Often while reading stories based in the deserts, the word oasis springs up to add cheer to the otherwise parched landscapes that deserts are described to be. Oasis meaning a watering place which is safe as a retreat from the harsh elements, ideally pleasing and with the right amount of greenery. Oasis is indeed also the word to describe Ajmer, the fifth largest city in Rajasthan. Located to the south-west of Jaipur, the city of Ajmer is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains and the Anasagar lake, making it a rather scenic place for a vacation.
The city that has gained popularity as a cultural and educational capital in the state, Ajmer is also famous for some key tourist attractions in the city. Here are some of the places you must visit in Ajmer and the nearby Pushkar.
Anasagar Lake
Among the most beautiful lakes in the country, the Anasagar lake is a man-made lake that spans an area of 13 km. The lake was built by various rulers in parts, including additions by Jahangir and Shahjahan. The lake has an island at the center that can be approached by boat or water-scooter. It is among the most popular places to visit in Ajmer.
Photo Courtesy: Singh92karan
Rangji Temple
There are two places of immense religious importance in Pushkar, which is located at a short distance from Ajmer, the Rangji temples. One of these is the oldest temple in the area. It is also built in a mixture of Dravidian temple style and the styles more popular in the north. The older temple has a certain charm of its own. Travellers can plan to visit both temples. The new Rangji temple has a towering vimanam and exquisite carvings.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Anzola
Lake Foy Sagar
Among the popular places to visit in Ajmer is the Lake Foy Sagar named after the engineer who built it. The lake was originally constructed to help the famine struck regions around Ajmer in the past. The lake set against a backdrop of the Aravalli mountains is a famous tourist spot in Ajmer.
Photo Courtesy: Sargamjain
Dargah Shariff
Among the most popular tourist places in Ajmer is the Dargah Shariff. The pilgrimage centre of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the Dargah attracts pilgrims from across the country to come seek the blessings of the great saint. The festival of Urs is celebrated grandly at the Dargah with the noteworthy feature being the group of Kalanders who walk their way to Ajmer from Delhi!
Photo Courtesy: Anshul Dabral
Nasiyan Ajmer Jain Temple
A popular sightseeing place for tourists and a place of immense spiritual significance for the Jains is the Nasiyan Ajmer Jain Temple. Built and owned by the Sony family in Ajmer, the temple is built exquisitely with red sandstone. Though the basic structure is simple, what is awe-inspiring are the miniatures depicting the story of Rishabha, this process took over 25 years! Another noteworthy feature of the temple are the vivid paintings of each Tirthankaras.
Photo Courtesy: Vaibhavsoni1
Pushkar Lake
One of the most popular attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake. It is among the most sacred lakes for the Hindus. It is related to the Hindu God Bramha and is called the 'Tirtha-Raj'. The lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and is frequented by pilgrims to take a dip in the holy waters of the lake. An interesting fact about the lake is that the earliest mention of it dates way back to the 4th B.C.
Photo Courtesy: Ekabhishek
Pushkar Fair
A trademark of Pushkar is a famous tourist attraction near Ajmer, the Pushkar Fair or camel festival that takes place every year. People from across the world gather to see this grand festival fair and enjoy the unique relationship that exists between man and beast at Pushkar.
Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy
Bramha Temple
A place to see near Ajmer is the famous Bramha temple located in Pushkar. Situated close to another tourist attraction, the Pushkar Lake, the temple is a rare find in the country that continues to be entirely dedicated to the worship of the Hindu God Bramha. Built with stone and marble, the temple as per local legends is believed to be over 2,000 years old! Originally the town is said to have had over 500 temples of which only a few remain such as the Bramha Temple, making it a key attraction here.
Photo Courtesy: Amanderson
Food and Stay
Ajmer has many restaurants serving varied cuisines, and you can get authentic Rajasthani meals both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The city is especially popular for the chaat sold on the streets; and you should also try other snack options such as samosas and kachoris.
For the best hotel deals in Ajmer, click here.
Photo Courtesy: A Vahanvati
How to reach
By Road: Ajmer is well-connected by roads to all destinations in Rajasthan. It is also connected to cities like Delhi by the national highways.
By Rail: Ajmer Railway Station falls under the Delhi-Mumbai line and has regular trains to various destinations in the country.
By Air: The Jaipur International Airport is the nearest to Ajmer at a distance of 132 km. Regular flights are available to all major destinations.
Photo Courtesy: Anurag Agnihotri