🏍️ Akash's Rider Trail: Jaipur to Ajmer & Pushkar on My Bike
Riding from Jaipur to Ajmer along NH48 (135 km) on my bike takes just under 2.5 hours. The smooth 6-lane highway lets you cruise easily. From Ajmer, take the thrilling 15 km twisty mountain pass across Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) right into Pushkar — taking the sharp mountain hairpin bends on two wheels is an absolute blast!
Complete Travel Guide to Ajmer
Encircled by the rugged Aravalli hills in the heart of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a timeless sanctuary of faith, Sufi spirituality, and medieval royal history. Founded in the 7th century AD by King Ajaypal Chauhan, Ajmer has served as a cultural crossroads for emperors, Sufi mystics, and pilgrims for over a millennium. If you're exploring Rajasthan, combine Ajmer with nearby desert hubs like Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
During my motorcycle expeditions across Rajasthan on my bike, Ajmer struck me as a city of intense spiritual energy and architectural wonders. From soul-stirring Qawwali music echoing through narrow bazaars to peaceful sunsets over 12th-century lakes, Ajmer is an unmissable stop on any Rajasthan itinerary. Official state travel advice is available on the Rajasthan Tourism Portal.
Top 10+ Places to Visit in Ajmer
1. Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The revered shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Gharib Nawaz), documented on Wikipedia's Ajmer Sharif Dargah entry, is the spiritual heart of Ajmer. People of all religions gather here to seek blessings, offer embroidered silk chadors, and tie red threads of faith on marble lattice screens.
Akash's Insider Tip: Visit on Thursday evening after Maghrib prayers to experience live Sufi Qawwali music in the central courtyard. Don't forget to cover your head with a scarf or cap before entering.
2. Taragarh Fort ("Star Fort")
Perched high atop Nagpadan Hill overlooking Ajmer city, Taragarh Fort is one of the oldest hill forts in India, built in 1113 AD by King Ajaypal Chauhan. Ride up the steep winding mountain road on your bike to explore massive stone bastions, water reservoirs carved into solid rock, and sweeping views across the valley.
3. Adhai Din Ka Jhopra
Located just beyond the Dargah, Adhai Din Ka Jhopra is a historic architectural anomaly built in 1199 AD by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Originally a Sanskrit college, it was converted into a mosque featuring 124 carved yellow sandstone pillars and a grand 7-arched facade inscribed with Kufic calligraphy.
4. Ana Sagar Lake & Daulat Bagh
Commissioned in 1135 AD by Anaji Chauhan, Ana Sagar Lake is a scenic 13 km artificial lake. Stroll through Daulat Bagh, the lush green gardens constructed by Emperor Jahangir, and sit under the marble pavilions (Baradari) erected by Shah Jahan to catch the cool evening breeze.
5. Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan (Golden Jain Temple)
Built in 1865, Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan is a Digambar Jain temple featuring a double-storey hall housing Swarna Nagari ("City of Gold") — a breathtaking 3D gold-plated model detailing the celestial life of Lord Rishabhdev, complete with flying chariots, golden palaces, and intricate ivory carving.
6. Mayo College
Founded in 1875 by Lord Mayo, Mayo College — often dubbed the "Eton of the East" — is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture constructed entirely from white Italian marble and Rajasthani sandstone.
7. Akbari Mosque & Government Museum
Built by Emperor Akbar in 1570 AD as a royal residence and military base during his campaigns in Rajasthan, Akbar's Palace now houses the Government Museum of Ajmer, showcasing rare 6th-century sculptures, Rajput armor, and miniature paintings.
8. Lake Foy Sagar
Located 5 km outside Ajmer, Lake Foy Sagar is a picturesque British-era reservoir constructed in 1892 by English engineer Mr. Foy. Surrounded by Aravalli hills, it's a peaceful spot for morning rides away from city crowds.
9. Kishangarh White Marble Dump Yard
Located 28 km from Ajmer, Kishangarh is world-famous as the "Moon of Rajasthan". The snow-white slurry dump yard resembles a polar ice field or salt flat, making it a viral favorite for photography and music videos.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Travel Tips
- Best Season: October to March for cool, pleasant weather.
- Dargah Etiquette: Wear modest clothing covering arms and knees, cover your head, and leave footwear at designated shoe counters outside.
- Local Food Must-Tries: Savor spicy Kadhi Kachori at Gol Pyau, fragrant Biryani near Dargah Bazaar, and traditional Sohan Halwa.
- Pushkar Circuit: Combine Ajmer with Pushkar, located just 15 km across the Nag Pahar hills.
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