CITIES
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 and has seen history being made since the Ramayana
period. The account of this city can be found in the
4th century writings of the Chinese traveller-- Fa-Hien
and also in the scripts written during the era of Muslim
invasions. 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 Brahma.
The 52 bathing ghats that
surround the lake are believed to have special powers
e.g. 'Naga Kund' for fertility, 'Roop Tirth' for beauty
and 'Kapil Vyapi Kund' for curing Leprosy.
The famous Pushkar fair
is held every year on the Kartik Purnima day. This fair
is famous as a bazaar for the animals particularly the
camels. But the folk dancers and the folk musicians
add traditional colour in the fair, which gives a new
leash of life to the town.
Mangliyawas
-
This town is famous for two 800 years old trees of a
rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN- popularly known
as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'. People visit this place through
out the year but on dark moon day of 'Sravana' (also
spelt as Shravana) thousands of people come to worship
the trees. The town is 26-km from Ajmer.
Beawar
-
This town is located 54-km from Ajmer
and is famous for the Badshahi procession festival held
on the next day of Holi. On this occasion, people participate
in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each other.
LAKES
Foy Sagar -
This artificial lake was built during a famine
relief programme. Named after the engineer responsible
for its construction, the picturesque lake is 5-km from
Ajmer.
Kishan Garh -
On the road to Jaipur, 27-km
from Ajmer is located this medieval
treasure house of art. This place had one of the finest
schools for miniature paintings during 18th century.
This town of artists is also famous for Gundelao Lake,
Phool Mahal Palace, Temple of Sri Kalyan Raiji and the
Majhala Palace. |
