Ajmer

GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Then Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghori, after which Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility at one time. However, now it is one of the best public schools in the country.

HOW TO REACH :

Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 135 kms away.

Train: Ajmer is on the Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line and most trains stops at Ajmer.

Road: It is connected with bus from all places like Jaipur, Agra, Aligarh, Abu road, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Barmer, Haridwar, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Nagaur.

SHOPPING & AROUND :

Shopping in Ajmer is an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques, curios, fascinating gold and silver jewellery in modern designs, colourful tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered jodhpuri ‘Jutis’. Especially during the annual Urs fair, a range of colourful items and amazing creations of traditional folk aristsans are for sale.

Dargah Bazaar Ajmer: This shopping area of Ajmer is famous not only its colourful shops but also for bringing out the charm of this beautiful city. This bazaar is tucked in the entrance of the city and makes a wonderful display of a variety of traditional Rajasthani items and products.

Apart from the various shops of Dargah Bazaar Ajmer, this major shopping area is also famous for its food joints. The different eateries dotting this area are known for serving mouth watering local dishes.

Mahila Mandi Ajmer: Ajmer shopping is incomplete especially for women without shopping in Mahila Mandi Ajmer. There are a variety of items displayed in the shops of Mahila Mandi. From curios, jewelry, antiques, trinkets, traditional veils, fabrics of tie and dye, decorated shoes to embroidered skirts, perfumes and more, everything related to women are found in Mahila Mandi Ajmer. The huge number of shops dotting this shopping area remains crowded with women throughout the year.

Apart from the various shopping areas which have made Ajmer a shopper’s paradise, this Rajasthani city is also famous for its Pushkar Fair. The world's biggest camel fair also makes a huge display of handicrafts items which tourists can buy as a souvenir. The handicrafts goods and items come at a reasonable price.

RESTAURANTS :

Mango Masala: Located at Sardar Patel Marg, this is a locally popular multi-cuisine restaurant. The menu is extensive and covers pizzas, noodles, North Indian as well as South Indian fare. However, the restaurant is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. Vegetarian Restaurant International Cuisine.

Location Sardar Patel Marg, Ajmer.

Honeydew Restaurant: Located at Station Road, this a favourite hangout joint of the Mayo College crowd. Serving vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies, Honeydew offers a selection of Indian, Chinese and Continental preparations. Location : Sardar Patel Marg, Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Madina Restaurant: The small open air shack Madina opposite the railway station serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Located close to the railway station and specializing in quick service, this eatery is extremely convenient if you have to catch the next train back to your city.

Recommended Dishes: Mughlai Chicken, Rumali Roti Location : Station Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Mango Curry: Apart from being one of the oldest food joints at Ajmer, this one is known for its perfect ambience too. One of the favoured haunts of students from Mayo College, it's got a relaxed feel around it. Recommended Dishes:- Hyderbadi Vegetarian Biryani and Laal Maas are just two of the favourites here, for there's a lot more in store. Thalis, especially the Rajasthani and Punjabi ones, are a big rage here. Location : Kutchery Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan.