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Population: Around four lakhs
Area: 55.76-sq-kms.
Altitude: 486 meters
Climate: Summer: Max. - 38.1°C Min. - 27.7°C
Winter: Max. - 23.3°C Min. - 05.5°C
Rainfall: 38 to 51 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi.
Location: Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah,
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara.
Festive Attractions: Urs Fair, Pushkar Fair
Best Time To Visit: October To March
in
the heart of the desert of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a blend of Sufi culture
and Hindu religion. Ajmer has always been a coveted and strategic place
for the Rajputs, the Mughals and the Marathas. Ajmer was the seat of
administration for the Chauhans till Prithviraj was defeated in 1193 AD
by Mohammad Ghauri. It then became a part of the Delhi Sultanate.
However, Rana Kumbha of Mewar and Raja Maldeo again established Rajput
rule over Ajmer. The annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is
held on a grand scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world
irrespective of their caste and religion.
PRIME
ATTRACTION
Ajmer-e-Sharief
Dargah - At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most
important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. It is the
splendid tomb of th e
Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja
Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for
the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to
this Dargah from Agra once a year.
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara - One of the finest examples of
Indo-Islamic architecture, this mosque was a Sanskrit college in the
12th century. In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college and a
mosque was built in its place. The mosque is built on pillars and
surprisingly no two pillars are alike. The archways are finely engraved
with Kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the Holy Quran (also spelt as
Koran).
Nasiyan (Jain Temple) - This red coloured Jain temple was built
in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall
depicts scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is
widely acclaimed.
MUSEUMS
Govt. Museum - The Royal palace of Akbar was converted into a museum
and today it houses a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some
of the fine and delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed
here. The building itself has been constructed of red sandstone, which
have been laid down in a square pattern giving it a fabulous look.
LAKES
Ana Sagar Lake - This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD.
Later the Mughal Emperors made additional constructions to beautify the
lake. The 'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the
Daulat Bagh Gardens were laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards
the north of Ajmer city.
FORTS
Taragarh Fort - Built in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the
fort gives a bird's eye view of the city. Taragarh Fort or the 'Star
fort' is situated on a hill and to reach there, one has to take winding
bridle path.
OTHERS
Mayo College - One of the India’s best public schools, located in
the south-east of the Ana Sagar, has now been converted to the Circuit
House. The lake and the cenotaph and the shrine of the Hindu reformer
Swami Dayanand, founder of the "Arya Samaj Movement" in India, can be
viewed from here.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Pushkar - The sister city of Ajmer, Pushkar is just 11-km away
from the city. The road to Pushkar passes through the Nag Pahar or the
Snake Mountain.
Pushkar is an ancient city and has seen history being made since the
Ramayana period. The account of this city can be found in the 4th
century writings of the Chinese traveller-- Fa-Hien and also in the
scripts written during the era of Muslim invasions. The city is
considered by Hindus to be one of the most sacred places in India and
has, perhaps, the only existing temple in Asia, dedicated to Lord
Brahma. Life in the city is very much related to the Pushkar Lake.
Mythology says that this ancient lake was formed when a lotus flower
fell in the valley, from the hands Brahma.
The 52 bathing ghats that surround the lake are believed to have special
powers e.g. 'Naga Kund' for fertility, 'Roop Tirth' for beauty and 'Kapil
Vyapi Kund' for curing Leprosy.
The famous Pushkar fair is held every year on the Kartik Purnima day.
This fair is famous as a bazaar for the animals particularly the camels.
But the folk dancers and the folk musicians add traditional colour in
the fair, which gives a new leash of life to the town.
Mangliyawas - This town is famous for two 800 years old trees of
a rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN- popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'.
People visit this place through out the year but on dark moon day of 'Sravana'
(also spelt as Shravana) thousands of people come to worship the trees.
The town is 26-km from Ajmer.
Beawar - This town is located 54-km from Ajmer and is famous for
the Badshahi procession festival held on the next day of Holi. On this
occasion, people participate in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each
other.
LAKES
Foy Sagar - This artificial lake was built during a famine relief
programme. Named after the engineer responsible for its construction,
the picturesque lake is 5-km from Ajmer.
Kishan Garh : On the road to Jaipur, 27-km from Ajmer is located
this medieval treasure house of art. This place had one of the finest
schools for miniature paintings during 18th century. This town of
artists is also famous for Gundelao Lake, Phool Mahal Palace, Temple of
Sri Kalyan Raiji and the Majhala Palace.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
The nearest airport
is that of Jaipur.
Rail: The city is well connected by trains with all the major
places in India.
Road: The state transport has its bus services from all over
Rajasthan and also from Delhi. However, during the Urs, large number of
people arriving in Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance
during this time.
Local Transport: City bus service operate in the city and to
Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws
are also available for commutation.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS The annual Urs and Pushkar fair.
SHOPPING
Ajmer
presents items, which carry the Rajasthani fervour and reflect ancient
mood of the area. One can purchase here amazing old silver jewellery
with designs of a totally different era. The annual Urs gives an
opportunity to bargain some of the intriguing and colourful items of the
region.
USEFUL
INFORMATION
Banks/Money Changers: - Bank of Baroda, Prithviraj Marg
- Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Station Road
- Bank of India, Kaisarganj
- Bank of Rajasthan, Mayo College
- Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Prithviraj Marg
- State Bank of India, near Collectorate
Also,authorized money changers are available in the leading hotels.
Hospitals: J.L. Nehru Hospital
Club: Ajmer Club
Guide Service: Approved guides may be hired through the Asstt.
Director, Tourist Reception Centre
CLIMATE
Temperatures are very high during summers and very low during winters.
Ajmer has a typical desert type of climate. The best season to visit
this place is between October and March.
A WORD OF
CAUTION
Beware of
touts and make sure that you are not lost among the innumerable palaces
in the forts and the colourful tradition. |
