Ajmer Travel Guide

Ajmer Overview

An Overview of Dauntless Ajmer Shining like star in the history of Royal Rajasthan, Ajmer is one of the major cities of the state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the majestic hills of Aravali this city is named after its King ‘Ajay Raj Singh’ who established this town. Formerly known as ‘Ajay Meru’ which means ‘Invincible Mountain’ Ajmer is awash with many goldenchapters of history. The city has the gigantic fort of ‘Taragarh’ which is believed to be one of the hoariest hill forts of the country. The renowned Mayo College was founded by the 6th Earl of Mayo, who was the Viceroy of India during 1869 to 1872. Mayo College was founded to provide the same education to the princes of Indian Kingdoms similar to that of provided in public schools in United Kingdom. Considered as one of the most holy pilgrims of Muslims and Hindus, the city on the one hand has the famous Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and on the other hand the place has famous Jain temple of Nareli. Harmoniously living the City of Ajmer is one of the Best Tourist Destinations in Rajasthan.

Ajmer and Its Legendary History:

There different theories by different scholars on the establishment of Ajmer, according to some this city was founded in 7th century while some other says the city was built during 11th – 12th century but they all agreed on the point this is the place where The Mughals and the British came into contact for the first time. Ajmer that was also formally known as Ajay Meru was established by the Chauhan King, Ajay Pal Singh. The very first fort built here was the ‘Taragarh fort’ about which some believed that this is the oldest hill forts of the country. After Chauhan Empire, the Afghans came into power and took-over the reins from Prithviraj Chauhan, the last king of the Chauhan Dynasty. Afghans ruled for approx. three centuries at Ajmer which later on came into the power of Mighty Mughals. Mughal king Akbar declared his reign in 1556 AD and the place became the headquarters for the operations of Mughals in Rajasthan. After Mughals, Ajmer subsequently came in the hands of Scindias. It is believed that the first contact between Mughal and the British also happened in Ajmer, when Jahangir (Mughal Emperor) met Sir Thomas Roe here in year 1616 AD. When British came into the power they influence Ajmer in different way. They chose Ajmer to establishing top line educational institution like Mayo College and King George Military School.

Culture, Traditions and Cuisine of Ajmer:

Ajmer is the place, full of colors and life. People of Ajmer celebrate every festival with all zeal and joy. The place where at one point considered as one of the major pilgrim for Muslims also is the place that has many majestic temples for Hindu devotees. Jain Temple of Nareli is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Ajmer. Muslim festivals like Urs and Eid are celebrated as enthusiastically as Hindu Festivals Diwali, Holi, Buddh Poornima, Guru-Parv and so on. Being the home to Rajputs, Ahirs, Gujjars, Christian and Sindhis and other different communities, the dialect is highly influence with this vibrant cultural mix. Major languages spoken here are Hindi, English, Sindhi, Urdu, Rajasthani and its allied language.

Folk Music – Folk Dance – Traditional Arts/Crafts - Festivals and Fairs in Ajmer

Music is that power that brings together two rivals. As Ajmer is the part of Rajasthan, one can see the spirit of Rajasthani music very often here. Fariyadis a type of music that is very popular in Ajmer. The music is the compilation of Qawaalis that are sung in devotion to Sufi Saint Khawa Sahab or Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. There is an ancient church in Ajmer name CNI where the prayers are sung with the instruments like piano, harmonium, banjo and dholak (Indian banjo). If you want to peek into the spirit of Rajasthan, one must definitely see the Kalbeliya Dance which is the most famous dance form of Rajasthan. This dance form is specially practiced in Ajmer by a tribe goes with the same name ‘Kalbeliya’. The performers of this dance are both men and women. These performers are generally the habitant of rural Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Pali and Ajmer. All the rulers that ruled Ajmer brought something with them that is the specific form of Art and Craft. These royal empires played a vital role in developing and filling the colors in tradition and culture of Ajmer. One of the famous works is a Leather work which is famous in Pushkar and Ajmer. Embroidery and ornamentation played a vital role in shaping a part of art and craft in Ajmer. Kishangarh a nearby city of Ajmer has finest schools of miniature paintings that were widely popular during the 18th century.

Talking about the festivals and fairs that are celebrated in Ajmer, you would definitely like to attend one of the biggest Conventions organized by the Christian Community of Ajmer and all over India. People from different part of the world attend this convention and praise the Lord with their prayers and devotions and witness many miracles here. Not only the prayers are the main attraction here, many cultural and traditional events also take place in these 5 days fair. Then there’s an international Sufi festival that held in Ajmer during October in which artists from different parts of the world like France, Egypt and etc. do perform in the Sufi festival.

Cuisine in Ajmer

Rajasthani food is considered as the richest food in India. The impression of richness can be easily detectable in Ajmer’s food. Just like all Rajasthan, once savor the same rich food in Ajmer also with slightest of difference. Ghewar, Dal Bati Churma, Rajasthani Pulao, Jalebis, Bajre ki Khichdi is major dishes that people of Ajmer here. There’s a special sweet dish name Sohan halwa which is very popular sweet dish in all over Rajasthan. Sohan Halwa is a hard pan cake like sweet dish wish is made purely in Ghee garnish with Cashews. As we know that Ajmeris a Muslim majority region it is because this reason, once savor different Non –Vegetarian delicacies which are famous for their mouth-watering taste and scrumptious aroma. Some of the majorly popular non-veg dishes are Pasande, Mutton Curry, Mughlai Murg Mussalam, Chicken, Sula kebab and Mutton Biryani.If you are a street food lover, you will definitely like to tickle your taste bud with Ajmer ki Kadhi Kachori along with Samosa which is triangle bread having spicy stuffing served along with tangy chutney. Madar Gate and Dargah Baazarare the places where you can savor these mouth-watering delicious street foods.

Shopping and Shopping Scenario of Ajmer

Shopping in Ajmer always gives a pleasuring experience. This city in Rajasthan is known for curious, antiques Bandhini Sarees, embroidered Jodhpuri Jootis (Rajasthani designed shoes), charming Rajasthani Jewelriesand many more. The most projecting shopping center in Ajmer is Station Road, Madar gate, Naya Bazaar, Nala Bazaar, Purani mandi and Kaisarganj.

Ajmer Map

Best Places to Visit Ajmer

Ajmer is not only having a majestic history and plush greenery because of the Aravali hills it has many other tourist destinations which you must note in you to do list while planning your trip to this city of Khwaja. These places are –

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah:

Considered as the holiest shrines of Muslims, the place is very popular among tourist. People from all around the world visit this place. Dargah is said to be the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and was built was Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Taragarh Fort:

Built by the Chauhans, this fort was built to guard the city of Ajmer. This fort was a home to many kings from Chauhan Dynasty including Prithviraj Chauhan.

Anasagar:

The specialty of this lake is that it is a man-made lake. It was built by the King of Ajmer –‘Maharaja Anji’. Daulat Bagh, which is established by the Emperor Jahangir lies near this lake.

Some other prominent places which you must visit during your stay at Ajmer are –

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Akbari Fort and Museum

Soniji Ki Nasiya

Mayo College

The Circuit House

Foy Sagar and major spots with its own historical importance

Ajmer Weather

Best Time to Visit Ajmer

Ajmer is located on the edge of Thar Desert. The weather of this city experiences a rapid transition from hot summers to chilly winter. The best time to visit Ajmer is either in the winters in the months from November to March. Being surrounded by the ranges of Aravali this city is generally hot in days so it’s better to visit Ajmer during winter time.

How to Reach Ajmer

By Airways:

The nearest Airport is Jaipur which is 138 km from Ajmer.

By Railways:

Ajmer is connected by rail ways to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and other major cities of the country. Including Mumbai via Ahmedabad.

By Roadways:

The strategically established road ways of Ajmer join the city with Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur and many more. Rajasthan State Transportation Corporation connects Ajmer with all above places and to many more.

Often called as the heart of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a perfect place that lives in harmony and peace including different culture, traditions, religion and dialects. You will love your tour to this heart of Rajasthan.