AjmerSouth west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan

South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Then Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghori, after which Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Deriving its name from “Ajay Meru” meaning the “invincible hill”, Ajmer is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Rajasthan bounded by the Aravalli Hills. 

Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility at one time. However, now it is one of the best public schools in the country. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (14 km.) which has the distinction of having the only Brahma temple in the world. The Picturesque Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), devotees throng in large numbers to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Ajmer was also a favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British. Thus Ajmer was the only region to be directly controlled by the East Indian Company. 

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. The railway station is further south and most of the office lies in the northeast and most of the city’s market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further northwest is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar.

HISTORY

The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan, in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power, till Prithviraj Chauhan, lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Born in Afghanistan, Moinuddin Chisti visited Ajmer and breathed his last here. The houses of Mewar, Malwa and Jodhpur, each ruled for a time, until Akbar annexed it and made the tomb a place of pilgrimage. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left, leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the history of the city, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam. After the Mughals, Ajmer returned to the House of Jodhpur and later the Marathas, till the British annexed it and brought it under their direct rule. 

CULTURE

Ajmer was home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the history of the city, converting it, to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam. It is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. It is also the base for visiting Pushkar, the adobe of Lord Brahma. A sacred spot for Hindus, during the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), devotees throng in large numbers here, to take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake.

FOOD

The city serves varied cuisines (Rajasthani, Mughlai, Indian, Continental, Italian, Chinese and Kosher). However, while the efforts are certainly praiseworthy, the flavours don't come near the authentic ones. So, if you are a food connoisseur, then you would most probably go hungry in Ajmer. Ethnic food-freaks could get a decent dal-batti-choorma at some of the local eateries. Can't vouch on the purity of ghee though! The only hotel offering decent food is the Mansingh Hotel and even that just passes muster. Being a Muslim-dominated city one would expect some dishy kebabs. However, no such luck. Some small shack-type places do offer tandoori stuff but the authentic khana eludes the palate. Those who like to snack are in for a treat as the shops lining the lane to the Ajmer Sharief Dargah serve a mean snack washed down with a jumbo tumbler of fresh juice. Just a tip: Don’t look while the juice is being made, it makes it easier to drink. Mithai is great in Ajmer, especially the ghevar (khoya delight) and you should definitely carry a box back with you. 

ENTERTAINMENT

URS CEREMONIES
The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the 'Jannati-Darwaza' (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning. People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called 'ghusal'. The tomb is then covered with an embroidered silk cloth by the Sajjada Nashin.

At night, religious assemblies called 'mehfils' are held in the 'mehfil khana', a large hall meant for this purpose. These are presided over by the Sajjada Nashin of the dargah.

Qawwalis are sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved for women who attend the 'mehfil'. The 'mehfil' terminates late in the night with a 'fatiha', which is a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general. An interesting ritual is the looting of 'kheer' (milk- pudding), which is cooked in two large cauldrons called 'degs' and distributed to the devotees as 'tabarruk' (blessed food).

On the 6th of Rajab, after the usual 'mehfil' and the sound of cracker-bursts accompanied by music; the Sajjada Nashin performs the ghusal of the tomb. Fatiha and Salamti are read. A poetic recitation called 'mushaira' is arranged in which poets of all communities arrive to recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja. The Qul (end-all) on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.

LOCATION 

Is in eastern Rajasthan and 135 km from Jaipur in the southwest direction. It is easily accessible from major cities like Bikaner (233 km) and Kota (201 km).

How to Reach
By Air

The nearest airport is Jaipur, 135 km/ 2½ hrs away. Indian Airlines and Jet Air offer links with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Udaipur. Sahara connects to Goa, while Alliance flies to both Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. 

By Rail

Ajmer has excellent rail links, being located on the Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line. Connected to Delhi by the Shatabdi Express that operates services all week long except Sundays. Railway Station: In the city centre, near the Dargah.

By Road

Jaipur to Ajmer by road (Europcar, Hertz and Avis have outlets in Jaipur, alternately hire a private taxi) takes about 2½ hrs. Ajmer is well linked by road to Rajasthan as well as other major cities in the country with an excellent network of state and private-run buses. Bus Stand: Near Hotel Khadim (RTDC). Rajasthan State Transport Corporation (RSTC) operates buses from Ajmer to many places in Rajasthan like Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bundi, Bharatpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The bus service to Pushkar is very frequent.

Climate

Summers are blistering with temperatures rising as high as 42°-48°C and dipping at night to 25°-27°C. Winters are chilly with the temperature ranging between 15°C and 4°C. Being in the desert, you can expect pleasant early mornings and cool evenings with very hot in-betweens!

AJMER Sightseeing

Dargah Khwaja Sahib

Revered by all the sects, the landmark of Ajmer, the Dargah Khwaja Sahib, is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. Millions of pilgrims within the country and abroad come here to pay homage at the shrine. The Dargah is the final resting place of the great Sufi saint - Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti - the Bestowed of Boons. Built in the early 13th century, it attracts millions from all the sects and religions, during the six-day celebration of the Urs or death anniversary of Khwaja. Large drums and brass cauldrons brought by Akbar, after the siege of Chittaurgarh as war trophies form the objects of antiquarian interest. The tomb is richly adorned with gold and silver.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra or the two and a half day shed, is a relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle cloistered on all the four sides, having on the inside, a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. It is believed that Shahabuddin Mohammad Ghori ordered that the mosque be made ready for his prayer within two and a half days. It is one of the finest and the largest specimen of the early Muslim mosque that now exists.

Ana Sagar

An alluring artificial lake, it was built in the 12th century and named after Anaji Chauhan. The huge embankment erected with the peoples help, is a fine example of the corporate life in Ajmer at that time.

Mayo College 

Established in 1875 for the ruling elite, it was named after Lord Mayo, the then Governor General of India. Today, one of the premier educational institution of India, it has a museum, displaying historical objects of interest and biological preservation.

Taragarh Fort

The Tara-Sobhita-Garh fort, which is star adorned, overhangs the city like a star. Earlier known as Ajaya-Meru-Durg, it covers an area of 2 to 3 km on the top of the hill. It has some important gates, which made the access to the fort very difficult.

Others

ABDULLAH KHANS TOMB - This white tomb, of the later Mughal period, stands majestically, in the center of the city near the railway station. Abdullah Khan was the father of Husein Ali Khan. AJAIPAL OR AJIPALJI - A scenic spot 6 kms south of Foy Sagar, King Ajaypal, believed to be the founder of Ajmer, became a sanyasi and retired to this place after a long reign. ANDED KI MATA - The temple of Anded ki Mata in the beautiful surroundings, is the site of a fair, held every year on Rakshabandhan in August. Close to Anded ki Mata

• SHOPPING & AROUND :

  Shopping in Ajmer is an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques, curios, fascinating gold and silver jewellery in modern designs, colourful tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered jodhpuri ‘Jutis’. Especially during the annual Urs fair, a range of colourful items and amazing creations of traditional folk aristsans are for sale.

  Dargah Bazaar Ajmer: This shopping area of Ajmer is famous not only its colourful shops but also for bringing out the charm of this beautiful city. This bazaar is tucked in the entrance of the city and makes a wonderful display of a variety of traditional Rajasthani items and products.

  Apart from the various shops of Dargah Bazaar Ajmer, this major shopping area is also famous for its food joints. The different eateries dotting this area are known for serving mouth watering local dishes.

  Mahila Mandi Ajmer: Ajmer shopping is incomplete especially for women without shopping in Mahila Mandi Ajmer. There are a variety of items displayed in the shops of Mahila Mandi. From curios, jewelry, antiques, trinkets, traditional veils, fabrics of tie and dye, decorated shoes to embroidered skirts, perfumes and more, everything related to women are found in Mahila Mandi Ajmer. The huge number of shops dotting this shopping area remains crowded with women throughout the year.

  Apart from the various shopping areas which have made Ajmer a shopper’s paradise, this Rajasthani city is also famous for its Pushkar Fair. The world's biggest camel fair also makes a huge display of handicrafts items which tourists can buy as a souvenir. The handicrafts goods and items come at a reasonable price.

• RESTAURANTS :

  Mango Masala: Located at Sardar Patel Marg, this is a locally popular multi-cuisine restaurant. The menu is extensive and covers pizzas, noodles, North Indian as well as South Indian fare. However, the restaurant is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. Vegetarian Restaurant International Cuisine.

  Location Sardar Patel Marg, Ajmer.

  Honeydew Restaurant: Located at Station Road, this a favourite hangout joint of the Mayo College crowd. Serving vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies, Honeydew offers a selection of Indian, Chinese and Continental preparations. Location : Sardar Patel Marg, Ajmer, Rajasthan.

  Madina Restaurant: The small open air shack Madina opposite the railway station serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Located close to the railway station and specializing in quick service, this eatery is extremely convenient if you have to catch the next train back to your city.

  Mango Curry: Apart from being one of the oldest food joints at Ajmer, this one is known for its perfect ambience too. One of the favoured haunts of students from Mayo College, it's got a relaxed feel around it. Recommended Dishes:- Hyderbadi Vegetarian Biryani and Laal Maas are just two of the favourites here, for there's a lot more in store. Thalis, especially the Rajasthani and Punjabi ones, are a big rage here. Location : Kutchery Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan.