Ajmer & Pushkar
Complete Travel Guide
Dargah Sharif darshan timings, Pushkar Brahma Temple, Ana Sagar Lake, how to reach from Delhi and Mathura, taxi fares, where to stay, what to eat & tour packages — everything for your perfect Ajmer Yatra.
Ajmer — nestled among the Aravalli hills in the heart of Rajasthan — is one of India’s most sacred and spiritually composite pilgrimage destinations. It is home to the revered Dargah Sharif of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint whose message of love, compassion, and universal brotherhood draws millions of devotees from all faiths every year. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and people of every religion come here with equal devotion — making Ajmer one of the most beautiful examples of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (composite culture) in the world.
Just 14 km from Ajmer lies the holy town of Pushkar — home to the only Brahma Temple in the world and the sacred Pushkar Lake, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hindu tradition. Together, Ajmer and Pushkar form a uniquely powerful spiritual combination, drawing pilgrims and travellers from across India and the globe.
About Ajmer & Pushkar
Ajmer was founded in the 7th century by Rajput king Ajayraj Singh and later became the Mughal emperors’ gateway to Rajputana. Akbar visited the Dargah Sharif on foot from Agra after the birth of Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir), and his connection to Khwaja Sahib is legendary. The city sits beside the beautiful Ana Sagar Lake, a 12th-century artificial lake with marble pavilions (baradaris) built by Emperor Jahangir — one of Ajmer’s most scenic landmarks.
The Dargah Sharif — tomb of the great Chishti Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (1143–1236 CE) — is among the most visited religious sites in the Indian subcontinent. The saint, known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), arrived in Ajmer in the 12th century and his message of love spread across South Asia. Today, the Dargah complex is a vibrant centre of qawwali, prayer, and communal harmony.
Pushkar, just 14 km away over the Nag Pahar hills, is one of the five sacred dhams in Hindu tradition. The Brahma Temple here is the only major temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe — making it utterly unique among India’s pilgrimage sites. The sacred Pushkar Lake, surrounded by 52 ghats, is believed to have appeared when a lotus flower fell from Lord Brahma’s hand, and a dip in its waters is said to cleanse sins from past and present lives.
Top Attractions & Darshan Guide
Here are the must-visit sites in Ajmer and Pushkar, with darshan timings and travel tips for each:
Ajmer
The heart of Ajmer — the dargah (shrine) of Gharib Nawaz draws millions of devotees every year. The marble-domed inner sanctum (mazar) is the holiest area; the courtyard (angan) hosts powerful qawwali sessions. Visitors offer chadar (sheet), flowers, and incense. The Buland Darwaza (main gate, gifted by Akbar) and Nizam Gate are the two grand entrances. Note: separate queues for men and women; head must be covered inside.
Best Time: Early morning 5:00–7:00 AM or after Isha prayer for shortest queues
Qawwali: Live qawwali sessions in the courtyard daily, especially Thursday evenings
Entry: Free · All faiths welcome · Head covering mandatory
Pushkar
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the rarest and most significant temples in all of Hinduism — dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Creator, who is rarely worshipped in temple form. Built in the 14th century with a distinctive red spire and a silver turtle on the floor, this temple is a mandatory darshan for every Hindu pilgrim. The adjacent Pushkar Lake with its 52 ghats (bathing steps) is equally sacred — the evening Ghat Aarti at Brahma Ghat is a deeply moving experience.
Pushkar Ghats Aarti: Every evening at sunset (~6:30–7:30 PM)
Dress Code: Full-length clothing; shoes removed at temple entrance
Note: Non-Hindus may not be permitted inside the Brahma Temple
Ajmer
Ana Sagar is a beautiful artificial lake built in the 12th century by Anaji, grandfather of the great Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan. Emperor Jahangir added five marble pavilions (baradaris) on the banks — these elegant arched structures overlooking the water are among Ajmer’s most photographed landmarks. The sunset from the baradari promenade is especially lovely. A leisurely walk along the lakefront is a perfect way to begin or end your day in Ajmer.
Baradari Promenade: Open for public walking, no entry fee
Boat Rides: Available on the lake (seasonal)
Ajmer
One of the oldest mosques in India, built in 1192 CE — the name means “hut of two-and-a-half days,” with several colourful legends explaining the origin. Built on the remains of a Sanskrit college and Hindu temple using the original pillars, it is a remarkable example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. The intricately carved pillars — each stylistically unique — and the delicate calligraphy on the arched screen (riwaq) make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Entry: Free for Indian nationals · Small fee for foreign tourists
Location: ~300 metres from the Dargah Sharif — combine in same visit
Pushkar
Perched atop Ratnagiri Hill overlooking the entire Pushkar valley, the Savitri Mata Temple offers the most stunning panoramic view of Pushkar Lake, the town, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. Dedicated to Savitri — the first wife of Lord Brahma — the temple is reached by a 20–30 minute trek up the hill, or by the rope-way (ropeway) that opened in 2014. The view at sunrise from the hilltop is one of Pushkar’s finest experiences.
Ropeway: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · ₹100 per person (one way)
Best Time: Sunrise for the most breathtaking view of Pushkar Lake
Dargah Sharif — Detailed Darshan Timings
The Dargah Sharif observes six daily prayer (namaaz) timings as per the Islamic calendar, which vary slightly by season. The following are approximate timings; actual opening may shift by 15–30 minutes seasonally:
| Prayer / Darshan Session | Approx. Time (Summer) | Approx. Time (Winter) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌙 Fajr (Pre-dawn) | 4:30–5:00 AM | 5:30–6:00 AM | ~30 min |
| ☀️ Chasht (Mid-morning) | 9:00–9:30 AM | 9:30–10:00 AM | ~30 min |
| 🌤️ Zuhr (Afternoon) | 1:00–1:30 PM | 12:30–1:00 PM | ~30 min |
| 🌇 Asr (Late afternoon) | 5:00–5:30 PM | 3:30–4:00 PM | ~30 min |
| 🌆 Maghrib (Sunset) | 7:15–7:45 PM | 5:45–6:15 PM | ~30 min |
| 🌃 Isha (Night) | 8:45–9:15 PM | 7:30–8:00 PM | ~30 min |
For the most peaceful and crowd-free darshan at the Dargah Sharif, arrive before Fajr (pre-dawn, ~4:30–5:30 AM) or immediately after Isha (night prayer). Thursday evenings are especially powerful — the courtyard fills with live qawwali that continues late into the night. Weekends and Urs festival days see the largest crowds; plan accordingly or arrive early.
- Head covering is mandatory for all visitors — men and women. Carry a scarf or use the free ones available at the gate.
- Remove footwear before the main gate. Shoe-keeping stalls are available nearby.
- Photography is generally not permitted inside the inner mazar area — respect the sanctity.
- Beware of unofficial “guides” who charge excessive fees for chadar or “special access” — official service is available transparently at the gate. Our team guides you through the correct process.
- Dress modestly — full-length clothing is required for all visitors.
Suggested 2-Day Ajmer–Pushkar Itinerary
Here is our most popular 2-day itinerary for visiting Ajmer and Pushkar — designed to cover all major sites with ample time for each darshan:
How to Reach Ajmer
🚗 By Road (Recommended)
Ajmer is approximately 430 km from Delhi via NH-48 (Delhi–Jaipur Highway). The journey takes about 6–7 hours with a comfortable AC taxi. Vrinda Tour & Taxi offers reliable, transparent-priced taxi service from Delhi, Noida, Mathura, Agra, and Jaipur directly to Ajmer and Pushkar.
| Route | Distance | Time | Sedan Fare | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Ajmer | ~430 km | ~6–7 hrs | ₹4,500 | Book → |
| Delhi → Ajmer + Pushkar | ~444 km | ~7 hrs | ₹5,000 | Book → |
| Jaipur → Ajmer | ~135 km | ~2.5 hrs | ₹1,800 | Book → |
| Mathura → Ajmer | ~320 km | ~5 hrs | ₹3,800 | Book → |
| Agra → Ajmer | ~300 km | ~5 hrs | ₹3,500 | Book → |
| Ajmer → Pushkar (local) | ~14 km | ~30 min | ₹400 | Book → |
🚂 By Train
Ajmer Junction (AII) is a major railway station with excellent connectivity to Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other cities. Key trains include the Shatabdi Express (Delhi to Ajmer in ~5 hrs), the Ajmer–Delhi Duronto, and multiple daily express services. From Ajmer station, our taxi transfers you directly to the Dargah area or Pushkar.
✈️ By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), 135 km from Ajmer (~2.5 hrs by road). We provide direct airport pick-up and transfer from Jaipur Airport to Ajmer and Pushkar at transparent rates.
Ajmer–Pushkar Tour Packages
Choose from our curated Ajmer and Pushkar tour packages designed for pilgrims, families, and groups. All packages include AC cab, driver, and guide. Any official entry or service charges are collected transparently on top.
📋 Request a Custom Ajmer Package
Taxi & Cab Service — Ajmer & Pushkar
Our premium AC taxi service covers all routes from Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Agra to Ajmer and Pushkar. Choose the vehicle that fits your group:
Where to Stay in Ajmer & Pushkar
🙏 Budget Stays — Dharamshalas & Guesthouses (₹500–₹1,500/night)
Several affordable guesthouses and dharamshalas are available near the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and near the ghats in Pushkar. Pushkar has a lively backpacker scene with many clean, budget-friendly guesthouses offering lake views. Most include basic vegetarian meals.
🏨 Mid-Range Hotels (₹1,500–₹4,000/night)
A good range of comfortable hotels are available in both Ajmer city and Pushkar. Pushkar mid-range hotels near the lake (e.g., Hotel Pushkar Palace, Hotel Jagat Palace) offer excellent value with lake-facing rooms, rooftop restaurants, and Wi-Fi. We book partner hotels at negotiated rates as part of our tour packages.
⭐ Heritage & Luxury (₹4,000–₹15,000/night)
Pushkar has several beautiful heritage havelis and luxury properties converted from old Rajasthani mansions — the Meraki Boutique, Country Inn, and Ananta Spa & Resorts offer premium experiences. Ajmer’s Heritage Hotels near the Ana Sagar Lake are also worth considering for an immersive Rajasthani experience.
For most pilgrims, staying in Pushkar is the better experience — it is smaller, quieter, has the lake-view rooftop restaurants, and the sacred atmosphere is more palpable. Ajmer is 30 minutes away by our cab for the Dargah visit. For large groups or those arriving by train, Ajmer city centre hotels near the station are more practical. We advise based on your group size and itinerary.
What to Eat in Ajmer & Pushkar
Both Ajmer and Pushkar are predominantly vegetarian towns. Pushkar is 100% vegetarian by law — no meat, eggs, or alcohol are sold anywhere in the town. Here is what to eat:
- Dal Baati Churma: Rajasthan’s most iconic dish — hard baked wheat balls (baati) with spiced lentils (dal) and sweet churma. A must-try at any local dhaba or restaurant.
- Malpua: A sweet Rajasthani pancake, particularly popular during festival seasons — available at most halwai shops.
- Pushkar’s Famous Lassi & Sweets: Thick, creamy lassi from the rooftop cafes near Pushkar Lake, and local milk sweets from the bazaar.
- Rooftop Cafes, Pushkar: Pushkar’s rooftop restaurants near the lake serve Israeli, Italian, and fusion food alongside Indian — popular with international travellers.
- Brahma Ghat Area Snacks: Hot kachori, jalebi, and poha from street vendors near the ghats — fresh and flavourful.
- Dargah Area, Ajmer: Several dargah-adjacent shops serve biryani, haleem, and sheermal — traditional dishes associated with the Sufi shrine culture.
Pushkar is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage town and the entire area is strictly vegetarian. Non-vegetarian food, eggs, and alcohol are completely prohibited and unavailable anywhere in Pushkar. Even leather items are sometimes frowned upon at the temple premises. Please respect the sanctity of this holy town.
Best Time to Visit Ajmer & Pushkar
Temperatures in Ajmer and Pushkar regularly exceed 43–45°C in May and June — among the hottest in Rajasthan. If your dates are fixed in summer, start all outdoor visits by 6:00 AM and rest from 11 AM to 4 PM. All our AC taxis ensure comfortable travel regardless of season.
Essential Travel Tips for Ajmer & Pushkar
- Carry a scarf or stole to cover your head inside the Dargah Sharif — mandatory for all visitors.
- Remove footwear at the Dargah gate — carry a cloth bag for your shoes.
- Wear modest, full-length clothing at all religious sites in Ajmer and Pushkar.
- Arrive at the Dargah Sharif early (before 7:00 AM) for the most peaceful darshan experience.
- Take a guided visit with our team for the Dargah — the lanes around it are narrow and confusing for first-time visitors.
- At Pushkar Lake, receive the puja from the priests at the ghats respectfully — it is customary and the priests are officiating.
- Bargain politely at Pushkar Bazaar — prices are negotiable, especially for textiles and handicrafts.
- Do NOT bring or consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol in Pushkar — strictly prohibited.
- Do NOT photograph inside the Dargah mazar (inner sanctum) — it is disrespectful and often prohibited.
- Avoid “unofficial guides” outside the Dargah who charge inflated rates for chadar and “VIP access” — all official services are available transparently at the gate.
- Do NOT touch the water of Pushkar Lake — only dip at the official ghats with guidance from a priest.
- Avoid visiting on major Islamic festival days (Eid, Urs) without booking well in advance — extremely crowded.
- Do NOT feed stray animals near the Dargah lanes — they can be unpredictable in large crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ajmer from Delhi?
Ajmer is approximately 430 km from Delhi via NH-48 (Delhi–Jaipur Highway) and takes about 6–7 hours by road. By train, the Shatabdi Express or Ajmer Express from New Delhi station covers the distance in about 5–6 hours. We offer comfortable AC taxi service from Delhi to Ajmer with transparent pricing starting at ₹4,500 for a sedan.
What is the best time to visit Ajmer Dargah Sharif?
Ajmer can be visited year-round. The best time for comfortable weather is October to March. For the Dargah darshan itself, the most peaceful time is early morning before 7:00 AM or after the Isha (night) prayer. The Urs festival (death anniversary of Khwaja Sahib) is the most spiritually significant event and draws millions of devotees — dates vary by the Islamic lunar calendar each year.
Can I visit Pushkar and Ajmer together in one day?
Yes — Ajmer and Pushkar are only 14 km apart (30-minute drive) and can comfortably be combined in a single day. The typical plan is Dargah Sharif darshan in the morning, then Pushkar Brahma Temple and lake ghats in the afternoon. Our same-day Ajmer–Pushkar package from Jaipur starts at ₹1,999 per person.
What is the cost of a taxi from Delhi to Ajmer?
A one-way taxi from Delhi to Ajmer starts at approximately ₹4,500 for a sedan and ₹6,000 for an SUV/Innova. Our Ajmer–Pushkar tour packages from Delhi start at ₹4,999 per person for a 2-day trip including AC cab, driver, guide, and hotel. Contact us for a free customised quote for your group size.
Is Ajmer safe for Hindu pilgrims and tourists?
Yes, Ajmer is a deeply composite spiritual city where people of all faiths — Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian — visit the Dargah Sharif with equal devotion. It is generally safe for all visitors including families and solo travellers. The Dargah management and local authorities maintain good order. We always recommend travelling with a knowledgeable local guide for the best experience navigating the Dargah’s narrow lanes.
Can I combine Ajmer with a Mathura Vrindavan tour?
Yes — this is one of our most popular multi-day pilgrimage routes. A comfortable 5-day circuit covers Mathura Vrindavan (Day 1–2), Jaipur (Day 3), and Ajmer–Pushkar (Day 4–5). We offer a custom Rajasthan + Braj circuit package covering all destinations with AC taxi, experienced guide, and hotel bookings. Contact us for a free itinerary and quote.