Ajmer

Ajmer is a city in Rajasthan. It is surrounded by Aravalli Mountains. One can reach Ajmer by road from Jaipur/Delhi, can reach by train. The nearest airport is in Jaipur. Distance from Jaipur to Ajmer is about 135 KMs. It takes only 2 hours by express train to reach Ajmer from Jaipur.

Ajmer city is amidst Ana Sagar Lake. The Lake is big and clean, a perfect water body which enhances the beauty of Ajmer. One can witness different birds around the lake.

Ajmer is famous for "The Ajmer Sharif Dargah". This is a Sufi shrine which encloses the ‘maqbara’ (grave) of Garib Nawaz, the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Built in the 13th century, the shrine is popular among people of all faiths who flock here to have their prayers answered.

Another significant place which is very near to The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is "Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda". It is about 200 meters from The Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda was originally built to function as a Sanskrit college but was later converted into a mosque by Sultan Ghori in 1198 AD. An impressive blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, the structure was further beautified by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD. Legend has it that the mosque is known as Adhai din ka Jhonpda (literally meaning, The Hut of Two and a Half Days) because of a two and half day fair held here during the 18th century.

One interesting temple to see in Ajmer is the "Ajmer Jain Temple" which is a wonderful example of ornate architecture, and is dedicated to Risabh. Constructed in the late 19th century, this temple is counted among the richest temples in India. Its main chamber, Swarna Nagari (City of Gold), is aptly named so because of the several gold-plated wooden figures it houses within its walls. This temple is situated in the heart of the city.

If you visit Ajmer it is also expected the you visit Pushkar as well. Pushkar is only 17Km by road from Ajmer. Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Famous for Pushkar Lake, the Brahma temple and the Savitri temple (Dedicated to Lord Brahma's first wife, Goddess Savitri) this place is a must visit for everyone. You can reach on the top of the hill by a cable car and visit the Savitri temple. The view of the Pushkar lake is splendid from the Savitri temple. The cable car charge is Rs.96 both way. Also stairs can be used to reach Savitri temple if one doesn't opt for the cable car.

According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.

Pushkar is well connected to the national highways of Rajasthan. Regular buses ply from Pushkar to the major cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer. Visit Ajmer, experience history and tradition of India. You really will love the city!