Ajmer between the Dargah and Ana Sagar

Ajmer can be explored through a variety of themes: the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, buildings featuring Hindu and Islamic design, and walks by Ana Sagar Lake. Religious history, architecture, and paths by the water give a stay a range of different highlights. When choosing your holiday rental in Ajmer, your preferred focus may help guide you: would you mainly like to explore cultural heritage, or also plan walks along the shore?

Shrines, Museum, and Architecture

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a Sufi shrine dating from the 13th century and houses the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty, also known as Garib Nawaz. Hindus and Muslims revere the Dargah; Muslims come to it from all over the world. Its three gates include the Nizam Gate, the Shah Jahan Gate, and the Buland Darwaza.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a building dating from the 12th century. Its description includes intricately decorated exterior facades, columns, and ceilings, as well as a combination of Hindu and Islamic design. Taragarh Fort offers a different architectural feature: it stands on a hill, and its main gate, decorated with elephant sculptures, is flanked on both sides by two bastions with guard rooms.

The Government Museum in Ajmer is located in the 16th-century Akbari Fort. The Ajmer Government Museum’s collections include archaeological artifacts, stone sculptures, inscriptions, and armor. The Swarna Nagri of Soniji Ki Nasiyan features miniature scenes of holy cities such as Ayodhya and Prayagraj, a depiction of Mount Sumeru, and 225 golden lotus flowers. The main chamber contains gilded wooden figures.

Other buildings in Ajmer also showcase distinctive materials and details. The Sai Baba Temple in Ajay Nagar was built in 1999 from translucent marble. The city’s bazaars offer traditional handicrafts.

Walks and History by Ana Sagar Lake

Ana Sagar is an artificial lake commissioned and created by Arnoraj Chauhan between 1135 and 1150 AD. The Chowpatty and Jetty paths are ideal for walks along the shore. Alongside the cultural sites, they offer another way to spend time outdoors during your stay.

On the lake’s southeastern shore stands Anasagar Baradari, a group of white marble pavilions. The marble pavilions at Ana Sagar, known as baradaris, were added by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Nearby, Mughal emperor Jahangir had the Daulat Bagh Gardens laid out. Thus, historic gardens and pavilions combine with a lakeside walk.

When searching for a holiday rental in Ajmer, your preferred daily rhythm can be a good starting point: should your stay focus mainly on shrines, the museum, and architecture, or would you also like to set aside time for walks by Ana Sagar Lake? These different interests can help you plan a stay that suits your preferences.

The Wider Destination of Ajmer

The wider destination of Ajmer also includes experiences in Pushkar. Pushkar lies near Ajmer and is a sacred Hindu site. It is home to the only known temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Every year between October and November, Pushkar hosts the five-day Pushkar Fair, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela: a camel and livestock festival. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates in advance.

Leather, marble, and textile work are among the handicrafts of Ajmer district. Examples include metal bells, patchwork, quilts, and pillow covers. Prithviraj Smarak is also part of the wider destination of Ajmer: the monument honors Prithviraj Chauhan, stands on a hill, and offers expansive views of Ajmer and the Aravalli Range. The artificial Lake Foy Sagar was created in 1892 and also offers views of the Aravalli Range.

Discover more destinations: Beawar, Pushkar, Kekri, Kishangarh, Kharwa.

To the wider travel overview: Ajmer.