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 caste and religion.

Prime Attractions of Ajmer
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. more..

Urs Fair
The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of 'Rajab' (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.) more..
 

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.

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).

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.

Govt. Museum - Ajmer
The Rajputana Museum as it is significantly named, has in its galleries important exhibits from almost all the princely states. There is a library attached to his museum, which contains rare books and important historical publications.

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.

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.


Excursions from Ajmer
Pushkar
(11Km.)
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.

Beawar
(54Km.)
This town is located 54-km from Ajmer and is famous for the Badshahi procession festival held on the next day of Holi.

Foy Sagar
(5Km.)

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
(27Km.)
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.

Mangliyawas
(26Km.)
This town is famous for two 800 years old trees of a rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN- popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'.

Fairs & Festivals - Ajmer
The annual Urs and Pushkar fair.

Leisure - Ajmer
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.

Climate - Ajmer
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.