Ajmer ravel Guide - Top Attractions And Things to Do

Ajmer

Ajmer - The Spiritual and Historical Heart of Rajasthan

Known for its spiritual aura, Ajmer city was named in the memory of ‘Ajay Meru’. Expressing the tradition and culture of a historic gem, visiting Ajmer can be a truly unforgettable experience for many. The convivial charm of the Rajasthani royalness along with a perfect mix of architecture is perhaps what majorly draws tourists to this interesting city.

Surrounded by Aravalli hills, this city is known for a plethora of reasons out of which one is the presence of the famous Dargah Sharif of Saint Muin-ud-din-Chisti. Filled with the charm of old heritage, a trip to Ajmer is nothing short of a magical experience for travelers.

Brimming with some of the most gorgeous historic spots, Ajmer has every reason to be explored. It is the place to realize and relish the history, culture, and beauty of it. Being a , it receives a great number of tourists on an annual basis. Everything about this city will help you discover undiscovered nuances about it.

History of Ajmer

The city of Ajmer was founded by Raja Ajaypal Chauhan in the 7th century. He had constructed the hill fort 'Ajay Meru' also known as the 'Invincible Hill'. It was him only who established the Chauhan dynasty that had continued to rule the country even though there were perpetual waves of Turkish invasions all across India during that particular time frame. And visiting the city today, one may not be able to make it if this the same city which once breathed nothing but the magnificence of history.

The Chauhans had dominated Ajmer for many years; the great king Prithvi Raj Chauhan had supervised the control of his empire consisting of Northern India from Ajmer itself. And it was only towards the end of the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan was brutally killed that his palace was conquered by the Muslim Ruler Muhammad of Ghori. This particular event had changed the course of history for this region in a complete manner. And then later on in history, one of the descendants of this clan successfully had established the Chauhan Clan of Ranthambore sometime in 1194.

Major Attractions in and Around Ajmer

1. Ajmer Sharif

It is the . Considered as a very holy place, the Ajmer Sharif is responsible for imparting a very valuable set of ethical as well as mystical knowledge to the devotees who go there with purity in their hearts.

2. Ana Sagar Lake

Fundamentally an artificial lake, Ana Sagar was constructed in the 12th century. This lake has been spread over an area of around 13 km featuring a marble pavilion along with the gardens that were added by the Mughals here later on.

3. Akbar's Palace and Museum

Constructed sometime in 1500 AD, this is the very place where Akbar had made his troops stay in Ajmer. Known for old-age military weapons as well as sculptures, this museum is a great place to explore, especially for history buffs.

4. Nareli Jain Temple

Located on the very outskirts of Ajmer, this temple is known for its beauty and possesses some really good architectural designs which trace its roots back to a glorious history. People who like to spend quality time either with family or alone must give it a try and visit this temple.

Things to Do in Ajmer

Seek blessings at Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of India’s most famous Sufi shrines.
Enjoy a boat ride on Ana Sagar Lake for a peaceful experience.
Explore Taragarh Fort for historical insights and stunning city views.
Shop for Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and silver jewelry at Madar Gate and Nala Bazaar.
Taste traditional Rajasthani food, including Dal Baati Churma, Kachori, and Ghewar.
Take a day trip to Pushkar, just 15 km away, famous for its Brahma Temple and Camel Fair.
Attend the Urs Festival, an annual event at Ajmer Sharif Dargah that attracts devotees from all over the world.

Best Time to Visit Ajmer

October to March – Best time for sightseeing with pleasant weather (10°C - 25°C).
April to June – Hot summers (35°C - 45°C), not ideal for travel.
July to September – Monsoon brings moderate rainfall, making the surroundings lush and green.

How to Reach Ajmer

Ajmer is a city in Rajasthan, that has been known throughout history for its enriching culture and depicting the impeccable heritage of India. Ajmer is situated at a distance of 490, 1,029, 1,670, and 1,817 km from , Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Let’s see how we can reach here by the following means of transportation.

By Air

The city of Ajmer has its own airport by the name of Kishangarh Airport (KQH). However, primarily, this airport functions to transport tourists to pilgrimage and historic sites like Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz, Pushkar, Fort of Prithvi Raj Chauhan.

Thus, the Jaipur International Sanganer Airport (JAI) situated in Jaipur is your best option to reach here. It is located 135 km from Ajmer. Once you deboard, you can easily take a cab or some other means of transportation.

This airport is known as the primary airport serving the city of Jaipur and nearby areas. The Jaipur Airport is considered the 11th busiest airport in India. In 2005, this airport was given the status of an international airport.

By Train

Ajmer has its own railway station by the same name i.e. Ajmer Junction. It acts as an important platform and is located within the city serving Ajmer and nearby areas. Here is the route you can follow to reach here by train route. After deboarding at the junction, you will need to take some means of transportation like a cab to reach your respective destination.

Delhi - Board Ajmer Shatabdi from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Ajmer Junction
Lucknow - Board PBR Express from Lucknow NR station and deboard at the Ajmer Junction
Agra - Board AF AII Intercity from Agra Fort and deboard at the Ajmer Junction
Ahmedabad - Board Ashram Express from Ahmedabad Junction and deboard at the Ajmer Junction
Indore - Board INDB JU Express from Indore Junction BG and deboard at the Ajmer Junction
Jodhpur - Board Ranikhet Express from Jodhpur Junction and deboard at the Ajmer Junction

By Road

Ajmer has good connectivity with other nearby Indian cities. Depending upon your location, you can choose to travel here either by your own vehicle or a private or interstate bus. Each mode of transportation has its own pros and cons. Here is the route you can follow to reach here.

Delhi - 403 km via NH 48
Agra - 373 km via Bikaner-Agra Road
Lucknow - 706 km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway or NH27
Ahmedabad - 548 km via NH48 or NH58
Bikaner - 270 km via Bikaner-Barmer Road
Gwalior - 498 km via NH21 or NH23
Indore - 539 km via NH52 or NH58

Frequently Asked Questions About Ajmer

Q: What are the main attractions in Ajmer?
A: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ana Sagar Lake, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Ajmer Government Museum, Mayo College, Taragarh Fort, Ajmer Jain Temple, Akbar's Palace and Museum, and Daulat Bagh are some of the famous places to visit in Ajmer.

Q: Why is Ajmer Sharif Dargah so famous?
A: Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the final resting place of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint. It is a major pilgrimage site known for its spiritual significance and miracles.

Q: How many days are enough for an Ajmer trip?
A: A 1 to 2-day trip is sufficient to explore the main attractions. You can also visit Pushkar, which is just 15 km away.

Q: Can I visit Pushkar along with Ajmer?
A: Yes, Pushkar is just 15 km from Ajmer and is famous for the Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, and Camel Fair. It makes for an easy day-trip from Ajmer.