ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN AJMER

Founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajaypal Chauhan, Ajmer holds immense historical importance as a former Chauhan dynasty stronghold, a major Mughal military base and a revered Sufi pilgrimage site that draws millions of pilgrims annually to the mausoleum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a symbol of religious harmony and peace. Deriving its name from Ajay Meru (Invincible Hill), the district offers historical narratives, architectural diversity and natural beauty.

AJMER SHARIF DARGAH

One of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites for visitors of all faiths, Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, often described as a place where “prayers find wings”. Devotees can offer a chaddar (holy cloth), admire the intricate Mughal architecture, experience the langar (community food) cooked in massive degs (cauldrons), and listen to qawwali (soulful, devotional Sufi music) sessions.

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ANA SAGAR LAKE

One of Asia’s oldest artificial lakes, Ana Sagar is a marvel of medieval engineering. It was built in the 12th century by Anaji Chauhan, grandfather of the legendary warrior Prithviraj Chauhan, as a lifeline for Ajmer’s citizens during droughts. Its waters now form a prominent city landmark, framed by parks and Mughal-era marble pavilions (baradaris).

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TARAGARH FORT

Regarded as one of the oldest hill forts in India, Taragarh Fort - also known as Garh Beetli - was a stronghold of the Chauhan rulers before becoming a strategic base for the Mughals. Key structures within the star-shaped fort include the Garbh Gunjan, a 16th-century cannon that produced a deafening sound when fired, ancient water reservoirs, the Dargah of Hazrat Miran Syed Hussain and the ruins of Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace).

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SONIJI KI NASIYAN JAIN TEMPLE

This 19th-century Digambar Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhnath), the first Jain Tirthankara or supreme spiritual teacher. Adorned with intricate carvings and delicate filigree work, its most striking feature is the inner sanctum known as Swarna Nagri (City of Gold), which contains life-sized, gold-plated wooden depictions of important Jain figures. The chamber is notable for its use of 1,000 kilograms of gold to create detailed depictions of Jain cosmology.

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PUSHKAR LAKE

Also known as Pushkar Sarovar and revered as Tirtha Raj (king of pilgrimage sites), Pushkar Lake is said to have been formed by a lotus flower dropped by Lord Brahma. Featuring 52 holy bathing ghats and surrounded by over 400 temples, it is believed that the water here is spiritually purifying. The lake is also a habitat for a variety of birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds during winter.

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