Ajmer

Ajmer is a city rich in history and culture, with several attractions that are worth a visit. Some of the top attractions include: 1. Dargah Sharif - One of the most famous Sufi shrines in the world, Dargah Sharif is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is visited by millions of people every year. 2. Ana Sagar Lake - A man-made lake built in the 12th century, Ana Sagar Lake is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. 3. Taragarh Fort - Built in the 7th century, Taragarh Fort offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to watch the sunset. 4. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra - A mosque built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century, Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. 5. Mayo College - One of the oldest and most prestigious public schools in India, Mayo College is a beautiful campus that is open to visitors.

In addition to visiting the city's many attractions, there are several popular activities to do in Ajmer. Some of these include: 1. Shopping at the Dargah Bazaar - The Dargah Bazaar is a bustling market located near Dargah Sharif. It is a great place to buy souvenirs, jewelry, and clothing. 2. Taking a camel safari - Camel safaris are a popular way to explore the desert around Ajmer. There are several tour companies that offer half-day and full-day safaris. 3. Visiting the Pushkar Camel Fair - Held every November in the nearby town of Pushkar, the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. It is a great place to see camels, buy handicrafts, and experience the local culture. 4. Attending the Urs Festival - The Urs Festival is an annual festival held at Dargah Sharif to commemorate the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is a lively and colorful event that attracts thousands of visitors. 5. Relaxing at a spa - There are several spas in Ajmer that offer traditional Indian treatments like Ayurvedic massages and herbal baths.

The best time to visit Ajmer is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the city is also host to several festivals and events, including the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Urs Festival. The summer months (April to June) can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains and can make travel difficult.

Ajmer has a variety of restaurants that serve both Indian and international cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants include: 1. Honeydew Restaurant - Located near Dargah Sharif, Honeydew Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. 2. Sheesh Mahal - A rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Taragarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal serves Indian and Chinese cuisine. 3. Mango Masala - A casual restaurant that specializes in Rajasthani cuisine, Mango Masala is a great place to try local dishes like dal bati churma and gatte ki sabzi. 4. Cafe Nature's Blessing - A vegetarian restaurant that serves organic food, Cafe Nature's Blessing is a great place to go for healthy options and fresh juices. 5. La Pizzeria - A popular restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas and Italian cuisine, La Pizzeria is a great option for those looking for something different.

Ajmer has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels include: 1. The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass - A luxury hotel located on the outskirts of Ajmer, The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a spa. 2. Hotel Merwara Estate - A heritage hotel located in the heart of Ajmer, Hotel Merwara Estate offers rooms with traditional decor and modern amenities. 3. Mansingh Palace - A hotel located near Dargah Sharif, Mansingh Palace offers rooms with views of Ana Sagar Lake and Taragarh Fort. 4. Hotel Royal Palace - A budget hotel located in the city center, Hotel Royal Palace offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. 5. Hotel Regal - A mid-range hotel located near the railway station, Hotel Regal offers rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.

Ajmer is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is about 130 kilometers away. From Jaipur, you can take a taxi or bus to Ajmer. Ajmer is also connected by rail to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. The city has two railway stations - Ajmer Junction and Ajmer Sharif. If you're traveling by road, Ajmer is located on National Highway 8, which connects Delhi and Mumbai.

The currency used in Ajmer, as in the rest of India, is the Indian rupee (INR). You can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange counters in the city, or withdraw cash from ATMs using a debit or credit card.

Ajmer is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety. Some tips to keep in mind include: 1. Dress modestly - Ajmer is a conservative city, so it's best to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. 2. Avoid walking alone at night - If you're out after dark, it's best to take a taxi or other form of transportation. 3. Be aware of your surroundings - Keep an eye on your surroundings and be cautious of strangers. 4. Keep your valuables safe - Keep your money, passport, and other valuables in a safe place. 5. Follow local customs - Respect local customs and traditions to avoid offending anyone.

There are several other places to visit near Ajmer that are worth a visit. Some of these include: 1. Pushkar - A small town located about 15 kilometers from Ajmer, Pushkar is famous for its lake and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. 2. Jaipur - The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food. 3. Jodhpur - Known as the 'Blue City', Jodhpur is famous for its blue-painted houses and stunning Mehrangarh Fort. 4. Udaipur - Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is famous for its beautiful palaces and scenic lakes. 5. Ranthambore National Park - A national park located about 150 kilometers from Ajmer, Ranthambore is home to tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.

The local language spoken in Ajmer is Rajasthani, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken. Most signs and menus are written in Hindi and English, so it's easy for tourists to get around.

The food in Ajmer is a mix of Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. Some popular dishes include dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas. There are also several street food stalls that serve chaat, samosas, and other snacks. Most restaurants serve vegetarian food, but there are also some that serve non-vegetarian dishes.