Before knowing all the amazing things to do in Ajmer, let us look at the history of Ajmer.
Located right at the center of the state of Rajasthan, the city holds a very special place in the history of India and Rajasthan. The foundation of Ajmer was laid by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th century.
It was ruled by the Chauhan Dynasty till the 12 century when the last Ruler Prithvi Raj Chauhan lost it to Muhammad Ghori in The Second Battle Of Tarain.
Ajmer is the only oldest city to have direct relations with the Capital of India – Delhi. Prithiviraj Raj Chauhan also ruled Delhi, and both Ajmer and Delhi later became part of the Delhi Sultanate.
After Delhi Sultanate, both Ajmer and Delhi were ruled by Mughals. The third ruler of the Mughal empire, Akbar the Great often came to pay homage at Dargah Sharif.
He also built the famous Akbar Palace for the convenience of his regular visits.
At last, Ajmer came under British rule and was directly administered from the capital. Moreover, it is the only district of Rajasthan which was under the direct rule of the British province. All others were under princely states.
Part of the British province and the influence of Christian missionaries is also one of the reasons why you will get some of the best schools in the Rajasthan here.
If you plan for an Ajmer trip, here are some things to do in Ajmer that you must not miss out on.
1. Visiting Temples
Ajmer has some of the best temples. Specially Jain temples are something you must never miss. You will find the true Jain religious ethics in Rajasthan and Ajmer.
But there are many Hindu temples as well to visit. Temples are 1st among the things to do in Ajmer.
Nareli Jain Temple
Nareli Gyanodya Jain Digambar Temple is one of the most prominent Jain temples. It is situated in the Aravali ranges and consists of 1 central temple and 24 mini temples for 24 Jain Tirthankaras. The statues are made of ashta dhatu and each of them weighs 24 tons.
The temple is 9 km away from the railway station on National Highway 8.
Soni Ji ki Nasiya
Soniji Ki Nasiya, also Known as Ajmer Jain temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev – the first Tirthankara of Jainas.
It is an ornate temple having 5 Kalayankas (important life events) of Rishabdev Ji depicted in a model which is covered with gold leaf.
Another reason Ajmer Jain temple is called Soni Ji ki nasiya is that it was built by Moolchand’s son, a merchant from the city.
Photography is not allowed here.
Sai Baba Temple
Built-in 1999, a unique marble temple is located in Ajay Nagar of Ajmer. Sai baba temple is known for its miraculous powers and is extremely popular among locals.
It is 3.8 km away from Ajmer railway station.
2. Lakes
This is second among the things to do in Ajmer. Lakes in Ajmer are well maintained and you would find a lot of eateries alongside the footpath.
Ana Sagar Lake
Photo by Eshani Mathur on Unsplash
The Majestic Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 12th century AD by then ruler Anaji Chauhan for the betterment of civilization.
You can enjoy the Ana Sagar Lake view from Daulat Bagh gardens that are situated right adjacent to it. The beauty of the gardens also lies in their marble pavilions.
Boating facilities are available to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. The new 7 wonders of the world park are also under construction adjacent to the Famous Ana Sagar Lake.
Foy Sagar lake
Another artificial lake situated in the city of Ajmer was built as a part of a feminine relief project in 1892.
You will find splendid scenery and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by Aravali Ranges. The timings are 06:00 am to 07:00 pm, location – Foy Sagar Garden road.
3. Dargah Sharif
Among the major attractions of the tourists, Dargah Sharif is a holy religious shrine of Islam followers.
The Gareeb Nawaz Dargah was built in the memory of a Sufi saint and philosopher Mu’in Uddin Chishty. The dargah is known to have miraculous power and can heal all the pain and troubles.
Many Influencers and leaders of the world even today pay homage to this holy shrine.
The Mughal Ruler Akbar often visited Ajmer dargah barefooted to fulfill his wish for the heir of the throne. As a result of his wish being granted, he donated a lovely mosque and deegh.
Even most of the Hindu followers visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah because of the rumored Shiva Linga underneath.
4. Monuments
Ajmer has some of the oldest monuments which are even dated back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Adhai din ka Jhopra
Adhai Din ka Jophra is a historical mosque site dated back to 1199 CE by Qutub-al-din Aibak. Built-in Islamic architecture, the site was completed in 2 and half days. Hence, the name Adhai din ka Jhopra.
The monument is said to be a Sanskrit college converted into a mosque. It even has mixed architecture of Hindu, Jain, and Islam. After Independence, it was handed over to ASI Jaipur.
Taragarh Fort
The royal fort of the Chauhan Dynasty was built in the 8th century is the oldest Monument in Ajmer. In the past, it was known as Ajaymeru after the king who was responsible for its construction, Ajay Pal Chauhan.
Later it was renamed After Tarabai, the wife of Prithviraj Sisodia.
The fort is 3,000 feet above ground level. Taragarh Fort also known as Star Fort has three gates namely, Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi ki Phatak. It has a dargah and several reservoirs.
Akbar Palace
A residential palace built in Mughal Era in 1570 CE, by Akbar for his son Jahangir is now a government museum.
Akbar Often visited Ajmer Dargah and stayed here. It also acted as a military base for the Mughals against Rajput Royals.
To your surprise, the palace is also famous for a historic meeting between Thomas Roe and Mughal emperor Jahangir seeking permission to start trade with the East India Company.
The architecture is a complete depiction of the Mughal lifestyle. After the Britishers came to India, the Palace was turned into a museum and was called Rajputana Arsenal.
Mayo College
A British architectural Building, Mayo College is the oldest Boarding school in the country. It has 2 blocs Mayo College Girls and Mayo College Boys. Besides, The college is also famous for Danmal Mathur Museum which collects some rare and invaluable Antics.
Many famous personalities including Maharana LakshyaRaj Singh Mewar and former foreign secretary of India Harshvardhan Shringhla have attended the college.
Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower
Right before the sight of Ajmer railway station, Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower, a beautiful architecture was built 135 years back.
Architect Benjamin Mountfort built it to commemorate Queen Victoria’s silver jubilee. There is no fee to visit the monument.
5. Pushkar
Photo by Vivek Sharma on Unsplash
It is an absurd idea to not visit Pushkar while you visit Ajmer. One of the famous places in India, Pushkar is known for its local aesthetic beauty. There are so many places to visit and things to do in Ajmer Pushkar. Let us check them all.
Pushkar Bazaar
Undoubtedly, one of the most aesthetic local bazaars you would see on the Rajasthan tour. This is a market for all local handicrafts, stone sculptures, hand-made diaries, and Religious items. The Bazaar is open from 10 Am to 10 Pm.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Photo by Srimathi Jayaprakash on Unsplash
Most loved festival by all the tourists across the world. There are lot many things to talk about at Pushkar Camel Fair – watch folk performances, Camel races, Matka phod, longest mustache competition, dunes walks, and beautiful sunset.
Pushkar Lake
A pious Hindu lake is situated in Pushkar approximately 4 mins away from Brahma temple. Pushkar lake has 52 ghats for Sacred Bath. Varaha Ghat and Gau ghats are among the main ones. Kartik Purnima is celebrated with all the local rituals and customs.
This artificial lake is also called “tirtha guru” as it is a pilgrimage site for all the Hindu followers. You should go during the Holi festival in the month of March to experience the best holiday celebrations (including the famous lath-mar holi) of India.
Dip your feet into the waters of Pushkar ghats and enjoy the sunset with your favorite person.
Brahma Temple
Brahma temple is an ancient temple that is about 2,000 years old. The current structure was built around the 14th century by the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara.
It is the only Brahma temple in the whole world. There is a story behind Lord Brahma’s temple that narrates that Brahma would not be worshipped – as cursed by his wife Savitri for marrying Gayatri.
It is said the Lord Brahma himself came upon the earth to choose this place for himself.
The temple is located in Pushkar, 40 mins away from the main Ajmer city.
Savitri Temple
Savitri temple – A temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma is located at the top of Ratnagiri hills.
The fastest and easiest way to reach the temple is through a ropeway with the best view of the Pushkar desert from the top.
Pushkar Resorts
Ananta Resort, Brahma resort, Pushkar Retreat, and Heli are among the top attractions. You get a luxury Treatment with pools, spas, and parks. Booking fees depend upon the type of facilities and luxury of the resort.
6. Try Different Foods
You certainly can’t miss the delicious cuisine of Ajmer. Here are some places to visit in Ajmer to enjoy local food.
SwadRi Dhani
A Typical Rajasthani Style Resort cum restaurant where you will enjoy all the flavors of Rajasthan. Famous Rajasthani dishes – Dal Bati churma, sev tamatar, and besan gatta is a must for you to try.
SwadRi Dhani is located on the Ajmer-Jaipur highway.
Ajmer Street Food
Ajmer has many local unique street foods that everybody should try their hands on.
Kadhi Kachori
The signature street food of Ajmer, kadhi kachori is a spicy dish mostly enjoyed in monsoon and winters. Try it on the most famous old age Shankar chat shop that is located just beside the Akbar Palace.
Kesar lassi
Another yummy summer drink you can enjoy is just opposite Shankar chat shop, Gol pyau.
Rabdi Gola
Rabdi gola is crushed ice with flavored syrups topped with a sweet Indian dish. The best you can relish is near Shankar chat shop, Gol pyau.
Famous Ajmer Restaurants
Ajmer is all about restaurants and cafes. Mango Masala, Silver leaf, Rasoi, Ambrosia, and Sky grill are some popular restaurants in Ajmer. If you want to enjoy in cafes, some are located on the Ana Sagar circular road.
The sight of the breathtaking beauty of Ana Sagar lake from here is an absolute delight.
For a Better hunt, you can look out at The Ten Best Restaurants in Ajmer by TripAdvisor.
Pushkar’s Famous Malpua
The most famous dessert of Pushkar, Malpua is a sweet pancake enjoyed with rabid on the top. You would find it in the local market of Pushkar on your way ahead to Brahma temple.
The city also has lots of food franchise outlets like Mac Donalds, Domino’s, Subway, Belgian Waffles, and Masala Chowk at Urban Heart.
You can also visit schools with the prominent British architecture – Mayoor, Anselm’s, Sophia, and St Mary’s and the market to understand the local population better.
This article is all you need for your trip to Ajmer. Oh no! Remember the place has an extreme climate. Pack clothes accordingly. The temperature in Ajmer goes up to 43 degrees Celsius in summers and in winter it can be less than 4 degrees celsius.
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Last Updated on by ritukhare
