Ajmer Sharif

An oasis enveloped in the green hills, Ajmer is a beautiful city. Founded by the king Ajay Pal Chauhan, the city is 5th rank by its volume in Rajasthan. Wrapped by the Aravali hills and the majestic Thar desert, the city offers an appealing site. Ajmer is now a famous pilgrimage centre for the Hindus and the Muslims. Especially renowned is the Dargah Sharif, which is a tomb of the revered Sufi Saint Khawja Moinuddin chisti.

Some of the most popular places to visit in Ajmer include:

The Dargah:

It lies at the bottom of a barren hill and amidst the city, the Dargah is India's most revered pilgrimage centre for people from different faiths. It is the spectacular tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who is famously known as Dargah Sharif.

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The Mausoleum houses a gigantic gate, built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons placed in the courtyard are of a great interest. On the right side of the courtyard lies the Akbari masjid constructed in white marble dome.

The shrines receives thousands of pilgrims during the Urs Fair to commemorate the death anniversary of the sage, which occurs from the Ist to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair, springing up during this time is the prominent atraction.

Adhai din Ka Jhonpara:

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day shelter) is known as the first important Islamic structure to be constructed in India. Legends say that Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra was a Sanskrit College previously and Mohammed Ghori changed the college into a mosque and that too, within two and a half days, hence it got the name.

Another legend says that the structure got its named after a festival that continued for two and a half days. The monument houses seven arched walls along with Islamic calligraphy.

Taragarh Fort:

Built on a hilltop by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city, Taragarh Fort dates back to the 7th century. It lies 3 km from the Ajmer city. A steep climb up offers the weary traveller with a wonderful birds eye view of the city. The fort was initially the site of the Military activity during the Mughal period, which was later used as a sanatorium by the British.

The Museum:

Once served as the royal residence of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the museum now treasures a rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput Armour as well as exquisite sculptures.

Mayo College:

It is among the India's best public schools. Situated in the south east of the city, it was established in 1875 AD only for the princes. Each prince alongwith his entire escort and English tutor had his own residence inside the spacious college.

Ajmer Cuisine

Ajmer doesn't have any particular cuisines of its own. Its kitchens are an assemblage of Rajasthani, Mughlai and Indian food. Restaurants offer a variety of Italian, Continental and Chinese. The ethnic Rajasthani dal-batti-choorma and a sweet khoya delight- ghewar is the  specialty.

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Shopping

Ajmer is known for atar (perfume) that is squeezed out of rose petals. Tourists can stuff their bags with some exquisite shopping items like tie-n-dye fabrics, silver and gold jewelery, jootis or mojaris (sandals), block printed textiles (Rajasthani bandhni) and embroidered blouses.

How to Reach Ajmer

By Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Ajmer is well-connected to cities by rail like Delhi, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Agra, Ahmednagar and Bharatpur.

By Road: Ajmer is well-linked by road with several important cities of India.