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The
Land of Composite Cultures
Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in
the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past.
The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century
A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power
till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.since
then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left
leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions
on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various
cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
 Today,
Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well
as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the
Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti,which is equally revered
by the Hindus and Muslims.
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.The Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the
month of Kartik(Oct./Nov.),devotes throng in large numbers
here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Places
to Visit
The
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 the 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. Akbar
used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year.
The mausoleum has a gigantic gate,which was built by the Nizam
of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are
of particular interest and on the right side of the courtyard
ins the Akbari Masjid built in white marble. There is another
mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjhan.
The saint's tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the centre
of the second courtyard which is surrounded by a silver platform.The
shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs-commemorating
the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th
day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair that springs
up during this time is the major attraction.
Shahjhan's
Mosque: In the corner of the inner court of the Dargah,
is a magnificent building in white marble with a long (30.5m)
and narrow court having low arcade and delicate carvings with
trellis-work.It is the most marvelous of all the sanctums
within the sanctuary of the Dargah.
 Adhai-din-ka-jhoupra:
A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic
architecture located on the outskirts, of the city, just beyond
the Dargah.
As the legend
goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din)
to complete. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built within
a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri conquered Ajmer and
converted the building into a mosque by adding a sevenarched
wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days(adhai-din)
and hence the name. The distinct pillars-and arched "Screen"
with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural
masterpiece.
The
Museum: Once
the royal residence of Emperor Akbar ,the museum houses a rich
repository of the Mughal and Rajput armour and exquisite sculptures.
Taragarh Fort:
A steep one and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra
leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill.One
can have an excellent view of the city from here. The fort was
the site of the military activity during the Mughal period,
later used as a sanatorium by the British.
 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
Pushkar
Fair :
It is one of the most colorful fairs of India. Lakes of pilgrims
throng the lake during the annual cattle fair. Besides trading
of horses, camels, cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart
races and cultural events. Cloths,
household items and leather goods are for sale during the fair.
On the full moon of Kartik(Nov.) pilgrims take a holy dip in
the lake.
Pushkar Lake
(11km.): The lake is situated on the edge of the desert
and surrounded by hills on three sides, is separated from Ajmer
by 'Nag Pahar'-the snake mountain. On this mountain the Panchkund
and the cave of the saint Agastya are located.
Man Mahal:
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence
of Raja Man Singh of Amer, Man Mahal. Presently it is converted
to RTDC Sarover Tourist Bungalow ensuring convenient accommodation
to travellers.Pushakar palace ( Kishangarh House) adjoining
it is a heritage hotel.
Foy Sagar(5km) : A picturesque artificial lake named
after the engineer for who created it under a famine relief
project.
Access
Airways
Jaipur's
Sanganer Airport is the nearest one, connected by the Indian
airlines and a host of other airlines, too. For details see
our section on Jaipur
Railways
Regular train
services link Ajmer with important cities.
Some important
train connections are:
Gujrat Mail (Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla);
Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur): Delhi Express(Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur);
Shatabadi Express(New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi).
Roadways
Ajmer lies on
NH8, that connects Delhi to Mumbai. Its about 400 km from Delhi
and around 135 km from Jaipur. Rajasthan STC buses as well as
those run by some private operators, connects the city with
various places in the state, and also some other centres like
Delhi and Agra.
Local :
City bus service operate in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered
taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also
available.
Hotels
& Resorts
Hotel
Mansingh Palace
More
Hotels & Resorts >>
Climate
Conditions
| Area
|
55.76
sq.km.. |
|
| Altitude |
486
meters |
|
| Climate |
Mean
Max. |
Mean
Min. |
| Summer |
38.1degree
C |
27.7
degree C |
| Winter |
23.3
degree C |
05.5
degree C |
| Rainfall |
38
to 51 cms. |
|
| Best
Season |
July
- March |
|
| Clothing |
Summer
Light Tropical |
|
| Winter |
Wollen |
|
| Languages |
Rajasthani,
Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi |
|
