Ajmer City

Overlooking AnaSagar Lake

Cradled amongst the barren hills, Ajmer in, indeed a green oasis with an interesting past. The city was named after its founder, Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan, who founded it in the 7th century. Since then, Chauhans reigned over Ajmer till Prithviraj Chauhan lost the city to Mohammed Ghauri. Nonetheless, the culture and traditions of the city were strongly influenced by its rulers and one can see the indelible imprint of various cultures on the city. Just like old days, Ajmer continues to be a popular pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Muslims. Dargah Sharief, the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is equally revered by both the communities and Urs fair attracts thousands and lakhs of pilgrims every year.

CLIMATE
Ajmer has hot summers and cool winters. The maximum temperature in summer (from April to June) is around 45ºC. In winters (from November to February), days are sunny and pleasant but nights are bit cooler.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: The nearest airport to Ajmer is situated in Jaipur.

By Train: You can find a train to Ajmer from all the major cities of India. From Delhi, you can catch Shatabdi Express, The Pink City Express and Chetak Express.

By Road: Ajmer is well connected by the network of roads to Delhi, Agra and all the major cities of Rajasthan.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Urs Fair is held during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar) on the death anniversary  known as URS of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti (R.A). The Tomb is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities in 'Dargah Sharif' in Ajmer. Khwaja Sahib (R.A) had come from Persia and established Chishtia order of 'fakirs' in India.

Pushkar Fair is held in the month of Kartik that usually falls in October or November at Pushkar, which is 11 kms away from Ajmer, Rajasthan. One of the most sought-after fair in Rajasthan, a lot of tourists come to Pushkar Fair on pilgrimage as well as to see the display of a mystifying array of items. With the picturesque sand dunes as its backdrop, the camel fair and camel, horse and donkey races are the featured events of the fair. People indulge themselves in body tattooing as the villagers from distant places come here to trade their wares.

SHOPPING ATTRACTIONS
At Ajmer, one can look for items which have Rajasthani fervor and which echo the old-world mood of the area. The splendid silver jewellery with traditional old designs is the main tourist craze. The other things to be purchased are antiques, curios, mesmerizing contemporary gold and silver jewellery, colorful tie-and-dye sarees and fabrics, and embroidered 'jutis'. There is also a beautiful display of local colorful handicrafts at the annual Urs fair.

WHAT TO WEAR
In summers, light cotton clothes are advisable while you will need light woolen clothes in winter.