AJMER
Tourist Attractions: Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah, Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara.
Festive Attractions: Urs Fair, Pushkar Fair
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Situated in the heart of the desert of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a blend of Sufi
culture and Hindu religion. Ajmer has always been a coveted and strategic
place for the Rajputs, the Mughals and the Marathas. Ajmer was the seat of
administration for the Chauhans till Prithviraj was defeated in 1193 AD by
Mohammad Ghauri. It then became a part of the Delhi Sultanate.
However, Rana Kumbha of Mewar and Raja Maldeo again established Rajput
rule over Ajmer. The annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is
held on a grand scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world
irrespective of their caste and religion.
PRIME ATTRACTION
TEMPLES
Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah - At
the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most important
pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. It is the splendid tomb of
the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja
Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for
the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to this
Dargah from Agra once a year. more...
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara - One of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic
architecture, this mosque was a Sanskrit college in the 12th century. In
1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college and a mosque was built in its
place. The mosque is built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are
alike. The archways are finely engraved with Kufi and Jughra inscriptions
from the Holy Quran (also spelt as Koran).
Nasiyan
(Jain Temple) - This red coloured Jain temple was built in the late
19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts scenes
from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed.
MUSEUMS
Govt. Museum -
The Royal palace of Akbar was converted into a museum and today it houses
a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine and
delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed here. The building
itself has been constructed of red sandstone, which have been laid down in
a square pattern giving it a fabulous look. more...
LAKES
Ana Sagar Lake - This
lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors
made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a
marble pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were
laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer city.
more...
FORTS
Taragarh Fort - Built in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the
fort gives a bird's eye view of the city. Taragarh Fort or the 'Star fort'
is situated on a hill and to reach there, one has to take winding bridle
path.
OTHERS
Mayo College - One of the India’s best public schools,
located in the south-east of the Ana Sagar, has now been converted to the
Circuit House. The lake and the cenotaph and the shrine of the Hindu
reformer Swami Dayanand, founder of the "Arya Samaj Movement" in
India, can be viewed from here.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Pushkar - The sister city of Ajmer,
Pushkar is just 11-km away from the city. The road to Pushkar passes
through the Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain.
Pushkar is an ancient city and has seen history being made since the
Ramayana period. The account of this city can be found in the 4th century
writings of the Chinese traveller-- Fa-Hien and also in the scripts
written during the era of Muslim invasions. The city is considered by
Hindus to be one of the most sacred places in India and has, perhaps, the
only existing temple in Asia, dedicated to Lord Brahma. Life in the city
is very much related to the Pushkar Lake. Mythology says that this ancient
lake was formed when a lotus flower fell in the valley, from the hands
Brahma.
The 52 bathing ghats that surround the lake are believed to have special
powers e.g. 'Naga Kund' for fertility, 'Roop Tirth' for beauty and 'Kapil
Vyapi Kund' for curing Leprosy.
The famous Pushkar fair is held every year on the Kartik Purnima day.
This fair is famous as a bazaar for the animals particularly the camels.
But the folk dancers and the folk musicians add traditional colour in the
fair, which gives a new leash of life to the town. more...
Mangliyawas - This town is famous for two 800 years old trees of a
rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN- popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'.
People visit this place through out the year but on dark moon day of
'Sravana' (also spelt as Shravana) thousands of people come to worship the
trees. The town is 26-km from Ajmer.
Beawar - This town is located 54-km from Ajmer and is famous for
the Badshahi procession festival held on the next day of Holi. On this
occasion, people participate in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each
other.
LAKES
Foy Sagar - This artificial lake was built during a famine relief
programme. Named after the engineer responsible for its construction, the
picturesque lake is 5-km from Ajmer.
Kishan Garh : On the road to Jaipur, 27-km from Ajmer is located
this medieval treasure house of art. This place had one of the finest
schools for miniature paintings during 18th century. This town of artists
is also famous for Gundelao Lake, Phool Mahal Palace, Temple of Sri Kalyan
Raiji and the Majhala Palace.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is that of
Jaipur.
Rail: The city is well connected by trains with all the major
places in India.
Road: The state transport has its bus services from all over
Rajasthan and also from Delhi. However, during the
Urs, large number of people arriving
in Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this time.
Local Transport:City bus service operate in the city and to
Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws,
tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available for commutation.
PLACES TO STAY
The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in its hotels in and around Ajmer. Hotels like RTDC's Khadim, come with AC Deluxe rooms as well as ordinary rooms, which give a comfortable stay in the city. There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government sponsored paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The
annual Urs and
Pushkar fair.
SHOPPING
Ajmer presents items, which carry the Rajasthani fervour and reflect ancient mood of the area. One can purchase here amazing old silver jewellery with designs of a totally different era. The annual Urs gives an opportunity to bargain some of the intriguing and colourful items of the region.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centres: - Tourist Reception Centre, Rajasthan
Tourism Bikaner House, Near India Gate New Delhi - 110 001, India
- Tourist Reception Centre, Assistant Director, Tourist Reception Centre,
Hotel Khadim (RTDC)
- Tourist Information Counter at Ajmer Railway Station.
Banks/Money Changers: - Bank of Baroda, Prithviraj Marg
- Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Station Road
- Bank of India, Kaisarganj
- Bank of Rajasthan, Mayo College
- Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Prithviraj Marg
- State Bank of India, near Collectorate
Also,authorized money changers are available in the leading hotels.
Hospitals: J.L. Nehru Hospital
Club: Ajmer Club
Guide Service: Approved guides may be hired through the Asstt.
Director, Tourist Reception Centre
CLIMATE
Temperatures are very high during summers and very low during winters. Ajmer has a typical desert type of climate. The best season to visit this place is between October and March.
NEARBY CITIES
Pushkar: 11- km
Bundi: 142-km
Chittaurgarh: 190-km
Jodhpur: 198-km
Udaipur: 302-km
Jaipur: 131-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: Around four lakhs
Area: 55.76-sq-kms.
Altitude: 486 meters
Climate: Summer: Max. - 38.1°C Min. - 27.7°C
Winter: Max. - 23.3°C Min. - 05.5°C
Rainfall: 38 to 51 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Beware of touts and make sure that you are not lost among the innumerable palaces in the forts and the colourful tradition.
Know more about this Package !!!
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