Top 10 Must See Places in Ajmer

Unlike other cities of Rajasthan Ajmer receives a plenty of rainfall during monsoon and is surrounded by Aravalli Mountain ranges. This led to the pleasant weather of Ajmer throughout the year, while in winters its temperature may even reach freezing point.

The history of Ajmer dates back to 8th century when it was established by the ‘Chauhan’ ruler, Ajayaraja II. Later, in the 13th century, this city emerged as a center of the Sufi movement. This city has the blessings of a number of celebrated Sufi saints. Considering the religious significance of the city, Government of India has recognized it as one of the heritage cities and included it under “HRIDAY Scheme” i.e. “Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana”.

Let’s explore these top 10 must see places in Ajmer.

1- Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra

In the vicinity of Dargah Sharif lies this amusing monument of Adhai-din-ka-Jhopra. A very interesting story is related to the construction of this monument. As the name suggests, this structure was constructed in two and a half days. The original building was a Sanskrit College, which was transformed into a Mosque. This is the reason why this building is a perfect blend of Indian and Arabic architecture, where you can find beautifully carved 700 Hindu-style pillars. Enchanting design and location of this mosque with the backdrop of hills make it a site worth visiting.

• Opening Timing: 7 am – 6 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

2- Dargah Ajmer Sharif

Though Ajmer Sharif is the tomb of famous Sufi saint ‘Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’, it is thronged by the people of all faiths and religions. It is because of this magnificent tomb that Government has placed Ajmer in the list of heritage cities for ‘HRIDAY Scheme’. This tomb is revered not only by the people of India but by the people all over the world. It is nothing less than Mecca or Medina for the followers of Islam in the Asian continent. Mughal Emperor Akbar used to visit this tomb every year to seek blessings.

Nestled among the arid hills of Aravalli ranges, known as Taragarh hills, Dargah Sharif is a visual treat to the tourists. The Dargah complex consists of two courtyards and several appealing structures including Akbari Mosque built in white marbles. Before entering the Dargah complex, you need to pass through the Dargah Bazaar. Once you enter the Dargah, two Buland Darwaza with silver work would catch your eyes. Finally, you enter the main building, where the tomb is situated at the center of a courtyard, under a huge marble dome. It is believed any wish made near this holy tomb is always granted.

• Opening Timing: 6 am – 9 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

3- Ajmer Museum

Mughal emperor Akbar constructed this building in the 16th century as the princely residence for his crown prince, Salim, who later ascended the throne with the title of ‘Jahangir’. Later, this castle is transformed into a museum and features a plethora of artifacts from Mughal and Rajput period, highlighting their glorious pasts, fierce battles, sculptures, armor and their lavish lifestyles. The castle is a wonderful piece of architecture built in Mughal style. It is this castle only from where Emperor Jahangir granted permission to British East-India Company to establish their trade in India, which eventually lead to the British rule over Indian sub-continent.

• Opening Timing: 10 am – 5 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Rs.10 for Indian Nationals and Rs.50 for foreign tourists.

4- Taragarh Fort

On the steep slope of a hill covered with wild foliage stands a splendid fort known as Taragarh Fort or ‘Star Fort’. This fort was constructed in 13th century by Chauhan rulers and was a prominent site of most of the battles fought by Mughals. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is a journey of only one and a half hour down the hill.

The location of the fort high above the hills provides a perfect panoramic view of the whole city and is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The fort is famous for its cleverly built tunnels which are now inaccessible. You’ll find a number of freshwater reservoirs in the fort complex. The ruins of the fort indicate its glorious past by its dwindling murals, glass windows and other structures within the fort including ‘Rani Mahal’, which was the abode of the Queens of the Chauhan rulers.

• Opening Timing: 9 am – 6:30 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

5- Ana Sagar Lake

This lake is the legacy of three rulers, viz., Anaji, Jahangir, and Shahjahan. The lake was constructed by Chauhan ruler ‘ Anaji’, who was the grandfather of the renowned Rajput ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan in the 12th century. In order to beautify the lake, a series of vibrant gardens known as ‘Daulat Bagh Gardens’ was created by Jahangir along the lake. Later giving the site a final touch, a summer house made up of sandstone was erected on the bank of the lake by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Because of this awe-inspiring amalgamation of the three, this site is an astonishing place to spend a quality time with your family and friends.

A lake with the hills at the backdrop and a series of gardens with the summer houses at the bank is a site you don’t find daily to visit. So, don’t miss any chance to hit the place whenever you visit Rajasthan.

• Opening Timing: 8 am – 8 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost
• Boat Ride: Rs.160 per person.

6- Kishangarh Fort

Kishangarh is famous not for one or two reasons but for several reasons. This city was once a school of popular kind of art known as a miniature painting which depicted the lifestyle of Rajput and Mughal rulers. Due to the origination of miniature style of painting in this town, it is also known as Kishangarh style of painting. Kishangarh is also famous for its exotical quality of marble and white stones, thus known as the Marble City of India. Another reason to visit Kishangarh is its temple of nine planets, which is believed to be the only temple for nine planets in the world.

This magnificent fort city was established by Prince of Jodhpur, Kishan Singh. Major attractions with the fort are Khoda Ganeshji Temple, Phool Mahal Palace Gondulav Lake.

• Opening Timing: 8 am – 10 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

7- Foy Sagar Lake

Foy Sagar Lake is the site of visual treat in the city of Ajmer. This lake was constructed by Mr. Foy, an Englishman. He constructed this lake to save the people of this city from the clutches of famine, that gripped the city in the late 19th century. This lake offers a magnificent view of the Aravalli hills from the bank of the lake with enormous flora all around.

• Opening Timing: 6 am – 7 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

8- Nasiyan Jain Temple

Nasiyan Temple, which is also popularly known by the name of ‘Lal Mandir’ is a Jain temple built in the 19th century. The main deity of this temple is the first Tirthankar of Jain religion, Lord Adinath. The temple is a spectacular structure constructed in two stories. The ground floor of the temple has a large hall where a huge Idol of Lord Adinath is placed. There is a magnificent gallery which is made up of gold. You’ll be left awestruck, standing in the golden gallery and looking at the antiques depicting the life of Lord Adinath.

Having astounding figures and structures carved out, the temple is an architectural heaven and shows the zenith of artistic skills. The embellishments of gold, silver, Belgium stain glass, wooden work, and murals make this temple mesmerizing.

• Opening Timing: 9 am – 4 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Rs.10 for Indian Nationals and Rs.25 for foreign tourists.

9- Prithviraj Smarak Monument

Prithviraj Chauhan, a name which needs no introduction, fought gloriously and sacrificed his life for his people. The gallantry of Prithviraj penetrated the hearts of the people in such a way that they never get tired reiterating his valor and tales of his extreme courage. Keeping up with this spirit, a monument is constructed on Taragarh road. It is a statue of Prithviraj mounted on a horse with bow and arrow in his hand. This memorial is built in black stone.

• Opening Timing: 6 am – 9 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Free of cost

10- Nareli Jain Temple

Nareli Jain temple is not a single temple but a series of a large number of miniature temples. It is built in white marble and is a wonderful blend of conventional and contemporary architecture. This temple is situated on a hill in Aravalli Mountain ranges and possesses a pleasing ambiance and provides eternal peace of mind. This is the best place to be at when you feel like spending some quality time alone.

• Opening Timing: 7 am – 7 pm, all days of the week.
• Entry fee: Fee is only for bus entry, which is Rs.200.