10 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Ajmer

Planning a trip to Rajasthan? Here's our list of 10 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Ajmer.

Draped in the barren hills, Ajmer has witnessed an interesting past and is witnessing a lively present too. Founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D., Ajmer city eventually became home to several dynasties that left behind indelible relics of their culture and tradition on its history.

A surprising blend of Hinduism and Islam, Ajmer is a delightful amalgamation of different cultures and traditions. The base for visitors to Pushkar, Ajmer boasts not only of pilgrimage centers but also of picturesque lakes, museums and forts. 

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Vincent Des jardins

Located right at the end of a barren hill, the magnificent tomb of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is one of India’s most important pilgrimage center which is frequented by visitors of all faiths. Also popular as Khwaja Saheb or Khwaja Sharif, the Muslims of South Asia consider it no less than the Mecca or Medina. Legends have it that Akbar made it a point to pay a visit to the Dargah every year. 

The Mausoleum

Photograph by Wiki Commons

The mausoleum features a huge gate built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The right side of the courtyard has the Akbari Masjid which is built of white marbles and is of particular interest for the visitors. The courtyard boasts another mosque built by Shahjahan and two gigantic cauldrons. Located at the inner court of the Dargah, Shahjahan’s mosque is a superb building made with fine white marble.

The Saint's Tomb

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

With a fine marble dome, the saint's tomb is at the centre of the courtyard which is enclosed by a silver platform. The tomb appeals thousands of pilgrims during the Urs-honouring the death anniversary of the Sufi Saint, generally held from the 1^st to the 6^th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A lively fair that is organized during this time is another major attraction.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

Undoubtedly a chef-d'oeuvre of Indo-Islamic architecture, Adhai-din-ka-jhoupra is situated on the outskirts of the city and is at a short distance from the Dargah.

Ajmer Museum

Photograph by Wiki Commons

Once popular as the royal abode of Emperor Akbar, the museum features a rich storehouse of the Mughal and Rajput body armour and delicate sculptures. The edifice is built of red sandstones, which have been positioned in a square pattern giving it a wonderful outlook. 

Taragarh Fort

Photograph by Wiki Commons

The ruins of the Taragarh are a mere one and a half hour climb from the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra. Looming high on a hill top the fort allows its visitor to take a fine look at the entire city from here. All the military activities during the Mughal Period used to happen at this site and later on it was utilized by the British as a sanatorium. 

Kishangarh Fort

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

On your route to Jaipur, this ancient storehouse of art is located at a distance of 27km from Ajmer. During the 18th Century, this place had one of the best schools for miniature paintings. Now-a-days this small town of artists is also popular for Gundelao Lake, Temple of Sri Kalyan Raii, Phool Mahal Palace and Majhala Palace.  

Ana Sagar Lake

Photograph by Wiki Commons

This beautiful lake, situated in the North of Ajmer, was created by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made some additional modifications to further beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a sandstone pavilion was constructed by ShahJahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were created and maintained by Jahangir. The lake is an interesting family outing spot. 

Foy Sagar Lake

Photograph by Wiki Commons

There is another artificial lake, located 5kms off Ajmer, which is worth a visit. Created during a famine relief programme, the lake was named after the engineer who made the lake possible. 

Mayo College

Photograph by Wiki Commons

Mayo College was one of the India’s most popular public schools; now it has been converted into a Circuit House. While you’re here, you can also enjoy the great sights of the lake, the cenotaph and the temple of Swami Dayanand Saraswati (the founder of Arya Samaj Mandir).