Ajmer

Ajmer (Hindi: अजमेर) is a historic city set in a valley of the Aravalli hills in central Rajasthan. It was founded in the 7th century by the Chauhan dynasty and became a major centre after the 12th century, passing through Chauhan, Sultanate, Mughal and British hands. Its enduring fame rests on the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the shrine of the revered 12th-century Sufi saint, which draws pilgrims of all faiths and is one of the most important Muslim pilgrimage sites in South Asia.

The city is built around the artificial lake Ana Sagar, with the rugged Taragarh hill rising above it. Ajmer is also the gateway to Pushkar, just 15 km west over a hill, and home to the prestigious Mayo College. Its bazaars throng with pilgrims, and the atmosphere around the Dargah is intense, especially during the annual Urs festival.

The best time to visit is October to March. Summers are hot (often above 40°C) and the monsoon brings modest rain from July to September. The Urs festival (timing follows the Islamic calendar) brings huge crowds.

By Plane

Ajmer has no commercial airport of its own. The nearest is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about 135 km northeast (around 2.5 hours by road). Kishangarh Airport (KQH), about 30 km away, has limited flights on select routes; confirm schedules before relying on it.

By Train

Ajmer Junction (AII) is a major station on the Delhi–Jaipur–Ahmedabad line, with frequent trains to Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Chittorgarh. The station is central and within reach of the Dargah by auto. Book ahead via IRCTC, especially around Urs.

By Car / Road

Ajmer is on NH 48. From Jaipur it is about 135 km (2.5 hours); from Pushkar about 15 km (30 minutes); from Udaipur about 270 km (5 hours); from Jodhpur about 200 km (4 hours). RSRTC and private buses run frequently to Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur and beyond.

Autorickshaws and shared tempos are the main local transport; the area around the Dargah is congested and best navigated on foot. Agree auto fares before riding. Taxis can be hired for the short hop to Pushkar over the hill. App cabs are available but less plentiful than in Jaipur.

• Dargah Sharif (Ajmer Sharif) — the marble shrine complex of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, with its great gates, courtyards and degs (cauldrons); cover your head and dress modestly.

• Adhai Din ka Jhonpra — a striking 12th-century mosque built from the remains of earlier temples, with a finely carved screen.

• Taragarh Fort — a hilltop fort above the city with sweeping views.

• Ana Sagar Lake — a 12th-century artificial lake with marble pavilions (baradari) added by Shah Jahan, pleasant for an evening stroll.

• Akbari Fort & Museum (Magazine) — the Mughal-era fort housing a museum of Rajput and Mughal artefacts.

• Nasiyan (Soni Ji ki Nasiyan) Jain Temple — known for its astonishing gilded hall depicting the Jain cosmology.

• Make the pilgrimage to the Dargah, ideally in the evening when qawwali singers perform.

• Walk or boat along Ana Sagar Lake at sunset.

• Climb to Taragarh Fort for the views.

• Day-trip to Pushkar (15 km) for the Brahma Temple and lakeside ghats.

• Visit the gilded Nasiyan Jain Temple in the city centre.

Ajmer's food reflects its pilgrim culture, with hearty Mughlai and Rajasthani fare. Specialities include sohan halwa (a dense sweet) and rich non-vegetarian dishes near the Dargah, alongside vegetarian Rajasthani thalis. Recommendations:

• Dargah-area eateries for biryani, kebabs and Mughlai dishes (budget).
• Madina Hotel and similar near the Dargah for non-vegetarian fare (budget).
• Mango Masala on Station Road — a popular multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant (mid-range).
• Local sweet shops for sohan halwa and Rajasthani sweets. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is widely available.

Try masala chai, lassi and fresh juices, widely sold around the bazaars and Dargah. As a major pilgrimage city, central Ajmer has limited alcohol service, though some hotels and restaurants outside the Dargah area serve it where licensed. Use bottled or filtered water and avoid uncovered street ice.

• Budget: numerous pilgrim guesthouses and dharamshalas near the Dargah, plus budget hotels around the station, from roughly ₹600–1,500.
• Mid-range: Hotel Ajmeru and other Station Road hotels, and lakeside options near Ana Sagar — roughly ₹2,000–4,500.
• Upscale / heritage: The Ananta Spa & Resort on the outskirts and heritage-style hotels near Ana Sagar — typically ₹6,000 and up; many visitors also stay in Pushkar nearby.

Around the Dargah, shops sell rose petals, attar (perfume oils), prayer caps, chadars and religious souvenirs. The Naya Bazaar and Madar Gate areas offer textiles, silver jewellery and handicrafts. Ajmer is also known for rose and kewra products. Bargaining is normal in the bazaars; the Dargah-area shops cater heavily to pilgrims.

• Pushkar (~15 km, ~30 min) — the Brahma Temple, holy lake and camel fair.
• Jaipur (~135 km, ~2.5 hr) — the Pink City.
• Kishangarh (~30 km, ~45 min) — known for its miniature-painting school and marble market.
• Udaipur (~270 km, ~5 hr) — the City of Lakes.
• Jodhpur (~200 km, ~4 hr) — the Blue City.
• Bundi (~165 km, ~3.5 hr) — stepwells and a painted palace.