Rajasthan · Central Rajasthan
Ajmer
Home to one of India's most visited Sufi shrines, and the gateway to Pushkar
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal stay
- Half day to 1 night, often paired with Pushkar
- Nearest airport
- Kishangarh (KQH), about 30 km; Jaipur, about 135 km
- Railway
- Ajmer Junction, on the Delhi–Jaipur–Ahmedabad line
- From Jaipur
- About 135 km. 2 to 2.5 hours on the expressway
- Known for
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Ana Sagar, sohan halwa
Ajmer at a glance
Ajmer is best known for the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who settled here in the 13th century. The dargah draws visitors of many faiths, and it is one of the busiest pilgrimage centres in India. Beyond the shrine, the city has a set of older monuments, a lake with Mughal pavilions and a busy bazaar.
It is also the main railhead for Pushkar, which is 14 km away. Many travellers pass through Ajmer, but a half day is enough to see the dargah and one or two other places if you're not staying overnight.
The city is crowded and can feel noisy compared with Pushkar. The dargah is the reason to come, and it needs a respectful approach: covered heads, modest clothing, shoes left outside.
Best time to visit Ajmer
October to March is the comfortable window. The city is busiest during the Urs, a multi-day festival that follows the Islamic calendar, so its dates move each year.
| Months | Weather | What it means for a trip |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – Feb | Pleasant days of 20 to 30°C, cooler nights | Best for walking and sightseeing. Thursdays and Fridays are busy at the dargah. |
| Mar | Warming up, 30°C and above | Still fine for visits, especially early in the day. |
| Apr – Jun | Hot, often above 40°C | Visit early morning or evening. The dargah is open but crowded on holy days. |
| Jul – Sep | Humid with monsoon rain | Ana Sagar is full and the hills are green. |
How to reach Ajmer
- By air
- The nearest airport is Kishangarh (KQH), about 30 km away, but flights are limited. Jaipur (about 135 km) is the usual option, with taxis taking 2 to 2.5 hours.
- By train
- Ajmer Junction is on the main line between Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad, with express and Vande Bharat services on the Delhi and Jaipur routes. It is the main station for Pushkar.
- By road
- The Jaipur–Ajmer expressway makes the drive quick: 2 to 2.5 hours. Pushkar is 14 km away, Jodhpur about 190 to 200 km, Udaipur about 265 km and Delhi about 400 km.
Things to do in Ajmer
1.Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is a walled complex with marble halls, courtyards and huge cauldrons used for community cooking. Entry is free. Visitors cover their heads, remove shoes at the gate and make offerings of flowers, or chadar cloth if they wish. The area around it is crowded, so leave valuables at your hotel.
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours·Tip: Thursdays and Fridays are busiest. The Urs festival draws very large crowds; book a stay months ahead if you want to attend.
2.Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
A ruined mosque from the late 12th century next to the dargah, known for its carved pillars and arches. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is a good stop for architecture enthusiasts.
Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
3.Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh
A lake built in the 12th century, with marble pavilions added by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The promenade is pleasant in the evening.
Time needed: 1 hour
4.Akbar's Palace and Museum
A fort-like building from the 16th century, now a museum with a collection of sculptures and weapons. It is compact and easy to combine with the dargah.
Time needed: 45 minutes
5.Soniji ki Nasiyan (Ajmer Jain Temple)
A Jain temple from the 19th century with a large hall showing a gold-covered model of ancient Ayodhya. It's a surprising interior for a temple.
Time needed: 30 minutes
6.Taragarh Fort
A hill fort above the city with views. The climb is steep, and access is by road or on foot depending on the season. Only worth it if you have time.
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Sample itineraries for Ajmer
Half day from Jaipur or Pushkar
- Morning: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, then Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.
- Late morning: Akbar's Palace and Museum.
- Lunch: Kadhi kachori or a thali nearby.
- Afternoon: Ana Sagar promenade, then move on to Pushkar or return.
One night with Pushkar
- Day 1: Ajmer sights in the morning, drive to Pushkar for sunset.
- Day 2: Pushkar ghats at sunrise, Brahma Temple, then onward.
Where to stay in Ajmer
- Near the railway station and bus stand
- Budget and mid-range hotels with easy access to transport. Convenient for a short stop.
- Near the dargah
- Simple guesthouses and dharamshalas within walking distance. Very busy during the Urs and on holy days.
- Pushkar (14 km)
- Many visitors stay in Pushkar and visit Ajmer by day. It has more atmosphere and a wider choice of stays.
What to eat and buy in Ajmer
- Sohan halwa
- A dense, chewy sweet made of flour, sugar and ghee, sold in flat, crisp pieces. It is Ajmer's signature sweet.
- Kadhi kachori
- A breakfast or lunch dish: fried lentil-stuffed pastries served with a tangy yoghurt curry.
- Dargah bazaar
- The lanes leading to the dargah sell rose petals, chadars, incense, rosaries and sweets. Prices for offerings vary; ask before you buy.
Day trips and stops near Ajmer
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Pushkar | 14 km | The sacred lake town; see the separate guide. |
| Kishangarh | About 30 km | Fort and Kishangarh school of miniature painting. |
| Jaipur | About 135 km | The capital and the most common onward stop. |
| Jodhpur | About 190 to 200 km | The blue city and Mehrangarh Fort. |
| Udaipur | About 265 km | Lakes and palaces. |
What Ajmer costs
| Budget hotel (per room, per night) | About ₹800 to ₹2,000 |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel | About ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 |
| Dargah entry | Free |
| Ana Sagar and the pavilions | Free to walk; boating and snacks extra |
| A sit-down meal | About ₹150 to ₹500 per person |
Fees, timings and prices last checked in September 2026. They change from season to season, so treat them as a guide and confirm at the ticket counter or with us when we plan your trip.
Practical tips
- Cover your head at the dargah and dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and avoid short or tight clothing.
- Leave shoes with an attendant and expect to tip a small amount when you collect them.
- The lanes near the shrine are crowded. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure.
- Some people will approach you with offers to guide you or sell you offerings. You can decline politely and use the official counters.
- Thursdays, Fridays and religious festivals are the busiest times.
Ajmer travel FAQs
What is Ajmer famous for?
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is the main reason people visit. The city is also the gateway to Pushkar.
Can non-Muslims visit the Ajmer dargah?
Yes. Visitors of all faiths are welcome. Cover your head, dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
When is the Ajmer Urs?
The Urs is the annual death anniversary of the saint and follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year. It lasts about six days and draws very large crowds.
How far is Ajmer from Pushkar and Jaipur?
Pushkar is 14 km away (30 minutes). Jaipur is about 135 km (2 to 2.5 hours on the expressway).
Is Ajmer worth a night?
For most visitors, a half day is enough, then a night in Pushkar. Stay overnight only if you want to attend the dargah's evening prayers and festivals.
Trips that include Ajmer
Ready-made routes you can change — swap hotels, add nights or combine with another city.
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Grand Rajasthan — The Complete Circuit
The unhurried version — Jaipur, the holy lake at Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and its dunes, Udaipur, and the cool hill retreat of Mount Abu, staying in palace and heritage hotels throughout.
Let's plan your Ajmer trip
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