Rajasthan, this wild desert land invites you to a memorable tryst
with itself. Savor Rajasthan's unique culture that is a blend of the ancient
and the modern.
Travel Rajasthan, check out must visit forts,
palaces and monuments; enjoy a luxurious stay at famous
heritage hotels
of Rajasthan or take a heritage tour of distinct cultural heritage sites
of Rajasthan.
South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an
oasis wrapped in the green hills.
The city was founded by Raja Ajay
Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major
centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it
to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today,
Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims.
Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is
a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its
prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility.
Ajmer
is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma,
lying 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.
Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He
constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill.
The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost
Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi.
Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first
contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here
in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to
the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled
directly by the East Indian Co.
 Major
Attractions of Ajmer |
 |
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara : This is a
masterpiece of Indo - Islamic architecture. As legend goes its was
constructed in two and a-half days (Adhi-Din). It is a relic of an old
mosque consisting of a quadrangle with a front screen wall of seven pointed
arches. The distinct pillars and arched screen with its ruined minarets make
it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
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.
Taragarh
Fort : The giant fort stands guarding the city. It has six gates. The
fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha who was the governor of the fort and
laid down his life in an encounter. It gives a panoramic view of the city
situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges, this fort has immense
archaeological and historical importance.
Ana
Sagar Lake : It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The
catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari'
pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer.
the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite
outing spot.
| 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.
| Shopping |
|
While Shopping in Ajmer , one can go on a buying spree of
various kinds of items representing Rajasthani culture and style. The
'Ittar' (perfume) is a major specialty of Ajmer. One can purchase here
amazing old silver jewellery with designs of a totally different era.
| 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.
Destinations
