General
Information
Population:
Around four lakhs
Area: 55.76-sq-kms.
Altitude: 486 meters
Climate: Summer: Max. - 38.1C Min. -
27.7C
Winter: Max. - 23.3 C Min. - 05.5C
Rainfall: 38 to 51 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English,
Sindhi.
Location: Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions:
Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah, Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara.
Festive Attractions: Urs Fair,
Pushkar Fair
Best Time To Visit: October To
March |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
