If you think the city of Ajmer is just famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, then it is time to plan a trip. Explore the city for its breathtaking beauty, its architectural grandeur, royal legacy, museums, religious sites and cultural diversity. The places to visit in Ajmer include religious shrines, lakes, palaces and other monuments, which we will discover in this post.
Surrounded by the Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan, Ajmer is a charming city located 130 kms southwest of Jaipur and 14 kms from the holy town of Pushkar. Home to the Ajmer Sharif shrine, the resting place of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, it is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. The city received its name from ‘Ajay Meru,’ the ‘invincible hill,’ and was a part of the Chaunan kingdom, making it a significant place to visit for history enthusiasts. The city also has some of the serene lakes like Ana Sagar Lake and Foy Sagar Lake. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about finding affordable accommodation, as budget-friendly hotels in Ajmer are easily available near famous tourist attractions in Ajmer.
Famous Places to Visit in Ajmer:
1. Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif
One of the most famous places to visit in Ajmer is the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif, also known as the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It is the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, who was a significant contributor to spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam among the masses. It is one of the holiest places of worship in India, not just for muslims but people from other communities have equal faith in the shrine.
The other key highlights of the shrine are the two huge cauldrons in the inner courtyard. These containers, with the capacity of 2240kg and 4480 kg, are used during special occasions to cook Kheer.
- Timings: Winters: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Summers: 5:00 AM – 8:45 PM (Closed for Khidmat: 2:50 PM to 4:00 PM; on Thursdays, 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM).
- Entry Fees: No Entry Fee.
- Location: Faiz Manzil, 111, Khadim Mohalla, Dargah Shareef, Nathwan Shah, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001.
2. Ana Sagar Lake
Located 13 kms from the city centre, Ana Sagar Lake is one of the beautiful places to visit in Ajmer with friends and family. It is an artificial lake which is 4.4 meters deep and 12 kms long. Boating in Anna Sagar Lake is among the best things to do in Ajmer.
With the Daulat Bagh Gardens in the backdrop, the lake offers a peaceful and serene location to relax and enjoy sunset views. For easy accessibility, book your stay at hotels Near Anasagar Lake Ajmer.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fees: No Entry Fee.
- Location: Anasagar Lake, AjmerAnasagar Lake, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001, Rajasthan 305001.
3. Adhai Din ka Jhopra
A fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, Adhai Din Ka Jhopra is a masjid built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibar, the first Sultan of Delhi in 1199 AD. The interesting fact about the monument is that it was built in just two and a half days, hence the name. The place is known for its arched screens, ruined minarets and charming pillars, attracting tourists all over the world.
Additionally, it was constructed with remains of Hindu and Jain temples and therefore devotees from these communities also visit the shrine.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Entry Fees: No Entry Fee.
- Location: Ander Kote Rd, Lakhan Kothri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001.
4. Foy Sagar Lake
Varun Sagar Lake or Foy Sagar Lake, located 5 kms away from the city centre, is one of the serene places to visit in Ajmer. This artificial lake is also famous for its colonial history. It was built in 1892 as a part of a famine relief project by the English architect Mr Foy. Spread over an area of 14,000,000 square feet, the lake has a capacity of 15 million cubic feet.
With a panoramic view of the Aravalli Hills in the background, the lake is a perfect place to relax in a peaceful environment. To immerse in the beauty of this locality, book your stay at hotels near Foy Sagar Rd Ajmer.
- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fees: No Fee.
- Location: Varun Sagar Lake, Rajasthan 305005.
5. Taragarh Fort
Also known as Star Fort, the Taragarh Fort is located on a steep hill, 10 kms away from Ajmer city. According to the famous author Rudyard Kipling, the fort is “more the work of Goblins than of men”. The fort entrance has three gateways, followed by runners and many battlements along with ramparts. The Grand Canyon, known as the “ Garbha Gunjan” and the Rani Mahal, are also among the main highlights of the fort.
Additionally, the panoramic view of the neighbouring city of Bundi and sunsets make it one of the best places to visit in Ajmer to escape the city chaos.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.
- Location: Taragarh Fort, Taragarh Rd, Taragarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001.
6. Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is located around 16 kms from the city centre, is one of the best places to visit near Ajmer. It is a sacred lake with 53 ghats and over 400 temples, making it a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. According to the legend, a lotus fell from the hands of Brahma, the creator God, leading to the creation of the Pushkar Lake. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in the lake will cleanse their souls and offer relief from skin diseases.
Moreover, the lake is also famous for various events, including Holi and the annual Pushkar Mela, the country’s largest camel, horse and cattle fair. However, make sure to book your stay at hotels in Pushkar in advance if you are planning to attend any of these festivals.
- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fees: No Fees.
- Location: Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022.
Best Time to Visit Ajmer
The best time to visit Ajmer is from July to March, which includes the monsoon season and winter season, when the weather is pleasant and the city is filled with lush greenery. The city faces extreme heat during the summer months (April to June), so if you have no major plans, you can skip these months.
Additionally, the city hosts various festivals and events that are not to be missed. Some of them are the International Sufi Festival (October), Id-ul-Fitr (October/ November).
Ajmer is an upcoming city with a number of things to do. For a pleasant time, you can pick a great hotel in Ajmer and extend your stay for any number of days.
How to Reach Ajmer
Ajmer is located 132 kms from the capital city Jaipur and is easily accessible through road, rail and flight.
By Road:
The city has excellent road networks and connectivity with the major cities of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. For commuting within the city, you can choose from autos and taxis. Moreover, there are numerous hotels in Ajmer offering private taxis on a chargeable basis to let you explore the city with comfort.
By Train:
The city has its own railway station, the Ajmer Railway Station, which is connected with other major cities of the country. Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi is one of the daily superfast trains that runs between Delhi and Ajmer.
By Air:
Jaipur International Airport, located around 132 kms, is the nearest airport to reach Ajmer. From there, you can either travel via bus, taxi or train to reach the city.
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, around 132 km away from Ajmer, after which you can commute from Jaipur to Ajmer via rail/road.
The city of Jaipur, too, is close and can be a great detour. With so many things to do, you can choose from several hotels in Jaipur for a long stay to explore the city better.
So, now that you have all the required information on places to visit in Ajmer, when are you planning your next trip?
