Situated amidst the Aravallis, the valley of Ajmer is a pristine land which immortalises the legacies of the great Rajput rulers who sowed the seeds of this city. Named after its founder, king Ajaypal Chauhan, this land of the Chauhans has been under the rule of many cultures. Instead of losing one to the other, Ajmer has warmly embraced them all in a way that they collectively endow this city with its aesthetic and cultural virtue.
Today, as you come aboard to uncover the tales of this town, it shall not be through the books in the age-old libraries or the writings on the walls. While the songs do sing the praises of Ajaymeru, how can one deny that the best way would be to go out on the streets and experience them for yourself?
KNOW THE BACKGROUND STORY
The Taragarh Fort and the many marvellous edifices built by the Chauhans gave the city its royal Rajput grandeur. Then came the Mughals who conquered Ajmer and bejewelled the city with the wonders of Mughal architecture. The dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, built by Emperor Akbar, stands today as one of the major contributors in bringing tourists and pilgrims to Ajmer from around the world. Finally, during the reign of the British, the construction of schools and administrative buildings, and most importantly, the railways, gave Ajmer an important identity.
THE MUST-VISIT SPOTS
Ajmer’s Taragarh Fort, though now mostly in ruins, is worth a visit for a sneak peak into the city's history. The Ana Sagar Lake, Adhai-din-ka Jhopra, Akbari Museum (the fortress of Emperor Akbar), Dargah Shareef, and many more beautiful sites fall in the category of ‘Ajmer’s bucket list’, which are must-visits in this town.
EXPLORE AND UNCOVER THE HAVELIS AND TEMPLES
A number of ancient havelis, enchantingly carved, ornament the city here and there. There are Jain temples that contribute to the large amount of pilgrimage that takes place in the city every year. These are structures with tales and legacies of their own, that have also crowned Ajmer as a remarkable destination in their own way.
Your temple trail would be incomplete without a visit to Soniji ki Nasiyan, also known as the Ajmer Jain Temple. It stands as an example of marvellous architecture in terms of its aesthetic appeal and engineering genius. The temple, dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 tirthankara, holds prime significance for the followers of Jainism.
Neither would you like to miss out on the 11th century Ajay Pal Temple. Situated around 10 km from Pushkar, created by the founder of Ajmer, Raja Ajay Pal, this is another creation you must see for yourself to understand its richness. The newly created Nareli Jain Temple is also a must-visit, as a striking amalgamation of traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
The treasures a city holds can only be understood from the depth of its streets and the details of its creations.
So, if you're someone with explorer genes, then all you have to do is register for this walk to explore the architectural magnificence of Ajmer and give yourself stories to share!
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