Ajmer, India
Region: Rajasthan
Geographic Coordinates: 26.449900, 74.639900
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 551101
Language: Hindi
Ajmer is a stunning and historically significant city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It sits at an altitude of 486 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, Cuisine, And festivals. One of Ajmer’s most famous attractions is the Dargah Sharif shrine dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, A Sufi saint who arrived in India from Persia during the 12th century. Millions of devotees visit this site each year to pay their respects and seek blessings from the saint.
Another popular attraction in Ajmer is Ana Sagar Lake, An artificial lake built by King Anaji Chauhan during his reign over Ajmer in the 12th century AD. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and relax at several parks and gardens around it. The Taragarh Fort or Star Fort stands on top of a hill overlooking Ajmer city. Built-in 1354 AD by King Ajaipal Chauhan, It was used as a military base during various wars between Rajputs and Mughals.
Ajmer has several beautiful temples worth visiting such as Nasiyan Jain Temple or Soniji Ki Nasiyan which showcases intricate gold-plated wooden carvings depicting stories from Jain mythology. The annual Urs festival held at Dargah Sharif attracts thousands of people every year from all over India and abroad. During this festival, Devotees offer floral tributes at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s tomb while Qawwali music fills up with air creating an atmosphere full of devotion.
Foodies will appreciate Ajmer’s delicious cuisine that reflects its rich history and culture such as Dal Baati Choorma made with lentils, Wheat flour balls, Clarified butter along with other dishes like Mawa Kachori, Mirchi Bada, And Ghewar. Ajmer is a city that offers a perfect blend of history, Culture and spirituality. Its beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes attract tourists from all over the world every year. The city’s rich cuisine is also worth exploring for foodies who are looking to taste some unique flavors of Rajasthan. Overall Ajmer is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rajasthan.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the most famous landmark and tourist attraction in Ajmer. It is the shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.
- Ana Sagar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by lush gardens. It is a popular spot for boating and picnics.
- Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is an ancient mosque built in just two-and-a-half days. It is known for its intricate architecture and historical significance.
- Akbar’s Palace & Museum, a 16th-century palace built by Emperor Akbar, has been converted into a museum showcasing Rajput and Mughal art and artifacts.
- Nareli Jain Temple, a stunning white marble temple with intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Adinath, offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location.
- Taragarh Fort, an imposing hilltop fortress dating back to the 14th century, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli hills.
- Mayo College Museum is housed in a former British colonial school that showcases the history and culture of Rajasthan through paintings, artifacts, and photographs.
- Foy Sagar Lake provides another tranquil lake surrounded by hills that provides an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic with friends or family members.
- Daulat Bagh Garden was built during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign on an area measuring 110 acres (0.45 km2) between 1638 AD to 1640 AD.
- Ajmer Government Museum has some rare sculptures belonging to different periods of history like Gupta period sculpture of Buddha made up of red sandstone etc.
- Tourism
- Handicrafts
- Agriculture
- Education
- Textiles
- Mining
- Real estate
- Healthcare
Ajmer is a popular tourist destination due to the presence of the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah and other historical monuments. The city is known for its traditional handicrafts such as bandhani, block printing and embroidery. The surrounding areas of Ajmer are known for agriculture with crops like wheat, mustard and cotton being grown. There are several educational institutions in the city including engineering colleges, medical colleges and universities. The textile industry is also present in Ajmer with companies manufacturing fabrics like sarees and dress materials. In addition to this, the city has deposits of minerals like limestone which are mined by various companies. With the growth of tourism and education sectors in recent years there has been an increase in demand for real estate properties in the city. There are several hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to people living in Ajmer as well as nearby areas.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims in India, built in memory of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who settled in Ajmer after coming from Persia in 1192.
- Prithviraj Chauhan, a ruler of the Chauhan dynasty who fought against Muhammad Ghori’s invasions during the 12th century, is also associated with Ajmer.
- Emperor Akbar visited Ajmer several times during his reign and even built a palace there called Akbari Fort.
- Rani Padmini, a legendary queen from Rajasthan who lived during the 13th century and married King Rawal Ratan Singh of Chittor, is said to have been born in Ajmer.
- Mirza Ghalib spent some time in Ajmer during his lifetime and wrote about his experiences there as one of India’s greatest poets.
- The annual Pushkar Fair held near Ajmer every November attracts tourists worldwide to witness its vibrant colors, cultural performances, camel races & trading events.
- Taragarh Fort located on top hill overlooking ajmeer city is another important historical monument associated with ajmeer history.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah – the tomb of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.
- Ana Sagar Lake – a scenic lake with beautiful views and boating facilities.
- Taragarh Fort – a historical fort offering panoramic views of the city.
- Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra – an ancient mosque with intricate architecture and carvings.
- Akbari Fort & Museum – a museum showcasing the history and culture of Ajmer.
- Nasiyan Jain Temple – a stunning temple adorned with intricate gold work and colorful glasswork.
- Mayo College Museum – a museum displaying the rich heritage of India’s elite educational institution.
- Foy Sagar Lake – another picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery.
- Prithviraj Smarak Monument- A monument dedicated to Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.
- Ajmer Government Museum- A museum that is set up in an old palace, showcasing artifacts from Rajasthan’s rich history.
- Urs Festival is a significant event in Ajmer that commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It takes place every year in the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.
- Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India’s largest camel fairs, held annually in November near Ajmer. The fair attracts numerous tourists who come to witness various cultural events and competitions.
- Gangaur Festival celebrates Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s union and is particularly popular among women who worship Parvati for marital bliss and longevity of their husbands.
- Kite Festival takes place on Makar Sankranti (January 14th), with colorful kites flying high in the sky as people compete to cut each other’s kites using special strings coated with glass powder.
- Teej Festival, celebrated by women during monsoon season, involves fasting, singing, dancing, and wearing colorful traditional attire.
- Nagaur Fair is another popular fair held near Ajmer every year in February that showcases Rajasthani culture through various events like cattle trading, camel races, folk music performances etc.
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) brings together musicians from all over Rajasthan as well as international artists for a week-long celebration of music and dance performances at various venues around Ajmer city.
- Dal Baati Churma is a famous dish from Rajasthan, which consists of lentil soup, baked wheat balls, and sweetened cereal powder.
- Laal Maas is a spicy mutton curry made with red chili paste and other spices.
- Kachori is a pastry that is deep-fried and filled with spiced lentils or potatoes.
- Mawa Kachori is the sweet version of kachori filled with reduced milk and sugar.
- Mirchi Bada are large green chilies stuffed with potato filling, dipped in gram flour batter and fried until crispy.
- Taragarh Palace Restaurant offers traditional Rajasthani cuisine in an elegant palace setting.
- Honeydew Restaurant & Cafe serves Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisine along with great coffee and desserts.
- Kanha Sweets & Namkeen Bhandar is famous for its delicious sweets such as gulab jamun and rasgulla as well as savory snacks like samosas and namkeens.
- Ambrosia Cafe & Retreat is known for its rooftop views of the city while enjoying delicious food ranging from continental to Indian dishes.
- Mango Masala serves vegetarian North Indian fare including chaat (Indian street food), curries, biryanis, parathas (Indian bread), etc.
- Ana Sagar Lake Park is a well-liked park that features a large lake, boating opportunities, and walking trails.
- Foy Sagar Lake is another picturesque lake that offers boating facilities and picnic spots.
- Ajmer City Forest is an area of lush green forest with hiking trails and chances to view wildlife.
- Akbari Fort & Museum is an ancient fort which now functions as a museum showcasing the history of Ajmer.
- Daulat Bagh Garden is a stunning garden filled with fountains, flowers, and trees.
- Adhai Din Ka Jhopra Mosque is an impressive mosque built in the 12th century which has become a popular tourist destination.
- Nareli Jain Temple Complex boasts intricate architecture and a serene atmosphere making it one of the most beautiful temple complexes you can visit in Ajmer.
- The Pushkar Camel Fair (held annually) provides visitors with the opportunity to witness traditional camel trading, cultural performances, and more at one of the largest camel fairs in the world!
- Taragarh Fort – An ancient fort located on top of hill which offers panoramic views of Ajmer city
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah – A famous Sufi shrine which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year
