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Ajmer
Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan founded the city in the 7th century. The dynasty rule came to an end when Muhammad Gori defeated
Prithviraj Chauhan in the 12th century. Hindu and Muslim
pilgrims visit Ajmer in large numbers. The city is also
important as Pushkar falls close-by.
The Dargah: Sufi saint Kwaja Moinuddin's tomb is
here. The shrine is like Mecca for the Muslims. Akbar
and Shahjahan had mosques built near the tomb.
Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra: A magnificent building (see picture), it is said to have been built in two and a half days' time and hence the name. It's Mohammad Ghori's construction of the 12th century.
Taragarh fort: Situated on a hill, the fort was used
for military purpose during the Mughal period.
The Museum: The weapons and other assets of the Mughals
and the Rajput kings are on display here.
EXCURSIONS
Pushkar (10 km): The lake with desert on one side
and the annual cattle fair are famous (Go to Pushkar page); Man Mahal (10 km): Near Pushkar lake, the palace,
built by Raja Man Singh, is today a tourist bungalow.
HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport is at Jaipur, 130
km away. Ajmer is well-connected to all major towns
by rail and road.
CLIMATE: Summer, 28 to 38 deg C; winter, 5 to 25 deg C; Best
season: July-March
CLOTHING: Light cotton in summer and light woollen in winter.
SHOPPING: The exclusive shopping items are colourful saris, Jodhpuri jutis, antiques, curios, jewellery and other handicrafts.
LANGUAGES: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi and English
FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Urs at the Dargah; the Pushkar
cattle fair at nearby Pushkar, 10 km away, Oct-Nov. | 
