Visit Ajmer in Rajasthan : History, Poplar Places to Visit in Ajmer, Best Time to Visit, FAQs (2024)
Talking about the Indian state of Rajasthan as a vacation destination, it is one amazing place to visit for every kind of traveller. No matter whether you are more into exploring culture, traditions, adventure, sightseeing places, shopping, religious places, historic monuments or royal life, Rajasthan has something or the other to suit the taste of everyone. Housing a plethora of popular cities, each one comes with its own set of exclusive and attractive features. However, the list of popular tourist places to visit in Rajasthan is incomplete without mentioning the bustling city of Ajmer.
Located at a distance of about 130 km southwest of the capital city of Jaipur, Ajmer boasts of being a home to a wide number of tourist places. One feature which sets apart the city of Ajmer from the rest of the tourist places is that it is the perfect example and representation of the diversity of the Indian culture as well as ethics. Apart from being a popular tourist place to visit in Rajasthan, the city of Ajmer at the same time serves as a significant pilgrimage centre for Hindus as well as Muslims. If this city makes you curious and awakens your sleeping travelling heart, then you have arrived at just the right place. In this Ajmer Travel Guide, we have covered a lot of important information about the place which you should know for a memorable experience. Continue reading to know more!
History of Ajmer, Rajasthan
The city of Ajmer traces its origin back in the pages of history to about the 7th century AD when it was founded by Raja Ajaypal Chauhan. Ever since the city was founded, it served as the epicentre for the mighty Chauhan dynasty till the 12th century AD. You will also be pleased to know that the Chauhan dynasty even constructed the first ever hill fort of India, Taragarh which is now a popular place to visit in Ajmer. Once Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghori, the city of Ajmer witnessed a rule of several dynasties. The city was immensely liked by the Mughal Sultans, particularly because it was the home to the holy Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
In fact, this Dargah is still one of the prime tourist places to visit in Ajmer. All the history buffs will love to know that the city of Ajmer boasts of a rich history and of playing a host to the first meeting between the Mughal king Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe, Ambassador of the Court of King James 1 of England in the year 1616. It was a few centuries later after this meeting that the city of Ajmer was officially handed over to the Britishers making Ajmer the only region in the Rajputana reign to be directly controlled by the British East India Company.
Why Should You Visit Ajmer, Rajasthan?
Before choosing any particular vacation destination, it is natural for you as a first – time traveller to be a bit hesitant and sceptical. However, as far as the vacation destination we are talking about is Ajmer, you don’t have to concern yourself. It is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Rajasthan and there are several reasons behind it. Some of them are:
- Significant Pilgrim Centre: You may or may not know but the city of Ajmer serves as a prime pilgrim centre for both Hindus as well as Muslims. Being the final resting place of the famous Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, the city of Ajmer is visited by Muslims from all over the world in large numbers. The presence of the holy Dargah in the city makes it all the more popular. The best part is that this Dargah is revered equally by both Muslims as well Hindus.
- Picturesque Natural Landscape: Surrounded by the azure waters of the expansive lake of Ana Sagar, the city of Ajmer has an attractive appearance. Other than the crystal – clear waters of the sprawling lake, the city is also guarded well by the rugged hills of Aravalli range. These hills serve as a picturesque backdrop to the city and attracts a plenty of nature lovers from all over the country.
- Popular Among Jain Religion: Though the Ajmer Sharif Dargah which is the shrine of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti, remains to be the prime tourist place to visit in Ajmer but there is one more thing which makes the city popular. The Ajmer city is also well – known throughout the country for being a home to the stunning golden Jain Temple. As a result, the city is quite popular among people of Jain religion too.
Image Source - Well-Known Learning Centre: This may come as a surprise to you but the city of Ajmer is also popular for being a well – known learning centre. The Mayo college located in the city was one of the first schools in India that served as the stepping stone for the British style of education. Once an important learning centre, it now acts as a popular tourist place to visit in Ajmer.
Popular Places To Visit In Ajmer, Rajasthan
Owing to its rich historical significance and for housing a plethora of exciting tourist attractions, it is not surprising that the city welcomes about hundreds and thousands of travellers throughout the year. Some of the top tourist places to visit in Ajmer are:
1. Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The tomb of a popular Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, this dargah is one of the must-visit tourist places in Ajmer. Constructed in pure white marble, the dargah sports 11 arches and a Persian inscription that runs along through the full length of the building. Though the dargah has a marble dome but the actual tomb inside the dargah is surrounded by a stunning silver platform. Immensely popular among the spiritual healers throughout the world, the dargah is exceptionally packed with pilgrims every year on the death anniversary of the saint. The dargah is not only visited by Muslim pilgrims but is popular among people of diverse religion, caste and creed.
- Location: Gaddi Nashin Aastana-e-Aliya Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz 111, Faiz Manzil, Nathwan Shah, Khadim Mohalla, Dargah Sharif, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305001, India
- Opening Hours: You can visit the place anytime from 6 AM till 7 PM.
2. Ana Sagar Lake
Built by Anaji Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan during 1135 to 1150 AD, this is one stunning man-made lake. Sprawling over an area of about 13 km, the pond is a popular tourist attraction to visit in Ajmer. Many travellers visit the lake to admire its picturesque beauty. The lake is also popular for offering magical sunset views. Boating is a common activity here. There are several other attractions to explore near Ana Sagar lake too.
- Location: Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305001, India
- Opening Hours: You can visit this place anytime from 8 AM till 8 PM.
Visiting Ajmer will allow you to see how religion, culture and community coexist and flourish together in complete harmony here. Have a fun vacation!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Ajmer, Rajasthan?
Located at a distance of just about 14 km from Pushkar, the city of Ajmer experiences a similar climate as that of Rajasthan. Hence, the best time to visit the city of Ajmer would probably be somewhere in between the months of October and February. During this period, the weather remains extremely pleasant, especially during the day time which proves to be perfect for the sightseeing, exploration and shopping experience of travellers.
How To Reach Ajmer, Rajasthan?
The city of Ajmer is well – connected with the rest of the country and is hence, easily accessible by almost all means of transports. You can reach it:
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach Ajmer is the Kishangarh Airport. This airport is located at a distance of just about 30 km from the city and connects Ajmer from the rest of the country easily. Once you reach the airport, you can take a cab or hire a taxi to reach your destination. The journey from the airport till the city of Ajmer usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- By Rail: The city of Ajmer is located on the Delhi – Jaipur – Marwar – Ahmedabad – Mumbai railway line. Hence, one can say that the city is well – connected by rail network as most of the trains which run on this route halt at Ajmer.
- By Road: The Ajmer is well – connected via roadways as well. There are plenty of buses that run from the capital city, Jaipur and from many other nearby cities to Ajmer on a regular basis. There are several, government run buses that ply between Ajmer and Jaipur throughout the day. You can find many private operators travelling on the route also. Other than that, you can also travel by your personal vehicle from nearby cities.
FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Ajmer
Q1. Is Summer A Good Time To Visit Ajmer?
Ans. Ajmer experiences a very harsh summer season as the temperatures can easily cross 40 – degree Celcius. So, unless you plan on spoiling your sightseeing experience due to scorching heat, it is better to avoid visiting Ajmer during the summer months which begin from March and last till May.
Q2. How Did Ajmer Get Its Name?
Ans. Ajmer got its name from ‘Ajay Meru’ which literally translates to ‘invincible hill’.
Q3. How Is The Eating Culture At Ajmer?
Ans. When in Ajmer, you can enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine as well as dishes influenced by Mughal and British styles.
