Rajasthan Travel Guide

Ajmer & Pushker

Founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands. Ajmer owes its composite culture to the reign of many dynasties that came, ruled and left, leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions. Ajmer is situated in a valley surrounded by the Aravali hills, 131kms west of Jaipur. 'Dargah Khwaja Sahib' is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. The city has some splendid masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture. A 7th century Chauhan dynasty strong hold, Ajmer is now a pilgrimage center for Muslims, though people from all faiths and religion come to pray at its famous mosque. The Britishdeveloped Ajmer as an educational center, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is now among the country's best private schools.

'Pushkar', 11kms west of Ajmer, along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with deep religious significance. The biggest attraction is being the temple of Lord Brahma. Pushkar fair is one of the largest and colorful cattle fair in the world. A pilgrimage center with the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Divine Creator, Pushkar is the venue for the annual camel fair.

Best Season: September to April.

Places Of Interest:

Garib Nawaj Khwaja Mauinuddin Chisti Mosque or The Dargah :: Situated in the old town area, It is the most important Muslim Pilgrimages site in India. The Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint, Khuaja Moinuddin Chisti, who came to Ajmer from Perisa in 1192 and lived here until 1233. This Mosque was constructed by Humayun, Akbar used to make pilgrimage to to the Dargah from Agra every year.

Ana Sagar Lake :: The beautiful artificial lake was created in 12th century by damming the River Luni.

Akbar's Palace :: The palace was built in 1570 by Akbar, now it is converted into a museum & houses a collection of miniature paintings, weapons & stone sculptures.

Foy Sagar Lake :: The biggest lake plays a important part in the water supply of Ajmer.

Daulat Bagh :: Lush green garden containg a series of Marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shah Jahan. It the best place in Ajmer to witness the sunset.

Mayo Collage :: The famous collage for the Maharajas & rich peoples.

Nasiyan Temple :: This beautiful red Jain temple is really worth to visit, this double storey hall contains an amazing golden tableau depicting the Jain concept of the ancient world.

Taragarh Fort :: The massive huge has a historical importance, It was the meeting point of the King Prithviraj Chauhan & It has six gates & a dargah. The fort has a wonderful view of the city.

Excursions:

Pushkar Sarovar :: The holy lake is surrounded by numerous ghats & temples. The lake is very busy in the morning, all the devotees & Sadhus take the holy bath in the Sarovar.

Temples :: There are so many big & small temples in Pushkar. The famous & major temple is the Bramha Temple.

Bramha Temple :: This world's only temple devoted to Bramha, is situated near the market in the old town. Apparently Lord Brahma wanted to perform a Yagna (self mortification) at the lake, and when his wife Savitri didn't attend, he married another woman on a whim. Savitri, understandably annoyed, vowed that brahma would not be worshipped anywhere else. It's marked by a red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or the goose symbol, of Bramha.

Pushkar Fair :: Every year so many people converge on the small town with there thousands of camel & other animals. The seven day Camel Fair starts from Neomi & ends on the Kartik Purnima (Full Moon). Besides the business of camels, horses, cow & bulls, people enjoy the camel, horse & bullock cart races. lot of foreign tourist also take part in the races & fun games.

Pushkar- 11 kms, Foy Sagar Lake- 12 kms, Kishangarh- 27 kms.

Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport Jaipur is Jaipur- 138 kms.
By Rail: Ajmer is well connected to major cities.
By Road: Agra- 370 kms, Bharatpur- 312 kms, Bikaner- 234 kms, Bundi- 139 kms, Chittaurgarh- 182 kms, Delhi- 444 kms, Jaipur- 138 kms, Jaisalmer- 458 kms, Jodhpur- 205 kms, Kota- 178 kms, Mount Abu- 371 kms and Udaipur- 269 kms.