Places to visit in Ajmer

Ajmer is a busy disorganized city, 13 km from the tourist heaven of Pushkar. It encompasses the peaceful lake of Ana Sagar and is itself ringed by the sturdy Aravalli Hills. Ajmer is Rajasthan’s most significant place in terms of Islamic history and heritage. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Ajmer, it holds one of India’s most well-known Muslim pilgrimage centers, the shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who established India’s prime Sufi order in India. As well as some magnificent examples of primitive Muslim construction located, Ajmer is also a notable town for the Jain religion, possessing an astounding golden Jain temple.

However, with Ajmer’s key of high-voltage crowds and traffic, most travelers choose to stay in laid-back Pushkar and visit on a day trip. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Taragarh Fort, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Akbari Fort & Museum, Maqbara Shaikh Husain, Anasagar Lake, Nasiyan Jain Temple, Nareli Jain Temple, Rangji Temple, Buland Darwaza, Prithviraj Smarak Monument etc are counted to be the most famous sightseeing spots in Ajmer expressing the valuable possessions of the city.

These structures very well execute the architectural extravaganza of Rajasthan from the ancient period onward. The Mughal dynasty, the medieval rulers and other elite rulers period have inspired each of these structures to possess undeniable charm.

01Dargah Shariff

Located right at the end of a desolate hill, the majestic tomb of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage center which is visited by devotees of all faiths. He was a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the help the poor and oppressed.
Built in various stages, the gate with silver doors frames the entrance to the site. It is believed that the pots were offered by Emperor Akbar when the saint blessed him with an heir to his throne.

Location: Situated at the foot of a small and barren hill in Ajmer and can be accessed by road.
Timings: Opened daily from 5 AM to 7 PM.
 

02Nasiyan Jain Temple

Nasiyan Temple, constructed in 1865 is located at Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer. It is also known as Lal Mandir (Red Temple). Devoted to Lord Adinath, the first Jain 'Tirthankara', the temple is a two-storied building.
One segment of the temple is the prayer area holding the idol of Lord Adinath, while the other forms a museum and includes a hall. Made of gold, the gallery of the museum portrays the five stages in the life of Lord Adinath.
Within it’s 3,200 sq.ft area, the hall is decorated with Belgium stain glass, and stain glasswork. Recognized as the Golden Temple, the temple has a focal lobby that is adorned with gold and silver embellishments. The temple also exhibits wooden gold representations, glass illustrations, and paintings.
Location: The temple is located in Prithvi Raj Marg and can be accessed by taxi.
Timings: Opened daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. 
 

03Ana Sagar Lake

The well-known man-made lake Ana Sagar was constructed by Maharaja Anaji between 1135 to 1150 AD, the ancestor of Maharaja Prithviraj Chauhan.

Later the Mughal rulers made some further modifications to enhance the lake.
Near the lake is the Daulat Bagh, a garden set out by Emperor Jahangir. Emperor Shah Jahan later added five pavilions, called as the Baradari, among the garden and the lake.
The lake is an interesting family outing spot. An island lies in the middle of the lake.

On a hill near the lake is located a circuit house that utilized to be the British residency. From the east side of the Dault Bagh Gardens, visitors can hire boat or water scooter to reach the island. Every summer, the lake gets dry.

Location: Located in the heart of the town and can be reached by any local transport, but best way to reach the lake is by walk..
 

04Nareli Jain Temple

Nareli Jain Temple is another Jain temple found on the corner of Ajmer 7 kilometers from the middle of the town, the modern Nareli Temple is an impressive blend of tradition and modern day architectural style.

With 24 additional miniature temples placed on the hill above.These 24 temples symbolize the Thirthankar's of Jain's also called as 24 Jainalay.

This temple became a significant site of pilgrimage of Digambara Jains and is famous for its sculptures and elaborate designs.

A visit to Jain Temple Nareli can be combined together with other sightseeing spots around the city.

Location: It lies on the main national highway no. 8 which is a 6 lane expressway from Jaipur. Autos and taxis are available from Ajmer and nearby towns.

Timings: Opened daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.  
 

05Adhai-Din Ka Jhonpra

Beyond the Dargah of Khwaja Muin-up-din Chishti, on the town outskirts, are the extraordinary ruins of the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque.

According to legend, construction in 1153 took only two-and-a-half days. Others say it was named after a festival lasting two-and-a-half days. It was originally built as a Sanskrit college, but in 1198 Mohammed of Ghori seized Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven-arched wall covered with Islamic calligraphy in front of the pillared hall.

Although in need of restoration, it’s an exquisite piece of architecture, with soaring domes, pillars, and a beautiful arched screen, largely built from pieces of Jain and Hindu temples.

Location: Situated in Andere Kota road and can be easily reached.

Timings: Opened daily from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM

06Prithviraj Smarak

The Prithviraj Smarak is a memorial to Prithviraj Chauhan, the great hero of the Rajput Chauhan dynasty. Located on the Taragarh Road in Ajmer, the memorial has a statue of the king in black stone, mounted on a horse.

Prithviraj Chauhan has been shown with a bow and arrow in his hand. Prithvi Raj Chauhan (originally Prithvi Raj III) was the last ruler in the lineage of Chauhans. He was enthroned to rule the twin capitals of Delhi and Ajmer in the 12th century. He was considered as an epitome of courage and patriotism.

Location: Located on the Taragarh Road in Ajmer and can be easily reached by any local transport.

Timing: Opened daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

07Akbar's Palace & Museum

 

Archaeological Museum was established in 1949. Located in the Dil-e-Aaram Gardens of Ajmer, the museum is divided into three sections.

Comprising a collection of sculptures and some excavated material of earlier civilizations, the museum features two 'Yupa Pillars' (sacrificial posts). These are adorned with inscriptions from Barnala as well as Prathihara sculptures of the 8th century and terracotta belonging to early historical periods.

Once situated in the ancient capital of Jaipur, the museum is home to the dug up material from Rairh, Bairat, Sambhar, Nagar and other destinations.

In addition to this, sculptures and inscriptions gathered from various sights in the former Jaipur State that was housed at Vidyadhar Gardens are also showcased in the museum.

Location: The museum is located inside the Akbar fort and can easily be reached by any local transport.

Timings: Opened daily from 10 AM to 4:45 PM.

Price: Approximate price starts from 25 INR.

08Maharana Pratap Smarak

09Buland Darwaza

One of the exceptional examples of Islamic design, this semi-octagonal Darwaza towers, displaying the glory of Akbar’s reign.

This tall structure was constructed to celebrate the triumph of Akbar’s victory over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in 1576. At a height of about 176 feet, this enormous gateway is the southern entry to the J Dargah Sharif.

Built out of red sandstone with a blend of marble, this impressive gateway is elegantly carved, portraying exquisite craftsmanship and art.

The central chamber under the dome covering it rises out to the court of the mosque – yet another striking architectural beauty.

Location: Situated at the foot of a small and barren hill in Ajmer and can be accessed by road.

Timings: Opened daily from 5 AM to 7 PM.

10Baradari

11Chaupati

12Savitri Temple

Savitri Temple in Pushkar is a temple of world recognition. Savitri Temple is highly acclaimed by the tourists as well as by the locals Savitri Temple is the temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma.

Savitri Temple Pushkar Rajasthan is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple.

One has to climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine at Savitri Temple. It presents a panoramic view of the beautiful lake and the picturesque surrounding of the villages.

Location: Located just 1.5 Km from Phuskar and can be easily reached by any local transport.

Timings; Opened daily from 5 AM to 7 PM.

13Rangji Temple

"Lord Rangji is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are two temples devoted to Lord Rangji.

The ancient temple was constructed by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad in 1823. The temple is also known as Shri Vaikunt Nath.

Quite distinct from the other buildings of this period, this temple has the character South India (Dravidian) style of architecture along with the Rajput and Mughal styles that are a more common sight in Rajasthan.

The new temple has a tall Gopuram that is typical of temples found in South India."

Location: Situated in Chote Basti and the easy way to reach the temple in by walk.

Timings: Opened daily from 5 AM to 7 PM