Phenomenal things to see in Ajmer, Rajasthan

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Ajmer is a bustling city almost 150kms away from the pink city of Jaipur inviting millions of tourists every year. Ajmer is famous for Dargah famously known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah or simply Ajmer Sharif. Ajmer Sharif Dargah has the tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti and is respected by both Hindus and Muslims. Ever wondered what are the other things to see in Ajmer apart from the Dargah? In this blog, I present several things to do in Ajmer beyond Ajmer Sharif Dargah. There are several places to visit in Ajmer beyond the Ajmer Dargah.

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Phenomenal things to see in Ajmer

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer Sharif History

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is an international Islamic pilgrimage shrine that attracts a huge number of tourists every year. The Dargah is primarily dedicated to Moinuddin Christi and has great religious importance. The Ajmer city got famous primarily because of the dargah which is why it is one of the top things to see in Ajmer.

We planned to visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah around 9:00 PM expecting fewer people at that hour. There were a lot of people in the queue, but it was comparatively easy to visit the shrine I was told. The shops were open till late here and people were shopping. On entering the Dargah, as I expected there was immense energy, groups of people offering their prayers with music and people sitting with them to connect with the Almighty. Upon entering the main shrine, we offered our prayers and spent little time inside as they kept dispersing people to keep the line moving!!

Things to see in Ajmer | Amjer Sharif - entry to the shrine, India

Inside the dargah there is a huge vessel for people to donate money and offer prayers

Things to see in Ajmer | Ajmer sharif dargah - utensil for donations

Related Read – Top Things to do in Pushkar!

Ana Sagar Lake

Although Ajmer is primarily known for the dargah, the Ana Sagar Lake was another top thing to see in Ajmer on my list. On our second day in Ajmer, post lunch we started towards the lake, which has a boat ride arrangement taking you to a small island to enjoy the evening.

The island hop is a wonderful picnic spot for tourists of all age groups. Rajasthan is a relatively hot place, I recommend visiting the lake in the evenings to avoid being roasted in harsh daylight. The lake management has a limited number of boats taking no more than 10 people in a single boat. As a result, generally, there is a long wait to finally land a boat to reach the island. Hence, plan accordingly.

Suggested Read – Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer India!

The lake looks beautiful at sunset, and you can capture gorgeous photographs. Silhouettes or a simple sunset picture – all the pictures will turn out to be spectacular. Waiting for the entry queue will present you with immense opportunities for clicking pictures just like me 😉 Usually missed by tourists but I would recommend visiting the lake as it’s one of the best things to see in Ajmer.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan

The name is not well known but it is an ornate Jain Temple in Ajmer dedicated to Adinath. Constructed in the 19th century, the temple has an entrance made of Red Stone, marble staircases and beautiful sculptures of Jain scholars. If architecture entices you, I recommend visiting Soniji ki Nasiyan in Ajmer.

Ajmer Museum

If archaeological artefacts catch your attention, then spend some time in the Ajmer Government Museum. The museum holds a huge collection of sculptures, and armour among other things.

Taragarh Fort

If it is Rajasthan, there are great chances of spotting a fort in any major city and so is the case with Ajmer. Located on the hilltop, the fort has grand architecture and shows beautiful panoramic views of Ajmer city. The fort was built by King Ajaypal Chauhan in 1354 making it one of the oldest fort in the country. During the Mughal rule, the fort was a major military centre but was decommissioned by the British during the colonial era.

Shopping

Ajmer has some renowned markets for people to get a hint of the culture of the state and the town.

Mahila Mandi

An eminent name for women’s colourful clothes is the *Mahila Mandi* – which means Women’s Market as Mahila is Women in Hindi and Mandi is a market. The market as going by its name attracts a lot of women for the fabrics for Indian attire like salwar kameez, saris, and other articles specially dedicated to women only.

Dargah Bazaar

Another famous market is the *Dargah Bazaar* located right outside the shrine of Ajmer Sharif. Apart from its location, the market is famous for flowers, incessant candles, and flower chadars(sheets). These flower variations are usually offered in the shrine during prayers.

Madar Gate

How can one return from Rajasthan without buying typical *Rajasthani* souvenirs? Fancy one too? They can be easily purchased in the *Madar Gate*. The gate is recognized for its emblematic routines of the state including all colourful juttis (footwear), bandhani work clothes, accessories and a lot more.

Best times to Visit and How?

As Ajmer is quite a hot city, November to February is the ideal time to visit Ajmer without Rajasthan’s heat beating you down. Ajmer is well connected through trains, including direct trains from Delhi with the fastest trains of 6 hours duration. If you would like to drive, Ajmer is only an 8-hour drive from Delhi via the Delhi – Jaipur – Ahmedabad Highway .