Ajmer city

Ajmer is one of the major cities in Indian state of rajasthan,it is located at a distance of 135 km from the State Capital Jaipur and 391 km from the National Capital New Delhi. Ajmer is surrounded by Aravalli Hills, south of which is the city’s Artificial lake Anasagar. It is a pilgrimage center for the dome shine of Sufi Saint Khwaja moinuddin Chisty. Ajmer, formerly written Ajmere, is a city (and the administrative headquarters) in Ajmer District in India’s western state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains, Ajmer, also known as Ajaymeru/Ajaimeur (meaning the Invincible Hill), was founded by Ajaipal Chauhan (who established the Chauhan dynasty) in the seventh century. The city was also ruled by the legendary Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu king of Delhi.

Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of the Great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of “ Madinatul Hind or the Madina of India”. Each year, the devotees of all sects and faiths congregate here from all parts of the world on the occasion of the annual festival of Urs to pay their obeisance to seek the Saint’s blessings for fulfillment of wishes. Thus, the festival presents a unique picture of harmony and universal brotherhood.

Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. It is famous for its rich Indo-Islamic, Royal Rajasthani, Indo-Saracenic and Jain styles of architecture. The city is home to the prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility, and King George Military School, both setup by the Britishers. In addition, the city’s built heritage includes Nasiyan (Red) Temple, Salemabad (Nimbark Peeth), Taragarh Fort, Adhai – Din Ka- Jhonpra (a religious structure), Ana Sagar (an artificial lake), the museum (Magazine, once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar of Mughal dynasty) et al. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake.

Ajmer - Places of Interest

Abdullah Khan's Tomb The tomb of Abdullah Khan is noteworthy for its simplicity and elegance. This tomb in glittering white marble stands as a magnificent memoir. Situated in a strategic location, this tomb was constructed by the Sayyid brothers as a memoir of their late father. This marvelous marble structure is erected on an elevated platform that can be ascended through four steps. A plain rectangular construction with four towers and burnished arches, its bends are ornamented. The tomb has a stunning appearance.

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra Adhai-din ka Jhonpra was constructed on the structure of a Jain temple. Since it took only two and a half days to finish the construction of the mosque, it became known as Adhai-din which literally means two and a half days. In 1198 Muhammad Ghori changed it into a mosque. A perfect blend of Hindu Muslim architecture, the seven-arched wall and the pillars of this pretty shrine makes special attraction.

Ajaipal A picturesque spot, Ajaipal, is the place where the famous king Ajaipal embraced Islam and led a life of an ascetic after an extensive time in power. A devoted follower of the Sufi saint Khawaja Sahib, the king was amazed by the formers saintly powers.

Akbar's Palace & Museum Small but elegant citadel, built by Emperor Akbar, this palace lures the tourists with its invincible structure. Flanked by two parallel dense walls, this was the place where Jahangir met the British ambassador Sir Thomas Roe. Constructed in the year 1570, this palace is considered as one among the mightiest citadel in the southeast part of Rajasthan. The fort walls include a double storied bastion enclosed by a chain of columns held jointly at the top by bends. A hefty foyer in the core of the turret leads into rooms. This palace was intended for the emperor and his troops whilst there stay in Ajmer. This magnificent palace serves as an ostentatious way to obtain quixotic and riotous history of Ajmer. This impressive structure was transformed into a Museum in 1908, which functions all days of the week except on Fridays. The working hours is scheduled between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ana Sagar A dazzling milestone in the history of Ajmeer, Ana Sagar Lake has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Flanked by some of the most fabulous attractions, this beautiful lake is the innovative outlook of King Anaji. The lake is surrounded by some of the marvelous piece of attractions of the city like the marble pavilions built by king Shajahan. Besides this, a pretty shrine of Khobra Behroon on the banks of this artificial lake offers a picturesque appearance to the surroundings.

Anded-ki-Mata Temple A lovely Jain temple which showcases the saints of Digamber sect, Anded ki Mata is renowned not only for its serenity but also as a place of festivity. The annual fair held on Rakshsbandhan day in the month of August turns the temple premises into a hub of activities.

Dargah Sharif One of the most famous pilgrim centers in Ajmer, the Dargah Sharif, is the burial ground of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chist. This shrine is visited by millions of people every year and regarded as a holy place by devotees of all religion. Durga Bagh A quaint garden on the banks of the Ana Sagar lake, Durga Bagh was built in the year 1868 AD during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh. A lovely garden, which offers a tranquil atmosphere with a myriad of fabulous flowers, it is an ideal place to visit in the summer season. The garden has a delightful background entitled Shimla, which was erected by Maharaja Mangal Singh.

Mayo College Museum Started by the then Viceroy of British India, Mayo College is one among the best educational institutions in India. Mayo College is famed not only for the excellence of edification it impart, but also for its architectural grandeur. Built in 1875 with white marble, this is a classic example for the celebrated Indo-Saracenic architecture. This style is found its place in the Archive wing of the British Museum in London. This prestigious institution is also called as Eton of the East.

Nasiyan Jain Temple (Red Temple) The beautiful Nasiyan Jain Temple, popularly called, as the Red Temple is one of the crowd pullers in the city. An architectural marvel, this pretty shrine depicts the by gone era in a Jain perspective. Dedicated to the first Jain Teerthankara, this temple belongs to the Digamber sect.