Ajmer is a historic city located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and famous pilgrimage sites. Here are some places to visit in Ajmer:
Ajmer Sharif Dargah: It is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims in India.
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra: It is a mosque that was built in the 12th century and is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.
Ana Sagar Lake: It is a scenic artificial lake located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Aravalli Hills.
Taragarh Fort: It is a hilltop fort that was built in the 14th century and offers panoramic views of the city.
Nareli Jain Temple: It is a Jain temple that is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Akbari Fort and Museum: It is a historic fort that was built in the 16th century and now houses a museum showcasing the history and culture of Ajmer.
Daulat Bagh: It is a beautiful garden located near the Ana Sagar Lake and is a popular picnic spot.
Pushkar: It is a small town located near Ajmer and is famous for its Pushkar Camel Fair, Brahma Temple, and Pushkar Lake.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Ajmer. Be sure to plan your trip in advance and hire a guide to get a better understanding of the city’s history and culture.
Best Time To Visit Ajmer
The best time to visit Ajmer is from October to March, which is the winter season in India. The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are sunny and the nights are cool, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The annual Urs festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is also held during this time and is a major attraction. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months of April to June, as temperatures can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Ajmer
There are many things to do in Ajmer. Here are some popular activities:
Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah – This is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, and is one of the most important religious sites in India.
Explore the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra – This is a mosque that was originally a Jain temple, and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Visit the Ana Sagar Lake – This is a beautiful lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is a popular picnic spot.
Take a stroll through the Daulat Bagh – This is a beautiful garden that was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Explore the Taragarh Fort – This is a 12th-century fort that offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to explore the history and culture of Ajmer.
Take a day trip to Pushkar – This is a nearby town that is famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair, and is also home to many temples and holy lakes.
Enjoy some local cuisine – Ajmer is famous for its delicious vegetarian cuisine, which includes dishes like dal baati churma, kachori, and lassi.
How to get around in Ajmer
Here are the ways to get around in Ajmer:
Auto-rickshaws – Auto-rickshaws are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Ajmer. They are easily available and can take you to most places in the city.
Taxis – Taxis are also available in Ajmer, and are a good option for those who want more comfort and privacy. You can either hire a taxi for the day or for a specific trip.
Buses – The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operates buses within the city and to nearby towns. Buses are an affordable option, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Walking – Ajmer is a relatively small city, and many of the popular sights are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a good option if you want to explore the city at your own pace.
Cycle-rickshaws – Cycle-rickshaws are also available in Ajmer and are a good option for short distances. They are cheaper than auto-rickshaws and taxis, but can be slower.
It is important to negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw or a taxi, as they do not run on meters.
Where to eat in Ajmer
Ajmer, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a city famous for its rich history and culture. It is also known for its delicious food, which includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here are some of the best places to eat in Ajmer:
Kanha Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its vegetarian Rajasthani thali, which includes dal baati churma, kadhi, and a variety of vegetables. It is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Honeydew Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its Chinese and Indian cuisine. It is located near the Ajmer Railway Station.
Kebabs & Curries Company: This restaurant is a part of the Marriott hotel in Ajmer and is known for its kebabs and curries. It is located near the Ana Sagar Lake.
Ambrosia Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its North Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is located near the Pushkar Road.
Mango Masala: This restaurant is known for its North Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. It is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Kesar Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its vegetarian food and sweets. It is located near the Dargah Sharif.
The Royal Melange Beacon Hotel: This hotel has a rooftop restaurant that offers a panoramic view of the city. It is known for its North Indian and Continental cuisine.
Sankalp: This restaurant is famous for its South Indian cuisine, especially dosas and idlis. It is located near the Dargah Sharif.
These are some of the best places to eat in Ajmer. However, there are many other restaurants and street food stalls in the city that offer delicious food. It is always recommended to try the local street food as well.
Famous street stalls in Ajmer
Ajmer is known for its delicious street food. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Ajmer:
Khadim’s: This is a famous street food stall in Ajmer that offers a variety of vegetarian food options such as samosas, kachoris, and pakoras. The stall is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Jain Mawa Bhandar: This is a famous sweet shop in Ajmer that offers a variety of sweets, especially mawa kachoris, which are a specialty of Ajmer. The shop is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Chote Lal Samose Wale: This is a famous street food stall in Ajmer that offers delicious samosas filled with a variety of fillings such as peas, potatoes, and paneer. The stall is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Biryani Mahal: This is a famous street food stall in Ajmer that offers delicious biryanis. The stall is located near the Ajmer Railway Station.
Sardar Samosa: This is a famous street food stall in Ajmer that offers delicious samosas filled with a variety of fillings such as peas, potatoes, and paneer. The stall is located near the Ana Sagar Lake.
Kanha Sweets: This is a famous sweet shop in Ajmer that offers a variety of sweets such as gulab jamuns, rasgullas, and pedas. The shop is located near the Dargah Sharif.
Madhuram Sweets: This is a famous sweet shop in Ajmer that offers a variety of sweets such as laddoos, barfis, and pedas. The shop is located near the Dargah Sharif.
These are some of the famous street stalls in Ajmer that offer delicious food. It is always recommended to try the local street food when visiting a new place.
Where to stay in Ajmer
Luxury accommodation
Ajmer, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, offers a range of luxury accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best luxury hotels to stay in Ajmer:
The Gateway Resort, Ajmer: This is a luxury resort located near the Ana Sagar Lake. It offers comfortable rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options.
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa: This is a luxury resort located in the nearby town of Pushkar, about 15 kilometers from Ajmer. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options.
The Royal Heritage Haveli: This is a luxury heritage hotel located in the outskirts of Ajmer. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options.
The Ajmer Palace Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located near the Dargah Sharif. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options.
Hotel Mansingh Palace: This is a luxury hotel located near the Ana Sagar Lake. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options.
These are some of the best luxury hotels to stay in Ajmer. However, there are many other luxury hotels and resorts in the city that offer comfortable and luxurious accommodation options. It is always recommended to check online reviews and ratings before booking any accommodation.
Where to stay in Ajmer
Budget accommodation
Ajmer, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, offers a range of budget accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses to stay in Ajmer:
Zostel Ajmer: This is a budget hostel located near the Dargah Sharif. It offers dormitory-style accommodation and private rooms, a common room, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Ajmer Inn: This is a budget hotel located near the Ajmer Railway Station. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Kanak Sagar: This is a budget hotel located near the Dargah Sharif. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Vega Inn: This is a budget hotel located near the Ana Sagar Lake. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Plaza Inn: This is a budget hotel located near the Ajmer Railway Station. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
These are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses to stay in Ajmer. However, there are many other budget hotels and guesthouses in the city that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options. It is always recommended to check online reviews and ratings before booking any accommodation.
Travel Tips Ajmer
Ajmer, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, and spiritual significance. Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Ajmer:
Dress appropriately: Ajmer is a conservative city, and it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places such as the Dargah Sharif. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing.
Be respectful: Ajmer is a holy city, and it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions. When visiting the Dargah Sharif, remove your shoes and cover your head. Do not touch the holy relics or take photographs without permission.
Stay hydrated: Ajmer can get very hot, especially during the summer months. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Bargain while shopping: Ajmer is known for its colorful bazaars and street markets, where you can buy traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. However, it is important to bargain while shopping to get a good deal.
Try the local cuisine: Ajmer is known for its delicious street food, especially the mawa kachoris and biryanis. Do try the local cuisine and explore the city’s culinary delights.
Hire a local guide: To make the most of your trip to Ajmer, consider hiring a local guide who can show you around and give you insights into the city’s history and culture.
Be cautious of scams: Like any other tourist destination, Ajmer also has its share of scams. Be cautious of touts, fake guides, and people offering to take you to places off the beaten path. Always use your discretion and common sense.
These are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Ajmer. Remember to stay safe, respect the local culture, and have a great time exploring the city’s many attractions.