IAMLE 2012

Morning Drive to Ajmer

(130 Kms / 3 Hrs)

Ajmer is a major centre for Muslim pilgrims during the fast of Ramazan, and has some impressive Muslim architecture.

The Dargah is the tomb of a sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-uddin Chisti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun. Constructed of white marble, it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the building. It has a marble dome and the actual tomb inside is surrounded by a silver platform. The tomb attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the saint's death.

Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara - One of the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture, this mosque was a Sanskrit college in the 12th century. In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college and a mosque was built in its place. The mosque was built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike.

Lunch at Hotel Mansingh, Ajmer

Aftre lunch tour of Pushkar - The sister city of Ajmer, Pushkar is just 11 Km away from the city. The road to Pushkar passes through the Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain. Pushkar is an ancient city. The city is considered by Hindus to be one of the most sacred places in India and has, perhaps, the only existing temple in Asia, dedicated to Lord Brahma. Life in the city is very much related to the Pushkar Lake. Mythology says that this ancient lake was formed when a lotus flower fell in the valley from the hands of Brahma.

Return to Jaipur late evening