A vibrant sunset casts pink and orange hues across the calm water, creating a beautiful reflection beneath the distant horizon.

Places to Visit in Ajmer: A Sufi Shrine, a Lakeside Promenade, and a Hilltop Fort

The best places to visit in Ajmer are the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ana Sagar Lake, and Taragarh Fort. Add Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra and 2 Jain landmarks, Soniji Ki Nasiyan and Nareli, and the list is complete.

Put together, that's a morning at a Sufi shrine and an evening by a 12th-century lake. Somewhere in between sits a mosque whose name claims it went up in 2.5 days. Our Pushkara Resort & Spa, Ajmer, is about 13 km from the Dargah and about 6 km from Pushkar Lake, which makes it easy to fit both towns into one trip.
 

A large gathering of pilgrims sits beneath shaded canopies during a religious gathering.
An intricately decorated wooden doorway features traditional carvings and ornate details, reflecting historic craftsmanship.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Where the City's Story Begins

Most first visits start the same way, with the scent of roses and a slow shuffle towards the Buland Darwaza. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah holds the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Sufi saint is remembered as Gareeb Nawaz, or 'Benefactor of the Poor'. He lived here from 1192 until his death in 1236.

Rulers kept adding to the complex for centuries. Akbar gifted the larger of 2 giant cauldrons, called degs, and Jahangir added the smaller. Kheer cooked in them is still shared with people of every faith. Shah Jahan added a white marble mosque, and the Nizam of Hyderabad donated the gate named after him in 1911.

  • Summer Timings: 4:00 AM–10:00 PM
  • Winter Timings: 5:00 AM–9:00 PM
  • What to Wear: Cover your head and shoulders inside the shrine
  • Footwear: Shoes stay at the stalls outside the gates, so wear a pair that slips off easily.
  • Qawwali: Devotional Sufi music fills the inner courtyard on festive occasions.
  • The Urs: The saint's death anniversary is a 6-day festival in the Islamic month of Rajab.

Ana Sagar Lake and the Baradari, Where Ajmer Goes at Sunset

Come in the evening, once the heat has gone out of the day. Ana Sagar Lake was built by Arnoraja Chauhan in the 12th century, with the Aravalli hills wrapped around it. Centuries later, the Mughals added their own touches to the shore.

  • The Baradari: Shah Jahan built these 5 pavilions between the lake and the garden, and sunset is the time to photograph them.
  • Daulat Bagh: Jahangir laid out this garden beside the lake, and boats can be hired from its eastern side.
  • Boat Rides: Boats carry visitors out to a small island in the middle of the lake. Each boat takes no more than 10 people, so expect a wait at sunset.
Allow around 60-90 minutes for the lakeside walk and Baradari. Boating is subject to operator schedules, weather, water conditions, and local restrictions; services may not run every day or throughout the year. Confirm availability, fares, operating hours, and permitted passenger capacity at the jetty before boarding. Do not rely on a fixed boat capacity or assume that rides will be operating during your visit.

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A lakeside resort overlooks clear blue waters, with rugged hills creating a picturesque backdrop.
A traditional prayer space features a softly illuminated niche and a religious book placed below.
A patterned prayer carpet lies in a dimly lit room, creating a peaceful setting for prayer and reflection.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, the Mosque with a Legend

Ask how this mosque got its name and you may hear 3 different answers. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra translates as 'shed of 2.5 days'. The local legend says it went up in just 60 hours. The Archaeological Survey of India suggests the name came from a 2.5-day fair once held on the site.

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak commissioned it in 1192, it was designed by Abu Bakr of Herat and completed in 1199. Iltutmish added a screen wall of arches in 1213. Look up at the archway for Kufic and Tughra inscriptions, and at pillars taken from older Hindu and Jain temples. Allow approximately 45-60 minutes to explore the architecture and courtyard. The visitor timings listed by Incredible India are 6:00 AM-7:00 PM. Entry charges are not clearly stated in the official visitor information, so check at the entrance before your visit.

Taragarh Fort and the View over Ajmer

Every old city has a high point where its layout suddenly makes sense, and in Ajmer that is Taragarh. The hill fort was built in the Chauhan era and was originally called Ajaymeru Durg. From the top, the city spreads out below in a wide panorama.

Inside the walls is the dargah of Miran Sahib, where Jahangir added a marble enclosure in 1615. The fort is approximately 23 km from our resort, roughly a 54-minute drive via Taragarh Road. Go in the morning, before the city heats up.

A hilltop fort overlooks the sprawling city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
A historic fort stands amid green hills, with rugged mountains forming a scenic backdrop.
A finely carved idol sits within an ornate shrine, surrounded by traditional decorative artwork.
A beautifully decorated temple interior features golden pillars, ornate ceilings and a central prayer area.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan and Nareli, Ajmer's 2 Jain Landmarks

Ajmer's Jain heritage comes in 2 moods: gold leaf in the heart of the city, and an entire hillside of marble on its edge.

  • Soniji Ki Nasiyan: Dating to 1865 and built in red sandstone, it is dedicated to Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. Its Swarna Nagari hall holds a gold-covered model of Ayodhya and the Jain universe. That hall is why it is also known as the Golden Temple. The hall is open to visitors of all faiths every day for a small fee.
  • Nareli Jain Temple: This white marble complex, also called Shri Gyanodaya Tirth Kshetra, climbs a hill. Its 24 temples are each dedicated to a Tirthankara. Its idols of Arahnath, Kunthunath, and Shantinath reportedly weigh around 24 tons each. Timings: 6:00 AM–8:30 PM.

Things to Do in Ajmer Beyond the Monuments

A full day of Ajmer sightseeing leaves gaps between the big names, and the city fills them well.

  • Shopping: The Dargah Bazaar sells flowers, candles, and chadars. Mahila Mandi is known for saris and salwar kameez, and Madar Gate for juttis (traditional footwear) and bandhani (tie-dye) fabric.
  • Akbari Fort and Museum: Akbar built this fort in the Mughal style, and the collection inside holds sculptures and armour.
  • Foy Sagar: A late 19th-century artificial lake with a hill backdrop.
  • Food Breaks: The shops around the shrine sell sweets, snacks, and tea for a break between stops.

A grand historic gateway welcomes visitors, showcasing intricate architecture and a lively gathering of people.
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A historic riverside structure stands beside calm waters, with hills and open skies in the background.
A historic riverside structure stands beside calm waters, with hills and open skies in the background.

Ajmer and Pushkar on the Same Trip

The road between Ajmer and Pushkar is short. It runs from a Sufi pilgrimage city to a lake town sacred to Hindus. The Dargah and Pushkar Lake are approximately 15 km apart, roughly a 45-minute drive. Pairing them is easy: Ajmer for the morning, then the ghats of Pushkar for the evening aarti. Our guide to the places to visit in Pushkar covers the second half of that day.

Getting to Ajmer by Air, Rail, and Road

Ajmer is well connected by road and rail, and the nearest airport is at Kishangarh.
  • By Air: Kishangarh Airport is the closest airport to Ajmer, but flight routes and operating days can change. Check the current airport and airline schedules before booking rather than relying on a fixed Delhi-Kishangarh service. Jaipur International Airport is another option, approximately 140 km away; allow around 2.5-3 hours by road, depending on traffic.
  • By Train: The Ajmer Shatabdi Express runs daily between New Delhi and Ajmer Junction.
  • By Road from Jaipur: Approximately 134 km on NH 48, around 2 hours 30 minutes
  • By Road from Delhi: Approximately 451 km via NE 4, around 6 hours 30 minutes
  • By Bus: AC, sleeper, and Volvo buses run from Jaipur through the day, taking around 2 hours 30 minutes. Overnight services from Delhi take around 8 hours.

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A passenger train travels through the dry, open landscape, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Pushkara Resort & Spa, a Calm Base Between Ajmer and Pushkar

After a day of queues, stairs, and bazaars, the evening calls for something slower. Pushkara Resort & Spa, Ajmer, was built in 2022 on Pushkar Bypass Road. The Aravalli foothills rise behind it, and there are sand dunes within the grounds. We are located around 13 km from the Dargah, while Pushkar Lake is about 6 km away. Both towns stay within easy reach. Kishangarh Airport is approximately 33 km away, and Ajmer Junction about 12 km. Our accommodation spans 9 categories of rooms, cottages, luxury tents, and suites, several with a private Jacuzzi. Qube Cafe serves multi-cuisine meals throughout the day, and Gravity Lounge suits a quieter evening. There is a swimming pool and a spa, and longer stays pair well with our offers, so book your stay today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best places to visit in Ajmer?

For a manageable first-day itinerary, prioritise Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, and Ana Sagar Lake. Soniji Ki Nasiyan can be added if time allows. Keep Taragarh Fort and Nareli Jain Temple for a second day or a longer visit.

What are the timings of Ajmer Sharif Dargah?

The Dargah is open 4:00 AM–10:00 PM in summer and 5:00 AM–9:00 PM in winter. Timings can shift during the Urs, so check before you go.

How far is Ajmer from Pushkar?

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Pushkar Lake are approximately 15 km apart. Allow around 30-45 minutes by road, depending on traffic. The two towns can be combined in a day, but this works best as an alternative to a full Ajmer sightseeing itinerary.

Where to stay near Ajmer Sharif Dargah?

Staying between Ajmer and Pushkar lets you cover both towns without changing hotels. Pushkara Resort & Spa, Ajmer, sits approximately 13 km from the Dargah and 6 km from Pushkar Lake. It has a swimming pool, a spa, and 9 categories of rooms, cottages, luxury tents, and suites.

When is the Urs at Ajmer Sharif Dargah?

The Urs is a six-day festival in the Islamic month of Rajab, so its dates move each year with the lunar calendar. Check the Dargah or local administration's announcement for the dates in the year you plan to visit.

Can non-Jains visit Soniji Ki Nasiyan?

Yes, the Swarna Nagari hall is open to visitors of all faiths. The published visitor hours are 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; confirm the current entry fee and photography rules at the venue.

How do I reach Ajmer by train?

Ajmer Junction is connected to New Delhi and other major cities. Train numbers, timings, and running days can change; check the Indian Railways train schedule or NTES for the date of travel. Ajmer Junction is approximately 12 km from the resort.

Can I cover all the main Ajmer attractions in one day?

Not comfortably if you want time for travel, queues, meals, and each site's highlights. A practical first-day route is the Dargah, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, and Ana Sagar Lake, with Soniji Ki Nasiyan as an optional stop. Taragarh Fort and Nareli Jain Temple are better suited to a second day.

Is boating available at Ana Sagar Lake?

Boating may operate from the Daulat Bagh side, but availability depends on local operators, weather, water conditions, and any temporary restrictions. Confirm operating hours, fares, and passenger limits at the jetty on the day of your visit.

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