Things to do in  Ajmer

Ajmer city, in the state of Rajasthan, is best known for being near the sacred Hindu town of Pushkar. Ajmer itself is an important city to Muslims—it’s home to Sharif Dargah, a shrine to a Sufi saint—as well as Jains. While many visitors use it as a base for exploring Pushkar, it’s also a worthwhile destination.

Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 11th century. It’s a pretty respite for Ajmeris and visitors alike, with numerous grassy parks dotting its shores. Other highlights along the lake include marble pavilions, or baradari, built under the auspices of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who was also responsible for commissioning the Taj Mahal and Delhi's Red Fort.

Ajmer's star attraction is the dargah (shrine) of Ajmer Sharif, the final resting place of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chisthi, who brought the Chishti order of Sufism to India. It's one of India's most important Muslim holy sites, and legend says that Mughal emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage here during his reign.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is among the oldest mosques in Rajasthan, if not India, and is one of the more popular attractions in Ajmer. Its name, which means (roughly) the two-and-a-half-day hut, comes from a legend that it was built in that short period.

The Akbari Fort is a 16th-century fort housing the Rajputana Museum. It's also known as Ajmer Fort or the Government Museum of Ajmer. It was established in 1908 to display collections of coins, religious sculptures, miniature art, and arms, much of which came from excavation sites.

Formally known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan and often referred to simply as the "Ajmer Jain Temple," this 19th-century temple is dedicated to Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara (sage). Its key feature is a massive sculptural depiction of the city of Ayodhya gilded in brilliant and shining gold.

Also known as the Shri Gyanodaya Tirth Kshetra, the Nareli Jain Temple is an important pilgrimage site for members of the Digambar Jain community. As it’s located near the tourist destinations of Ajmer and Pushkar, it’s a popular sight for travelers from all different backgrounds as well.