Ajmer
Population : 447,000
Main
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi.
Telephone area code :
0145
Best time to visit :
October to March
Ajmer,
situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has
been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded
by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D.
and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till
1193 A.D. when Prithvi Raj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.
Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came
an left – leaving behind indelible marks of their culture
and traditions on the city’s history converting it into an
amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism &
Islam.
Today,
Ajmer is a popular pilgrimate for Hindus as well as Muslims
and is famous for the Dargah Sharif Tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally reverred by Hindus and
Muslims.
The
Dargah
At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most
important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths. It
is the splending tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
The shrine is next only to Mecca or Medina for the muslims
of South Asia. Mughal Emperor, Akbar used to make a pilgrimage
to the Dargah from Agra once a year.
Places of Interest
The
mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by Nizam of
Hyderabad. The
two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest
and the Akbar Masjid built in white marble. There is another
mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjahan.
The
saints tomb is a splendid marble dome and is in the centre
of the courtyard which is surrounded by a silver platform.
The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the urs –
commemorating the death anniversary of the Saint, held from
the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month
of Rajab. A colorful fiar that springs up during this time
is a major attraction.
Other
places of interest are the Taragarh
fort, which is now in ruins. It was the site of military
activity during Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium
by the British. The
museum, which was once the royal residence of Emperor
Akbar, the museum houses a rich repository of the Mughal and
Rajput armour and exquisite sculptures.
HOW
TO REACH
By Air
Nearest airport is Jaipur (135 kms).
By
Rail
Delhi-Ajmer,
Shatabdi Express (6.5 hrs).
By Road
Regular bus service from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
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| Suggested
Itineraries |
|
Golden Triangle Ajmer/Pushkar (7Nights/8Days) Delhi
- Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi |
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PUSHKAR
FAIR (09 nights/10 days)
Delhi-Ajmer-Pushkar-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi |
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| Rajasthan
Tours |
| Tours
covering forts and palaces of Rajasthan with extensions
to the temples of Khajuraho, Varanasi & the Mountain Kingdom
of Nepal |
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| Pushkar
Hotels |
| Hotels
& Holiday Resorts in Pushkar. |
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