Places To Visit In Ajmer
1. Dargah Sharif
This holy shrine housing the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is a sacred refuge where heartfelt prayers are heard and answered as well! Hailing from Persia, the Saint arrived in Ajmer in 1192 and resided here until 1236 when he passed away.
2. Nareli Jain Temple
Located amidst the Aravalli Hills, this relatively new Jain Temple is just 7 km from Ajmer city. Built at the cost of about Rs. 100 crores, the temple is based on both traditional and contemporary styles of architecture resulting in a unique structure that it is a visual treat and a quiet haven for meditation and prayers.
3. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak built this mosque completed in 1199 CE on Muhammad Ghori’s orders. It is Ajmer’s oldest monument, and one the most ancient mosques in the country. An excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the structure showcases the artisanship of local (Hindu) masons overseen by Afghan supervisors!
4. Akbari Quila and Museum
Commissioned by Akbar in 1570, the Fort, built right in the middle of the city served the residence of the Emperor during his visits to the Dargah Sharif and as a military base as well. It was at Akbari Quilla that the East India Company was granted permission for conducting business on Mughal territory in India.
5. Ana Sagar Lake
This artificial lake constructed between 1135 and 1150 AD is still one of the most delightful places in the city that offers excellent views of the waters against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills.
6. Soniji Ki Nasiyan
This richest Jain temple in the world that showcases a mix of Anglo-Indian architectural styles is dedicated to the very first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabhdev ji. Built by Rai Bahadur Mulchand Nemichand Soni in 1865 A.D.
7. Taragarh Fort
The Taragarh Fort built in 1354, is the first fort in India to be built atop a hill. Located at Bundi on the Nagpahari hill of the Aravalli ranges, the fort, though mostly in ruins draws a large number of visitors interested in the impressive remnants of the grand structure and the Dargah of Hazrat Meeran Syed Hussain Asghar Khangswa within its premises.
8. Mayo College and Museum
This college was founded in 1875 by Richard Bourke, the erstwhile Viceroy of India (1869-1872) and the 6th Earl of Mayo, to offer the same standard of education provided in British public schools to the Indian elite and heirs of royal families.
9. Daulat Bagh Gardens
Built by Emperor Jahangir, the Daulat Bagh right on the shores of the Ana Sagar Lake is a serene and lush garden with well-paved paths leading to the Lake, where exquisitely crafted marble pavilions along the lake commissioned by Shah Jahan welcome guests to rest a while and enjoy the beauty of the settings.
10. Foy Sagar Lake
Located on the outskirts of Ajmer, this artificial lake with a storage capacity of 15 million cubic feet was constructed in 1892 by a British engineer, Mr Foy as a part of a relief project to help locals tackle the water shortage during times of drought.
11. Ajmer’s Markets
Shopaholics are bound to be delighted to explore Ajmer’s markets that feature an impressive collection of local goods from lac/silverware to apparel, bangles and perfumes. The Dargah market is the most lively as the holy shrine is always open to visitors.
12. Pushkar Lake
Located in Ajmer district of Rajasthan and just 1/2 hour drive away from Ajmer City, Pushkar Lake is an important site for Hindu pilgrims visiting Pushkar town, home to the only temple for Lord Brahma in India. A dip in this sacred lake is believed to rid you of the sins of a lifetime.