Things To Do in Ajmer

Things To Do in Ajmer, Rajasthan

Ajmer offers a wide mix of spiritual, cultural, outdoor, and everyday experiences beyond its well known monuments. The activities below cover some of the best ways to experience the city, whether you have a few hours or a full day to spend.

1. Seek Blessings at Dargah Sharif Ajmer

A visit to Dargah Sharif Ajmer, the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is a must for pilgrims and visitors of all faiths. The complex includes marble courtyards, historic gateways such as the Buland Darwaza, and the main mazaar, where devotees offer chadars and rose petals. Many visitors also stay on for the evening Qawwali sessions held near the shrine, which add a soulful, musical dimension to the visit.

2. Boating and Bird Watching at Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

Ana Sagar Lake, built in the 12th century, is one of Ajmer's most peaceful spots, offering boating and long lakeside walks. The lake and its surrounding wetlands attract a variety of migratory and resident birds through the cooler months, making it a rewarding stop for casual bird watching as well as photography.

3. Relax at Daulat Bagh Ajmer

Set right beside Ana Sagar Lake, Daulat Bagh is a well-maintained Mughal-style garden lined with trees and lawns, ideal for leisurely walks and family outings. The garden also houses marble pavilions (baradaris) built during Shah Jahan's reign, adding a touch of Mughal history to a quiet evening out.

4. Trek Up Nag Pahad Ajmer

For visitors looking for some outdoor activity, the trek up Nag Pahad (Snake Hill) offers a moderately challenging climb with wide views over Ajmer city and the surrounding Aravalli range. It is best attempted in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during the cooler months, and is a good option for trekking enthusiasts passing through the region.

5. Try Local Street Food and Cafes

Ajmer's food scene is best known for its kachori, a deep-fried, spiced lentil-stuffed pastry along with local favorites like Mirchi Vada, Sev, Rabri, and Kulhad Lassi sold at stalls across the city. Areas around Dargah Bazaar and Naya Bazaar have several small eateries, making for an easy and affordable way to sample local flavours. If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere, explore Ajmer's aesthetic cafés, offering great coffee, desserts, and stylish interiors perfect for a break after sightseeing.

6. Shop at Ajmer Bazaar

Ajmer's markets, including Dargah Bazaar, Naya Bazaar, and Kaisarganj, are worth exploring for silver jewellery, traditional textiles, rose-based products, and ittar (perfume oils). Religious items such as chadars and offerings are also widely sold near the dargah, making it a good stop for both shopping and souvenirs.

7. Visit Akbar Fort Ajmer

A visit to Akbar Fort, built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, is worthwhile for its Mughal-era architecture and the government museum housed within, which displays artefacts, weapons, and sculptures from the region's Mughal and Rajput history. It offers a good introduction to Ajmer's role in Mughal-era Rajasthan.

8. Pay Tribute at Maharana Pratap Smarak

This memorial, dedicated to the Rajput warrior king Maharana Pratap, features a statue of the ruler set within landscaped surroundings. It is a popular short visit for those interested in Rajasthani history, and also offers pleasant views of the city.

9. Visit Prithviraj Smarak

Dedicated to the Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan, this memorial commemorates his legacy and is of interest to visitors exploring Ajmer's connections to Rajasthan's medieval history, often combined with a visit to nearby Taragarh Fort.

10. Explore Historic Architecture

Ajmer is home to several architectural landmarks worth walking through, including Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, known for its intricately carved arched facade and pillars, one of the finest surviving examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture in India.

11. Climb Up to Taragarh Fort

For those combining sightseeing with a short trek, Taragarh Fort offers a climb up the hill with panoramic views of the city below, making it a good half-day activity for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

12. Visit Nareli Jain Temple

A peaceful visit to the Nareli Jain Temple complex, with its cluster of white marble temples set against the Aravalli hills, makes for a calm, less crowded outing away from the city centre.

13. Take a Day Trip to Pushkar

Just about 15 km from Ajmer, Pushkar offers a completely different atmosphere with its sacred lake, temples, colourful markets, and desert experiences. Popular activities include:

• Visit Pushkar Lake
• Explore Brahma Temple
• Walk through vibrant local markets
• Enjoy a camel safari in Pushkar
• Experience a jeep safari in Pushkar Desert
• Stay overnight in a desert camp
• Watch a traditional Rajasthani folk dance performance