Considered to be one of the holiest shrines of the country, be ready to face a good crowd here, any time of the day you visit. Located around the very funnily named ‘Nag Pahad’ or Snake Mountain in the Aravali Hills, Ajmer is an otherwise unattractive town and most travellers prefer to make a pit-stop on the way to Pushkar. Ajmer is said to have been founded in the 7th Century and is home to the most sacred Islamic shrine in India, and for Muslims, a pilgrimage here is considered second in importance only to a visit to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
From Mumbai to Ajmer
The cheapest and convenient way to reach Ajmer is via railway. Ajmer has rail connectivity with major cities. Train connectivity is excellent and it makes sense to either explore it as a day trip from Pushkar (Like I did) or stop enroute Pushkar and wander the timeless and spiritually important sights of this fast growing city. From Mumbai, it can be explored over the weekend. The nearest airport is in Jaipur which is just 3 hours away.
From Mumbai, you can take 12989 Dadar Western Ajmer SF Express on Saturday which leaves from Dadar at 2:35 PM which will reach Ajmer around 08:15 AM next day
From Ajmer, you can take 20902 Ajmer Bandra Terminus Link Express on Sunday which leaves from Ajmer at 8:05 PM which will reach Bandra around 1:30 PM next day
What & Where to eat?
Ajmer is famous for its food (Veg and Non-Veg) and a particular dish called Kachori (special samosa smothered in sweet chutney sauce). You will find it in every corner of the city. I highly recommend trying at Dhanna Kachori which is nearby Ajmer Railway Station.
There is another restaurant just opposite Ana Sagar Lake Chowpatty - Kebabs & Curries Company (K&CC) they serve amazing Non-Veg Food. Some must-try dishes - Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Kolhapuri with Rulami Food and Chicken Biryani. In the evening you can enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful view of Ana Sagar Lake while enjoying coffee at Budan Uncle
Dargah Sharif
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah built-in 13th Century is among the holiest Muslim shrine in India and is thronged by thousands of pilgrims every day. The slender path to the Dargah is lined with flower stall, food stalls and shops selling paraphernalia.
Important places to notice and visit inside the Dargah is Nizam Gate, Shahjahan Gate, Akbari Masjid, Buland Darwaza and the huge degs (Deghs in the Dargah are at the right side of the Buland Darwaja is the Badi degh, presented by Emperor Akbar which can cook 4800 kgs of food in it and on the left side is the Chhoti degh, presented by Emperor Jahangir, 2400 kgs of food can be cooked in it. Offerings by the worshipers are also dropped in the degh). Also admired are the Mehfil Khana and Chisti's Tomb itself.
There is no best time to visit dargah sharif, early morning its claim and you can feel the holiness and in the evening you can enjoy Qawwalis.
Soniji Ki Nasiyan - Ajmer Jain Temple
Built in the late nineteenth century, Soniji Ki Nasiyan is an architecturally rich Jain Temple. Popularly known as the Ajmer Temple, or the Lal Mandir, it is situated in Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer, Rajasthan and is very close to Akbar Fort. This temple is worshipped for Lord Rishabhdev (Agnidev) who was the first of the Tirthankaras, and its disciples and followers
mainly owe its origin to the Digambhar Sect. Kurt Titze in his book, "Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence", has described Soniji Ki Nasiyan as one of Ajmer’s main attraction. The temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rajasthan. It is one of the most important Jain Temples and attracts a large number of tourists who pay visit to seek peace in its divinity and pay their homage. Admission to the main temple which is beautifully painted red alongside is allowed only for Jains.
Entry Ticket: INR 10.00 per person for Indian and INR 25.00 per person for Non-Indian
Timing: 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Akbar's Fort & Museum
Akbar Fort & Museum is situated on the Museum Road in Naya Bazar, Ajmer. Boasting of striking architecture - a blend of Mughal and Rajputana styles, the fort was built by the emperor Akbar, it was once the residence of Prince Salim.
This is a fort turned museum. The Akbar fort itself is a very significant fort in history as a lot of important decisions were taken here by the Mughal emperors, the most important one being Shahjahan's first meeting with Thomas Roe from East India Company, granting him rights to setup a factory in Surat. The EIC later expanded throughout the country and paved way for British Raj.
The fort itself is very basic, there is a central diwan-e-khas which is the resting place for the emperor, surrounded by lush green gardens, followed by long galleries which could house the servants and other ministers of the emperor. Since the fort was mainly built as a resting place for Akbar during his voyages to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti dargah in Ajmer, the fort was very low-key and does not match the grandeur of forts in Delhi and Agra. But you can still appreciate the Mughal architecture here.
As far as the museum is concerned, the stuff here is very basic. If you like visiting museums and have been to at least Jaipur museum, you wouldn't find anything extra here. The museum is mainly confined to the galleries with different sections like Scriptures, Weapons, Attires, Art, etc. I really liked the weapons area very much.
You can easily spend around 1 hour here even if you do not have an interest in a lot of history. You will get to learn at least something new.
Entry Ticket: INR 20.00 per person for Indian and INR 100.00 per person for Non-Indian
Timing: 09:45 AM to 5:15 PM (Weekly Holiday on Monday)
Dhai Din Ka Jhopra
Dhai Din Ka Jhopra, literally "two and a half day hut", is unquestionably the oldest surviving monument in Ajmer. Locals claim that the name has stuck because it was built in two and a
half day but it seems more like a legend than truth. Dhai Din ka Jhopra is the exquisite seven arched screen in front of the hall. Each arch is different and there are delicate and elaborate carvings.
Ana Sagar Lake
The breathtaking and gorgeous Ana Sagar Lake is a magnificent artificial lake that is located in the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India. This lake, which dries up every year in the summer season, is best visited during the sunsets when the views are extraordinarily marvellous to look at. The sight of the lake from the nearby temple is also particularly enchanting. Do not forget to take a camera to capture the fantastic and heavenly views that you behold here. All in all, a visit to the Ana Sagar Lake is a must when you are in Ajmer, for the beauty of this lake can be enjoyed and cherished with friends and family alike. Today, the Ana Sagar Lake is one of Ajmer's most popular lakes and is also one of the largest lakes that India is home to.
The construction of this critical site took place under the purview and instructions of Anaji Tomar, who was the grandfather of the grand and majestic king Prithvi Raj Chauhan. In fact, the lake is named after the king Anaji himself. The lake was founded during the 12th century after a dam was built across the Luni River, as a means to promote a better lifestyle amongst the people. Today, the Ana Sagar Lake is one of Ajmer's most popular lakes and is also one of the largest lakes that India is home to.
The Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by Daulat Bagh Gardens, which is a splendid garden full of vast open spaces and lush greenery, and the Khobra Behroon temple- two popular attractions of Ajmer that tourists prefer to visit along with a day trip to the beautiful lake. The lake is only 13 kilometres away from the main city of Ajmer. An island can be spotted in the centre of the lake. Tourists love to indulge in boating or water scooter rides here. The lake is about 4.4 metres deep and spreads over an area of 12 kilometres.
Some Tips
You cannot take bags inside Dargah Sharif and you have to remove your footwear before entering Dargah Sharif. You can find a shoe keeper at the gate they charge INR 5.00 per pair.
Before entering any Dargah Sharif / Mosque observe the locals that go into them for clues and if you’re uncertain, please ask someone.
It's best to dress modestly and act conservatively.