Opportunity abounds in India’s religious circuit

REPORT FROM INDIA—“Jai Ho,” “Insha’Allah,” “Waheguru”—while these and other phrases of blessing are commonly heard along India’s religious circuit, global hotel chains are flocking to the region with another word in mind: opportunity.
The underserved religious tourism market segment drew 450 million tourists during 2010, or approximately 60% of the country’s 740 million domestic travelers, according to estimates from India’s Department of Tourism. By contrast, foreign tourist arrivals numbered only 5 million for the year in 2010, though both segments continue to grow.
Religious tourism has long been a fundamental characteristic of India’s domestic travel industry. “Pilgrim tourism forms an important segment of domestic tourism,” said Kashmira Commissariat, COO of tour operator Kuoni India’s outbound division. “India, as a confluence of different religions, has always attracted pilgrims from all over the world,” as well.
Religions that have their origins in the country include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Islam has been practiced in India since the seventh century, while Christianity came to India in 52 A.D. India also serves as home to a sizeable population of Zoroastrians (Parsi), Bahá'ís , Ismaili (followers of Aga Khan) and Jews.
The top shrines in India, whether Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, Ajmer Dargah or Golden Temple, each draws an average of 50,000 to 100,000 visitors a day. Shirdi, the Abode of Sai Baba, sees a daily visitor level of 70,000 people on weekdays; weekends inflate to approximately 100,000 visitors, according to figures released by the management of these shrines.
Gaurav Sarin, associate VP of business development and quality assurance at Best Western India, said pilgrims stay one and half days at Best Western’s Shirdi property. Rajat Gupta, associate director of sales at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Hotels India, said the approximate stay of religious travelers is two days; at Carlson’s Ajmer property, guests generally stay overnight. What is less definitive, however, is where those stays occur.

Source: http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/7102/Opportunity-abounds-in-Indias-religious-circuit

Ajmer: Akbar's fort to gain a new look

AJMER: The fort of Akbar in Ajmer from where Jahangir granted permission to East India Company to trade in the country would get a new look from Monday. A museum situated in the fort was closed for last four months. Archaeological department has tried to give an original look to the walls of the fort and to the craft work on the walls. The audience hall will be thrown open to tourists from Monday.

It was Akbar the Great who built the fort here to suppress the Rajput rulers of the state. "The fort was used by Akbar to plan the war strategy for the battle of Haldhghati against Maharana Partap of Udaipur" said a historian According to him, Swai Mansingh of Jaipur leaded the battle of haldighati against Maharana Partap. The fort is important for turist as they come to witness the architecture and craft importance of Rajput Mugal collaboration.

Beside the fort the museum in the fort also attracts the tourists. "Mainly tourists want to know the place from where the permission was granted to Sir Tomas of East India Company and we show them the window of the fort" said Manak Kumar, a tourist guide. He said that even domestic tourists are interested to know the history of this fort as it played important role in the history of India.

"We are going to open the audience hall of the fort from 22 December" said Sayed Ajam Hussein, deputy director of archeological department and executive curator of Museum. He said that work of innovation would continue in other part of the fort.

The museum has the treasure of ancient statues belonging to Jain and Bodh scriptures. "There are the statues dating long back to 2 century BC" said sources. There are also written scriptures and in scripts found from the Pushkar region. "The importance of this museum is also signifies the development of Ghandar, Mugal and Rajasthani sculpture in different period of time" said Hussein. The statues also show the great work and development of stone to metal and copper in the sculpture.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Jaipur

Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore & Puskhar

Day 1: Delhi (Arrival)
Fly from your country to Delhi - The Political and Cultural Capital of Incredible India. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative or your leader will be waiting for you in the arrival hall located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the airport travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening so the rest of the day is at leisure. If you have arrived early your leader will brief you with sightseeing options. You may also explore some of the busy markets of Delhi. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Drive into the heart of India's Capital to explore Old Delhi visiting the famous Jamia Mazjid, walk through the Chandini Chowk and India's oldest and busiest market, Sish Ganj gurudwara, Enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and the 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, stop for photos at the colorful market before finishing the Victorian Cannaught Place - One of the most prominent architectural remnants of British Rule. Later visit Birla Temple, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple (Lakshminarayan Temple), Humanyu Tomb, Crematory of Mahatma Gandhi, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Government buildings & Qutab Minar and other countless monuments. In the evening you will have time for shopping activities. Return to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Delhi - Pushkar / Ajmer (280 Kms - 6.5 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Ajmer. The 14 kms onward drive through the Snake Mountains will reach you to Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the places with highly prestigious sites for both Hindu and Muslim Religions in the world. While Pushkar is known for the only temple in the world of Lord Brahma- the god of creation, Ajmer is globally known for the Mazaar of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. People come to pray to the lords for the fulfillment of their desires, it is said whoever visit these places in their lifetimes their desires gets fulfilled soon. It is also known as Tirth Raj- the Raj (king) of pilgrim center. No pilgrimages of Hindu or Muslims are considered to be complete until the pilgrim bathes in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake or he presents a holy sheet at the Dargaah (Muslim shrine). Indeed Pushkar is so sacred that no eggs, meat or alcohols are allowed within the city.

Arrive and check into the hotel / dessert resort, enjoy the traditional Rajasthani Folk Music, Dance, Puppet shows. Later take Camel ride on the nearby sand dunes Pushkar also hold biggest annual Camel & Craft Fair, which is known all over the world. In the evening visit the Lake, Temple or the Mazaar or carry on with the leisure activities. Overnight stay is at the Hotel / Desert resort.

Day 4: Pushkar - Jaipur (130 Kms 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Jaipur. This historic city was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amber valley to newly formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer, soldier, and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan & is world famous as the Pink City. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India's second most visited site. Arrive and check into the hotel. After change, wash and rest go for half day sightseeing of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort from where at the foothills of the fort Elephants will carry you to the famous Amber Fort top, the elephant ride gives you the experience and impression of how Maharajas & royal family members were using the services of elephants. Visit the Amber Fort. Later in the evening explore the colorful busy markets of the pink city or for leisure activities. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel go for a full day sightseeing of the beautiful historic Pink City. You will visit the marvelous City Palace - the current generation of the Maharajas (King) still live here, Museum, Astrological Observatory, Hawa Mahal (wind palace) where from royal ladies were watching daily processions and daily life. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name. Evening is for shopping in the busy streets and some excellent souvenir shops. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6: Jaipur - Ranthambore (170 kms - 3 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Ranthambore National Park - the tiger sanctuary is known for the place where you can catch the tiger by its tail. Upon arrival you will be welcomed in a traditional manner. Arrive and check into your Jungle Resort. Later in the day after change wash and some rest go for Jungle Canter Safari. to watch different varieties of animals especially The Tiger. You can also watch here leopard, panther, spotted deer, antelopes & many varieties of birds. Return back to the Jungle Resort in the evening. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities in and around the jungle resort. Enjoy the dinner over bonfire and traditional folk dance and musical show in the deep forests. Overnight stay is at the jungle resort.

Day 7: Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Kms - 5 hrs)
Early in the morning tea / coffee will be served. Go inside the Tiger Sanctuary on an exclusive Jeep Safari to spot Tiger and wildlife. Return to the resort for breakfast and check out to drive to Agra. Enroute visit one of the most important places of Mughal Era - The Fatehpur Sikri - the abandoned Mughal Kingdom, founded by Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra. Walk the aisles of the Jama Masjid mosque, entered by way of the impressive Victory Gate, and lose yourself in the throngs of pilgrims at the tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti, his white marble-encased tomb enclosed within the Jama mosque's central courtyard. Considered the crowning architectural legacy of Akbar (who also built the Red Fort) and still almost perfectly preserved, today the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue your drive to Agra. Arrive in the city of Love and commitment. Check into the hotel. After change, wash and some rest visit one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal (monument of love), built by 5th great Mughal Emperor Shahi Jahan in the memory as mausoleum of his beloved queen Anjuman Bano Begum ( with love emperor called her Mumtaz ). After her death in 1627 AD, in her memory emperor started to built Taj Mahal ( Taj means crown & Mahal means Palace, so it is Crown Palace ) from 1631 to 1653 AD with 22000 labors working since sun rise to sun set in 22 years. It is the romantic origin of Taj as much as its architectural splendor that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements. Built in pure white marble which was transported from Makrana in Rajasthan by the help of animals Taj Mahal is one of the man made wonder's of the world.

Later in the day visit Agra Fort which was built by three emperors, Akbar & Jahangir in red sand stone & Shahi Jahan in white marble. The Fort is 2.5 Km long and during Mughal rule 1/3rd of the Fort was occupied by the army. When British ruled India, they repeated same tradition and now traditionally Indian army has occupied the same. Afterwards visit Itma-ud-ullha the Baby Taj and Sikandra. You will have spare time in the evening for shopping and leisure activities at some of the best souvenirs shops to take back some of the memories from India for your friends and family. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8: Agra - Delhi (230 Kms - 4 hrs) - Onward Journey / Fly Back to your country
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have spare time for leisure activities or last visit to some of the souvenir shops for the last minute shopping. Later check out and drive back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi, depending upon your flight timings you will have time to explore the city and local markets. Later in the day depending upon your onwards tour program transfer to the international airport to board connecting flight and fly back to your country with the everlasting memories of the magnificent glimpses of Incredible India.

How Ajmer is the famous pilgrime in Rajasthan, India?

Ajmer Sharif is the most important place of pilgrimage for the Muslims. Located at the foot of the hill, this Dargah Sharif is dedicated to the much respected Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. Also hailed as the Gharib Nawaz or the protector of the poor, the holy saint won all the hearts in Ajmer through his love, affection and services. He is the one who started the Chisti order of Fakirs in India.

Being a place of such piety, this Dargah Sharif is visited by thousands of people every year in the months of April-May on the occasion of the saints Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab.
Features:

The Dargah is also the house of a magnificent mosque made of marble and a piece of architectural genius, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The centre of the compound holds the mazaar or grave surrounded by a golden railing. The dome is covered with shiny velvet curtains, one even from the holy land of Mecca.

The Urs is started by hosting a white flag by the Sajjada Nashin, the representative of the Chistis. This takes place on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, which is the sixth lunar month. The Jamati Darwaza or the gateway of heaven is flung open on the last day of the sixth month.

During the festival the tomb is washed and anointed with perfumes. This ritual known as the Ghusal. The tomb is then covered with silk cloth and Fatiha and Salamti are read. Mushaira, a poetic recitation by poets of all the communities in respect of the Khwaja is organized.

The Dargah premises have two huge cauldrons used to prepare special delicacies like kheer and distributed as tabarukh during the Urs festival.

During the festival the devotees present Nazrana or gifts to the holy saint in the form of flowers, chadars, ghilaph, incense sticks, perfumes. The gifts are received by the Khadims or the caretaker of the sanctified tomb.

Outside the dargah a group of professional singers called qawwals sing sons in the praise of the saint.

The end of the Urs festival is marked by the Oul on the 6th day of the Rajab.


There are many pilgrimage spots for Muslims in India. One of the most vital spot is Khwaja Sharif dargah located at Ajmer in the State of Rajasthan in India. Ajmer has become famous because of this holy dargah of Khwaja Sharif. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims visit Ajmer every year to bow down at this dargah. If you have any problem in your life, it gets solved immediately if you perform holy Namaj and bandagi at this dargah. The dargah is situated at the center of the Ajmer city. Khwaja Momuddin Chisti was a Sufi saint who was staying here from the year 1190. He was buried here at this dargah in the year 1236 after his death. Mogul kings Akbar, Jehangir and Shanjehan have built this dargah during their rules. They were also visiting this dargah regularly in their life time for namaj/bandagi.

Rajasthan is the wonder full palace for visits in India

Rajasthan is the land of the Maharajas, an exotic and colourful home to the legendary warriors of yore, famous for their gallantry, chivalry, revelry and romance. Its kingdoms redolent with imposing forts, ethereal palaces, boisterous bazaars, vibrant people, timeless traditions and centuries of art and culture. Each of its cities has a unique character and a different colour, its capital Jaipur has the ditinction of being pink, also considered the colour of hospitality.

Capital of Rajasthan
The Pink City of India, the royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727 AD. The ancient heart of this regal city still beats in its fairy tale palaces, its magnificent fortresses perched on barren hills, and in the broad avenues that provide a superb transport network throughtout the city.

Soak in the medieval flavour of this city by exploring its many monuments, go on a camel safari to explore unending stretches of the Thar desert , enjoy the cool evenings boating at the Ramgarh lake or linger in its boisterous bazaars, laden with handicrafts, handloom, jewelery, bandhani, block print, blankets and trinkets.


History of Rajasthan
The panoramic landscape of Rajasthan has been a silent witness to some of the most intense battles in history, tragic seiges, astounding victories, the unearthly valour of fine-cheeked Rajputs, charging to their deaths in ash and saffron. Dedicated Maharanis committing jauhar by the thousands and its forts and palaces that have lived on to tell the tale.

Once ruled by the Mauryan empire, Rajasthan became the stronghold of the Rajput clans in 700 B.C. Around the 12th century parts of Rajasthan were occupied by Muslim rulers but it was only in the early18th century under Mughal emperor Akbar's rule that all of Rajasthan was united into one province. After the decline of the Mughal rulers the Marathas penetrated into Rajasthan. As a legacy of this back-and-forth rulership of the province it has a rich culture and architectural heritage blending toghether Mughal, Hindu and Jain influences.


The People :
Rajasthan is the region of the proud Rajputs, their valour and chivalry now a part of legend. They are of Scythian descent- a stock which moved out from the Caucasus in Central Asia towards the Indus Valley on the one side and the Germanic parts of Europe on the other.

What meets the eye when travelling through Rajasthan though are dusky, lissom Rajasthani women with sparkling, kohl-limned eyes, adorned with silver jewellery and thick, bone bangles worn way above the elbows. They sport backless cholis, generously pleated long skirts rich in mirror work and embroidery. A long odhni or head covering flowing gaily behind them completes the picture of ethnic allure. They smile with a winsome charm as they sway past with several terracotta pots casually poised on their heads. The men, without exception, sport colourful, flamboyantly styled turbans. Their swarthy faces flaunt large mustachios, displaying careful grooming and obvious pride. In rural Rajasthan, a moustache is an indication of manhood, virility and macho power.

Along with the Rajputs this land is also inhabited by Muslims and Brahmins. The Bhils and Meenas are two of the biggest tribes to be found here. The official language is Hindi.
http://www.topindiatour.com

Pushkar Camel Fair: Experience the vibrancy of colors

Every November the camping grounds in a small hamlet of Pushkar are abuzz with activity. This is the month of ‘kartik purnima’ when the advent of tourists is at its peak to witness the presence of camels, ‘ships of desert’. Pushkar camel fair comes forth as an attractive tourist destination for visitors overseas due to its abundance of colors which is normally missing in the western nations.

Rajasthan fits this bill nicely due to the magnanimity with which the nature has bestowed it and is nowhere to be seen in any part of the planet. Thousands of camels are attired in the best of accessories lending the whole scenario a magic which often overwhelms the tourists. While they savor the delights of desert life, the memories become etched in their minds forever with a thirst for coming back to the place again.

The Pushkar camel fair is world’s largest camel fair held in the holy town of Pushkar and is a unique experience. An added charm to this place comes with the onset of winters which makes the ambience quite pleasurable for the visitors. The festival hosts around 50,000 camels which are sold decorated or utilized in the races held annually and is quite a sight to be witnessed.

Often, the crowd swells from a mere 14,000 to a massive 200,000 appearing as an ocean of humanity which surges forth during the festival months. The charm of this place comes alive with its originality due to the rustic element present in the natives and the visiting guests are enthralled by their innocence. The plus point of this place is the song and dance in which the locals indulge often forgetting their miseries and troubles enjoying the camel races.

At Pushkar camel fair, people buy innumerable souvenirs for their loved ones which are actually exquisite pieces brought forth by the craftsmen. Besides the religious factor, the tourists are attracted to the place because of the fun factor involved due to the camel races and other interesting activities.

Apart from the fun and games, Pushkar is equally famed for its temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the only one in the country. The legend that is doing the rounds is that while searching a proper place to perform ‘yagya’ the lotus fell off from the hands of lord. The place where it fell down was the place we now know as Pushkar and out sprung the water. The quantity just increased as time passed and took the shape of a lake and it is commonly believed that taking a holy dip in its sacred waters washes off the sins of many lifetimes.

Coming to the culture part of the fair, one can visit innumerable shops set up by the traders. These traders sell a variety of items like woolen blankets of Merta, broad necklaces of Nagaur, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Other items of utility which are sold at these shops are saddles, ropes and other assorted items. After one is done with the fair, one can wind it up with a leisurely trip around the state of Rajasthan. In fact, visiting these places is a refreshing idea after witnessing the hustle bustle of a fair. Also, one can interact with tribal folks who dot the landscape of the state and are a living testimonial of myriad cultures of the land.
Source: http://www.bestsyndication.com

How Can We Visit The Ajmer City ?

The city of Ajmer is famous as a pilgrim place. It houses the Dargah or tomb of the popular 13th-century, Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to attend the death anniversary of the great saint every year. The city also boasts of a number of monuments belonging to the Mughal era. The city is also known for its traditional handicrafts.

LOCATION

The city of Ajmer is located in the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. It lies 130 km southwest of Jaipur. It is flanked by the Ana Sagar Lake on one side and barren hills of the Aravali range on the other side. Ajmer is drained by streams of the Luni River flowing southwestward and by tributaries of the Banas River flowing eastward. The climate of Ajmer is hot. The maximum temperature can go up to 45°C in summers (April-June). Winters are cool (November-February).

Tour to Ajmer BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Ajmer is in winters (November-February). It can also be visited in the seventh month of the lunar calendar every year when the annual Urs festival is held to commemorate the death of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.


HISTORY

Ajmer was founded by Ajayadeva, an 11th-century local Rajput ruler. It was shortly annexed by Delhi Sultanate in 1193, but returned to the local rulers, upon payment of tribute. Ajmer was also sacked by Mohammed Ghori in one of the many raids carried out by him on India. Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the patron Saint of Ajmer, came here from Persia at the end of the 12th century. Ajmer became the part of the mighty Mughal Empire during the medieval period and was an important military center. Military campaigns against local Rajput rulers were initiated from Ajmer. Akbar built a fort here. The first contact between the Mughals and the British also happened in Ajmer, when Jahangir met Sir Thomas Roe in 1616. Shahjahan built marble pavilions around the Ana Sagar Lake in the 17th century. The Scindia rulers of Gwalior took over Ajmer, which was later taken over by the British in 1818. The British founded the famous Mayo College, a prestigious school here, in 1875.

Tour to Ajmer TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

The most important tourist spot of Ajmer is the Dargah or tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh are other important sites within the city. Ajmer also has an imposing fort built by Akbar. It also houses the government museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit.

PLACES AROUND AJMER

Adhai-din-ka-Jhompara mosque is on the outskirts of the city. Three kilometers beyond the mosque and located on a steep hill is the Taragarh Fort, which offers a breathtaking view of Ajmer city. The small town of Kishangarh is located 27 km from Ajmer and is famous for its traditional miniature paintings. Roopangarh Fort is 52 km from Ajmer and can be reached via Kishangarh.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The main festival of Ajmer is the celebration of the Urs held every year in the seventh month (date varies) of the lunar calendar. A number of Qawali (traditional Muslim recital of devotional verse) functions are held within the Dargah or tomb.

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - Ajmer is also accessible by train, as it is located on the main Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line. There are different means of transport available to the traveler to move around in Ajmer.

BY ROAD - Ajmer is accessible by road from both Jaipur and Delhi. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Source: www.tourism-of-india.com

Rajasthan Travel : Rajasthan is the largest state of India

Covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers, Rajasthan is the largest state of India. It shares its political borders with the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Harayana and Punjab. It also shares international boundaries with Pakistan. Rajasthan has a rich cultural heritage that flourishes in tales and legends that speak volumes about the rich history of Rajasthan. The state is an example of unity in diversity. While traveling to Rajasthan you may come across many forts and palaces that speak volumes about the rich legacy of this once princely state. Rajasthan tourism offers you a variety of destinations to explore and so many exciting things to do on your holidays.

The state of Rajasthan is famous for its palaces and forts and the imposing structures that never fail to amuse the onlookers. The culture of Rajasthan is absolutely colorful and the music and dances of the state are a delight to hear and watch. On your tour to Rajasthan you will find that the state is largely desert but the way people treat their guests and visitors will overwhelm you. They are known to be extremely warm and hospitable and treat guests like Gods.

Rajasthan is also famous for its wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuaries offer a wide range of flora and fauna. Though the state looks arid because of the desert, you will be amazed to see the variety of life that thrives over here. There are many safaris that let you explore the wildlife of Rajasthan. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who know exactly where to look for wild animals.

The cuisines are absolutely lip-smacking and must be tried by anyone who comes here. The great heritage and culture of Rajasthan coupled with the Thar Desert in the background makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Remember, your tour of India is incomplete without a look at Rajasthan - the land of Rajput warriors. So come and experience the magic of Rajasthan, one that is sure to blow you over and keep you coming back again.

Description of the Urs Ajmer Sharif :

During the festival of the Urs Ajmer Sharif , the devotees offer Chadar, Ghilaph and Neema. There are mass prayers and calls seeking perpetual peace for mankind. There is also the ritual of looting the Kheer or the milk pudding, that is cooked in two large cauldrons which are called Degs and distributed among the devotees as the blessed food or the tabarruk. The Urs Ajmer Sharif starts off with the hoisting of a white flag by the Sajada nashin, on the dargah.

Destination of the Urs Ajmer Sharif

The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place for the Urs Ajmer Sharif , the biggest Muslim Fair in India. The nearest airport is at Jaipur from where regular transport comes to Ajmer.Ajmer is also well connected with trains from Delhi. A comfortable network of roads also link Ajmer to other parts of Rajasthan and other cities .

Travelers Hub offers information about the Urs Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer Rajasthan . For further details, please fill up the form below.

Ajmer Dargah Sharif : Dargah of the great sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

Dargah Sharif Ajmer :

Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of the great sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of "Madinat- ul- Hind or the Madina of India". Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is center of pilgrimage.

The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)

The Dargah is located at the conjunction of three bazaars. There are a number of restaurants around the Dargah where visitors can choose from a variety of dishes most of which are non-vegetarian preparations. Guest houses on the road leading to the Dargah offer accommodation that ranges from economical to luxurious. Many other guest houses are strewn across the city. The shops in the market around the Dargah sell flowers, prayer mats, rosaries, textiles, and general merchandise as well.

Ajmer houses the Dargah, or tomb, of the popular Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti:

Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to attend the anniversary of this great Sufi saint every year. The city also boasts of a number of monuments dating back to the Mughal era. The city is also well known for its traditional handicrafts. Beside the Dargah of Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, Ajmer is also known for the Brahma temple at Pushkar. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims throng Pushkar ever year.

The most important tourist spot in Ajmer is the Dargah or tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh Garden are other important sites in the city. Ajmer also boasts of an imposing fort built by Akbar, which also houses the Government Museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit to. For many tourists, Pushkar is a great place to witness the world famous Camel Fair. Thousands of foreign tourists gather at Pushkar to see the colorful Pushkar Camel fair every year.

Low-cost air travel no more an option

JAIPUR: The fantasy of cheap air travel for the great middle class has come to an end! The rising rates of air tickets, followed by complete withdrawal of two low-cost airlines from Sanganer airport, has forced the middle class passengers to look for cheaper means like trains. The air travel, which became quite popular in the recent past, especially after the advent of low-cost airlines in 1998, has completed a full circle in a decade.

The number of low-cost airlines operating from the Jaipur airport was four, which catered to nearly 12 destinations across India.

These airlines catered to the needs of over 50% of the domestic passengers till recently, despite the fact that the aircraft movement of these low cost airlines is just 40% of the over all touchdown figure. "The occupancy level of low-cost airlines is much higher than the premier class airlines," said an airport official.

"The Spice Jet, which operates to premium sectors like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Banglore and Chennai from Jaipur had to shut down its operation followed by the rise in air fare," said the terminal manager, Sanganer airport.

He said that another low-cost airline, Go Air, which operates on a premium sector—Mumbai — too had to close down its operations from Jaipur. However, when contacted, airline officials said "This has to do with operations." This sudden withdrawal has put in trouble hundreds of passengers who had booked their tickets in advance. However, the airlines claim that passengers were informed weeks prior to their flight and they had been granted full refund.

Rakesh Goyal, a resident of Ajmer and a chartered accountant with a private bank, Mumbai, had booked an airticket almost a month ago for his scheduled trip to Mumbai on July 13। "I was informed that the airlines had shut down its operations. Thereafter, I tried with other premium airlines and found that fares were very high. At last, I decided to travel by rail, of which the fare is almost one-third of the premier airlines." On an average, there were about 21-odd flights taking off daily from Jaipur, of which nearly 15 were low cost airlines.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Urs at Ajmer start from July

Ajmer, June 27: The 796th Urs of Khawaja Moinuddeen Chisty will begin from July 3 or 4 at Ajmer this year and conclude on July 13 or 14, said Sneh Lata Panwar, Urs Mela Magistrate and Additional Collector.

Five hundred Pakistani Jayreen will participate in the Urs this year, said Panwar.

Pakistani Jayreen will arrive in Ajmer on July 6 and will leave the holy place for their country on July 13. During their week-long stay in the country, they are also scheduled to visit Delhi, Panwar said.
source: http://www.saharasamay.com/

Tour to Ajmer

Ajmer founded by Rajput Ruler Ajayadeva, on 11th-century, Thr city of Ajmer houses the tomb of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, the popular thirteenth century Sufi Saint and The Ajmr city also famous for Mayo College, a prestigious school here, founded by British in 1875.

Ajmer located in the state of Rajasthan, 130 km southwest of Jaipur, The south west side of Ajmer is washed by Luni River and the east side of Ajmer is washed by Banas River. Aravalis's Barren hills overlook the city from one side and the Ana Sagar Lake on the other side. There are traditional handicrafts In the Ajmer which are world famous.