Located 135 km from Jaipur, Ajmer, a city of forts, mosques and shrines of ancient Sufis, is a dream destination for lovers of historic architecture. Discover our practical guide to Ajmer.

Discovering the historical and architectural treasures of Ajmer

The medieval city of Ajmer, originally named Ajaya Meru, nestles in the foothills of the Aravali range. Its tourist appeal is somewhat overshadowed by competition with Pushkar, a place of pilgrimage highly frequented by Hindus. To stand out, Ajmer plays two winning cards: a glorious past and composite architecture, inherited from Chauhan, Mamluk and Mughal civilizations. Admire the white marble dome of the Ajmer Sharif sanctuary, the most visited monument in the city. Head to the Akbar Fort and Museum, one of the finest achievements of Mughal art. Visit the tomb of Khwaja Husain Ajmeri. Marvel at the delicate patterns of Jain temples. There is no doubt that Ajmer is one of the most charming and surprising destinations in Rajasthan. On your next trip to Rajasthan, dedicate a stop in your itinerary to visit it.

Historical Notes

Ajmer has had a long and turbulent past. The Chahamana kings founded the city in the 8th century, naming it Ajaya Meru, which could be literally translated as "unconquerable hills". The city's name does not appear anywhere in manuscripts until the early 12th century. It is mentioned in the Pattavali, a genealogical list of monastic chiefs with their countries of origin. Nevertheless, dated inscriptions found on the ruins establish that the city was contemporary with the Chahamana dynasty. Taragarh Fort is an inheritance from this period. It is said to have been built at the order of Ajayaraja I.

Ajmer acquired increasing importance to the point where Ajayraja II made it his new capital. In 1193, it became a possession of the Mamluks and more than 350 years later, it fell into the hands of Akbar the Great, the famous Mughal emperor. Towards the second half of the 18th century, the Maratha Empire governed it in turn before ceding it to the British Crown.

Among the successive kingdoms that marked the history of the city, it is undoubtedly the Mughal Empire that left the most traces. The city owes its remarkable architectural and urban development to it. For your information, Emperor Akbar frequently stayed in Ajmer when he came to pay his respects at the shrine of Moinuddin Chishti, accompanied by his wife. At that time, the Rajput clans refused to pledge allegiance to him. Each time the emperor succeeded in subduing a principality, he would come to Ajmer to celebrate his victories.

Today: an important tourist destination

Historical capital of the Chahamana and Mamluks, Ajmer has been merely a modest city since the fall of the Mughal Empire. Nearly 511,000 inhabitants live in Ajmer.

Many monuments recall the past splendor of the city. The proximity of Pushkar is both an asset and a handicap for Ajmer. Most travelers only spend a few hours here. Places of pilgrimage are the most visited. The Ajmer Sharif sanctuary alone, which houses the tomb of the illustrious Sufi Moinuddin Chishti, receives no fewer than 125,000 visitors each day. Visiting the heritage allows you to explore Jain temples, Hindu sanctuaries and charming white-domed mosques. In addition to its tourist appeal, Ajmer has also become renowned for its colleges and universities of repute.

Essential places to visit

Counting among Rajasthan's oldest cities, Ajmer is a veritable open-air museum. Plan your tourist itineraries by drawing inspiration from our selection.

Religious Heritage

The Ajmer Sharif Sanctuary

Every year, a little over 1,200 pilgrims come to pay their respects at the Ajmer Sharif Sanctuary, more simply called Dargah Sharif. The object of their devotion is Moinuddin Chishti, a 13th-century Sufi saint. Various events take place on the square during the Ramadan festival.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan or the Red Temple

While Dargah Sharif is Ajmer's number one attraction, travelers also appreciate the richly decorated Jain temples. The most important of these is Soniji Ki Nasiyan, completed towards the end of the 19th century. Also called the Red Temple, because of the red sandstone of the walls, doors, columns and decorative friezes. For information, the temple was visited by Rajendra Prasad, India's first president, and many political figures such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Several exceptional frescoes are to be discovered inside. They describe the five periods in the life of a tirthankara: being conceived, coming into the world, renouncing temporal possessions, awakening spiritually, then attaining nirvana.

Adhai Dinka Jhonpra, ancient mosque

Just outside the city stand the ruins of Adhai Dinka Jhonpra, Ajmer's oldest mosque and one of the oldest in India. Built itself on the site of a Sanskrit college, the mosque features a yellow limestone façade enhanced by passages from the Quran. In the main building, you will be surprised to see about a dozen domes supported by an endless row of pillars.

Historical and Military Heritage

Taragarh Fort

Perched on a steep rock, Taragarh Fort evokes the golden age of the Chauhan rulers. Before you stands the oldest military fortress in India!

Akbar's ancient palace

While you're at it, visit the luxurious estate that Jahangir, the son of the Great Akbar, called his home. Before serving as a residence for Jahangir's imperial family, it had hosted Akbar when he made a pilgrimage to Ajmer to seek an heir. The octagonal plan of the building is a prime example of bastioned fortifications.

Natural Heritage

Ana Sagar Lake

Looking for an outdoor stroll? Take the road to Ana Sagar Lake, which takes its name from Arnoraja, a 12th-century Chauhan ruler. Gardens, pavilions and pleasure boats make this artificial lake a pleasant place to forget stress and disconnect.

Foy Sagar Lake

Walkers and bird-watching enthusiasts frequently visit Foy Sagar Lake, located not far from the city. It was created in 1892 with the aim of providing an alternative source of income to thousands of peasants oppressed by famine. A variety of migratory birds can be observed on the shores, feeding on suspended microorganisms.

Practical Information

When to visit Ajmer?

Heat reigns supreme in Ajmer, like in the hot and desert regions of India. The hottest months are April and June, while the wettest are July and August. It is advisable to visit Ajmer from September to April and discouraged from visiting from May to August. It is preferable to avoid extremely hot weather which can exceed 40°C as well as heavy rains.

To get to Ajmer, travelers can take the road, rail or air. The most convenient option is to book a flight to Jaipur and reach Ajmer by taxi from Sanganer airport. Allow approximately two and a half hours of driving. Generally speaking, Ajmer is visited as a day trip from Jaipur. However, if you are traveling from another city, Ajmer Junction station connects Ajmer to major tourist destinations in the country, such as Delhi, Jodhpur, Kolkata or Mumbai.

You will love…

- Posing for a photo in front of the Ajmer Sharif Sanctuary;

- Hearing the story of the revered Moinuddin Chishti;

- Visiting Jain temples;

- Discovering the authentic flavors of the region;

- Taking a breath of fresh air in the Aravali mountain range.