occasion, a specially prepared milk pudding, called Tabarruk (the blessed food), is distributed amongst the devotees.

The Taragarh Fort--also called the Fort of Ajmer--is another attraction of Ajmer. The First Hill Fort of Asia, the Taragarh Fort was the seat of the Chauhan Rulers. Also called Miran Sahib Ki Dargah, the massive Taragarh Fort has six gates and offers panoramic views of the beautiful Ajmer City.

Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhopra, Mayo College, and Magazine are other key attractions of the place. While the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhopra is an unfinished monument built by the Delhi Sultanate Ruler Qutubuddin Aibak, the Mayo College is the only college of India catering specially to the royalty, and the Magazine is a wonderful museum that formerly was the residence of the Mughal Prince Salim.

What to buy

Ajmer is popular for its traditional handicrafts made by the local artists and craftsmen. These handcrafts reflect the unique Rajasthani culture and traditions. They are pretty inexpensive and great objects to take back home as wonderful souvenirs.

When to visit

The climate of Ajmer being rather hot the best time to visit the place is during the winter season--between the months of November and February.

How to reach

Ajmer is well connected by rail, road and air. It is located on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route. All trains using this route halts at Ajmer. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Agra, Aligarh, and Haridwar cities are well connected to Ajmer by road. And, the nearest airport is at Jaipur which is just 130 km away.

Ajmer City Tour Duration - 03 Days / 02 Nights

Day 01: Jaipur - Ajmer
You will be picked up from Jaipur & transferred to Ajmer approx. 131 kms / 3 hrs, enroute Pushkar. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: In Ajmer
After breakfast visit Ajmer Dargha and Soni Mandir Brahma Temple. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Ajmer - Jaipur
After breakfast you depart for Jaipur.