Ajmer Beyond the Dargah: Places to Explore and Things to Do

Ajmer is widely known for the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of Rajasthan’s most important pilgrimage sites. However, Ajmer beyond the Dargah offers a very different experience, combining history, architecture, lakes, markets, hills, local culture and peaceful surroundings.

While the Dargah attracts visitors throughout the year, travellers who spend a little more time exploring the city can discover another side of Ajmer. The Aravalli hills surround the city, while different dynasties and cultural influences have shaped its fascinating history.

If you want to experience Ajmer beyond the Dargah, here are some places and experiences worth adding to your itinerary. Read More…

Visit the Rose-Growing Areas Around Ajmer

The countryside around Ajmer has traditionally been associated with agriculture and rose cultivation. Depending on the season, visitors may find fields filled with colourful roses and learn about the local uses of rose petals and other agricultural produce.

One of the well-known products associated with rose cultivation in Rajasthan is gulkand, a traditional sweet preserve made primarily from rose petals and sugar. Indian households have used rose-based products for generations, and these products remain part of traditional food and wellness practices.

A visit to rural areas around Ajmer can provide an opportunity to see a side of the region that is quite different from its busy pilgrimage areas. However, travellers should arrange visits with local farms or community organisations in advance rather than entering private agricultural land without permission.

For visitors interested in responsible and community-based tourism, connecting with local organisations or guides can be a useful way to understand rural livelihoods and traditional activities.

Take a Day Trip to Pushkar

One of the easiest ways to experience Ajmer beyond the Dargah is to include Pushkar in your travel plan. Located close to Ajmer, Pushkar is known for its lake, temples, colourful streets, handicrafts and distinctive cultural atmosphere.

The town’s market is particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy shopping for traditional Rajasthani products. Depending on the season, visitors can find colourful textiles, embroidered clothing, bags, jewellery, handicrafts, puppets and decorative items.

Pushkar becomes exceptionally busy during major festivals and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. Travellers who prefer a quieter experience can consider visiting outside major festival periods.

Walking through the market is one of the simplest ways to experience the town. Rather than limiting your visit to shopping, take some time to explore the lanes, observe local crafts and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of one of Rajasthan’s best-known cultural destinations.

Spend Time Around Ana Sagar Lake

Ana Sagar Lake is another important place to explore when discovering Ajmer beyond its pilgrimage attractions. The large artificial lake provides an open and relatively peaceful setting within the city.

The lake was constructed during the 12th century and is associated with Anaji Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan. Today, the surrounding area is a popular place for locals and visitors to spend time outdoors.

A walk around the lake can offer a welcome break from the crowded areas of the city. The surrounding landscape, particularly the Aravalli hills, adds to the visual appeal.

Travellers can visit around the cooler parts of the day and enjoy the changing light over the water and hills. The lake area is particularly suitable for a relaxed evening during pleasant weather.

Explore Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

History enthusiasts should include Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in their Ajmer itinerary. Located close to Ajmer Sharif, this historic structure is one of the city’s most notable examples of medieval architecture.

The monument is associated with the early Delhi Sultanate period and is traditionally linked with Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Its architecture incorporates elements from earlier Indian building traditions, making it particularly interesting for visitors interested in the architectural history of Rajasthan.

Several traditional explanations surround the unusual name “Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra,” including the popular story that builders completed the structure within a very short period. Such stories have become part of the monument’s cultural history, although visitors should distinguish between popular legends and established historical evidence.

The intricate arches, columns and architectural details make the monument worth exploring beyond its famous name.

Visit Taragarh Fort

For travellers looking for history combined with mountain scenery, Taragarh Fort is another attraction to consider.

Built on a hill overlooking Ajmer, the fort provides elevated views of the surrounding landscape and the city. Its location in the Aravalli hills makes the journey itself part of the experience.

The fort is associated with the Chauhan period and has played an important role in Ajmer’s history. Its strategic location reflects the importance of hilltop fortifications in medieval Rajasthan.

Visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces and steep sections when exploring historic fort areas. Comfortable footwear, sufficient water and suitable weather conditions are particularly important if you plan to explore the area on foot.

The panoramic views from the higher parts of the fort provide a different perspective of Ajmer and the surrounding Aravalli landscape.

Discover Ajmer’s Historical Roots

Ajmer’s history goes back many centuries. The city is traditionally associated with Ajaymeru, a name linked to the Chauhan ruler Ajayaraja II. Over the centuries, Ajmer came under the control of several important rulers and dynasties, contributing to its diverse architectural and cultural character.

The city’s location in the Aravalli region also played an important role in its historical development. Its strategic position made it significant for political, military and commercial activities.

Today, this layered history can be seen in Ajmer’s forts, monuments, religious buildings, markets and surrounding settlements.

Understanding this history makes a visit to Ajmer more meaningful. The city offers more than a pilgrimage experience. Visitors can explore different periods of Rajasthan’s history within a relatively compact area.

Experience Ajmer Beyond the Crowds

For travellers who want to explore Ajmer beyond the Dargah, the best approach is to slow down and look beyond the city’s most famous attraction.

Spend time around Ana Sagar, explore its historic monuments, visit the markets of nearby Pushkar, discover the surrounding hills and learn about local traditions. These experiences can provide a broader understanding of Ajmer’s landscape, history and culture.

You can also consider hiring a local guide for historical monuments or arranging a local excursion for rural experiences. This can help you understand the significance of places that might otherwise be easy to overlook.

Final Thoughts

Ajmer’s identity extends far beyond its most famous pilgrimage site. The city’s lakes, forts, historic monuments, markets, surrounding hills and rural landscapes reveal a more diverse side of Rajasthan.

From exploring Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra and Taragarh Fort to relaxing beside Ana Sagar Lake or taking a short trip to Pushkar, there are plenty of ways to experience Ajmer beyond the Dargah.

If you are planning a trip to Ajmer, consider keeping an extra day or two in your itinerary. Moving beyond the busiest pilgrimage areas can turn a short visit into a more complete journey through the history, culture, architecture and landscapes of this fascinating part of Rajasthan.

Featured Image: Nagarjun Kandukuru, Flickr CC

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