Ringed by the rugged Aravali Hills is the bustling city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Pink City and the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar. According to Islamic history and heritage, Ajmer is Rajasthan's most important site. The shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, also known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is an important highlight of Ajmer tourism. The city of Ajmer attracts a lot of tourists because of its religious traditions and cultural importance. Hence, Ajmer is a religious tourist place and the ethos and craftsmanship that has been in existence for centuries.
This delightful Dargah destination is home to dozens of tourist attractions within its vicinity. Here tourists can witness the diversity of the Indian culture and ethics because the Ajmer kingdom was once ruled by the Hindu Chauhan dynasty during the latter half of the 12th century. One can come across a unique blend of Rajput and Islamic architecture in Ajmer. For Jain devotees, the golden Jain temple is the religious spot in Ajmer. Most travelers make Ajmer their base for the Pushkar vacations, which is only 13 kilometers (approx.).
Talking of its establishment, Ajmer was founded by Ajaypal Chauhan, the first son of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, in the 7th century. After winning in the war against Emperor Prithvi Raj Chauhan and many similar Hindu kings, Muhammad Ghori captured Ajmer and Delhi and laid the foundation of Islamic rule in India. Later the East India Company obtained permission to trade in India from Emperor Jahangir during the Mughal period. Hence, Ajmer is a religious tourist place and the ethos and craftsmanship that has been in existence for centuries.
The city of Ajmer gets fame for its natural beauty, besides it is a famous religious place for the followers of Hinduism, Muslim, and Jainism religion. Tourists come from all over the world to commemorate the death anniversary of Saint Moinuddin Chishti during the "Urs festival" celebrated in Ajmer. If you are curious to know about Ajmer and its major tourist places, give our Ajmer tourism and travel guide a read.
Why Visit Ajmer?
First of all, Ajmer is one of the nearest weekend getaways from Delhi and Jaipur. The Pink City of India, Jaipur, is about 135 km (approx.) from Ajmer. Secondly, Ajmer is the base camp for Pushkar vacation. Here a diversity of Indian culture and ethics could be best observed. Finally, Ajmer is one of the topmost celebrated pilgrimage destinations for both Hindu and Muslims. The Dargah of Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, is a path to attain enlightenment. After confirming that the sacred Ajmer Sharif Darjah invaded the Chauhan dynasty, the Muslim sultanate took an interest in the Ajmer kingdom. Those who are history buffs would love their visit to Ajmer on the Rajasthan trip.
The picturesque expansive Ana Sagar Lake encircles the Ajmer, and the Aravali hills' backdrops provide stunning backdrops. Ajmer is a family-friendly holiday destination from the prominent towns of North India. Those who are into history would be in constraint retreat. Embark on a guided trip to Ajmer to know its intriguing history of the Chauhan dynasty, making Ajmer their epic center of the ruling. If you wish to indulge in the local pace of the Ajmer, the combination of high voltage evening crowds and bustling traffic, especially during Ramadan, will give you the unique traveler experience in Rajasthan.
How to Reach Ajmer
There are a couple of ways to reach Ajmer, including all the significant transportation modes. However, it will highly depend on your budget and preferences to select which transportation option you should opt for! If you wish to travel in leisure and comfort, air travel is the best option. Sanganer Airport of Jaipur is the nearest airport to Ajmer, about 140 km (approx.) from Ajmer city. This airport is very well connected to major cities of India such as Delhi and Mumbai. When you reach the airport, from here, you can hire a taxi to reach Ajmer.
If you are amongst them who love saving on transportation, consider rail travel from the town of India. Ajmer Junction Railway station is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, and other prominent towns of India including Lucknow, and even Kolkata. However, keep buffer days in your Ajmer itinerary if train travel is in your mind. Upon reaching the railway station, taxis and auto rickshaws are easily found for hotel transfer.
Those who wish to cherish the road trip experience from Jaipur and Delhi can also select road travel! Ajmer is excellently connected with National Highways embracing it. Therefore, self-driven transportation is the best option for the short weekend trip to Ajmer from Delhi. Also, direct bus services are available from various cities of other provinces, including Rajasthan, big cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur to Ajmer. Apart from the buses of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, there is also a good network of private buses operating for group tours.
How to Get Around Ajmer
Getting Around Ajmer is a bit the same as in every other city of India. You will find all ranges of transportation options that operate within the city’s vicinity, including auto rickshaws, cabs, cycle-rickshaws, and local buses. In order to decide how to get around Ajmer, your budget will play a significant role. If you plan to travel with family or as a couple, consider booking a private taxi for the utmost comfort and the best sightseeing experience. Moreover, backpackers and solo travelers can indulge in the local pace with the standard city transport like buses and auto rickshaws. For an ultra-unique way to get around Ajmer, enjoy open-carriage horse rides called tongas.
Best Time to Visit Ajmer
If you are planning to visit Ajmer, the charming city of Rajasthan, then let us tell you that the best time to visit Ajmer is considered to be from October to March. The monsoon season is also good, but due to rain, you may have to face trouble. If possible, to the contrary, avoid going here in summer because the summer season and sunshine can be more painful here. The maximum temperature of Ajmer shoots up to 48°C (approx) in summer. Winter is the ideal time to visit Ajmer because it is when most of the festivals are celebrated in Ajmer. Throughout the year, the average temperature of Ajmer hovers around 26°C to 35°C (approx.).
Places to Visit in Ajmer
Rajasthan’s famous religious destination Ajmer is much more than a holy town. This emerald oasis lies in the valley that encircles the Aravali Range. Here you can indulge in religious and cultural ethos. Enjoy sand camping at the nearby Pushkar. The bustling local markets, Anasagar Lake, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, are the highlights of Ajmer tourism. So take a deep plunge to uncover the best places to visit in Ajmer:
Shrine of Khwaja Saheb (Ajmer Sharif Dargah): This is the most visited place in Ajmer, where pilgrims arrive from all over the world in huge numbers every year. The shrine of Ajmer Sharif built-in Ajmer is considered a sacred place for Muslims in India and for the followers of every religion. As the last resting place of Moin-ud-din Chishti, this tomb has contributed significantly to spreading Islam's moral and spiritual values among the masses. Which infuses tourists with an innate and irrepressible urge towards spirituality. Dargah Sharif is undoubtedly the most popular pilgrimage center in Rajasthan.
Clock Tower: As the name suggests, it's a clock tower built in Indo Islamic style during 1887. The clock tower is located next to the Ajmer Railway Station and, thus, should be in your Ajmer itinerary if you are arriving via train. It is an interesting tourist place built during British rule. This clock tower is also considered as the royal facade of the ancient Rajput rule. So, if you are thinking of going to Ajmer, do not forget to visit this Clock Tower.
Anasagar Lake: Anasagar Lake is a breathtaking and magnificent artificial lake. If you are fond of boating and water sports, then the Anasagar lake, which has four moons in the scenic beauty of Ajmer city, will prove to be an excellent place for you. Along with this, you will also see migratory birds flying from miles away on the banks of the lake. Its view is worth seeing during sunset. The view of the lake is also mesmerizing from some of the temples built near the lake. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir had built a garden on the banks of the lake here, which is called Daulat Bagh. Later in the year 1637, Shah Jahan built five marble bells which added four moons to the beauty of the lake. At present, Ana Sagar Lake is Ajmer's most popular and one of the largest lakes in India. So if you are on a trip to Ajmer, do not forget to visit Anasagar Lake and enjoy the beauty of this lake.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: The "two-and-a-half-day slum," offering a unique example of Hindu-Muslim unity, is located in the foothills of the Taragarh hill, just a short distance from Khwaja Saheb's Dargah (Ajmer Sharif Dargah). This building was originally built for the Sanskrit school by the first Chauhan emperor Beaseladeva in 1153 AD. In 1192 when Muhammad Ghauri invaded Ajmer, this building was converted into a mosque, and 7 arches were built here. The three central arches are inscribed in three lines in the Arabic script. It is said that a fakir Punjab Shah used to have a two-and-a-half-day holiday here. Since then, this building has been called a two-and-a-half-day slum. Today, this building is one of the best buildings in the country due to its artistic and historical qualities.
Akbar Palace and Museum: It was built in 1500 AD at the place where Emperor Akbar's soldiers stayed in Ajmer. The museum depicts old military weapons and exquisite sculptures. The museum in Ajmer showcases various aspects of the Rajput and Mughal style of life and fighting. The idol of Kali ji is installed in the palace, which is made of marble.
Taragarh Fort: This is the fortress built upon a steppy hillside. Under the reign of Ajayraj Chauhan in the 8th century. One can enter the fort via three gates - Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi ki Phatak. Now, most of the fort parts are ruins, but you can still admire the architecture. In addition, there are crisscrossing sessions of the tunnels located within the Taragarh Fort vicinity. Concerned authorities claim that these tunnels were used to keep the king protected from the enemies in case of sudden war in erstwhile time.
Soniji Ki Nasiyan: No trip to Ajmer is considered complete without a visit to Lal Mandir, a Jain temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple's main attraction is the main chamber, which is also known as Swarna Nagri or the City of Gold. There are many gold wooden figures in this temple, which depict many figures of Jainism. Hence, there are long queues of tourists coming to the temple.
Things to Do in Ajmer
Ajmer in Rajasthan is a paradise for every type of traveler. Whether you are a spiritual soul, or adventurous soul, or a couple, there are plenty of things to do in Ajmer for all age groups. So if you are in pursuit of peace and harmony while being surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, turn your holiday mode on and bookmark these worth cherishing activities in Ajmer:
Enjoy a Boat Ride at Ana Sagar Lake: This lake is the best place to visit Ajmer for boating with kids. On a boating excursion, you will attain peace while witnessing the stunning sunset over the Aravali Range. Boating charges start at 160 INR (approx.) per person, and you can enjoy the activity from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Witness the Grander of Akbar Palace and Museum: Satiate your eternal love for history at Akbar Palace and Museum. This palace was once home to the king and his troops. There is one government-owned museum where you can learn about the various aspects of Mughal kings and their lifestyle, along with a few paintings and sculptures. Indians need to pay 10 INR (approx.), and foreigners should pay 50 INR (approx.) per person. The palace remains closed every Monday and opens from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Unlock Royalty at Jagat Palace: Feel like a king on your staycation at Jagat Palace. You can gaze at the splendid views of the golden sand dunes.
Seek Blessings at Ajmer Sharif Dargah: Get your prayers answered at the holy Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Enlighten your soul here with prayer-answering blessings.
Accommodation in Ajmer
Being a tourist's friendly destination for all sorts of age groups, Ajmer city has plenty of staycation options to choose from. One can select luxury accommodation in Ajmer if budget is not the factor. The 3 to 5-star hotels in Ajmer come with a swimming pool and lush green garden space. You will also enjoy a room with a private balcony to have the spellbinding view of Ajmer city. Some of the hotels in Ajmer have a spa on-site to provide the utmost rejuvenation of the mind.
Talking of such few luxury hotels in Ajmer, the best one include Ananta Spa & Resorts, Pratap Mahal, Rawai Luxury Tents. Budget travelers would also find pocket-friendly staycation options in Ajmer with basic amenities on the flip side. Choose from these budget-friendly accommodations - The Country Side Resort, Hotel Everest, Hotel Royal Palace.
Where to Eat in Ajmer
Ajmer in Rajasthan is also loved for its mouth-watering street food. Here the essence of food is in its blend of Rajput and Mughal culture. Various local eateries serve both local Rajasthani food or Muglai dishes, or both. Among the famous food items preferred in Ajmer are Dal Bati Churma, Ghevar, Bajra Khichdi, Rajasthani Casserole and Gatta Sabzi.
Apart from this, famous non-veg items like Lal Maas, Chicken, Mutton Curry, Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Sula Kebab are also found here. Kachori Kadhi and Sohan Halwa, the most common snack for the locals during the evening hours, are famous in Ajmer. People also like to visit the dargah market for items like kebabs and tandoori non-veg. Apart from this, you will get different types of food items in Ajmer restaurant, including Chinese and other cuisines. You must check out the best restaurants in Ajmer, which are Mango Masala Restaurant, Ambrosia Restaurant, and Rasoi.
Shopping in Ajmer
Paint yourself on the canvas of the erstwhile Mughal era by indulging in a shopping venture in Ajmer. The markets of Ajmer remind me of the Mughal era, where you will get to see many things of old times here. There are Bangle Bazaar, Dargah Bazaar, Madar Gate, Diggi Bazaar and all such markets. In the Dargah market, you can shop for flower sheets, crockery, etc., while at the Madar Gate, you sell daily-use items. Like its name, Bangle Bazaar is a market of bangles like its name, where there is a large crowd of women who come to shop. From Rajasthani souvenirs to trinkets, from handmade craft items to lac ornaments, soak the best of the shopping Ajmer at Cine Mall, Kasturi Silk Palace, and Mahila Mandi.
Essential Ajmer Travel Tips
- Ajmer Shatabadi and Ajmer Shatabdi are the two fast trains for reaching Ajmer.
- Early summers, monsoon, and winter is the most suitable time for Ajmer holidays.
- Avoid open-carriage horse rides called tongas to take a strong step against animal abuse.
- Indulge in the culinary delights of Ajmer to become a local.
- Before shopping, confirm the street timings.
