Encompassed by the impressive Aravalli Hills and located 13 km from the religious city Pushkar, Ajmer is a melting pot in India. It has embraced some of the most diverse cultures of India within. The city was founded by the Maharaja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century. Since then, it had served many dynasties of different religions and witnessed the ineradicable marks of their cultures and history. Thus today, the city has become a fusion of various beliefs. Steeped deep in the history & culture, Ajmer is mainly known for Dargah Sharif. However, the city is the epicenter of miscellaneous cultures.
Here, you’ll find the historical remnants of Hindu, Muslim, Jain and British. I think in India, Ajmer would be the only city that receives a huge influx of Hindu as well as Muslim visitors. So, let’s explore the magnificent beauty and must visiting tourist places in Ajmer.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Make a wish in Sharif Dargah by tying a thread and it gets fulfilled. People believe in this fact and maybe, this is the only reason that today Sharif Dargah is the most-visited Muslim pilgrim spot by all faiths. People from all over the world come to Shariff Dargah and can’t resist themselves to get lost in the tranquil and spiritual aura of this shrine. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is actually a Sufi Shrine which houses the tomb of Sufi Saint ‘Garib Nawaz Moinuddin Chishti’.
The enchanting aroma around the shrine and the heart-touching Qawwalis urge the visitors to embark on a path of spirituality and harmony. Ajmer Sharif is not only known for its spirituality but also for the exalted architecture. The entire tomb is made of white marble and is adorned with the Persian inscriptions. It consists of 11 arches and 3 lofty Gateways which are designed totally in Muslim architectural style. Over the tomb, there is also a huge canopy which is made out of silver and is embellished with the scintillating mirror work.
This canopy is believed to be offered by the Mughal Emperor Akbar when the holy saint blessed him with an heir. The Ajmer Sharif actually got more prominence after Akbar’s regular visits. Definitely, a must-visit place for everyone regardless of religion! Ajmer Sharif is one of the most important places to visit in Ajmer.
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra
There is a dispute over the name of this exquisite architectural wonder. Some say that it was named after a Muslim fair which was held during the 18th century for two and half days while other says that the entire construction of this mosque was done in just two and half days. That’s why it is called Adhai Din ka Jhopra. Initially, the monument was constructed as a Sanskrit School but during that meantime, Muhammad Ghori seized the city and ordered to convert it into a mosque.
Today, the mosque is in a rundown state but it still deserves a visit because it is an exceptional fusion of Hindu, Muslim, Jain architecture and one of the beautiful places to visit in Ajmer. The mosque is particularly famous for its arched style construction and the double depth calligraphic inscriptions in its façade.
Ana Sagar Lake
Ana Sagar Lake is one of the most enticing and romantic places to visit in Ajmer. Built by the Maharaja Ana Ji, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in the 11th century, Ana Sagar Lake never fails to steal the heart of visitors at the first sight itself. Whether it’s a king or a common person, everybody can’t help but give his/her heart to the surreal allure of this lake. Impressed by the beauty of Ana Sagar Lake, Emperor Jahangir established the Daulat Bagh Gardens around the lake which accentuate the beauty of this artificial lake further.
Later, Shah Jahan added the five marble-made pavilions named Baradari near the lake. Take a stroll in the evening around the Ana Sagar Lake and get engrossed in this breathtaking beauty.
Nareli Jain Temple
Located on the outskirt of Ajmer, Nareli Jain Temple is the finest edifice of Jain architecture in India. Rendering an unmatched blend of modern and ancient architecture, Nareli Jain Temple is known for its intricate carvings, elaborate designs, and implausible sculptures. Behind the temple on the hill atop, 24 miniature temples are built which represent the all 24 Tirthankaras of Jains. Nareli Jain Temple is a significant pilgrim spot for the Digambar Jains but for the world, it is a stellar masterpiece of architecture.
Taragarh Fort
You were waiting for a fort in this list. Right? After all, we’re talking about Rajasthan. No matter which city you visit, your trip can never be completed without witnessing the architectural wonder of Rajputs. If you want to see the typical Rajasthani architecture, head to Taragarh Fort, one of the beautiful places to visit in Ajmer. Located high above atop Nagpahari Hills and overlooking the entire city, Taragarh Fort is a testament of royal lifestyle and inclination towards the architecture of Chauhan Maharajas.
Later, the fort fell into the hands of Mughals and reached to a decrepit condition. It is located on the high hills, so you have to do an hour’s long trekking in order to get the glimpse of this majestic beauty. From Taragarh Fort, you can have the aerial and startling view of entire Ajmer.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning to visit only the Ajmer Dargah Sharif, you can go Ajmer anytime. It’s year-round tourist spot. But if you want to explore Ajmer thoroughly, avoid the scorching and sweltering summers. Ajmer’s climate conditions and the temperature aren’t favorable for the summers. Moreover, the heart of Ajmer, Ana Sagar Lake, dries up in summers. So, I would say a big NO to your idea of visiting Ajmer during the summers. Visit either in monsoon months or in winters. This is the ideal time to explore Ajmer.
How to Reach Ajmer
Ajmer is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan, so getting there is very convenient. If you’re going by air, Sanganer Airport is the nearest airport from Ajmer, nearly 135 km away. After landing off, you can get taxis and autos even 12 at the midnight. Local transportation is available every time in Ajmer. Railway is the best way to reach Ajmer. Located amid the city, Ajmer Railway Station is easily assessable and well-connected throughout the country. Going by your own vehicles or hired buses isn’t a bad idea either because Ajmer is superbly connected to the national highways.
Ajmer is indeed a cosmopolitan city which has interwoven many cultures together and portrays them all exquisitely. On one side, it is a pilgrim place for Muslims, on other side, it manifests the royal history of intrepid Rajputs. As you will move a few steps ahead, you would be left astonishing with the jaw-dropping architecture & craftsmanship of Jains. Still, the city greets the people from all beliefs with same love and gesture. So, pack your bags and explore the city at least for once that imparts the real meaning of brotherhood.
