Ajmer

Ajmer, the holy city of Rajasthan is located 130 kms west of Jaipur, in a picturesque valley surrounded by theAravali hills. Founded by Ajaipal Chauhan in 7th century, the city has witnessed a chequered and turbulent history. Ajmer has become a great centre of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims, and is a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures. From 1818 onwards it came under the domain of the British, who left behind a legacy of excellent educational institutions.

Dargah Khwaja Sahib, is the final resting place of the great sufi saint - Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Built in the early 13th century, it attracts millions of pilgrims from all the sects and religions, especially during the six day celebration of the Urs or death anniversary of Khwaja. Large drums and brass cauldrons brought by Akbar after the siege of Chittaurgarh as war trophies, form the objects of antiquarian interest.

Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra or "two and a half day shed", is a relic of anold mosque consisting of a quadrangle cloistered on all the four sides, having on the inside, a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. It is the finest and the largest specimen of the early Islamic architecture.

Ana Sagar, is an alluring artificial lake, built in the 12th century and named after Anaji Chauhan. Mughat Emperors, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, added to the beauty of the embankment.

Taragarh Fort, (Tara-Sobhita-Garh - fort which is star adomed) earlier known as Ajaya-Meru-Durg, it covers an area of 2 to 3 kms on the top of the hill. It has some important gates which made the access to the fort very difficult. The fort affords a commanding view of the city.

Mayo College, was established in 1875, for the ruling elite and was named after Lord Mayo. Today it is one of the premiere educational institution of India.

Anted ki Mata, temple is a site of a fair held every year on Rakshabandhan in August. A group of Chhatris and Chabutras Thadas), stand near the site belonging to the Digambar Jains ofAjmer. The other monuments of interest in and around the city are Dadabari, Khobra Bhairon, Magazine, Nasiyan (Red Temple), Rajputana Museum, Visal Sar, Foy Sagar etc.

Kishangarh, situated 27 kms from Ajmer on the Jaipur road, it is a veritable treasure house of art. It nurtured one of the finest schools of miniature painting in the 18th century.

Pushkar

The picturesque holy town is located 11 kms. from Ajmer. The beautiful Pushkar lake is a sanctified spot and has legendary origins. According to Padma Puran, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a VedicyaJna. While contemplating, a lotus fell down from his hand on the earth and water spurted from three places, one of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yajna overhere. Pushkar is a flourishing temple town full of religious myths and faiths, the biggest attraction being the temple of Brahma - The Lord of Creation.

Pushkar Fair, is one of the largest cattle fair in the country and is held annually on Kartik Poomima (full moon in Oct.-Nov.). The pilgrims and tradesman come in thousands from far and near. The camel-cart races and other cultural events organised here, are full of fun and gaiety.

Merta

Founded by Rao Duda, the fourth son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur in the 15th century, this fortified town has many old temples and mosques. Jama Masjid, the famous mosque was built by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb on the ruins of a Shiva temple. It is surrounded by many Hindu temples. The temple of Charbhuja - the tutelary deity of Mertias, is associated with Princess Meera Bai - the mystical medieval poetess, a staunch follower of Lord Krishna. The other points of interest are Dudasagar, the 'Lake of Duda', ashram ofMauniBaba, and magnificent cenotaphs dotting the nearby plains.

Nagaur
The fortified city amidst the Thar, boasts of a chivalrous past and multi-storyed buildings with great architectural beauty. The town is cordoned in by massive ramparts and has to be entered through stately gates. At the main entrance to the town there is a complex of royal cenotaphs. The fort contains many royal apartments like Moti Mahal, Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. The Baradari is decorated with beautiful frescoes and murals. The ancient Tarkin-ki-Daroah is worth visiting.