Covered
in this Article : Fast facts, Ajmer - Introduction, Tourist Places,
Transportation, Accommodation, Tour Packages.
Fast Facts
City : Ajmer
Location : Rajasthan Centre
Distance : Jaipur 138 kms, South West
Attractions : Taragarh Fort, Pushkar Lake, Nasiya Temple,
Dargah Sharif, Camel Safari
Best Time To Visit : October - March
Introducing Ajmer
Ajmer lies towards the centre of the Rajasthan state. The place is widely
known for its pilgrimage places for Hindu and Muslim followers. The famous
Dargah Sharif of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti lies in the city and is
visited by thousands of devotees every year. The history of Ajmer is varied
due to frequent change of ruling power, amongst various Muslim and Rajputana
dynasties. The place as such bears impressions of several cultures and
traditions. An overview of the city reveals distinct green belts surrounded
by barren hills.
Ajmer was founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan. The Chauhan
dynasty retained its hold on the territory until 1193 A.D. In the same year
Prithvi Raj Chauhan, local ruler of Ajmer at that time, lost the battle with
Muhammad Ghori. The following decades and centuries witnessed a frequent
shifting of the power and left behind a rich legacy, which can be found at
many places in the city.
Tourist Places at Ajmer
Major tourist attractions of Alwar are the pilgrimage centers, especially
the Dargah Sharif. The city further leads to the famous holy place Pushkar.
The tourist places located in and around Ajmer are provided below :
The Dargah : This beautiful tomb lies in the foot hills
and is one of the most visited pilgrimage center in the state. The tomb
marks the burial place of the renowned Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan
Chisti. The place features several courtyards and mosques. The tomb is
topped by a dome of white marble and has massive gates that were provided by
the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Taragarh Fort : Popular as Star Fort, this 12th century
fort stands on a hill top. The fort gives a spectacular view of the Ajmer
city. The fort was built in the year 1100 A.D., by Ajaypal Chauhan. The
fort, due to its strategic position and height, was considered as
invincible.
Shah Jahan's Mosque : This great mosque is provided in the
inner courtyards of the Dargah at Ajmer. Built in Mughal architectural
style, the mosque features 11 arches and a stunning height of 41 metres. The
mosque is topped by a magnificent marble dome, which is believed as having
been extracted from the same mines from which marble for Taj Mahal was
extracted.
Pushkar
Lake : This famous lake of Rajasthan is located in a small town -
Pushkar, some 11 kms from Ajmer. With some 500 temples located on its banks,
the lake encompasses the divinity and holiness all around. There are 52
Ghats that connects the series of temples. These temples were built by the
erstwhile rulers of different regions of Rajasthan and as such many of the
Ghats and temples have been named by their founders. The lake water at
Pushkar is considered holy by the Hindu followers. Thousands of pilgrims
reach the place, every year, for salvation. The Pushkar Fair, held in the
month of Kartik (November) is a special attraction. One gets a lot to see in
this week long animal fair.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra : This ancient mosque, which at
present is in ruins, is one of the primitive Indo-Islamic buildings in North
India. The building, believed to be a Sanskrit institutions, was modified
and restructured by the Muslim invader Muhammad Ghori. There are seven
arches lining up the facade and the entire structure is built over pillars.
One astonishing fact about these pillars is that no two of them are same.
There are contradictory reports about the name attributed to this structure.
Some people believe that the mosque was constructed in two and a half days;
adhai meaning two and a half ( adhai din ka jhonpra - two and a half day
cottage). Yet, another version holds a two and a half days fair responsible
for the name.
Camel and Horse Safari : One of the best amusements in
Rajasthan is a camel ride. At Pushkar a number of locals provide this unique
opportunity, to explore the sand stretches on ship of the deserts. Apart
from that one can also get to ride a horse, as horse safari are also
frequently conducted from here.
