Overview
About Ajmer
Ajmer lies in a valley of the Aravalli hills in central Rajasthan and is one of the most important pilgrimage towns in India. At its heart is the Dargah Sharif, the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which draws devotees of every faith who come to offer flowers, chadars and prayers. The sound of qawwali in the courtyards is an experience that stays with most visitors.
The city has a layered past. It was an important seat of the Chauhan rulers, a favourite of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who walked here on pilgrimage, and later a centre of British administration in Rajputana. That history shows in the hilltop Taragarh Fort, the Akbari Fort and Museum in the city, the ruined mosque of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, and the elegant buildings of Mayo College.
Ana Sagar, an artificial lake built in the 12th century, gives the city a calm centre, with marble pavilions added by Shah Jahan along its bank. Ajmer is also the gateway to Pushkar, the temple town and lake just across the hills, so many travellers combine the two in one trip.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Sufi qawwali
- Ana Sagar lake
- Taragarh Fort
- Gateway to Pushkar
- Sohan halwa
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Ajmer
Shrines & Temples
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The revered tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, entered through grand gateways and filled with pilgrims, flower sellers and qawwals. Huge cauldrons (degs) in the courtyard are used to cook food offerings.
Soniji Ki Nasiyan
A Digambar Jain temple whose hall holds an elaborate gilded model depicting the Jain vision of the universe.
Monuments
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
A short walk from the Dargah, this early Indo-Islamic mosque has a striking screen of arches and pillars reused from older structures.
Taragarh Fort
An old hill fort high above the city, reached by a steep road, with wide views over Ajmer and the Aravallis.
Akbari Fort and Museum
Akbar's fort in the city centre, now a government museum with sculptures, armour and miniature paintings. It is also where the English envoy Sir Thomas Roe met Emperor Jahangir.
Mayo College
A historic school known for its white marble main building in Indo-Saracenic style. It is a working campus, so visits are generally limited to a view from outside unless arranged.
Lakes & Nature
Ana Sagar Lake
A large lake on the city's edge with marble baradaris on the Daulat Bagh side. Evening walks and boat rides here are popular with families.
Foy Sagar Lake
A quieter lake set against the hills, good for sunset views when water levels are high after the monsoon.
Nearby Excursions
Pushkar
About 15 km away over Nag Pahar, Pushkar has a sacred lake ringed by ghats, a famous Brahma temple and the annual camel fair in the month of Kartik.
Kishangarh
A town about 30 km away, known for its school of miniature painting and the Bani Thani style, as well as its marble trade.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Ajmer
- 1
Listen to qawwali at the Dargah
Sit in the courtyard in the evening as qawwals sing devotional songs, one of the most atmospheric experiences in Rajasthan.
- 2
Stroll the Dargah Bazaar
The lanes leading to the shrine sell rose petals, attar, prayer caps, chadars, bangles and sweets.
- 3
Spend an evening at Ana Sagar
Walk through Daulat Bagh and along the lake promenade as the sun sets over the hills.
- 4
Drive up to Taragarh
Take a cab up the winding hill road for the views and to visit the small dargah inside the fort.
- 5
Combine with Pushkar
Spend a day or two in Pushkar for its ghats, temples, cafes and desert landscapes.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Ajmer
The best time to visit Ajmer is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 43°C
Hot and dry with strong afternoon sun. Pilgrims visit year-round, but sightseeing is tiring at this time.
Monsoon
July to September
24°C to 34°C
Modest rainfall cools the city and fills the lakes, turning the surrounding hills green.
Winter
October to March
8°C to 28°C
The most pleasant season, with sunny days and cool nights. The Pushkar camel fair usually falls in October or November.
Getting there
How to Reach Ajmer
By Air
Kishangarh Airport, about 30 km from Ajmer, has a limited number of domestic flights. Jaipur International Airport, about 135 km away, is better connected and is the more common choice.
By Rail
Ajmer Junction is well connected to Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Udaipur, and the Ajmer Shatabdi is a popular fast option on the Delhi–Jaipur–Ajmer route.
By Road
Ajmer lies on the national highway between Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Jaipur is about 135 km away and Delhi about 400 km. State and private buses run frequently, and Pushkar is a short ride by bus or taxi.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Ajmer
Sohan halwa
A dense, chewy sweet made with ghee, sugar and dry fruits, sold by the box near the Dargah and a favourite gift to take home.
Kadhi kachori
A spicy fried kachori dunked in tangy kadhi, a popular breakfast across the city.
Dal baati churma
Rajasthan's classic meal of baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crushed churma.
Mughlai dishes near the Dargah
The lanes around the shrine serve biryani, kebabs and nihari to hungry pilgrims.
Malpua in Pushkar
Sweet, syrupy pancakes fried in ghee, the speciality to try on a Pushkar side trip.
What to Buy in Ajmer
- Attar and rose products from Dargah Bazaar
- Lac bangles and silver jewellery
- Kishangarh-style miniature paintings
- Sohan halwa and other sweets
Travel Tips for Ajmer
- Cover your head at the Dargah; scarves and caps are sold at the entrance stalls.
- Keep valuables secure, as the lanes around the shrine are extremely crowded.
- Expect very large crowds during the Urs, the saint's death anniversary, which follows the Islamic calendar and shifts every year.
- Pushkar is a holy town where meat, eggs and alcohol are not permitted.
FAQs
Ajmer Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Ajmer?
October to March is the best time to visit Ajmer, when the weather is cool and comfortable for walking around the Dargah, lakes and forts.
How many days are enough for Ajmer?
One day is enough for the Dargah, Ana Sagar and the main monuments. Plan two to three days if you want to include Pushkar.
What is Ajmer famous for?
Ajmer is famous for the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ana Sagar lake, Taragarh Fort and its closeness to Pushkar. Its sohan halwa is also well known.
How far is Pushkar from Ajmer?
Pushkar is about 15 km from Ajmer, around half an hour by road over the hills.
Can people of all religions visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah?
Yes. The Dargah welcomes visitors of every faith. Dress modestly and keep your head covered inside.
Which is the nearest airport to Ajmer?
Kishangarh Airport is the nearest, about 30 km away, while Jaipur International Airport, about 135 km away, offers many more flights.
