Ajmer

Ajmer is in the northwest of India and is surrounded by the Aravali Mountains. It is situated on the lower slopes of the Taragarh Hill of that range. To the northwest is the Nagarathar Range of the Aravali Mountain Ranges which protects it from desertification from the Thar Desert. The city of Ajmer is famous as a pilgrimage site. It houses the Dargah, or tomb, of the popular 13th-century, Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. The city also boasts of a number of monuments dating back to the Mughal era. The city is also well known for its traditional handicrafts industry.

Ajmer is undoubtedly one of the best tourist destinations in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

 

History of Ajmer

The small town of Ajmer, 78 miles west of Jaipur, played a surprisingly important role in India's history. Set at the point where the rocky Aravalli Hills end and the Thar Desert begins, this was originally the stronghold of the powerful Chauhan Dynasty of Rajputs, who built India's first ever hill fort here in the 7th century. Ajmer was founded by a Rajput chieftain Ajay Pal Chauhan, who also built the first hill fort in India, the Tara Garh. As the fort was supposed to be invincible, it was named Ajai Meru (the Invincible Hill). Ajmer was brought under the control of Delhi Sultanate in 1193, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghori. It was later returned to the local chieftains albeit for a small tribute. Ajmer also played an important role in paving the way for the British East India Company in India. In 1616, Jehangir met the ambassador of King James, Sir Thomas Roe. That was the first meeting between any Mughal Emperor and representatives of Britain. In the 17th century, Shahjahan built marble pavilions around the Ana Sagar Lake. The Taragarh Fort was damaged badly during the Mughal war of succession between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh. The Schindi Rulers of Gwalior took over Ajmer in the mid 18th century, to be handed over to the British in 1818.

 

Best Time to Visit Ajmer

October to March which comprises the Monsoons and Winter season is the best time to visit Ajmer. The weather is pleasant unlike the scorching heat of summer during April and June. Hence, Summer is a big no unless you're planning to visit during the Ur months, plan your visit in May. The city is lush green and refreshing during Monsoons with picturesque surroundings. Most festivals, both religious and cultural, take place during October and November with the beautiful weather as a cherry on top, making it an ideal time to visit Ajmer.

 

Places To Visit Near Ajmer

Pushkar – Known For Its Pushkar Lake

Pushkar is a small place, situated 15 km from Ajmer, is a holy place and is mostly known among the tourists for the sacred Pushkar Lake, the Brahma Temple, and the popular Camel Safari. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred Hindu site with the 52 Ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims from all over the world come to take the holy bath. In addition, the city is also home to hundreds of other popular temples, including the 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. It has easy accessibility by Road from Ajmer.

 

Kishangarh – The Marble City Of India

Kishangarh city, located at a distance of mere 32 km north-west of Ajmer and 90 km far away from the state capital city of Jaipur, is famous amongst the tourists as a birthplace of the Kishangarh-style of painting. Also known as the Marble city of India, Kishangarh was developed and inhabited by the Raj Gharanas and Maharajas of Jaipur and Jodhpur. The city is also believed to be the only place in the world where a temple of nine planets has been built. Apart from a wholesale market for red chillies, this city is equally famous for the trade of granite and marble.

 

Nathdwara – Famous For Krishna Temple

Nathdwara, located in the Aravalli hills, is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the deity of Shrinathji, a 14th-century monument. It has a 7-year-old “infant” incarnation idol (murti) of Lord Krishna, which remains the main attraction point for visitors here. Situated between the Aravali hills on the banks of the Banas River in the Rajsamand district, it offers an incredible scenic beauty to travellers.

 

Chittorgarh – Visit The Largest Chittorgarh Fort

One of the popular and must-visit tourist attractions near Ajmer, Chittorgarh is worth visiting for many reasons. Located just 192 km from Ajmer, Chittorgarh is famous for its several attractions, including the famous Chittorgarh Fort. The fort is remembered for the Jauhar that Rani Padmini and Rani Karnavati underwent during a siege. Apart from the fort, tourists may also explore other attractions like Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Meera Temple, etc. You can plan your stay at one of these resorts in Chittorgarh that will perfectly complement your tryst with history. 

 

Tonk – A Renowned District Of Rajasthan

If you are looking to explore tourist attractions near Ajmer, you must not miss out on Tonk located just 156 km away from Ajmer. Famous for its leather and felt industry, the city of Tonk is also known worldwide for its Old Baoris (Hadi Rani Kund), Bilaspur Dam, Raja Rai Singh Mahal, Rasiya Ke Tekri, Bisaldev Temple, etc. That best describes the region’s glorious history.

 

How to Reach Ajmer:

Ajmer is easily accessed through road, rail, and flight. The Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the closest airport which connects you to this city. It is 132 km from Jaipur hence it is best to club these two places together during a vacation. The Ajmer Junction is well connected and is on the main railway line. It is well connected to all major cities by train. Bus travel shouldn't be any problem either.

• By flight: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, around 132 km away from Ajmer, after which you can commute from Jaipur to Ajmer via rail/road.
• By road: Ajmer is one of the major cities of the state of Rajasthan. The roads are excellently connected to national highways. Buses and taxis along with autos are frequent across the city.
• By train: The Ajmer Railway Station is a major station on Indian railways and is easily accessible. All the major trains have their stoppages here. Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi is one of the daily superfast trains that come here from Delhi.