Ajmer,
founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in 7th Century A.D was an enduring center
of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Ajmer was captured by many dynasties,
which came and left leaving behind unforgettable marks of their culture and
custom. Today, Ajmer is a renowned pilgrimage center for both Hindus and
Muslims. The famous Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti located at Ajmer is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.
The Most Popular Sights to Visit in Ajmer
The Dargah
At the foot of a dry and deserted hill, is situated India's one of most
visited pilgrimage center for people from all walks of life. It is the
spectacular tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti more commonly
known as Khwaja Saheb or Khwaja Sharif. The elevated shrine is next only to
Mecca or Medina for the Muslims of south Asia.
The shrine of the Sufi Saint attracts thousands of devout during the
Urs- commemorating, the death
anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month
of Rajab. A colorful fair that takes place at this time is the prime
attraction of this place.
Shahjhan’s Mosque : In one corner of the inner court of the
Dargah, is a marvelous building in white marble with a long (30.5m) and
narrow court having low porches and intricate carvings with trellis-work. It
is the most beautiful of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the
Dargah.
Taragarh Fort : A steep one and a half hour climb going further
beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort,
settled on a hill. One can have an awesome view of the city from here. The
Taragarh Fort was the sight of the military activity during the Mughal
period, later used as a sanatorium by the British.
Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra : A noticeable structure,
Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located
at the outlying lands of the city, just beyond the Dargah. As the legend
says, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It
was basically a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D.
Mohamed Ghauri overpowered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by
adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just
two-and-half days (adhai-din) and hence the name. The unique pillars and
arched screen with its ruined minarets make it an amazing architectural
masterpiece.
Pushkar : Ajmer is also
the base for visiting Pushkar just 11 km. from Ajmer. Pushkar is the abode
of Lord Brahma, settled to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake.
The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik
(Oct/Nov), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred
lake at the time of Pushkar Fair.
Shopping Experience in Ajmer
Shopping in Ajmer is an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques,
curios, fascinating gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs,
colorful tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered Jodhpuri 'Jutis'. Especially
during the annual Urs fair, a range of colorful items and marvelous
creations of traditional folk aristsans are for sale.
Traveling to Ajmer - Made Easy
Ajmer in Rajasthan is your next traveling fascination and yes, if you have
started planning how to move about without any discomfort, then pack you
trip to Ajmer with more itineraries and full of activities. Whether you are
a migrant or a native, it would be best to start you trip from Delhi, the
capital city of India, full of historical and modern wonders. This will make
you trip more easy and relaxing. Starting from Delhi either you select your
tour to Ajmer, Rajasthan through Agra, the city of Taj, Jaipur, the Pink
City or even Alwar the Gateway to Rajasthan.
New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi route
If you are planning to go straight to Ajmer from Delhi, then you can board
the Shatabdi Express operated by the Indian Railways, between New Delhi &
Ajmer in the New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi route.
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Ajmer route
Planned to visit Agra - the city of Taj first. Don't be worried, if you
really want to visit the land of composite culture - Ajmer, then you can
pick the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Ajmer route. You can board either a flight or
train or even vehicle from Delhi to reach Agra, through Jaipur and then
Ajmer. Agra is 385 km from Ajmer. In between you can halt in Jaipur, the
pink city, which is 132 km from Ajmer; also the closest airport from Ajmer
is located here. You can either pick a Rajasthan Tourism bus or other
vehicle operated by travel agents from Jaipur to Ajmer. The Indian railway
also runs trains between Jaipur and Ajmer to make your travel to Rajasthan,
the cheapest one. Trip to Ajmer through Jaipur will add more colors to your
tour to Rajasthan India.
Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur-Ajmer route
But, if you have decided to visit only Rajasthan, you can take the route
through Alwar, - Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur-Ajmer route. Alwar, the gateway to
Rajasthan, is just 163 km from Delhi, Ajmer can be reached by trains or
buses or other vehicles from Alwar. Alwar is one place in Rajasthan, which
is close to many world renowned wildlife sanctuaries. In between you can
halt in Jaipur to refresh yourself in the pink surroundings of the pink
city.
Distance from Other Parts of Rajasthan
You can easily pick a state transport bus or vehicles plied by the travel
agents to reach Ajmer.
¤ Bikaner 277km
¤ Jodhpur 198km
¤ Jaisalmer
490km
¤ Bundi 142km
¤ Udaipur 303
km
¤ Chittor 195km
How to Approach Ajmer
By Air : Jaipur 132 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail : Regular train services link Ajmer with important cities.
Some important train connections are: Gujarat Mail (Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi Sarai
Rohilla); Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur): Express
(Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur); Shatabadi Express (New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi).
By Road : A good network of bus services operates from Ajmer to key
destinations around.
Local Transportation in Ajmer : City bus service operates in the
city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, Tongas, and
cycle-rickshaws are also available.
