Best months
Per-day budget
₹630–1,150/day
Getting there
Ajmer is a city in central Rajasthan, best known for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The dargah is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India for Muslims and people of all faiths. Ajmer was the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs in the 12th century and later under the Mughals. The city has a walled old town, the Ana Sagar Lake, and the Taragarh Fort on a hilltop. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (15 km away). It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
Plan your trip to Ajmer Travel Guide
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the main attraction — the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, built in the 13th century, with a marble courtyard and a massive cauldron. The shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims annually. The Urs festival in the Islamic month of Rajab attracts the largest crowds. The dargah complex has a mosque built by Shah Jahan. Qawwalis are performed in the evening.
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 12th century with a marble pavilion on the bank. The Taragarh Fort on a hilltop has a view of the city. The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a unique mosque built in the 12th century — a Sanskrit college and Jain temple converted into a mosque by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, with pillars still showing Jain carvings.
How to reach
Ajmer has its own railway station with direct trains from Delhi (5-6 hours, sleeper class ₹300-500). The nearest airport is Jaipur (130 km). Buses from Jaipur to Ajmer take 2-3 hours (₹150-200). Ajmer is spread out — autos connect the station, dargah and lake.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (thali) | ₹100–250 |
| Dargah entry | ₹0–0 |
| Auto fare (city) | ₹30–100 |
When to go
October to March is the best period. The Urs festival follows the Islamic calendar. April-June is hot (up to 40°C). For visiting the dargah and city, November-February is ideal.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Dargah
Arrive in Ajmer from Delhi by train. Check into a hotel near the dargah. Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in the afternoon. Evening qawwali at the dargah.
Day 2: City and Pushkar
Visit Ana Sagar Lake and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in the morning. Take a bus to Pushkar (15 km, ₹30) for a half-day trip — visit the Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake. Return to Ajmer by evening.
Student hacks
- ▸The Ajmer Dargah has no entry fee — it is free for all visitors.
- ▸Take a local bus to Pushkar (₹30, 15 km) instead of a taxi.
- ▸Eat at the dhabas near the railway station — ₹100-150 for a thali.
- ▸The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is free to visit — the unique architecture is Ajmer's hidden gem.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Ajmer. The dargah requires removing shoes and modest dress. The old city near the dargah is crowded — watch your belongings. Photography is not allowed inside the main shrine.
FAQs
How do I reach Ajmer from Delhi?
Take a train from Delhi (5-6 hours, sleeper class ₹300-500).
What is Ajmer known for?
Ajmer is known for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and as the base for Pushkar.
How many days do I need?
2 days — one for the dargah and city, one for Pushkar.