Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Ajmer Sharif (Rajasthan)

The city of Ajmer has been witness to numerous vicissitudes throughout its history spanning 1400 years. From Shah Jehan proclaiming himself the Emperor of India here and Sir Thomas Roe having his audience with Mughal emperor Jehangir to being the site of the furious battle between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh, Ajmer has seen it all. The city occupies a position at the foot of a 800-feet-high mountain, inviting both tourists and pilgrims from across the globe. The biggest draw for visitors here is of course the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Ajmer has a number of other attractions that give you an insight into the fascinating history of India.



Ajmer Fast Facts
State : Rajasthan
Area : 241.58 sq km
Population : 5 lacs (2001)
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi, English & Rajasthani
Best Time to Visit : October to March
STD Code : 0145



Ajmer Tourist Attractions
The city of Ajmer has a lot of history and numerous legends to boast. There are a number of historic sites for you to see. The biggest attraction, however, is the Dargah of Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

Taragarh Fort
Located at a distance of 3 km from the city, the fort sits on a hilltop. The fort was constructed by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city. A steep climb takes you to the top from where you can feast your eyes on wonderful panoramic views of the city.


Dargah of Gharib Nawaz
The Dargah Sharif is the mausoleum of sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The shrine is frequented both by Hindus and Muslims and the sight, particularly during the Urs Festival captures one's imagination.

Ana Sagar Lake
A major attraction for both tourists and pilgrims, the Ana Sagar Lake was founded by Anaji between 1135 and 1150 AD. The lake was further prettified by the Mughal emperors as it caught their eye. The Daulat Bagh gardens, close to the lake, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Considered to be the first significant Islamic structure to be erected in India, the monument has many legends revolving around it. Though the structure has fallen upon bad times, it has seven arched walls with Islamic calligraphy works on them.



Mayo College
Built back in the 1873 AD, this college is still being considered to be one of the finest public schools in the country. At the time it was built, it was meant for Indian princes and wards of the colonial rulers.

Ajmer Air/Rail/Road Links
The nearest airport from Ajmer is the Sanganer Airport of Jaipur (138 km). The airport operates regular flights connecting to important Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad and Ahmedabad. The railhead at Ajmer has frequent trains running to the key destinations of the country. By road, Ajmer can be accessed from Agra (370 km), Delhi (444 km), Bharatpur (312 km), Bikaner (234 km), Chittaurgarh (182 km), Jaipur (138 km), Jaisalmer (458 km), Jodhpur (205 km), Kota (178 km), Mount Abu (371 km) and Udaipur (269 km).