Discover Ajmer: Architecture, Lakes and Pilgrimage Traditions

Ajmer combines architecture from different eras with lakes and religious traditions. This gives you different priorities to consider when planning your trip: architecture and history in the city, scenery at Ana Sagar, and a visit to nearby Pushkar. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether Ajmer’s own sights or Pushkar’s pilgrimage traditions and festival culture should shape your stay. This lets you tailor your destination to your interests.

Ajmer’s Architecture and History

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a 12th-century structure whose design combines Hindu and Islamic elements. Taragarh Fort also offers a glimpse into history: the hilltop fortress of the Chauhan dynasty overlooks Ajmer and offers views of the city. The Prithviraj Smarak commemorates Prithviraj Chauhan. It is also located on a hill and offers sweeping views of Ajmer and the Aravalli Range.

The Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower in Ajmer was built in 1887 and is an example of British architecture. The Akbari Fort and Museum has a different architectural character: it was built by Akbar in the typical Mughal style. The Ajmer Government Museum preserves archaeological artifacts, stone sculptures, inscriptions and armor. Mayo College, meanwhile, is one of India’s oldest independent boarding schools; its building is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Together, these places offer different reasons to explore Ajmer’s architecture, history and collections.

Lakes and Views

Ana Sagar is a large lake in the center of Ajmer and a major attraction. On its banks stand the marble pavilions known as Baradaris, which were added by Shah Jahan. The lake thus combines a striking landscape with an architectural record of the Mughal era. If you’d like to include a boat trip from the eastern shore of Daulat Bagh to an island in Ana Sagar in your plans, check in advance whether it is available.

Lake Foy Sagar offers a different view: the artificial lake was created in 1892 and offers views of the Aravalli Range. Ana Sagar and Foy Sagar therefore offer two distinct lake experiences to consider when planning your trip: the large lake in central Ajmer and an artificial lake with mountain views. Prithviraj Smarak and Taragarh Fort also combine their respective historical significance with views, though from their hilltop locations.

Crafts and Religious Traditions

Crafts in Ajmer district include leather, marble and textile work. Textile examples include patchwork, bedspreads and pillowcases; metal bells are also mentioned. Soniji ki Nasiyan, also known as Ajmer Jain Temple, offers another cultural highlight: the main chamber, Swarna Nagari, contains gilded wooden figures.

At Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the Urs festival commemorates the saint’s death anniversary and draws large crowds. Another religious landmark is nearby Pushkar, a sacred Hindu site. It is home to the only known temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar also hosts the annual Pushkar Fair, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela. The five-day camel and livestock fair takes place between October and November. If you’re planning your trip around it, check the exact festival dates.

Ajmer as a Starting Point for Your Hotel Search

Ajmer is well connected by both road and rail. When choosing a hotel, you can start by deciding what you’d like to focus on: if architecture, the museum and Ana Sagar are your priorities, search in Ajmer. Pushkar adds a nearby sacred site and an annual festival to your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pushkar, Ajmer, Beawar, Kishangarh, Kekri, Kharwa, Chittaurgarh, Hanumangarh.

For the broader travel overview: Rajasthan.