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This erstwhile capital of the Rajputs is 131 kms from Jaipur and derived its name from Ajayameru or "invisible hill" to be called Ajmer.
Ajmer has been, for time immemorial, a great centre of pilgrimage, for both Hindus and Muslims, a feature that gives the city its character. The city is a genuine amalgamation of rich Hindu and Islamic heritage. The great Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din-Chisti of Persia, was buried here, and his Dargah is equally sacred for the followers of Islam and Hinduism.
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Dargah
In the heart of the city, is the tomb of saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din-Chisti, popularly known as Dargah Sharief. It has been, for long, a pilgrimage and spiritual centre, where followers of every creed and faith, Muslims and non - Muslims, flock to, all through the year. |
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Shah Jahan's Mosque
This mosque is the most beautiful of all the structures, in the Dargah precinct. It is made of white marble, delicately carved with trellis-work.
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The Museum
Emperor Akbar's royal residence, now serves as a museum, which houses an excellent collection of Mughal and Rajput armour, and some fine sculpture.
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Ana Sagar Lake
Built between 1135 & 1150 AD. The embankment has a row of elegant, polished marble pavilions built by Shah Jahan and was restored in 1899 by Lord Curzon.
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Taragarh Fort
It is a rectangular fortress with thick walls and large corner bastions. The path to the top is rough but the views are worth the effort.
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Adhai Din Ka Jhonpran
Or two and a half day hut. This was originally a Sanskrit College but was later converted into a mosque in two and a half days by Mohammad of Ghori in 1198 A.D.
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Pushkar
The sacred lake of Pushkar believed by Hindus, to be as old as the temple of Brahma, has been a place of pilgrimage, for ages. Pushkar is located at distance of 150 Kms (03 Hrs & 30 Minutes) from Jaipur.
Pushkar Lake is located on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on three sides, is separated from Ajmer by "Nag Pahar" the snake mountain. Pushkar abounds in temples and has the temple of Lord Brahma – The Creator of the World. Brahma in his quest to discover the holiest place on Earth dropped the Lotus flower here. He performed the supremely spiritual "Vedic Yagna" and thus the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma is located here.
Pushkar is also known as "the Rose Garden of Rajasthan" and the species of Roses found here are renowned for its perfume and exported world over.
The Pushkar festival is a great attraction for animal trade and pilgrimage. This historical and age old festival is arranged in the month of Kartik Purnima (Full moon day of Oct / November), when waters of Lake Pushkar, is believed to acquire divine properties and absolve all those who bathe here of all sins. It is essentially a camel fair where traders bring cattle for sale also. Animals are put on show and their skills are displayed before they are sold. This is the largest camel fair festival in the world. There are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events. Women come dressed in all their finery to take part in this spectacular mela or fair.
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