General Information
In summer: 45 C (Max) - 25 C (Min)
In winter: 18 C (Max) - 4C (Min)
Rainy Season: July to Mid Sept, and very humid (up to 90%)
Best Season: Oct to March
Languages:  Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Ajmer is a very beautiful city encircled by the spectacular Aravali Mountains. Also known as Ajaymeru, Ajmer was the city, which was ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001. The city of Ajmer derives its name from a district and a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which after India's independence became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956 when it was merged into Rajasthan state.

Ajmer History
Ajmer was founded by the Rajput ruler Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century. Ajai Pal Chauhan erected a fort atop a hill and called it Ajai Meru, which literally translates as ‘invincible fort’. The fort located amidst the Aravalli ranges served as a protection from foreign aggressions and prospered as a trading outpost between Delhi and ports of Gujarat. However, in 12th century this protective coverage collapsed and Mohammad Ghori captured Ajmer from Prithviraj Chauhan.

Ajmer continued as an intrinsic part of the Delhi Sultanate till early 14th century after which it suffered a period of pitiable shakiness. The rulers of Mewar, Marwar, Delhi and Gujarat continually engaged in devastating battles to gain control over the town of Ajmer.

Later, somewhere in 16th century, Ajmer became the hub for the Mughal rulers who frequented quite regularly. It was in Ajmer that one of the earliest dealings between the Mughals and the British occurred. Thereafter, the Scindias also took over Ajmer and brought it under the direct control of Britishers. In fact, it was the one of the few places in Rajasthan which did not form a part of the princely state and functioned directly under the British.

Tourist Attractions in Ajmer
Dargah of Khawaja Saheb: Nestled at the foot of a hill and in the old part of town, the Dargah of Khwaja Saheb is one of the most important places in India for muslim pilgrims. The Dargah is the tomb of a Suffi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti. Constructed in white marble, the dargah has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the building. The tomb attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the Saint's death The Urs.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra: Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra is an outstanding edifice, an excellent masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located on the outskirts of the city just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days (adhai-din). Thus it got its name.

Taragarh Fort: Taragarh (Star Fort) is situated three kilometers and a steep 1 and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra Mosque. It was constructed by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town's founder. Being situated on a height, the fort commands an impressive vista of the entire city. The fort served as the site for many military activities during Mughal times and was later used as a sanatorium by the British.

Nasiyan Jain Temple: Nasiyan Jain Temple also known as the Red Temple is located on Prithviraj Marg. This temple of the Digambar Jains was constructed in 1865. The main chamber consists of a double storied hall ornamented with large wooden figures portraying the Jain concept of the world. The hall is festooned in an extravagant way with precious gems, gold and silver. The Nasiyan Jain temple is one of the finest Jain temples in Rajasthan after the temples of Ranakpur and Mount Abu.

Akbar’s Palace: Akbar's Palace is located close to the railway station in Ajmer. It stands as the epitome of history and speaks volumes about the romantic yet turbulent history of the desert city of Ajmer. Ancient and medieval weapons and armory including the enviable collection of Rajput and Mughal armor are kept on display. You will be amazed to see the magnificent compilation of stone sculptures, objects d' art and delicate miniature paintings.

Kishangarh Fort: Fortified by a massive moated wall, the Kishangarh Fort was constructed in 1653 by a Rathore King, Maharaja Roop Singh at a distance of 27 kilometers from the main Ajmer city. This imposing fort represents a formidable yet mesmerizing picture. According to legends, Maharaja Roop Singhji built the fort being inspired by an incident where he saw a sheep defending her lambs from a pack of wolves. The Kishangarh Fort remained unconquered despite numerous threats from the enemy. Visitors can also see the grand Phool Mahal  located adjacent to the Kishangarh Fort as they tour around the tourist attractions of Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.

Excursions from Ajmer
Enjoy edifying and fun filled excursions to the tourist attractions located in and around Ajmer with Rajasthan Tour Guide. One can make excursions from Ajmer to the neighboring town of Pushkar renown for the annual Pushkar Fair. Pushkar becomes a bustling and colorful fairground in the month of Kartik (October-November) when the annual Pushkar Fair is held. Hindu pilgrims come for the holy dip in the Pushkar Lake, which is considered as holy especially during the Kartik Poornima. The highlight of the fair is the Camel Fair which includes expansive trade of camels. There are about 400 temples in Pushkar famed as great spiritual pigrim sites. Among these the most famous is the Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir, the Savitri Temple overlooking the Pushkar Lake, the Varah temple, the Mahadeva Temple and the Ramvaikunth Temple. Other places of interest around Ajmer are Mangliyawas, 26kms from Ajmer famous for its two 800 year old trees of a rare species, popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'. Badnor, 80kms from Ajmer is best known for its 500 years old imposing fort. Pachewar, 90kms from Ajmer is a small village in Rajasthan, which is an ideal stopover for the tourists traveling between Ajmer and Jaipur. The lake at Pachewar attracts thousands of migratory birds in the winters, a sight mostly loved by tourists.

Shopping in Ajmer
Shopping in Ajmer can be an adventure even in its congested bazaars. Items representative of Rajasthani art and culture are availabl at cheap prices. Gold and silver, jewelry, tie-dye, block printed textiles, embroidered blouses and shoes called mojaris are the most favorite items at sale here. Ajmer is well-known for its atar (perfume) made from the juice of roses. Emperor Jahangir was the one who patronized its use when atar was first presented to him, and since then rose atar has been synonymous with Ajmer. While the Urs festival is in full swing artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers assemble at Ajmer to display and sell their colorful wares. The main shopping centres of Ajmer are Madar Gate, Purani Mandi, Naya Bazaar (up market items), Kaisarganj and Nala Bazaar.

How to Reach Ajmer
By Air: The nearest airport is in Jaipur, 132 km away, and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and all major Indian towns.
By Trains: Ajmer is connected to all important cities by rail.
By Bus: Jaipur to Ajmer takes about two and a half hours and costs Rs. 50 in RTDC buses. Air-conditioned private buses ply to places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and other towns and also to Mumbai and New Delhi. Getting onto one of these buses is a good option in summer although going to Mumbai might be tiring. Tickets are available from local travel agents.