Where is Ajmer?
The district of Ajmer is centrally located in the state of Rajasthan in the
northwestern part of India. It is surrounded by Jaipur and Tonk districts in
the east and Pali in the west. It is located at a distance of 399 km from
Delhi. Ahmedabad is 487 km away while Mumbai lies at a distance of 1038 km.
What is the city famous for?
Ajmer (399 km from Delhi) is famous for the tomb of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin
Chishti, who is known all over as Gharib Nawaz.
How will you gain access?
Jaipur (132 km) is the closest airport from the city of Ajmer. Regular
trains like the Gujarat Mail, Jodhpur Mail, Delhi Express and Shatabdi
Express connect Ajmer to Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad etc. There is a good
network of bus services connecting Ajmer to the key destinations.
What does the climate say?
The
climate of Ajmer is hot during the summers, with temperatures rising to a
maximum of 45 degrees centigrade. Weather during the winter months remains
cool and temperature remains around 10 degrees centigrade. Not much rainfall
is experienced during the monsoons. October to March is the best time to
visit the city of Ajmer.
What magnetises people?
» Dargah of Gharib Nawaz
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is famous far and wide as Gharib Nawaz. The tomb,
which stands at the foot of a barren hill, was constructed by Mughal emperor
Humayun. The Buland Darwaza was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Dargah
complex houses separate prayer rooms for men and women. The tomb of Bibi
Hafiz, saint's daughter, also lies here. During the Urs, Kichhdi is cooked
in the two cauldrons weighing 2240 kg and 4480 kg. The cauldrons are placed
in the courtyard of the Dargah.
» Tara Garh Fort
The Taragarh Fort was built by Ajaypal Chauhan in 1100 AD. Also known as
the Star Fort, the Taragarh Fort gives a panoramic view of the city of
Ajmer. A trip to Ajmer is never complete without climbing up to the fort.
From dawn to dusk, people can be seen moving up and down the hill.
»
Arhaidin Ka Jhonpra
Arhaidin Ka Jhonpra, originally a Sanskrit college, is considered to be a
masterpiece of the Indo-Islamic architecture. Mohammad Ghouri, when he
conquered Ajmer, turned the college into a mosque. The reconstruction took a
span of just two and a half days (Arhaidin) and that is how the name
Arhaidin Ka Jhonpra was coined. The minarets, however, are in the state of
dilapidation. The structure overall is a brilliant piece of architecture.
» Ana Sagar Lake
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake which was created in the 12th
century. On its bank lies the famous park Daulat Bagh which was created by
Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the year 1673. Boats can also be hired.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Ajmer offers good accommodation facilities to its visitors ranging from
economy to budget hotels. Hotel Ambassador (1.5 km from Ajmer railway
station) is a budget hotel. Bijayniwas Palace Resort, another budget hotel,
stands on the Ajmer Chiitorgarh Highway. Khadim Hotel (2 km from Ajmer
railway station) is a budget hotel run by the Rajasthan Tourism Development
Corporation. Hotel Mansingh Palace (3 km from Ajmer railway station) is a
3-star and is equipped with all the modern facilities. Hotel Roopangarh Fort
(25 km from Ajmer railway station) is another 3-star in Ajmer.
Where should you shop?
Shopping can prove to be a fabulous experience in Ajmer. Antiques, curios,
exquisite gold and silver jewellery can be the best buys of the visitors.
The embroidered Jodhpuri 'Jutis' are famous all over. And during the annual
Urs Fair, one has the opportunity of buying some fabulous handicrafts
created by the folk artisans.
