City of Hopes: Ajmer

City of hopes : Ajmer

A million of pilgrims of all religions visit Ajmer with billions of prayers. With high held dome of Dargah shareef, Ajmer has a lot many things and places in its nest. Beautiful is a small word to describe Ajmer , it has everything that add wows to a place : Mountains , Serene Lake , great food etc. When you can spot a waterfall on hills from your window and trace a rainbow around during monsoon, then the place calls for a visit.

Ajmer is protected from the Thar desert by the massive rocks of Nagpathar range in Aravalli.

Best Time To visit : July to March (Monsoon starts with pleasant winds and clouds all around and spring ends with a colorful note)

How to Visit : Ajmer has got excellent Rail and Road connectivity , There might be no state that Ajmer doesn't connect with.

Nearest Airport :Jaipur (134 kms)

Hope is not a word, It comes with stories in The Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Mosque)

The dargah of Moinuddin Chishti ( Gharib Nawaz -Benefactor of the Poor), known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Ajmer Sharif, is an international waqf, an Islamic mortmain managed by the "Dargah Khwaja Sahib Act, 1955" of the government of India Akbar and his queen used to come here by foot on pilgrimage from Agra . The large pillars called "Kose ('Mile') Minar", erected at intervals of two miles (3 km) along the entire way between Agra and Ajmer mark the places where the royal pilgrims halted every day. It has been estimated that around 125,000 pilgrims visit the shrine every day including Ministers and celebrities from all walks.

An entirely different kind of aura surrounds you when you enter this holy place , Qwallis in background , fragrance of Rose petals and hands lifted in prayers.

Ana Sagar Lake:

Founded by the grandfather of Prithivi Raj Chauhan, King Anaji Chauhan between 1135 -1150 AD, Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake. It is one of Ajmer's most popular lakes and one of India's largest lakes. Named after its founder, the lake was founded during the 12th century, after a dam was built across Luni River. Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by Daulat Bagh Gardens and Baradari, on one side and Magnificent Aravalli on other with chowpatty on its banks.

Tara Garh Fort :

Want to go back to history , Visit this place for ancient architecture and Rajasthani structures. It offers alluring view of Ajmer City. Adventure lovers can opt it for a monsoon trek.

Nasiya Ji:

Ajmer's main attraction (for the Jains ) is the prominently situated Nasiayan Digambara Temple, or rather the two-storied Svarana Nagara Hall behind the temple, better known as the Museum. Both the temple and the museum were built and are still owned by the Sony family of Ajmer. The temple, dedicated to Rishabha or Adinatha in 1865, was constructed of red sandstone in a matter of a few years, but it took twenty-five years. It is a Rich temple comprising of several gold plated structures.

Foy Sagar :

Rainy day ? Pleasant weather picnic ? Hang out place with friends ? A name on everyone's list is Foy Sagar Lake with an extended garden on its bank. On one side it waves to Aravallis and beautiful meadows on another.

Mayo College founded in 1875 by Richard Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo who was the Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872 is one of the oldest and best public boarding schools in India. It can be seen in a few Bollywood movies as well.

Pushkar: A traveller's Paradise in Rajasthan is a must while you are in Ajmer.

It is no less than a heaven for a photographer , an adventurer and a shopping spree

Sun set point :

Nothing can beat this place for those who love Nature and are in search of some tranquility. That red sky with reflections in holy Pushkar lake along with a cup of Masala chai will make your evening a perfect one.

The Brahma Temple :

Pushkar is a land of over 500 temples and "teertho ka teerth"(A pilgrim above all pilgrims) is a sacred place having the world famous Brahma Temple. It is said that Lord Brahma ( Hindu God : The creator) was cursed that he will not have any dedicated temple but Pushkar . Made of white marble with echoing chants , Temple is a bliss for peace seekers.

Pushkar Fair

Among World's largest Animal fairs one takes place in Pushkar in the month of November with millions of animals exchanged and traded. Imagine every coloured turban under the sky on 10,000 nomadic tribes all bartering and haggling in an endless desert with undulating sand dunes far reaching into the sun set. Amazing spectacle is a must before you get on the tube for the last time.

Savitri Temple

Visiting Pushkar? Then add this temple with newly installed cable Rope-way to your bucket list. A sunrise while you are on top of a hill and clouds beneath , you won't take a chance to miss it.

The Adventure Corner -

Pushkar offers a lot of Adventure activities like :

Hot Air Ballooning - During Pushkar Fair , you can enjoy this ride while cherishing the beauty of city from a height.

Trekking - Tara Garh , Naag Pahad , Pushkar valley are a few places that offers an easy to moderate treks in monsoon.

Camping - Pushkar is famous for its Desert Camps wherein you can enjoy Rajasthani Cuisine, Culture, Camel Safaris, Jeep safaris etc.

Desert Safari

Rope Way - Recently Rajasthan Governemnt has started a rope way to Savitri Temple in Pushkar.

PS Foodies -You cant miss Kadhi Kachori (Reach out to Gol Pyaau and Jodhpur sweets ) , Soan Halwa of Ajmer and Malpua Of Pushkar.

This blog was originally published on Aastha In Wanderland.