Abdullah
Khan's Tomb: Near the railway station, this white tomb of the later
Mughal period stands majestically. Abdullah Khan was the father of Hussain
Ali Khan, the Minister of King Farrukh Siyar. The tomb was built in 1710 AD.
Opposite this lies the tomb of Abdullah Khan's wife, which, though small in
size, is elegant in design and workmanship.
The Dargah: In
the heart of the city is the tomb of Saint Khwaja muin-ud-din Chishti,
popularly known as Dargah Sharif, it has been since long a pilgrimage and
spiritual center where followers of almost every creed and faith, muslims
and non-muslims, come throughout the year, especially on the occasion of the
annual 'Urs' celebrated from the 1st to 6th day of Islamic month of Rajab.
The shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti is considered, today, a second
Mecca/Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. The enormous gate of the
mausoleum leading to the open court was built by Sultan Altamash (12th
century). In the court are two gigantic iron cauldrons donated by the Mughal
emperors. On the right is Akbar's Mosque, a simple structure of dignified
properties, made of white marble. On top of the inner gate huge drums are
kept in the Naubat Ghar or drum house. The inner gate was donated by a Nawab
of Hyderabad. Several tombs are located in the inner enclosure.
Ana
Sagar: It is a beautiful lake, built in the 12th century and named after
Anjali Chauhan. The huge embankment erected with the people's help is a fine
example of the corporate life in Ajmer at that time. The Mughal emperor
Shahjahan built the `Baradari' or pavilions. A large number of migratory
birds including flamingoes flock here during winter.
Shah
Jahan's Mosque: In a corner of the inner court is an elegant building. A
long (30.5 meter) and narrow court with a low arcade in white marble, is
delicately carved with trelliswork, it is the most beautiful of all the
buildings within the Dargah precinct.
The Tomb of the Saint is in
a square building of white marble with a large dome. It has two entrances.
The front porch is covered with lamps and chandeliers donated by devotees.
"Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra"
or "Two and a Half Day Shed": Beyond the Dargah, among narrow
and crowded lanes is a remarkable early Islamic structure. It was originally
a Sanskrit college, probably within a temple enclosure. In 1193 AD, Mohammed
Ghori took over Ajmer, destroyed the college and from its ruins. Along with
the remains of many nearby temples, hurriedly put together a mosque within
two and a half days (Adhai-din). Pillars form at least thirty temples must
have gone into the making of this elegant monument, a superb example of
Indo-Islamic architecture.
The notable Nagaur bulls are acclaimed
to be among the best breeds of the country and are known for they're
fleet-footedness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with
hectic buying and selling and customers can be seen bargaining for a good
price and quality. The recreation is provided by the delightful games-tug of
war, camel races and strains of ballads, which create a joyful atmosphere.
Taragarh Fort (Akbar's Fort) 8km: Above the
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra, the road turns into a bridle path, leading to the top
of the hill on which the remains of a strongly built fort stand. One is
rewarded by a fine view of the city, from the Taragarh fort.
The
Museum: Akbar's royal residence is bow the museum that has an excellent
collection of Moghal and Rajput armour and some fine sculpture.
Mayo
College: In the southeast of the city is one of India's finest public
schools, Mayo College. It was founded in 1875 AD, originally only for the
sons of Rajput royalty. Each heir to a state built his own house within the
spacious college grounds covering 81 hectares, which also housed his entire
retinue along with his English tutor. The college is now open to all is run
as a public school tradition.
The Circuit House: The
former British Residency, overlooking Ana Sagar lake has been converted as
the Circuit House. From here the finest view of the lake can be had. One can
also se the cenotaph and shrine of the Arya Samaj movement in north India.
Nagaur Fair: During the Fair temporary tented
accommodation is set up by private travel operator. They offer tented
accommodation with catering and a bar together with a choice of vegetarian
and non-vegetarian meals of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.

| Dates of the Nagaur
Fair: |
| Year |
Date |
| 2006 |
4-7 Feb |
Urs, Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer: The Urs
festival begins with the sighting of the moon of Rajab each year. The
beginning of the festivities is heralded by the melodious sound of the
`Shehnai' along with the rhythmic accompaniment of `naggaras'-local drums.
During the festival about 100 tonnes of rice along with dry fruits and
condiments is cooked in the large `degh' or cauldron.
Pushkar
Lake: An interesting drive 11km to the west, takes one through a
mountain pass to the holy lake of Pushkar. One of the mountains on this pass
is called Nag Pahar or Snake Mountain where the Panchkund and cave of Saint
Agastya Rishi is located. It is said that Kalidasa, the 4th century Sanskrit
poet and play right, placed the action of his masterpiece Abhijnama
Shakuntalan in this forest hermitage. The lake has legendary origins. A
lotus fell from the hand of lord Brahma and dropped into this valley. A lake
sprang up on the spot, and was dedicated to him. A temple of Brahma is a
popular place of pilgrimage.
Pushkar
Fair (12kms): About 2,00,000 pilgrims gather annually at Pushkar during
the autumnal fair. This is also a lice stock fair and hundreds of horses,
camels, cows and bulls are brought for sale. At the time of the fair,
Pushkar blossoms into gaiety and color. There are camel- cart races, which
everyone enjoys and are a delight to photographers, films makers and
tourists.
Man Mahal: Built by Raja man Singh of Amer the
Man Mahal standing on the banks of Pushker is now the RTDC Sarovar tourist
bungalow. It is the most convenient place for visitors to stay. Pushkar
Palace and adjoining old building is bow a heritage hotel.
Foy
Sager (12 km): named after the engineer who built it, Foy sager is a
picturesque artificial lake. It was the result of famine relief project.
Ajaypalji (16 kms): A scenic spot south of Foy Sagar, it
is held in great, it is held in great reverence by the Hndus. King Ajaypal,
believed to be the founder of Ajmer, became a 'sanyasi'(sage) and retired to
this place after a long reign.
Anted Ki Mata (4 kms): The
temple of Anted Mata, amid beautiful surroundings, is the site of a fair
held every year on Raksha Bandhan in August.
Chhatris: Close
to Anted ki mata, stands a group of Chhatris and Chabutras(Thadas) belonging
to the Digambar Jains of Ajmer. Every Chhatri has foot marks and
inscriptions which are of great historical value.
Kishangarh:
Situated on the Jaipur Road, it is a veritable treasure house of art.
The quaint little town is renowned the world over for its miniature
paintings and it nurtured one of the fines schools of miniature paintings
during the 18th century. Raja Satwant Singh (Nagari Das) was the greatest
patron of Kishangarh art and his work 'Bani Thani' (bedecked and bejeweled
lady), which was the inspiration for the miniatures of Radha, is rated among
the best. Satwant Singh's master artists Nihalchand and Sitaram have left a
mark in the world of art. The Kishangarh style mainly depicts the Krishan
Leela.
Beawar (54 kms): A 'Badshahi' procession festival
is celebrated here on the next day to Holi (Dhulandi), every year. People
make merry and throw gulal (colored powder with fragrance) on one another.
Mangliyawas (26 kms): Situated on the National Highway no.
8 towards Beawar, it is known for two very old trees, of one of the rarest
species - Adansonia Digitata Linn-popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'.
Thousands of people come here to worship these trees, as it is believed the
trees fulfill the desires of the devotees. The trees are botanically only
800 years old, but mythologically believed to be 6000 years old.