North
India Travel Guide
Ajmer Tourism
Nestling in the foothills
of `Ajaya Meru', Ajmer was founded by Aijpal Chauhan in the year 1100 AD, dominated
and ruled by Chauhan dynasty till 1193 AD.
Ajmer is a world renowned pilgrimage
center for both Hindus as well as Muslims. It is a celestial home to most holy
Dragon Sharif a tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally
worshiped by all religions specially the Hindus and Muslims.
Main
Attractions in AjmerDargah Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti The
shrine is in honor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti - a Sufi saint who came to India
from Persia in 1192 with Mohammad Ghori's invading army. He died here in 1236.
For the Muslims of India, the shrine's importance is only second to the sacred
shrine at Mecca. The construction of the Dargah was started by Altamash, the Sultan
of Delhi, and completed by the Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was the venue of an
annual pilgrimage for Akbar the Great.
Mayo CollegeFounded by
the British Viceroy Lord Mayo - it is one of the finest schools in India. Mayo
College is famous not just for the quality of education it imparts, but for its
architecture as well. Designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the state engineer
of Jaipur, Mayo College is built of white marble. Founded in 1875, as a school
for Indian princes, its first pupil was the Maharaja of Alwar.
Adhai-din
ka JhonpraLocated on the outskirts of the town, this remarkable structure
is an exquisite example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. Designed by Abu Bakr
of Herat, the mosque is believed to have been built in two and a half days, and
is thus named Adhai-din. According to another story the name is derived from a
two and a half day fair held here every year.
Ana SagarNamed
after the ruler Anaji Chauhana, the artificial lake was built in the 12th century
by constructing a dam across the river Luni. Ana Sagar also has a series of impressive
white marble pavilions (Baradaris), built by Shah Jahan in 1637.
PushkarLocated
11km from Ajmer, according to Hindu mythology the town is the creation of Lord
Brahma - the Creator of the Universe. A temple dedicated to Brahma has been built
here.
Pushkar also hosts one of the most colorful cattle fairs in the country.
Lakhs of visitors throng the Pushkar Fair - a once-in-a-lifetime experience that
you will not want to miss.
KishangarhThis sleepy little hamlet
located 27km from Ajmer, was once the capital of a princely state ruled by the
Rathores. It nurtured one of the finest schools of miniature paintings in the
18th century. The Bani Thani style of miniature painting in Kishangarh evolved
under Nihal Chand - the court painter of Raja Sawant Singh.
Excursions
Pushkar Pushkar is another pilgrimage destination which
is located 11 kms from Ajmer. Pushkar is considered to be an abode which belongs
to Lord Brahma. The city is quite famous for Pushkar lake. Pushkar comes to life
during the famous cattle fair in the city.
KishangarhJust 27
kms from Ajmer, Kishangarh is a princely states which was ruled by the Rathores.
This destination falls in National Highway 8. It has attained an acclaim for a
miniature paintings in the 18 th century.
Foy Sagar Just five
kms from Ajmer, you would found Foy Sagar, engineered by an Englishman, Mr Foy.
The lake was constructed as an artificial lake which was constructed as a famine
relief project.
How to Reach Ajmer
Fly Away: The nearest airport is in Jaipur, Sanganer airport. It
is 13 kms from Jaipur.
On Tracks: Ajmer is a well connected
city and is linked with all the major cities. Shatabdi Express daily runs from
Delhi to Ajmer.
On Wheels: It is a well linked city as it is
connected by the major stations. Rajasthan State Transportation Corporation (RSTC)
have regular bus service from Ajmer to many places of Rajasthan like Jodhpur,
Udaipur, Bundi.
