Surrounded by Aravalli Hills, Ajmer is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in India for Muslims and an inviting route for Hindus to embark on a spiritual tour to Pushkar. Ajmer is a treasure trove of history, culture, and spirituality. If you are planning an Ajmer trip with family or friends, we have prepared a comprehensive Ajmer travel guide for you. This guide includes all the essential details, such as the best time to visit Ajmer, how to get there, and the best places to visit in Ajmer. The information will help you plan a successful trip.
About Ajmer
Ajmer is located in the center of India’s largest state, Rajasthan. It is one of the oldest and largest cities in the state. People call Ajmer the “Heart of Rajasthan”. It is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, India, for all types of travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment, adventure, or solace. With many religious places, it is an important pilgrimage destination for Jains, Muslims, and Hindus.
The main attraction of Ajmer is the Dargah Sharif—a magnificent shrine dedicated to the revered Sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti. Millions of devotees from all over the world throng to the Dargah to pay their respects and seek blessings. Besides, Ajmer is also home to the stunning Ana Sagar Lake, a tranquil oasis that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Tourists enjoy a leisurely boat ride here or stroll along the lake's banks to soak in the serene atmosphere.
Ajmer is replete with numerous museums, monuments, and archaeological sites, with many pilgrimage sites. These attractions reflect the city’s rich history. Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or an adventure enthusiast, Ajmer has something for every traveler. So, read this Ajmer travel guide to discover what magical things this enchanting city has to offer you during your visit!
Popular Places to Visit in Ajmer
Ajmer is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. An ancient city that will amaze you with its rich history and spiritual vibe. You'll see pilgrimage sites, stunning lakes, fascinating museums, and historic landmarks here. Whether you're looking for a peaceful vacation, a cultural experience, or an action-packed trip, Ajmer has something for you. From experiencing the picturesque view of Ajmer at the Foy Sagar Lake to visiting the famous Dargah Sharif, there are many things to do and see in Ajmer.
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Ajmer to make the most of your Rajasthan tours.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra
One of the best places to visit in Ajmer is Adhai Din Ka Jhopra. It is a mosque built in the 12th century, which is one of the oldest mosques in Rajasthan. This monument was originally the complex of Hindu and Jain temples. It was dismantled later and converted into an Islamic pilgrimage site. Today, it is one of the prominent attractions to see in Ajmer.
This monument's unique blend of Indo-Islamic architecture is beautiful and intricate, with remarkable attention to detail throughout the structure. Besides, visiting this shrine gives you a peaceful and special atmosphere, which makes the place a must-visit attraction. People who love to take pictures must visit this site, especially before noon. Not only is the light perfect for taking awesome shots, but you will also avoid the harsh afternoon sun rays.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a center of attraction in Ajmer with great spiritual significance. It is the tomb of a revered Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti. Every year, millions of Muslim pilgrims from all over the country visit the Dargah, which makes it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. While entering the tomb, you will see the stunning architecture. The intricate marble work, beautiful calligraphy, and ornate domes will captivate you. Inside, you'll find the saint's tomb, adorned with flowers and perfumes. People from all faiths and backgrounds visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It is a symbol of unity and harmony. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, you must visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
Buland Darwaza
The next destination in our Ajmer travel guide is Buland Darwaza. Buland Darwaza was built in the 16th century by Sultan Mahmood Khalji, and its name "Buland Darwaza" literally means "High Gateway". This is a part of the Dargah Sharif complex and is something really stunning to see. This gate was built to celebrate the victory of Akbar over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in 1576. While going through the gateway, you will be awestruck by its huge size and intricate designs. The Buland Darwaza is 176 feet tall and is well-adorned with beautiful arches, intricate carvings, and stunning marble work. It is the south entry gate of the revered Dargah Sharif. It is more than a stunning piece of architecture. This shows the rich culture and history of Ajmer. The atmosphere here is peaceful and calms your mind.
Taragarh Fort
Standing tall and proud on the hilltop of the rugged Nagpahari Hills, Taragarh Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in Ajmer. This amazing fortress is situated approximately. 1300 feet above sea level. Its amalgamation of powerful protection and amazing architecture beckons all the history buffs and tourists alike. If you are an adventure seeker or history lover, you must explore this marvelous tourist destination in Ajmer. The residents fondly call this “The Star Fort of Rajasthan” because of its unique star-shaped design. The fort will let you discover the rich history of the royal dynasties. Climbing the fort is all worth it when you see the mesmerizing view of the city and its surroundings from the top. The breathtaking views of the surroundings tell a story of their own.
Ana Sagar Lake
Ana Sagar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake in Ajmer, Rajasthan. In 1135-1150 AD, Arnoraja Chauhan built this mesmerizing lake in Ajmer. He built a dam across the Luni River, and the lake was named after him. Ana Sagar Lake is one of the top attractions to explore in Ajmer and is located just 2 km from the Ajmer Railway Station. This vast lake covers a 13 km area, which makes it the biggest lake in Ajmer and Rajasthan. There are beautiful parks and marble pavilions around the lake. Shah Jahan built Baradari, or pavilions, near the lake in 1637 AD.
A very famous tale is also associated with this lake. According to legends, Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti was not allowed to use the lake's water. Once he was given a cup of water and the lake miraculously dried up. But on the request of the people, the saint refilled the water, which gave him many followers.
This glistering lake is surrounded by beautiful parks and pavilions. Besides, there is an island in the center of the lake, which is easily accessible by boat. You can either take a boat or a water scooter to reach the island. Also, there is a circuit house on a nearby hill that was once the British Residency. Ana Sagar Lake is a must-visit place in Ajmer that offers a mix of history, beauty, and fun.
Mayo College
Mayo College is a famous tourist attraction in Ajmer, famous for its mesmerizing architecture. The rich history and the college museum are a must-see at Mayo College. It is a famous boys' school which is just 2.5 km away from Ajmer Railway Station. The school is one of the oldest and best boarding schools in India. It was started in 1875 by Richard Bourke, the Viceroy of India. He wanted to give Indian princes' children a good education, just like the schools in the UK.
The college has a museum called Danmal Mathur Museum, where you will see valuable things from that time. It's one of the best school museums and the largest school museum in the world, spread over 18 rooms.
Foy Sagar Lake
Foy Sagar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Mr. Foy constructed the lake in 1892 as a famine relief project to address water scarcity in the city and nearby areas. This artificial lake covers an area of 14 million square feet, and it can hold up to 15 million cubic feet of water. It is a major tourist attraction in Ajmer and an important part of Ajmer’s history, also.
This picturesque lake offers you mesmerizing views of the Aravalli Mountains. It is a popular picnic spot and birdwatching. People also enjoy evening strolls. You too can come here to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Ajmer Jain Temple
In our Ajmer travel guide, the next destination that you must explore is the Ajmer Jain Temple. This temple is also known as Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan. It is a stunning example of Jain architecture. This was built in the late 19th century, and it boasts intricate designs and ornate details. The temple has the main chamber, called the Swarna Nagari or "City of Gold," which is a marvel of craftsmanship. It has gold-plated wooden sculptures of deities of the Jain religion. Today, this temple is one of the best examples of the rich cultural heritage of Jainism and a must-visit place in Ajmer. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or spirituality, you must visit this place.
Kirti Stambh
Another beautiful attraction in Ajmer is the Kirti Stambh. It is a Jain tower created to commemorate the 50 years of initiation of the Jain guru Acharya Vidyasagar. He was an important figure and had many followers in Rajasthan and other places too. You can find similar towers in Chittorgarh as well.
Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower
The Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower is a famous old building in Ajmer. It was built by the British in the late 1800s to celebrate Queen Victoria's 60-year rule.
Best Time to Visit Ajmer
People visit Ajmer during the famous Muslim festivals like Eid and Ramadan. However, if you cannot plan your trip during the festival, then pick a time when the weather is pleasant. The best time to visit Ajmer is from November to March. During these months, the day remains pleasant, and cool weather at night.
Avoid planning your Ajmer trip in the monsoon season as it rains a lot. Also, during the summer season, April to June is the hottest and is not favorable for exploration. So, with rising temperatures, it is difficult to travel to Ajmer.
Ideal Duration for Ajmer Trip
Ajmer, a significant city in the Rajasthan state, has a lot to offer its visitors. If you want to explore everything interesting the city has to offer, then you will need a 5-6 day Ajmer tour package. If you want to explore only the major attractions, you can go for a 3-day Ajmer tour itinerary.
How to Reach Ajmer
Ajmer is a popular tourist place in India with a good network of roads and rail connectivity. It is well-connected with all the major and minor cities in Rajasthan as well as in India. Tourists can travel to Ajmer by road, rail, and air.
By Road
Traveling to Ajmer by road is a great option as the city is well-connected to the major cities in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Udaipur, etc. Even Delhi is just 400 km from Ajmer, and it will take only 7-8 hours to reach Ajmer from Delhi. You get Rajasthan State Road transport bus services and Volvo buses from Delhi and other major cities in India.
By Train
Ajmer has a Railway Station. People who are on a low budget or planning a budget trip to Ajmer can opt for traveling to Ajmer by train. There are many budget-friendly local and weekly trains available from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, etc.
By Air
Ajmer has two major airports—Jaipur International Airport and Kishangarh Airport. The closest airport is Kishangarh Airport, which is just 23.5 km from the city center. However, you might not get regular flights here. So, people take flights to Jaipur International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and other cities to reach Ajmer, which is approximately. 135 km from Jaipur. You can hire a taxi or cab from the airport, which will take approx. 3 hours to reach Ajmer.
