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Home » Rajasthan Travel Guide » Ajmer Travel Guide
Ajmer Travel GuideAjmer is a burgeoning town on the shore of the Ana Sagar Lake, ensconced in the barren Aravali hills, just 130 km south-west of Jaipur. The city was the stronghold of the Chauhans till Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri of Afghanistan. It later became a fovourite residence of the Mughal emperors and when the Mughals fell the Britishers took over. Throughout the annals of history Ajmer was home to many dynasties, each of them left behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a unique blend of Hinduism and Islam. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center, famous for its Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, a shrine which is equally revered by both the Muslims as well as the Hindus. Ajmer also houses the famous Mayo College, a prestigious school built by the British in 1875 exclusively for the Indian Princes, but today open to all those who can afford the fees.Major Tourist Attractions of Ajmer The Dargah The Dargah is the mausoleum of Sufi saint, Khawaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. The shrine is situated at the foot of the barren Taragarh hill. The much revered and beloved saint is also referred to as Khawaja Saheb or khawaja Sharif. It is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but also for the people of other faiths who hold the saint in the highest esteem and reverence. But for the Muslims of south asia it is next in importance only to Mecca or Medina. According to history even the mighty kings of India, both Hindu and Muslim, have paid homage to the great saint and have sought his miraculous aid to solve their problems. The mighty Mughal emperor Akbar is said to have walked here all the way from Agra as a pilgrimage. The main attraction of the shrine is the mausoleum containing the tomb of the saint which is the sanctum of the Dargah. The Buland Darwaza or the mighty gates protecting the shrine were built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. On the top of the gateway, there is the main Naqqar Khana (drum house) containing two pairs of huge naqqars (beating drums) which were presented by Emperor Akbar after his successful victory in a campaign of Bengal. They are sounded to the accompaniment of music played on Nafeeries and Shahnias at certain fixed hours of every day and night of the year by musicians permanently employed by the staff of the Dargah. The Dargah also includes buildings, tombs, courtyards and Daalaans, built during the Mughal period they are now exquisite specimens of Mughal architecture. A part of the shrine complex also houses the Moiniua Usmania Dar-ul-Uloom, an Arabic and Persain School, for religious education which is run under the management of the Dargah. The Urs Fair The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is also the site of the largest Muslim fair in the country. 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). The fair is a unique mix of cultural, traditional, historic and religious fervour. Ana Sagar & Foy Sagar Ajmer's lake has a pleasant park situated on its bank called Daulat Bagh. The park and the hills beside it offer enchanting views of the sparkling water and the city beside. Another reservoir Foy Sagar was constructed in 1891-1892 A.D. by the Ajmer Municipal Committee. Foy was the Executive Engineer in-charge of the project. Taragarh Fort The strategically located Taragarh fort commands a magnificent view, the entire city of Ajmer spreads out beneath. Built atop a crest overhanging the city of Ajmer the fort's pricipal strenght lies in the ruggedness and acclivity of the hill. The space within the walls of this hill fort is about 32 hectares and houses several tanks. The fort was dismantled as a military base many decades ago but it still contains crumbs of history and is steeped in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Nasiyan (Jain Temple) Built in 1864-1865 A.D., this famous Digambar Jain Temple is also known as Lal Mandir (Red Temple) due to its colour. The Swarna Nagari Hall situated behind the temple contains gilt-edged wooden representations from Jain mythology, many of which were prepared at Jaipur. Shopping In Ajmer, the markets are filled with exotic Rajasthani wares, Silver and gold ornaments, jewellery, tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered Jodhpuri shoes are some of this city's specialities. There's even more to choose from during the annual Urs fair, a time when folk artisans display their traditional handicrafts and offer a tempting range of intriguing and colourful items. Prominent shopping centres include Madar Gate, Station Road, Purani Mandi, Naya Bazar, Kaisarganj, Nala Bazar etc. Weather Watch The best time to visit Ajmer is during the winter months from October to March. During the summer the sun can be scorchingly hot, the winters in comparison are pleasant and the sun just perfect to walk around and explore. Getting Around City bus service operates in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available for commuting. How to Reach : By Air : The nearest airport is that of Jaipur. By Rail : The city is well connected by trains with all the major places in India. By Road : The state transport has its bus services from all over Rajasthan and also from Delhi. However, during the Urs, large number of people arrive in Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this time.
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