Ajmer

India City: Ajmer
	Situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7^th century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithvi Raj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came an left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history converting it into an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism & Islam. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimate for Hindus as well as Muslims and is famous for the Dargah Sharif Tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally reverred by Hindus and Muslims. The Dargah At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India's most important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths. It is the splending tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Medina for the muslims of South Asia. Mughal Emperor, Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by Nizam of Hyderabad . The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest and the Akbar Masjid built in white marble. There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjahan. The saints tomb is a splendid marble dome and is in the centre of the courtyard which is surrounded by a silver platform. The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the urs commemorating the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1^st to 6^th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colorful fiar that springs up during this time is a major attraction. Other places of interest are the Taragarh fort, which is now in ruins. It was the site of military activity during Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the British. The museum, which was once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum houses a rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput armour and exquisite sculptures. How To Reach By Air Nearest airport is Jaipur (135 kms). By Rail Delhi-Ajmer, Shatabdi Express (6.5 hrs). By Road Regular bus service from Jaipur , Jodhpur and Udaipur .