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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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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