Total Travel TAG Issue 1

Things to do in...
Pushkar & Ajmer, India
written by
AKSHAY NAGPAL
from Akshay Nagpal Photography
www.aks7694.wixsite.com/mysite
Ringed by the rugged Aravalli Hills, and home to
the beautiful Dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin
Chishti. Ajmer is an extraordinary blend of
culture and nature.
Located in the heart of Rajasthan, with some of the
most beautiful Jain temples in India, along with two
artificial lakes, Ajmer is a tourist’s heaven.
Fifteen Kilometres from Ajmer lies the ancient Hindu
pilgrimage town of Pushkar. The city with the only
temple dedicated to Brahma (The Creator) in the worl
Said to have more than 500 temples it is in this town;
salvation is said to have be found.
Camel fair of
Pushkar is one of
the largest Camel
fairs in the world.
When planning a trip first question that comes to
mind is “WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR should I be visiting
this place?” Well, the best time to visit Pushkar and
Ajmer is sometime around NOVEMBER. When the
sun is not too harsh, winters are just beginning, and
Pushkar is filled with Camels.
Camel fair of Pushkar is one of the largest Camel fairs
in the world. This fascinating spectacle that occurs
once a year (November) attracts a lot of tourists from
around the world. Filled with competitions, ranging
from “longest mustache” to cricket competitions
between local Pushkar clubs and casual foreign
tourists. There are hundreds of shops selling
traditional Rajasthani items as well as thousands of
camels dressed up beautifully. Making it arguably the
most colourful gathering of humanity and livestock
on this planet.
When visiting the fair, you should go and watch a
traditional Rajasthani dance, take a camel back ride
and participate in at least one competition. Only
then should you move forward and explore more of
the town. Deep into town on the banks of Pushkar
Lake stands the next stop. The famous Temple of the
Hindu God Brahma. The Brahma temple, where Artists
from around the world take a pilgrimage to request
inspiration of Brahma and Saraswati, his consort, the
goddess of the creative impulse, the source of music,
beauty, and eloquence. This should be on the must
visit for everyone visiting Pushkar.
A day at the colorful fair can get tiring, which can be
easily handled by trying out the amazing food Pushkar
has to offer. Ranging from mouthwatering tikki chaat
to Falafel. A lot of options are available, but one dish
that stands above all, and everyone should try is Rabdi
Malpua. This is an Indian version of pancakes (fried in
ghee and dunked in sugar syrup). This heavenly touch is added to the
whole experience by the sunset there. Pushkar Lake, with prayer bells
ringing in the temple and the sun going down, is a sight to behold.
the beauty of the
picturesque Ana Sagar
Lake will absolutely
make the trip worth it.
A half an hour ride from Pushkar takes you to the city of Ajmer.
Home to the ancient shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer
Sharif Dargah). The famous Dargah consists of several white marble
buildings, all decorated with intricate and beautiful carvings, making it
the most beautiful Dargah in India.
Located at the foot of Taragarh hill near the Ajmer Railway Station.
The best time for a visit to the beautiful Islamic monument is either
early morning, or in the evening.
In the center of the city not far from the Dargah, and just about five
kilometres from Ajmer Railway Station, is Soniji ki Nasiyan the temple.
Famous for its City of Gold. Sitting in the double-storey hall, it is a
diorama depicting the Jain concept of the ancient world. Decorated
with Gold, Silver, and precious stones, it is unlike any other temple in
Rajasthan and is worth a visit.
Driving to the outskirts of Ajmer on the Aravalli hills takes you
to the Nareli Jain Temple. This is another beautiful monument in
Ajmer. Spread across hundreds of acr, the temple when viewed from
above the hills is breathtaking. When the sun starts setting behind
the mountains, the temple lights are left open taking the whole
experience to a different level.
Well, known for its food, Ajmer can be a delight for foodies. Along
with various mouthwatering delicacies, you can get a chance to taste
several traditional dishes. Dal Baati Choorma, Lahsun Ki Chutney, Ker
Sangri, Bajre ki roti, Moong Dal Ka Halwa, Ghevar, and Rabdi are some
of the best dishes that are to be consumed during your stay in Ajmer.
The beauty of Ajmer lies in the fact that the city, encircled by the
Aravalli Hills itself, surrounds the spectacular Ana Sagar Lake. The Lake
is one of the most scenic places in Rajasthan. While sitting outside the
Bajrang Garh temple, located near the circuit house, having an icecream
and admiring the beauty of the picturesque Ana Sagar Lake will
absolutely make the trip worth it.
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