Ajmer sits in the heart of Rajasthan, cradled by the Aravalli Hills and revered for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. For centuries, emperors, traders, and pilgrims have paused here—leaving mosques, havelis, and stepwells stitched into a compact old city that’s a joy to wander.

Beyond the shrine, Ajmer holds layers of history: the early Indo-Islamic façade of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, the hilltop bastions of Taragarh Fort, the red-and-gold marvel of Soni ji ki Nasiyan (Nasiyan Jain Temple), and the calm of Ana Sagar Lake. Just over the pass lies Pushkar—one of Hinduism’s holiest towns—where ghats ring a sacred lake and the rare Brahma Temple draws devotees at sunrise and sunset.

Expect thalis, kachoris, saffron-scented milk, and Mughlai gravies near the Dargah; and in Pushkar, plant-forward cafes, wood-fired pizza, and rooftop spots with lake views. Dress modestly for shrines, carry a light scarf, and remove footwear when required. October–March brings pleasant days; summers run hot, so plan early-morning sightseeing and siesta-friendly afternoons.

Ajmer

Ajmer is soulful and sensory: rose garlands in Dargah Bazaar, copper lotas glinting under lamp-light, and the echo of qawwali rolling through narrow lanes. Its core sights are walkable, with auto-rickshaws handy for hops to hills, lakes, and the Nareli Jain Temple on the city’s edge.

• Top sights & experiences: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Taragarh Fort, Ana Sagar Lake & Daulat Bagh, Mayo College Museum, Soni ji ki Nasiyan (Jain Temple), Nareli Jain Temple, Akbari Fort & Government Museum.
• Food & drink: Near Dargah Bazaar, try fragrant biryanis and kebabs at long-running Mughlai kitchens; for North Indian veg thalis and paneer classics, family-run bhojanalayas around Naya Bazaar are reliable; on the lake side, cafés serve chai, pakoras, and light bites at sunset.
• Good to know: Cover shoulders and knees at shrines, and bring socks for hot marble in midday heat. Thursday evenings are especially atmospheric at the Dargah for qawwali.

Where to stay: Browse character stays and hotels in Ajmer on VRBO and Hotels.com. Look near Ana Sagar for sunset views or within a short auto ride of the Dargah if you want to be close to the old city.

Getting there: The nearest airport is Kishangarh (Ajmer) about 30–40 minutes away by road, with frequent connections via Delhi and Mumbai. Check fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). From Jaipur, a 2–3 hour train (~INR 150–500) or a 2.5–3 hour car ride makes for an easy hop—search trains on Trip.com (trains).

Pushkar

Pushkar feels timeless: a ring of ghats around a silver lake, a rare temple to Lord Brahma, and alleys perfumed with marigold and incense. It’s a gentle counterpoint to Ajmer—ideal for sunrise puja, vegetarian cafés, and rooftop lounging with views of the dunes and domes.

• Highlights: Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake ghats (Varah, Gau, Jaipur Ghats), Savitri Mata Temple (ropeway), local rose products and silver jewelry shopping, sunset aarti by the water.
• Food & coffee: Honey & Spice for wholesome veggie plates and smoothies; The Sixth Sense (rooftop at Seventh Heaven) for refined Indian fare; La Pizzeria for wood-fired pies; Sunset Café right on the lake for golden-hour dinners.
• Travel from Ajmer: 30–40 minutes by taxi/auto (INR 400–700), or ~30 minutes by local train when services run (limited frequency)—check general schedules via Trip.com (trains).

Where to stay (optional overnight): Compare lake-adjacent guesthouses and boutique havelis on VRBO or Hotels.com. Rooftops with ghat views book out during festivals—reserve ahead.

Day 1: Arrival, Ana Sagar Glow, and a Gentle Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive in Ajmer and settle into your stay near Ana Sagar or the old city. Stretch your legs at Daulat Bagh and stroll the Ana Sagar Lake promenade; boat rentals are available when waters are calm.

Evening: Ease into the flavors of Rajasthan with a veg thali at a reliable family-run spot near Naya Bazaar (rotating curries, dal, raita, and hot phulkas). If you prefer multicuisine with AC seating, Mango Masala and the long-running Ambrosia (popular with families) are solid choices for paneer tikka, dal makhani, and tandoori breads.

Night: Tea under the stars by the lake—order masala chai and onion pakoras from lakeside kiosks. Turn in early for an early start tomorrow.

Day 2: Ajmer Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, and Jain Marvels

Morning: Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah just after sunrise to avoid crowds. Dress modestly, cover your head (scarves are available at stalls), and consider offering a floral chadar. Wander Dargah Bazaar for rose attar and brassware.

Afternoon: Walk or take an auto to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture with calligraphy-laced arches. Continue to the Akbari Fort & Government Museum for Mughal-era artifacts and Rajput arms. For lunch, try North Indian staples—jeera rice with veg kadai or a hearty rajma-chawal—at a central sit-down eatery.

Evening: Join this insightful guided experience that dives deep into Ajmer’s Jain heritage:

• Private Historical Walking Tour in Nasiyan Jain Temple — explore the famed “Red Temple” (Soni ji ki Nasiyan), noted for its extraordinary golden hall depicting Jain cosmology. Book on Viator

  

Day 3: Pushkar Day Trip — Temples, Ghats, and Rooftops

Morning: Depart Ajmer by taxi/auto to Pushkar (30–40 minutes; ~INR 400–700). Start at the Brahma Temple (one of the very few of its kind), then circle the lake to key ghats. Breakfast at Honey & Spice—think millet pancakes, smoothie bowls, and strong coffee.

Afternoon: Shop for silver jewelry, embroidered textiles, and rose-infused products along the main bazaar. Take the Savitri Mata Temple ropeway for panoramic views of Pushkar and the dunes beyond. Lunch on the shaded terrace at The Sixth Sense (tandoori cauliflower, dal tadka, and saffron pulao).

Evening: Linger for sunset aarti at the lake, then dine at La Pizzeria or Sunset Café right on the water. Return to Ajmer by auto/taxi.

Day 4: Taragarh Fort Hike, Mayo College, and Nareli Jain Temple

Morning: Beat the heat on a hike or short drive up to Taragarh Fort. The weathered ramparts offer sweeping city views. Carry water and wear grippy shoes; early light is best for photos.

Afternoon: Visit the Mayo College Museum (inside one of India’s premier schools) for art, arms, and ethnographic displays. Then head to the modern marble sprawl of Nareli Jain Temple; the symmetry and stonework make a striking contrast to the old city. Lunch near Ana Sagar—paneer lababdar with tandoori roti is a winning combo.

Evening: If it’s Thursday, return to the Dargah for devotional qawwali. On other nights, try a casual Mughlai dinner near the shrine precinct—seek out slow-cooked nihari or a delicate chicken korma with roomali roti.

Day 5: Markets, Heritage Lanes, and Lake Time

Morning: Join a guided walk that connects Ajmer’s stories and shrines while tracing the old Pushkar route through the city:

• Ajmer City Walking tour - The Pushkar Route — a 4-hour immersion in Ajmer’s heritage, markets, and spiritual sites with a local expert. Book on Viator

  

Afternoon: Refuel with street-side classics: samosa chaat and lassi near Station Road, or a simple dal–rice set at a tidy bhojanalaya. Ride over to Ana Sagar for a relaxed hour—boats, benches, and breezes.

Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly multicuisine restaurant such as Ambrosia (butter chicken/veg makhani, naan, and fresh salads) or a dependable North Indian spot near the lake; finish with kulfi or rabri from a long-standing sweet shop.

Day 6: Kishangarh Excursion — Fort, Palace, and Marble Heritage

Morning: Drive to Kishangarh (45–60 minutes from Ajmer). Explore Kishangarh Fort and the lakeside Phool Mahal Palace—this princely state inspired the famed “Bani Thani” painting style. Stroll the serene Gondulav Lake embankment for photos.

Afternoon: Lunch at the palace restaurant or a local dhaba featuring Rajasthani staples (gatta curry, ker sangri, bajra roti). If you’re curious about the marble trade, ask your driver for a drive-by of the marble market; avoid entering active dumping yards without permission or safety gear.

Evening: Return to Ajmer. For dinner, choose a Mughlai grill house near the Dargah area for seekh kebabs and roomali rotis, or go vegetarian with a rich paneer kadai and jeera rice. Digest with a slow chai walk in the cooler night air.

Day 7: Last Sips and Souvenirs, Departure

Morning: Easy breakfast—aloo paratha with curd, or idli–sambar at a clean South Indian café. Pick up final souvenirs: rose attar, copperware, and embroidered dupattas from Naya Bazaar.

Afternoon: Depart Ajmer for your onward route. For flights (Kishangarh/Ajmer Airport or via Jaipur), compare options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). For trains to Jaipur or Delhi, search Trip.com (trains).

Evening: If you have a late departure, relax by Ana Sagar or enjoy one last sweet lassi—then head out with the desert light still warm on your memory.

Practical Planning

• Where to search stays: Ajmer: VRBO | Hotels.com; Pushkar (optional overnight): VRBO | Hotels.com.
• Getting in/out: Flights: Kiwi.com, Trip.com (flights); Trains within India: Trip.com (trains).
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws for short hops, app cabs or hired cars for Taragarh, Nareli, and day trips. Ajmer–Pushkar taxis average INR 400–700 each way.
• Etiquette: Remove shoes at temples and the Dargah’s inner areas; photography may be restricted in sanctums. Carry small notes/coins for offerings.

In a single week, you’ll touch Ajmer’s Sufi heart, Pushkar’s sacred edge, and Kishangarh’s princely past—balanced with markets, lakes, and unhurried meals. Expect rich history in small radiuses, many moments of quiet by the water, and evenings that glow with music and spice.