Ajmer

About Ajmer — The Pilgrim City

Ajmer is one of India’s most important pilgrimage centres, home to the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti — visited by millions of pilgrims of all faiths every year. Founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan, the city sits at the foot of the Aravali hills with the picturesque Ana Sagar Lake and the towering Taragarh Fort. Combine with neighbouring Pushkar (just 11 km away) for a powerful spiritual day trip from Jaipur.

Best Time to Visit

• October – March — pleasant weather (15–28 °C). Ideal for the Dargah visit.
• Urs Festival (May/June) — the biggest festival commemorating the Khwaja’s death anniversary. 6 days of qawwali, langar and pilgrim crowds.
• April – September — hot. Visit early morning if possible.

Top Attractions

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (1141–1236) — the holiest Sufi site in South Asia. Built mostly in white marble with elegant Mughal-era arches, the Dargah is visited by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians alike. The famous qawwali performances every evening are unforgettable. Carry a rose-petal chadar (cloth offering) to lay on the tomb. Cover your head; men should wear a cap or scarf available at the entrance. Beware of touts asking for “donations” — avoid them.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

One of India’s oldest mosques (1192) — built in just 2.5 days (hence the name “two-and-a-half days hut”). Originally a Sanskrit college, it was converted by Qutbuddin Aibak with stunning seven-arched screens and pillars taken from Hindu and Jain temples. Architecturally one of the most fascinating mosques in India.

Ana Sagar Lake

An artificial lake built between 1135 and 1150 by Anaji Chauhan (Prithviraj’s grandfather). Pleasant pedal-boats, a Mughal-era marble pavilion built by Shah Jahan (Daulat Bagh), and beautiful sunset views.

Taragarh Fort

One of the oldest hill forts in India (built 1100s) — perched 800 ft above the city. Steep climb but rewards with sweeping views of Ajmer. Currently accessible by jeep too.

Akbar’s Palace & Museum

Built in 1570 by Mughal Emperor Akbar — the only Mughal palace outside Delhi/Agra. Now a museum housing Mughal-era weapons, sculptures and miniatures.

Nareli Jain Temple

A magnificent modern white-marble Jain temple complex 7 km from town, with 24 temples, intricate carvings and panoramic Aravali views.

Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan (Red Temple)

An exquisite 19th-century Jain temple with a 2-storey hall depicting Jain cosmology in 1,000 kg of gold — one of the most ornate and richest temple interiors in India.

Things to Do

• Pay respects at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and offer chadar
• Listen to qawwali performances in the evening
• Visit during Urs Festival (May/June) — the biggest Sufi festival in South Asia
• Boat ride on Ana Sagar Lake at sunset
• Day trip to Pushkar (just 11 km away)
• See the gold-encrusted Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan
• Eat langar at the Dargah (free community meal)

Local Food

• Sohan Halwa at Suraj Sweets and Madarsa Sweets — Ajmer’s iconic dense ghee-rich sweet
• Kebabs & Mughlai at Mango Masala
• Kadhi Kachori at Bake n Shake
• Nukti Halwa, Kadha Prasad from the bazaar near Dargah
• Langar at the Dargah — free community meal served daily, all welcome

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airport: Kishangarh (KQH) — 27 km / 35 min drive — limited flights from Delhi. Jaipur (JAI) 135 km is more practical.

By Rail

Ajmer Junction (AII) is a major station — direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi takes 6.5 hr.

By Road

Jaipur 135 km (2.5 hr), Pushkar 11 km (20 min), Udaipur 270 km (5 hr), Delhi 390 km (7 hr). Easy on the Jaipur–Pushkar–Ajmer route. See our fleet.

Travel Tips

• 1 day is enough — usually combined with Pushkar for a 2-day pilgrim trip from Jaipur
• Visit Dargah early morning (5:00–8:00 AM) — far less crowded than evening
• Avoid the Urs Festival days unless you specifically want to attend (huge crowds)
• Carry a head-covering — caps are sold/rented at the Dargah entrance
• Politely refuse “blessing” priests who try to pressure donations
• Combine with Pushkar (11 km) for the full spiritual experience — Ajmer in morning, Pushkar in afternoon

Planning a pilgrimage circuit? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll arrange your Ajmer–Pushkar day from Jaipur with a knowledgeable local guide.