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The city of Ajmer lies in the heart of Rajasthan, some 130 km west of Jaipur. Literally an oasis surrounded by the rocky Aravalli hills Ajmer is a major tourist destination because of its eventful history, spiritual sites and the neighbouring village of Pushkar.

Witness to the rise and fall of several kingdoms, Ajmer's history tells the tales of great romances, heroism and valour. The social fabric in Ajmer is a truly secular one with both Hindus and Muslims cutting across religious divides to revere its holy land. The Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, located at the end of a dusty alley in the main market, makes Ajmer an important pilgrim centre for Muslims from all parts of the world and Pushkar is the abode of Lord Brahma, which devout Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. As an important tourist destination the ins and outs of travel in Ajmer are well documented in many a tourist guide. And having access to reliable information is important in this city where there is a friendly 'guide' at every corner.

Ajmer is a traveller's delight, bustling with activity and noise,

sights and sound - it is a place that's guaranteed to overwhelm the senses of any tourist.

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Dress modestly and maintain the decorum when you visit the Dargah. It is preferred that women cover their heads with a scarf, dupatta or any other cloth.

Historically Speaking

The city of Ajmer was founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan who named it ‘Ajaimeru’ or ‘The Invincible Hill’. Close by the king built Taragarh, the very first hill fort in India. It remained an important Chauhan stronghold till 1193, when the Afghan Mohammed Ghori defeated the last Hindu ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan. For over three centuries thereafter, Ajmer faced turbulent times changing hands over and over again as one warlord succeeded another. Finally, a part of the great Mughal Empire, Emperor Akbar accorded it the status of a province in 1556, and used it as the headquarters for his campaigns in Rajasthan.

After the decline of the Mughals, control of Ajmer passed into the hands of the new power brokers, the Marathas, particularly the Scindias of Gwalior. By 1818, Ajmer had come under the influence of the British who left their legacy in the form of some excellent academic institutions like the King George Military School and the prestigious Mayo College, a public school for the young Rajput Princess. Ajmer remains the centre of many quality public schools in India to this day.