Faith, tales of great romances and heroism define this unique city of spirituality called Ajmer. Formerly known as Ajmere, the city was founded in 7th century by Ajaypal Chauhan (Chauhan dynasty) who ruled it for several decades, with most illustrious ruler Prithvi Raj Chauhan. The city is closely associated with the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti – a venerated Sufi Saint who founded the Chisti order – the prime Sufi order in India even today. Mughal emperors were also the disciples of Moinuddin Chisti.
Located at a distance of 135 kilometer from the capital city of Jaipur, Ajmer is surrounded by the Aravali range tucked away at the foot of the Taragarh hill. Immense Taragarh fort which is one of the country’s oldest hill forts guarded the city all around. Dotted with unmatched natural beauty, Ajmer is dotted with majestic mountains on all sides. The Sufi chants reverberates the city and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world.
Timeless Places in Ajmer
Dargah Khwaja Saheb:
Holy Ajmer Dargah is one of the most sacred places of worship in India. The Dargah is the final resting place of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The tomb of the Khwaja Chisti is at Ajmer Dargah Sharif. The Indian history reveals, apart from the common pilgrimage, even the great kings of India Hindu as well as Muslim, have paid submissive homage to great saint. People enter through the Buland Darwaza – a gigantic gate and offer prayer at the saint’s marble-domed mausoleum.
Taragarh Fort:
Taragarh Fort which is located in Ajmer Rajasthan was built by Ajaypal Chauhan in the 7th century. Taragarh fort is a real spectacular reflection of Rajasthani architecture; it has nine imposing gates and a thick crenellated wall guarding the entrance to this erstwhile Chauhan bastion.
Adhai – Din – Ka – Jhopra:
Adhai Din means two and half days and tells the time duration in which this building was built. It is literally a masjid built by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in 1193, the first Sultan of Delhi. It was a vaishnava temple but Qutub-Din convered it into mosque during his region. It is situated at the foot of Taragarh Hill. The architectural structure and carving of the temple is famous which was completed in just two and half days. The site is easily accessible from railway station and bus stand (only 02 Km).
Akbar’s Palace and Museum:
This site is a very informative as here one can explore the glorious history of the city. The Museum showcases a historical monument when Sir Thomas Roe sought an ordinance with Jahangir in 1616 AD.
Durga Bagh::
Durga Bagh is one of most fascinating Place located on the bank of Ana Sagar Lake. This park is blessed with lush green garden and numerous flowers which were built in 1868 AD by Maharaja Shiv Dan. Imagine the view of Ana Sagar Lake from the garden or you can enjoy the picnics with family of friends in the garden. Another attraction is the beautifully built marble pavilion. The marble pavilions constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan also add more visual grandeur to the park.
Some more excursions around Ajmer:
- Pushkar (11 Km)
- Kishangarh (30 Km)
- Merta (80 km)
- Beawar (54 Km)
- Tilonia (45 Km)
- Foy Sagar (05 Km)
Some more excursions around Ajmer:
One of the great spiritual tourism destination of India, Ajmer is has a fine network of air, rail and road with major cities in the country. The nearest airport is Jaipur which is located at an approximate distance of 40 Kms.
Best time to visit Ajmer:
An ideal time to visit Ajmer is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for exploring the city.