Ajmer: Exploring the City of Multi-culture & Traditions

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By Pratima Sharma

Paharganj,-Ajmer,-Rajasthan
Paharganj, Ajmer: Image Axel Drainville via Flickr

Swathed in the arid hills, Ajmer is a city that holds an interesting past and lives in a beautiful present. The city, founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century, has served as home to a number of dynasties. These dynasties eventually left behind artifacts of their culture and tradition.

Amalgamating different philosophies and rituals, the city has a startling fusion of Hinduism and Islam. It’s attractions are the pilgrimage centres, quaint lakes, forts and museums. It also serves as a base for tourists heading to to Pushkar.

Read on to explore the different places to visit in Ajmer to get the real essence of this beautiful city.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The-Ajmer-Sharif-Dargah-2
Dargah Sharif Ajmer – Source Wikimedia

Situated right at the end of a barren hill, the tomb of Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is visited by tourists of all religions. Popularly known as Khwaja Saheb or Khwaja Sharif, this dargah is a very important pilgrimage site for the muslims of South Asia. If legends are to be believed, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah was visited by Akbar every year.

The Mausoleum

Featuring a huge gate built by the Nizam of Hyderabad, The Mausoleum is a must-visit place in Ajmer. The courtyard has the white marble Akbari Masjid on its right side. The place has another mosque, located at the inner court of Dargah, that was built by Shahjahan along with two enormous cauldrons.

Anasagar Lake

Anasagar-Lake, Ajmer
Anasagar Lake Ajmer – Source Wikimedia

Named after Prithviraj Chauhan’s grandfather, Anaji Chauhan, the Anasagar Lake is an artificial water body which was conceived in the 12th century. This lake is conjoined by Daulat Bagh which is another popular tourist attraction in Ajmer. It is perfect spot for tourists wishing to relax and enjoy a paddle boat or a jetty ride.

Ajmer Museum

This sought after tourist place was once the royal abode of Emperor Akbar and features an opulent storehouse of the Mughal and Rajput body armour and exquisite sculptures. This property is constructed using red sandstones that are placed in a square pattern, resulting in an architectural masterpiece.

Taragarh Fort

Taragarh Fort Ajmer
Taragarh Fort Ajmer – Image Zac Davies via Flickr

Established by the Chauhan Dynasty, this historic fort rests on the Aravallis and presents a panoramic view of the city. Taragarh Fort is argued to be the first hill fort in Asia and has solid rectangular shape and the staunch 4.5 metre walls. It is close to the Dargah Sharif and is at a walking distance from Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra.

Magazine Museum

Once the royal home of Prince Salim, the Magazine Museum is taken as the city gallery of Ajmer. If you want a peek into the to history and culture of Rajasthan, a visit to this place is a must. The museum comprises of a variety of ancient sculptures that endow visitors with fascination about the Mughal and Rajput history.

With so many places to visit in Ajmer, a holiday at this place should definitely be on your bucket list. Ixigo offers cheap flights to Jaipur, to make your travel easier!

Image credits: The copyright for the images used in this article belong to their respective owners. Best known credits are given under the image. For changing the image credit or to get the image removed from Caleidoscope, please contact us.

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