Places to visit in Ajmer - Rajasthan

AJMER

Ajmer is a small city located in Rajasthan, India. 1-2 days is required to cover all the tourist places in Ajmer. Ajmer is a notable town for the Jain religion in India.

It so happened during my second visit with my family to Rajasthan, a visit to Jaipur in 2015, we visited Ajmer. That time the purpose of visit was just the 'Ajmer Sharif Darga'. 

Again, almost after an year during one of the cousin sister's (Sweeti) wedding, again I got a chance to visit and explore Ajmer city. We drove to Ajmer by our own Car, and this was for the first time I drove for an hour on the National Highway, It was such a pleasure to drive and all Thanks to my Father in law guidance while driving.We stayed at 'The Mewara Palace' located at Budha Pushkar Road, as the wedding was in the same Palace. The arrangements were fabulous, we all had a gala time, all the other celebration like Mehendi was in a grand hall; the food arrangement was by the lake view; wedding in the open courtyard with many events like rajasthani folk dance and songs.. We stayed for 2 days in Ajmer, and when we got time in between the wedding functions, we 4 skipped to visit the city around.

Places to visit in Ajmer:

1.     Nareli Jain Temple

We 4 dropped by Nareli while our way back from Ajmer to Jaipur. Also known as the Shri Gyanodaya Tirth Kshetra, it is an important pilgrimage site for the Digambara Jains. Nareli Jain temple, located on the outskirts of Ajmer, about 7km away from Ajmer town, is a beautiful marble temple with angular and strikingly appealing designs, is famous for its sculptures and elaborate designs ad it is a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional architectural styles. With 24 additional miniature temples (Choubisi) placed on the hill above. These 24 temples symbolize the Thirthankar's of Jain's also called as 24 Jainalay. 

This beautifully carved temple offers an aura of peace and calm, and is one of the most beautiful places to see in Ajmer.

Location: The temple is located in Prithvi Raj Marg. It lies on the main national highway no. 8 which is a 6 lane expressway from Jaipur. Autos and taxis are available from Ajmer and nearby towns. 
Timings: Opened daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. 

2.     Akbar's Palace and Museum

Constructed in 1500 AD, as the place where Akbar and his troops stayed in at Ajmer, and is a major tourist magnet who is interested in History.

It is well known for the museum which portrays the age old military weapons and exquisite sculptures. The museum showcases several aspects of the Rajput and Mughal style of living and fighting, and has an assortment of rich artefacts, medieval armoury, stone sculptures, and exquisite paintings of the Maharajas of Bharatpur on display, also the museum is home to the dug up material from Rairh, Bairat, Sambhar, Nagar and other destinations. The large black marble statue of Goddess Kali situated in the palace is quite famous.


Location: The museum is located inside the Akbar fort, lies in the centre of the town, i.e., Dil-e-Aaram Gardens of Ajmer and can easily be reached by any local transport. 
Timings:  10 am to 5 pm. 
Price: There’s a ticket for the same: INR 20(Indian), INR 10(Indian Student), INR 100(Foreign Tourist), INR 50(Foreign Student).

3.     Ana Sagar Lake 

We picked our car and drove to Ana Sagar on one of the afternoon. It was really sunny but One of the most breath taking & enchanting attractions, this is yet magnificent artificial lake, that is named after Prithviraj Chauhan’s grandfather, Anaji Tomar. Dating back to its construction in 12th century, after a dam was built across the Luni River, as a means to promote a better lifestyle amongst the people. This ideal tourist hub is much famed for its scenic beauty, while overlooking a mesmerizing sunset, when the views are extraordinarily marvellous. An island can be spotted in the centre of the lake. From the east side of the Dault Bagh Gardens, visitors can hire boat or water scooter to reach the island. The lake spreads over an area of 12 kilometres. 

Every summer, the lake gets dry. The sight of the lake from the nearby temple is also particularly enchanting. 

On a hill near the lake is located a circuit house that utilized to be the British residency. 

Location: The Lake is only 13 kilometres away from the city centre, nearly in the heart of the town and can be reached by any local transport, but best way to explore around the lake is by walk.

Timing - 8 am to 8 pm

4.     Daulat / Durga Bagh Garden

Adjoining the Ana Sagar Lake, is the Daulat Bagh, a beautiful garden set out which is a splendid garden full of vast open spaces and lush greenery, and the Khobra Behroon temple. Emperor Shah Jahan later added five marble pavilions, called as the Baradari, among the garden and the lake, and is ideal for a nature retreat.

5.     Adhai din ka Jhopra

Beyond the Dargah of Khwaja Muin-up-din Chishti, on the town outskirts, are the extraordinary ruins of the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque. 

Adorned with calligraphic inscriptions, this mosque was built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi in 1198 AD. The mosque derives its unique name-according to a legend to which it was constructed in two and a half days in 1153. (Others say it was named after a festival lasting two-and-a-half days. It was originally built as a Sanskrit college, but in 1198 Mohammed of Ghori seized Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven-arched wall covered with Islamic calligraphy in front of the pillared hall.) Exhibiting the perfect blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, the structure was further embellished by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD.

It’s an exquisite piece of architecture, with soaring domes, distinct beautiful pillars, and a beautiful arched screen, ruined minarets largely built from pieces of Jain and Hindu temples.  Though most of the ancient temple is in ruins today, the area of the mosque is still used as a place of worship.

Location: Situated in Andere Kota road and can be easily reached. 
Timings: Opened daily from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM

6.     Mayo College

Popularly known as the “Eton College of the East”. Known for its breath-taking architecture, this college is a home to the Danmal Mathur Museum and Housed in Jhalwar House, Mayo College Museum was ideated by Mr. T. N. Vyas and is considered the largest school museum in the world and oldest public boarding school in the country since 1875. Spread over 18 rooms in the campus, the entities of the repository have all been donated by old students, teachers, parents or the well-wishers.

7.     Ajmer Sharif

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Being the final resting place of the Gharib Nawaz Moin-ud-din Chishti, who was a great Sufi Saint, who came from Persia and dedicated his entire life for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden.

Ajmer Sharif was built by the Mughals, hence justifying the rich Mughal Architecture. The Dargah has various constituents like tombs and courtyard. The major among these structures are - the Nizam gate, the Shah Jahan gate, and the Buland Darwaza are architectural wonders. Built in various stages, the gate with silver doors frames the entrance to the site. The material used in building the main tomb of Ajmer Sharif Dargah is mostly marble and gold plating, which is guarded by silver railings and a marble screen.

It also serves as an emblem of harmony, and spirituality. A peculiar kind of fascinating aroma (by the flowers and incense sticks) prevails in the Dargah throughout time.  

One can spot two huge cauldrons in the inner courtyard of the shrine. These containers have a capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg and are used during special occasions to cook sweet delicacies like Kheer.

Location: Situated at the foot of a small and barren hill in Ajmer and can be accessed by road.
Timings: Opened daily from 5 AM to 7 PM. 

8.     Buland Darwaza

One of the exceptional examples of Islamic design, this semi-octagonal Darwaza towers, displaying the glory of Akbar’s reign. Built out of red sandstone with a blend of marble, this impressive gateway is elegantly carved, portraying exquisite craftsmanship and art. The central chamber under the dome covering it rises out to the court of the mosque – yet another striking architectural beauty. 

This tall structure was constructed to celebrate the triumph of Akbar’s victory over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in 1576. At a height of about 176 feet, this enormous gateway is the southern entry to the J Dargah Sharif. 

9.    Nasiyan Temple / Soniji ki Nasiyan

Nasiyan Temple, constructed in 1865 is located at Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer. It is also known as Lal Mandir (Red Temple). Devoted to Lord Adinath, the first Jain 'Tirthankara', the temple is a two-storied building. One segment of the temple is the prayer area holding the idol of Lord Adinath, while the other forms a museum and includes a hall. 
This architectural marvel finds a special mention in Kurt Titze’s “Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence.”

Main attraction of the temple is the main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari "City of Gold", which has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting several figures in the Jain religion. It has beautiful architecture and an amazing sculpture of the Universe.

Made of gold, the gallery of the museum portrays the five stages in the life of Lord Adinath.  Within its 3,200 sq.ft area, the hall is decorated with Belgium stain glass, and stain glasswork. Recognized as the Golden Temple, the temple has a focal lobby that is adorned with gold and silver embellishments. The temple also exhibits wooden gold representations, glass illustrations, and paintings.  

10.  Taragarh Fort 

Also known as the Star Fort, was described as “more the work of Goblins than men” by Rudyard Kipling - The fortress echoes with the bravery of Miran Saheb, the governor of the fort who sacrificed his life, in an encounter, in 1210. Perched on top of the Aravallis, this imperial site offers a panoramic view of the entire city which makes it a major tourist attraction of Ajmer.

11.  Prithviraj Smarak

Located on the Taragarh Road in Ajmer, Prithviraj Smarak is a memorial dedicated to the fearless Rajput King- Prithviraj Chauhan. A small area with a massive statue of Prithviraj mounted on a black horse has been marked to pay homage to the great warrior. Besides, the Smarak is perched atop a hill and it offers panoramic views of the valley below.

 

How to reach Ajmer :

Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport which is 135 kilometers away from the city. The airport is well-connected to all the major cities including Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Upon reaching the airport, hire a cab for your journey to Ajmer.

Ajmer Junction Railway station is also well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Allahabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur. Ajmer Shatabdi and Ajmer Rajdhani are two popular trains that run daily on this route.

Bus- the state-run deluxe and non-deluxe buses, function frequently from nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur to Ajmer.

Getting around in the City:

One can easily commute within the city using taxis and auto rickshaws. You can also get around the city via open-carriage horse rides called tongas for a unique experience. Besides these, walking is ideal for exploring the city, and its exquisite culture.

Food to eat in Ajmer:

Rajasthani cuisine forms an essential part of the culture in Ajmer. 

Dal Baati Choorma, Bajre ki roti and Gatte ki sabzi cannot be missed when in Rajasthan. The Mughal cuisine is also dominant in this part of Rajasthan. Try out Laal maas, biryani, and Sula kebabs in the Dargah Bazaar.

For desserts, try the delectable Ghewar, malpua, Sohan halwa to treat your taste buds.

Where to Shop in Ajmer:

The Mahila Mandi, as the name suggests, is meant for the women and is famous for traditional odnis, saris and fancy lehengas. Jodhpuri jutis, Ittar (perfume), and Bandhani sarees are other items which are unique in Rajasthan. As suggested by Local Ajmer people- 'Madar Gate' is famous for suits and Kurtis, Also  'Chudi Bazar' is known for its bangles and sarees.

The Dargah Bazaar offers plenty of shopping opportunities and one can easily collect souvenirs from its narrow lanes. For men- hand tie-dyed turbans (safas).

Silverware shopping is quite famous as well.