Ajmer: Worth a visit

Ajmer and Pushkar are not only for pilgrimage site for Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims but also renowned for some of the oldest geological structures in India. So when my dear friend Jaydeep Bhat, AVP, Gupta Prime Resorts Pvt Ltd invited me and my spouse to visit his beautiful twin properties - Grand Xenia and Paradizzo Resort we felt it a good idea (this was just a week before lockdown).

Landing at Jaipur airport (the nearest airport from Ajmer) late evening, the hotel vehicle was there to pick us up. It took us nearly 3 hours (125 kilometres) to reach Paradizzo Resort. Check-in was quick and we were allotted a nice suite.eco-friendly Resort with, unpolluted environs which help to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. The quiet poolside promises a breath taking view. Though the resort has only 40 rooms including 3 suites what attracted me was the lush green lawns making it an ideal MICE and wedding destination. "Thanks to the vast space we can accommodate large events be it seminars, conferences, gala dinners, wedding receptions. If it’s a large event and more rooms are required we have another hotel that can accommodate additional 100 people. The Poolside Barbeque is another attraction that offers a romantic setting for dining and barbeques," said Jaydeep Bhat. During our stay we had the pleasure of experiencing a romantic poolside dinner at Paradizzo Resort.

We also stayed at Grand Xenia, Ajmer’s first Banquet Hotel, for two nights. Its quite a modern hotel with an aura of opulence. The hotel has 3 Exclusive Suites (worth experiencing) and 60 spacious guestrooms with good banqueting space.

Ajmer is one of India’s heritage cities and has the world famous Pushkar, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Sand dunes and Anna Sagar Lake but not promoted extensively. Seeing an opportunity to promote not just his hotels but also the city, destination dinning, hi-tea by the lake etc Jaydeep has introduced various packages. We did have the pleasure of having hi-tea by the lake with the chefs.

Pushkar

Pushkar, situated about 10 km from Ajmer is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Located on the shore of Pushkar Lake - Semi-circular in shape and about 8-10 metres deep, is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is truly a magnificent sight to behold. The most famous among Pushkar temples is the Brahma Temple (the only Brahma temple in the world). Legend has it that this lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale and a lake emerged in that place. No pilgrimage is considered to be complete without a dip in in the holy Pushkar Lake. The city is also significant for its Gurdwaras dedicated to Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. Pushkar is famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair. Held over seven days mostly in November it attracts nearly 200,000 people.

Ajmer Dargah

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is considered to be among the holiest Muslim shrines in India. We were shown around by Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the Sufi saint from Persia is enshrined here who is believed to be the descendant of Muhammad, and it is on his request that he came to India. In keeping with his secular teachings, its doors are open to people of all faiths and religions. The shrine was built by Mughal King Humayun in honour of this saint. Made of marble and gold plating, the actual tomb is guarded by a silver railing and a marble screen.It is believed that if you pray for anything with a pure heart it is bound to be fulfilled. There is a sense of peace and serenity inside the premises of dargah with so many beautiful flowers and burning incense sticks.

It’s difficult to take own vehicle there as the approach road is very narrow. If you visit first time then don’t forget to take your hanky for covering your head. The place is quite crowded and if you are a family do try to stay together. Jaydeep had connected us to Faizan Bhai, one of the descendants of the family, whonot only showed us around but also assisted us in getting to the main worship area where we had a very good Darshan.

Other places not to miss out are Anasagar Lake, Lake Foy Sagar, Prithviraj Smark, Taragarh Fort, Nasiyan Temple, Chamunda Mata Temple, Nareili Jain Temple and The Ajmer Jain temple, also known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan or Swarna Nagari or City of Gold.