Things to do in Ajmer
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti
Situated at the foot of a hill and in the old part of town is the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, India's most important Muslim pilgrimage site. This is the tomb of a Sufi saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192 and died here in 1236. The tomb gained its significance during the time of the Mughals - many emperors added to the buildings here. Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun, and the gate was added by the nizam (ruler of Hyderabad).
Akbar used to make the pilgrimage to the dargah from Agra every year. You have to cover your head in certain parts of the shrine, so remember to take a scarf or cap, although there are…
reviewed
-
B
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra
Beyond the dargah, on the town outskirts, are the extraordinary ruins of the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque. According to legend, construction in 1153 took 2½ days. Others say it was named after a festival lasting 2½ days. It was built as a Sanskrit college, but in 1198 Mohammed of Ghori seized Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven-arched wall covered with Islamic calligraphy in front of the pillared hall.
Although in need of restoration, it's an exquisite piece of architecture, with soaring domes, pillars and a beautiful arched screen, largely built from pieces of Jain and Hindu temples.
reviewed
-
C
Ana Sagar
This large lake, created in the 12th century by damming the River Luni, is set against a blue-grey hilly spine that merges into its surface. On its bank is a park, the Subash Bagh & Dault Bagh, containing a series of marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shah Jahan. There are good views towards Ajmer from the hill beside the Dault Bagh, particularly at sunset. It's a popular place for an evening stroll, though you may get quite a lot of attention. Pedalos and motorboats can be hired from the Fun N Joy Boat Club.
reviewed
-
D
Nasiyan (Red) Temple
This marvellous Jain temple was built in 1865. It's also known as the Golden Temple, due to its amazing display - its double-storey temple hall is filled with a huge golden diorama depicting the Jain concept of the ancient world, with 13 continents and oceans, the intricate golden city of Ayodhya, flying peacock and elephant gondolas, and gilded elephants with many tusks. The hall is decorated with gold, silver and precious stones.
reviewed
-
E
Government Museum
Akbar built this imposing palace in 1570 – partly as a pleasure retreat, but mainly to keep a watchful eye on local rulers. It was here, on 10 January, 1616, that Sir Thomas Roe, ambassador of King James 1 of England, was given the first official audience by the Emperor Jehangir. Akbar's Palace houses the government museum, which has a small collection of stone sculptures, weapons and miniature paintings.
reviewed
-
Dargah
Located in the old part of town is one of India’s most important Muslim pilgrimage sites. The dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192 and lived here until 1233. Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun and the gate was added by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Akbar used to make the pilgrimage to the dargah from Agra every year.
reviewed
-
F
Taragarh
About 3km from the town, and a steep 1½-hour climb beyond the mosque (it’s also accessible by car), the ancient Taragarh commands a superb view over the city. It was built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town’s founder, and saw lots of military action during Mughal times. It was later used as a British sanatorium.
reviewed
-
Jain Red Temple
This amazing temple was built in 1865. Its double-storey hall is filled with a colossal golden diorama depicting the Jain concept of the ancient world, with 13 continents and oceans, the golden city of Ayodhya and flying-swan and flying-elephant gondolas.
reviewed
-
Akbari Masjid
The green and white mosque in the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, Akbari Masjid, through the Nizam Gate and to the right, was constructed by Akbar in 1571 and is now Moiniua Usmania Darul-Uloom, an Arabic and Persian School for religious education.
reviewed
-
G
Sheesh Mahal
This upmarket restaurant, located in the Mansingh Palace, offers Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes as well as a buffet when the tour groups pass through. The service is pretty slick and the food is palatable and it boasts a bar.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Mango Masala
With dim, bar-like lighting and crèche-style decor, this no-alcohol, veg cafe is where Ajmer’s teens hang out. There’s an extensive menu of pizzas, Chinese, and North and South Indian, as well as cakes, ice cream and sundaes.
reviewed
-
I
Honeydew
This dimly lit, staid place has long been Ajmer’s best, and it’s still the restaurant of choice for Mayo College students. There’s a good selection of veg and nonveg Indian, Chinese and continental food (including pizzas).
reviewed
-
J
Madina Hotel
Handy if you're waiting for a train (it's opposite the station), this simple, open-to-the-street eatery cooks up cheap veg and nonveg fare, with specialities such as chicken Mughlai and rumali roti.
reviewed
-
Nakkarkhana
The second gate into the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti was built by Shah Jahan, and is often called the Nakkarkhana because it has two large nakkharas (drums) fixed above it.
reviewed
-
Buland Darwaza
The third gate into the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, Buland Darwaza , dates from the 16th century. It's tall - about 28m high - and whitewashed, and leads into the dargah courtyard.
reviewed
-
Nizam Gate
The first gate into the dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti compound is the Nizam Gate, built in 1915 up some steps to protect it from the rains.
reviewed
-
K
Elite
Elite has a welcoming ambience attracting families to feast on the town’s best thali (Rs54).
reviewed