Ajmer is a historical city surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range. The Luni River flows towards the southwest, and Banas River’s tributaries flow east of this beautiful city. It is 130 km (80 miles) away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. There are many historical places to visit in Ajmer. These include the Taragarh Fort, which guarded the city against many dynasties. Ajmer and its twin city Pushkar, also known as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan, is home to many famous mosques, as well as Hindu and Jain temples. Some of the must-visit places of worship in the city include Brahma Temple, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and Nasiyan Jain temple. The best time to visit Ajmer is from October to February. Check out the top 10 things Ajmer is famous for.
1. Pushkar
The picturesque 15 km (9 miles) drive between the twin cities of Ajmer and Pushkar will enthrall anyone. The Nag Pahar (snake mountain) separates the twin cities, and driving through the scanty vegetation in the muddy brown terrain will be memorable. Pushkar, one of the most sacred cities in the country, is 510 meters (1673.2 feet) above sea level and home to 400 temples and 52 ghats or stone staircases. The Pushkar Lake, bazaar, camel fair, and many others make the town a must-visit during your Ajmer trip.
2. Brahma temple
Brahma Temple is the most famous of the many temples in Pushkar. Dedicated to the creator god, Brahma, this temple has a distinctive red spire and a swan shape motif. It was built in the 14th century, and pilgrims take a holy dip in the nearby picturesque Pushkar Lake to attain salvation. The Brahma temple and the Pushkar Lake offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli mountains.
Brahma temple
Address: Under narsingh tample, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
3. Ana Sagar Lake
Take a boat ride across the Ana Sagar Lake, which forms the backdrop of Ajmer. Surrounded by grey hills, this scenic 900-year-old artificial lake is popular with travelers. There are several pavilions and gardens situated along its banks. The Daulat Bagh Gardens are particularly noteworthy. The best time to visit this gorgeous lake is during sunset as that’s when you can catch the vibrant colors in the sky reflecting into the still water. You can also take water scooter rides along its 13 km (8 miles) stretch of calm waters.
Ana Sagar Lake
Address: Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
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4. Lassi
You may become a lassi lover once you taste this delicious drink while in Ajmer. It is made of curd (yogurt), sugar, and crushed ice, and garnished with saffron for enhancing its texture. It is famous in many parts of north India. Drinking this chilled lassi topped with rabri (condensed milk) is divine. Ajmer is also famous for the traditional Bhang Lassi, laced with cannabis along with spices and nuts. Lassi or Bhang Lassi both will make you come back again to Ajmer for more.
5. Pilgrimage site
The twin cultural cities of Ajmer and Pushkar are also the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Millions come here as both cities represent unity in diversity of the Indian culture and ethics for centuries. There is the famous Brahma temple for the Hindus, which is one among the 400 temples found in Pushkar. For the Muslims, Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the burial place of the revered Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. There are also many famous Jain temples in Ajmer, including the Nasiyan Jain Temple. This more than 150-year-old temple at Prithviraj Marg has a golden chamber depicting Ayodhya.
6. Taragarh Fort
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The guardian of Ajmer, Taragarh Fort, is a stunning monument on top of a hill. It was built in the early 12th-century in typical Rajasthani style to guard Rajasthan against many dynasties. It was also an essential military activity center at the time when the Mughals ruled the area, and was turned into a sanatorium during the British government. Taragarh Fort has three gates, tunnels, stone reservoirs and a broad cannon on a vast battlement. You will surely notice the unique elephant sculptures embellished on the front gateway. From the historic Taragarh Fort, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Taragarh Fort
Address: Taragarh Fort, Taragarh Rd, Taragarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
7. Sohan Halwa
Dig into the famous Sohan halwa while in Ajmer. This mouthwatering sweet known as the jawbreaker is solid and known to last for over three months. It is also the most exported sweet from India. The delectable sweet is a must try and the sweetness lingers in your mouth for a long time after eating. It is made of ghee, milk, sprouted wheat, lemon, salt, sugar, saffron walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cardamom seeds, and cornflour. Take back home this luscious caramel-like sweet to make friends and others envy your Ajmer trip.
8. Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Plan your Ajmer trip to attend the qawwali or musical performances every Thursday and Friday at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The melodic verses in praise of the Prophet and the Sufi saint will mesmerize you. This Dargah has the mortal remains of sacred Sufi mystic, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in a tomb. People of all religions visit this 800-year-old shrine, one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Address: 111, Dargah Sharif, Khadim Mohalla, Diggi Bazaar, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
9. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
It will be hard to believe that it took less than three days to build this wonderful Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in the early 12th century. For over 800 years, this mosque stands the test of time and is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architectural style. Adhai Din Ki Jhonpra is one of the oldest mosques in India. The beautiful structure with carvings has a massive 18.2 meters (60 feet) tall screen built from yellow limestone. The building’s exterior is square and measures 78.9 meters (259 feet), and has two entrances. Visit this oldest architectural mosque before it loses the remaining 70 of the 344 pillars.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Address: Ander Kote Rd, Lakhan Kothri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
10. Mayo College
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visit the 145-year-old Mayo College during your Ajmer trip as it is one of the prestigious institutions in India. Mayo College was built in 1879 and has produced many prominent Indian politicians like Natwar Singh. It has classic white buildings with outstanding architecture. It is one of the oldest boys-only boarding schools in India. Visit the museum called Danmal Mathur Museum in Mayo College that houses antiques and armors of ancient times.
Mayo College
Address: Shrinagar Rd, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Website: Mayo College
Spend some fantastic time in Ajmer
Ajmer is famous for marbles, antiques, handmade ornaments, woodcraft products, paintings, and more. You can taste the traditional Rajasthani cuisine as you revel in the surroundings. There are numerous temples and mosques in the city, along with natural attractions that are worth a visit.
History
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