Tourist places in and around Ajmer

Dargah of Garib Nawaz Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti

The dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti is located at the foot of a small and barren hill in Ajmer. There are two huge cauldrons in the courtyard of the dargah with a capital of 2,240 kg and 4,480 kg respectively.

The Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti lies in eternal rest at this dargah (mausoleum) located at the foot of a barren hill in Ajmer. Humayun constructed the shrine, and the Nizam of Hyderabad built the carved silver Buland Darwaza (Gateway to the Dargah). A silver railing surrounds the tomb of the saint. There is a separate prayer room for women, which is said to have been constructed by Shahjahan's daughter Chimni Begum. The dargah also has within it the tomb of the saint's daughter - Bibi The landmark of Ajmer revered by all the sects is regarded as one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. Thousands of pilgrims come here to pay homage at the shrine which is the final resting place of the great Sufi saint, khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, the Bestower of Boons better known as Garib Nawaz. The sacred shrine or Dargah, built in the early 13th century, is approached through a massive gate with silver doors. The Buland Darwaza, or great gate, leads to the second courtyard.

The Dargah has two massive cauldrons, which is used to prepare the holy offering of rice, dry fruits and condiments.

This 13th century Dargah is one the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. It is the final resting place of the great sufi saint - Khwaja Moinuddin chishti, the ‘Bestower of Boons' popularly known as ‘Garib Nawaz' or the protector of the poor'. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world flock here to seek the blessings and pay homage to the Khwaja, by offering chadars at the grave of the holy soul. The dargah has a massive gate with silver doors, which were built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The tomb richly adorned with gold and silver lies in a magnificent domed chamber in the centre of the second courtyard. Qawwals from all over the world come here to sing in the praise of the saint. On the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari Masjid built in white mable by Akbar. There is another impressive mosque built by shahjahan. Other attractions in the shrine are the two massive degs (cauldrons) in which the ritual rice is cooked. The smaller deg has a capacity of about 2240kg. And the larger one can hold 4480kg. of rice. The ‘looting ‘of deg is a unique ritual, as professional ‘looters' empty the deg in minutes and even jump in the steaming deg. This ‘loot' is then sold as tabarruk (sanctified food) by the most important vent of Ajmer. Durning this time millions of devotees from all sects and religions gather here.

Hafiz Jama.

In the courtyard of the dargah are two immense cauldrons with a capacity of 2,240 kilograms and 4,480 kilograms respectively. During the Urs, kheer (a sweet porridge) and khichdi (a savoury porridge) are cooked in these cauldrons and distributed among the pilgrims. An interesting ritual related to the cauldrons is the looting of the kheer. Inside the complex, there are also the Akbar Masjid and the Shahjahan Masjid. It is said that Akbar used to visit this dargah every year.

Tara Garh Fort

Tara Garh Fort,Places to See in Ajmer, Ajmer Tourist Attractions, Ajmer Pushkar, Dargah of Garib Nawaz Built in 1100 AD by Ajayapal Chauhan on a hilltop, the Tara Garh Fort gives a birds-eye view of Ajmer city. It is also known as the Star Fort. A winding uphill path leads to this rectangular fort whose walls are approximately four-and-a-half-meter thick. Although the Fort is today in ruins, it is of historical interest as it is the first fort to have been built on a hill in India. With the construction of this Fort, the hill was believed to have become invincible. Hence, Ajayapal Chauhan named the place as Ajai Meru, which means an invincible hill. On the way up to the Tara Garh Fort is a graveyard of Muslim martyrs who died while storming this Fort.

Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra

Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day shelter) is situated on the outskirts of Ajmer. It is said that the present mosque here was once a Sanskrit college. But in 1198 AD, the invader Mohammed Ghori converted the building into a mosque within two-and-a-half days. Hence the name. But some believe that it is named after a festival which carried on for two-and-a-half days. Today the mosque, which has seven arched walls with Islamic calligraphy, stands in ruins, abandoned.

Ana Sagar Lake

Located towards the north of Ajmer city this beautiful lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD, by damming the river Luni. Later the Mughal emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', Shah Jahan built a marble pavilion and the Daulat Bagh gardens were laid by Jehangir.

This lovely lake was constructed by King Anaji (1135-1150 AD), the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, at a picturesque site located to the north of Ajmer. Next to the lake are the Daulat Bagh Gardens set up by Emperor Jehangir. Shahjahan added the Baradari (marble pavilion) to the lake. An embankment built between two hillocks-Bajrang Garh and Khobra Bherun (named after the Hindu temples built on them) forms the Lake.

Ana Sagar is an artificial lake created by damming the river Luni. On its banks are the fine parks, the Daulat Bagh and Subhash Bagh, with a series of marble pavilions that were erected in 1637 by Emperor Shah Jehan. There is an island in the centre of the lake and it is a popular place for evening stroll.

A large artificial lake created in the 12th Century against a beautiful backdrop of hilly terrrian. On its bank, is a beautiful park, the Daulat Bagh, featuring a series of marble pavillons built in 1637 by Shah Jahan.

This beautiful lake was built by king Anaji, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan at a picturesque site located to the north of Ajmer. Daulat Bagh Gardens, which was created Jahangir, is located next to the lake.

This beautiful 12th century artificial lake is named after Anaji chauhan. Its huge embankment was erected with people's help, while the ‘Baradari' or pavilions were constructed by shah Jajan and the Daulat Bagh gardens was laid by Jehangir.

Visal Sar

The pristine lake amidst sylvan surroundings was built by king Visaldeva (1152-1163 AD) and is designed like the sacred Pushkar lake.

Prithviraj chauhan smarak

The memorial on the way to Taragarh Fort commemorates Prithviraj chauhan, the last Hindu emperor of India. A life-size statue of the king is erected amidst well laid-ot gardens.

Mayo College

Built in 1873 AD, Mayo College is one of India's finest public schools, and is also another major attraction of Ajmer. It was founded to provide liberal education to young Indian princes on the lines of the English public schools. Earlier, it was known as the 'Eton' of the Rajput kingdom.

Dargah Ajmer

This is a splendid tomb of the Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, who is revered as one of the greatest relievers of sufferings. Located on the foot of the Taragarh Hill, the Dargah is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and gateways. The main entrance to the tomb is the Buland Darwaza, which is also the site of the hoisting of a white flag to mark the beginning of Urs Festival. On either side of the Buland Darwaza are two huge degs or cauldrons, in which the tabarruk or holy food is cooked and distributed among the devotees or Urs. The Mahfilkhana is a hall, which is only used for 6 days to host qawaalis during the Urs festival. A particularly interesting piece of architecture is the silver Begami Dalaan, which is an ornately done portico over the main shrine. As you enter the shrine through this, a typical fragrance of sandal paste and attar, with which the tomb is anointed everyday, engulfs you. The main tomb is covered with a canopy fitted with real pearls and embroidered in gold and silver. A silver railing surrounds the tomb and devotees throng this place to offer flowers, sandalwood paste and incense sticks. Other interesting structures within the dargah complex include the Mazhar of Bibi Hafiz Jamal and Aulia Masjid, both used to recite the holy Koran. An interesting Mughal construction is the Jama Masjid, which has all 99 names of Allah and the 33 Koranic verses carved on the walls. Similarly, the Shah Jahan Mosque is made of white marble and covered in delicate carvings. The Jannati Darwaza, created in silver is opened during Id and Urs and it is believed that walking through the gate 7 times grants you a place in heaven! The Langar Khana is used to provide food twice a day to the poor and the Jahalra is the main source of water in the dargah.

At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India's most important Piligrimage centre for people from all faith. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, more popularly known as Khwaja Sharif. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by pilgrims irrespective of their faith. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfilment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah. The entry to the Dargah is through the Buland Darwaza that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 Kg and 4480 Kg. On special occasions, Kheer cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims. The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The daughter of Shah Jahan had built a prayer room in the Dargah for the women devotees. The primises of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of Saint's daughter-Bili Hafiz Jama, tomb of Shah Jahan's daughter Chimni Begum.

Nasiyan Jain Temple

This Jain temple showcases an exhibition on the Jain world view.

Greatly revered by the Digambar sect of the Jains, the Red (Nasiyan) Temple located on Prithvi Raj Road is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankar Rishabhadeoji. It also has a museum alongside the temple. It is notable that Ajmer has a large population of Jains, who constitute almost 25 per cent of the town's total population. The construction of the Temple was started in 1864 AD and it was opened to public in 1895 AD. The first floor or the Swarna Nagari (city of gold) hall houses an astonishing reconstruction of the Jain concept of the Universe, with gold plated replicas of every Jain Temple in India. It is estimated that over 1,000 kilogram of gold have been used here. The hall has depictions of scenes from Jain mythology, and of the ancient towns of Ayodhya and Prayag. The inner sanctum has silver balls suspended from its ceiling and is surmounted by a vimana (spire).

Nasiyan Jain Temple is a striking red Jain temple (Digambar), situated in the centre of the town. The main hall is exceptionally beautiful with gold and silver adornments. Within the temple there is a splendid display of wooden gilt representations, glass engravings and paintings reciting the Jain faith about the creation of the world.

Akbar's Palace/ Daulat Khana/ Government Museum Located near the east wall of the city, the Daulat Khana was once the palace of the Emperor Akbar. It has now been converted into a Government Museum.

Mayo College,Places to See in Ajmer, Ajmer Tourist Attractions, Ajmer Pushkar, Dargah of Garib Nawaz Located centrally in Ajmer, this temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara and is considered one of the finest Jain temples in the country. The main sanctum has a double storeyed hall, which contains gilded wooden figures from the Jain mythology. The hall is decorated with precious stones, silver and gold work. Visit the first floor, which houses amazing gold plated replicas of every Jain Temple in the country - thereby earning it the name Swarna Nagari (city of gold)! Carvings of Jain mythology and precious stones adorn the walls and silver balls are hung from the ceilings.

Open from: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Nasiyan Jain Temple is located on Prithviraj Road and devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdeji. The temple is greatly revered by the Digambar sect of Jains. There is a museum alongside the temple.

The famous Digambar Jai temple was constructed in 1865. The Svarna Nagari Hall, behind the shrine exhibits gilt wooden representations of scenes from Jain mythology.

Also famous as Lal Mandir, it consists of models of human development & Jain Purans engraved in main hall. Models of Ayodhya & the panch Kalyanak are present in he other part of the temple. This red coloured Jain temple was built in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed. Built in the year 1865 by Rai Bahadur seth Mool Chand Soni of Ajmer. The temple consists of two parts, the first portion is the worship area for Jain community where idol of Lord Adinath the first of the 24 tirthsnkars, of Jain religion is installed. The second portion is the museum section where the five stages (Panch Kalyanak) in the life of Lord Adinath have been depicted in the form of statues. The 40 x 80 feet hall is exquisitely done up in pure gold, Belgium stain glass, mineral colour paintings and stain glasswork. Thus this two-story museum is a treat to the Soul.

Adhai-din-Ka-Jhonpra or "Two and a half day shed"

Not a hut, as the name might suggest, but a mosque created in Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It is so called because it apparently took just 2 ½ days to build this edifice! This mosque is built over what was once a Sanskrit learning centre and verses from the Koran are inscribed in its walls. The mosque has a carved tower, which was used to chant prayers and the main hall has lattice-style windows to let sunlight pass through it. The 124 pillars that support the entire structure are unique in the way that no two pillars are the same! It is a relic of an old mosque, consisting of a quadrangle, cloistered on all four sides and having on the inside a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. Tradition attributes the Mosque to Mohammed Ghori, who it is believed ordered that it be built and readied for his namaz (prayers) within 2 ½ days.

The relics of an old mosque lies to the west of dargah. It was originally a sanskrit college, within a temple enclisure and was destroyed by Mohammad Ghauri in 1193. It is said that he ordered, the mosque to be made ready on this site for his prayer within two and a half days. The archways are adorned with intricate carvings depicting kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the holy koran.

A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo Islamic architecture located on the outskirts of the city. Just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohammad Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days (adhai-din) and hence the name. The district pillars and arched screen with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.

Taragarh Fort or the ‘star fort' (8 km)

Almost a 30 mins climb beyond the Adhai-Din-ka-Jhopra, this fort is perched on the Taragarh Hill and offers excellent views of the city. The fort was the site of the military activity during the Mughal period and later used as a sanatorium by the British troops stationed at Nasirabad. The fort walls are carved with stone sculptures of elephants and houses a large canon, huge stone water reservoirs and a tomb dedicated to the warrior Miran Saheb.

Earlier known as Ajaymeru Durg. It overthangs the city like a star and is nearly 2-3 kms in circumference on top of the hill. The fort is also called Garth Beetli in the rural songs, as it is built on the hill locally called Beetli.

The first hill fort of India was built in 1100 by Ajayapal Chauhan. The fort gives excellent views of the town below and is also known as the star Fort. IT has a thickness of four and a half metre, and a winding uphill path leads to this rectangular fort.

The 7th century fort built by Ajaipal chauhan is perched atop a hill and was earlier known as Ajaya-Meru-Durg. It is nearly 2-3kms. in circumference and has 9 impregnable gates.

A steep one and half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military activity during the Mughal period later used as a sanatorium by the British.

Akbar's Palace

The erstwhile royal residence of Akbar, today it houses the Ajmer Museum or Magazine. Some of the interesting artifacts on display are old weapons, miniature paintings, ancient rock inscriptions, Jain sculptures and stone carvings.

Open from: 10 am-4.30 pm

Mayo College

One of the oldest and finest boys' schools, the building is made in marble and is housed amidst well-kept gardens. The architecture has a certain Victorian style and the eleven houses where the boys stay are named after eleven princely states. Along with education, this school is especially known for excelling in various competitions and sports. You can also visit the museum within its premises.

Established in 1857 for the ruling elite, it was named after Lord Mayo, the then Governor-General of India. Today, it is one of the premier educational institutions of India and admission is open to all.

This elite public school was established in 1875, for providing education to the children of the royal families in the country. Today, it is one of the premiere educational institutions of India and is open to everybody. There is a museum displaying historical objects interest and biologicalo preservation.

One of Indian's best public schools located in the south east of the city. It was founded in 1875 AD. only for the princes. Each prince along with his entire retinue and an English tutor had his own house in the spacious college grounds covering 81 hectares. Now it is a public school open to all.

Circuit House

It was formerly the British Residency. One can also view the shrine of the Hindu reformer and founder of the Arya Samaj movement, Swami Dayanand saraswati. Who passed away in Ajmer.

It overlooks the Ana Sagar lake and was formerly the British Residency. Nearby, is the cenotaph and shrine of swami Dayanand saraswati, the founder of Arya samaj movement, who breathed his last at Ajmer.

Lakes

Among the most popular lakes and picnic spots is the Ana Sagar Lake, an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The catchments and adjoining parks are popular hangouts. Foy Sagar Lake is another artificial lake located outside the town.

Khorba Bheroon

The temple of Bheroonji, on the southern embankment of Ana Sagar, is a picturesque spot. It commands an excellent view of the lake in the Daulat tradition has it that, unless a newly-wed couplt prompty proceeds to pay respect at the temple, the naughty god will play some prank to disturb their married life.

Magazine

Magazine is the innermost portion of the fort constructed by Akbar, whose main entrance faces Naya Bazar and is provided with balconies (Jharokhas) on both the sides where he use to attend to political matters as well as pay homage at the sacred shrine of Garib Nawaz. Later on, Emperor Jahangir used to appear in these Jharokhas, during his stay in Ajmer, to hear the complaints of the common man. Later, it was used as the "Rajputana Arsenal" and earned the popular name Magazine.

This innermost portion of the fort constucted by Akbar is the most important relic of Mughal history in the city. The main entrance to the building faces Naya Bazar and is provided with balconies (jharokhas) on both sides. Sir Thomas roe, the British envoy, presented his credentials to Jahangir over here.

Rajputna Museum

The Government of India built this museum for the preservation and study of the unique and rare relics collected from the various states of Rajputana.

It was set up by the Govt. of India for preservation and study of unique and rare relics collected from the various states of Rajputana.

Sai Baba Temple

Sai Baba temple is constructed by Mr. Suresh K. Lal who is a resident of this Garib Nawaz City, but now he is settled in Koba, Japan. It was inaugurated on 2nd Jan 1999.This Beautiful temple is constructed in Ajay Nagar in a plot of 5 beeghas it is at a distance of 5 kms. from railway station.

Ajaipal (6 km)

King Ajaypal, believed to be the founder of Ajmer, became a saynasi (sage) and retired to this place after a long reign.

Foy Sagar (5 km)

Situated on the outskirts of the city this picturesque lake is named after the engineer responsible for it construction.

This artificial lake was build during a famine relief programme. Named after the engineer responsible for its construction, the picturesque lake is 5 km from Ajmer.

Kishangarh (30 km)

It is a veritable treasure house of art and is renowned the world over for its miniature paintings.

Kishangarh, located on National Highway 8, was the capital of a princely state ruled by the Rathors. During the brief span of twenty years between 1737 and 1757, Kishangarh art was at its zenith. Crown prince Savant Singh (1699-1764) was a guiding force behind the strong devotional fervor at the court and rejuvenation of paintings suffused with the spiritual yearning of a soul in quest of the Lord. With Savant Singh, however, bhakti became an increasing obsession until he became completely indifferent to his princely status. He wrote devotional poetry under the name of Nagari Das, making Krishna his hero. The main attractions in Kishangarh are its Fort and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), now converted into a hotel. The town is a rich storehouse of marbles.

Mangliyawas (26 km)

It is known for the two very old trees, one of the rarest species Adansonia Digitata Linn-popularly knopwn as ‘kaipa-Vriksha'.

The Museum

Once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum houses a rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput armor and exquisite sculptures.

Quick Getaways

Pushkar (12 km)

This picturesque pilgrim centre nestling amidst the rugged Aravali hills is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage for Hindus and is referred as ‘Tirth Raj' or the the ‘king of pilgrime centre'. It is believed that a pilgrimage to the sacred ‘char Dhams' (Badrinath at Uttaranchal,Jagannath at Orissa, Rameshwaram at Tamil nadu and Dwarka at Gujarat) is incomplete without a holy dip in the sacred waters of Pushkar. According to ‘Padam Puran', Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a vedic yagna. While contemplating, a lotus petal fell down from his hand on the earth and water spurted from three places, one of them was Pushkar and Brahma decided to perform his yagna over here. The sleepy town comes to life during the annual Pushkar fair held on kartik Purnima. It has emerged as a major tourist attraction of the region, as toruists from all parts of the world gather here for this colourful fair.

Pushkar, 12 km from Ajmer, the specific full moon of November renders excitement in the air, for this is the time when the world-famous camel fair of Pushkar takes place. Thousands of traders come here with their families to trade in camels, visit the holy temples and take a dip in Pushkar's lake. However, few know that before the camel trade begins, a massive horse fair starts, so celebrations continue for almost a fortnight.

The sacred lake of Pushkar is believed by Hindus to be as old as creation, as the temple of Brahma has been a place of pilgrimage from time immemorial. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake Kishangarh , is 27 km from Ajmer and was once the centre of art and culture. Some of the finest miniatures ever witnessed were created here. Of these, the most famous to look out for is the famous paintings of Bani Thani, the royal mistress used by painters as a model for Radha- the icon of the Kishangarh School. Also, the Phool Mahal Palace (now a heritage hotel), and the Roopangarh Fort, 25 km from Kishangarh are must-sees.

Pushkar, the quiet little town of eastern Rajasthan, is located 11 km from Ajmer, on the edge of a small and beautiful lake. Pushkar is a city of 400 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma. Every November, Pushkar comes alive with the vibrancy and colour of the famous Pushkar Fair and the full moon festivities at the Ghats.