One of the prime cities of Rajasthan, Ajmer finds mention in epics of Prithviraj Chauhan and Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The latter’s dargah here, by the name of Ajmer Sharif, is a famous pilgrimage for Muslims. Of course, Ajmer is filled with attractions for one and all, but for those who are from Ajmer, you have been there, done that, seen it all. So if your weekends look dull and you want to take off for a nice little holiday near Ajmer, then here’s a list of places around.

Only 15 km from Ajmer, Pushkar is a beacon of spirituality and Hindu religion. The only Brahma temple in the world is located here in Pushkar, along with 400+ other temples dedicated to other gods and goddesses. The ghats of Pushkar are just as lovely and vivid, with the most beautiful photo-walk opportunities. Photographers will also find good shots in the famous Pushkar Camel Fair that takes place during Kartik Purnima (October-November). Some of the best places to visit here are Varaha Temple, Pataleshwar Temple, Puhskar Lake, and of course, the Brahma Temple.

Renowned world over for its marble trade, the small city of Kishangarh is located around 32 km from Ajmer. This marble city of India is perfect for a picturesque little weekend off. From the massive Kishangarh Fort to Gundolav Lake, Phool Mahal Palace and Roopangarh Fort to Mokham Vilas — there is much to see here. Kishangarh is the only place in the world where a temple dedicated to 9 planets is present. Otherwise, every planet has its individual temple. Winter months are awesome to visit Kishangarh.

A small town situated on the bank of River Benas, Tonk has a history of being an erstwhile princely state. Some 163 km from Ajmer, the town is a marvel of historical monuments. Visit the Sunehri Kothi, also known as the Golden Mansion that was once the hub of dance, music and poetry. It was built by Nawab Mohammed Ibrahim Ali Khan and today also showcases glass paintings. You must also visit Bada Kuwa, Jama Masjid, Rasiya Ke Tekri, Ghanta Ghar and Hathi Bhata. As is the case with most of Rajasthan, summers are too hot so visit during winters.

Khuri is a desert village. Sold already, aren’t you? This arid place is serene and peaceful. Camel rides, sand dunes, camel races and polo games sketch the leisure life here. This is also the perfect spot near Ajmer to go bird watching; here you will get to see Demoiselle Cranes and Great Indian Bustards. Khuri is 80 km from Ajmer and you can enjoy local folk music and live dance in the desert. Star gazing is also highly coveted during winters.

Named after the two hills — Ran and Thambor, the area of Ranthambore is a forest located 12 km from the city of Sawai Madhopur. The Ranthambore Fort and the National park here attract tourists all year round, especially for the Royal Bengal Tigers stationed inside the park. The fort here is more than a 1000 years old and is also housed with temples of Lord Ram, Shiva and Ganesh. Ranthambore is 252 km from Ajmer and is perfect for a long weekend off.

The second most developed after Jaipur, this city of Sikar is about 179 km from Ajmer and famously visited for its forts and havelis. Winter is a good time to plan your weekend, especially the months between November and March. Do make sure you visit the Laxmangarh Fort along with Rathi Haveli, Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Sanganeria Haveli, Char Chowk Haveli and Khatushyam Temple. A fair is held annually around this temple in the month of February.

The land of Samar Singh, the brother-in-law of Prithviraj Chauhan who was the ruler of Ajmer, Chittorgarh is a fortified city built atop a plateau. It is therefore a ‘garh.’ The Chittor Fort here is the most renowned tourist place and you get to see a lot of paraphernalia and artefacts from the time of Rani Padmavati. Other places to visit around here are Sanwariyaji Temple, Matrikundiya Temple and Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary. You can visit museums, buy sculptures and paintings as well as look at artefacts in the shops here. Chittorgarh is 192 km from Ajmer.

A tourist hub of the Marwad region, Phalodi is located in the Thar Desert. This 15th Century town was once ruled by the Rathores, later coming under the King of Bikaner. The havelis and palaces of Phalodi attract people into its folds. Visit the Phalodi Fort, Lal Niwas, Sun Temple, Ramdevra Temple and the village of Khichan where you get to see the migratory birds Kurja (Demoiselle Crane) during winter months. Phalodi is 300 km away from Ajmer and preferred for a longer weekend.

Rajasthan’s capital city, home to pink buildings and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur is also known as the Pink City. It is the hub of Rajasthani craftsmanship and you can buy everything from leheriyas to authentic mojris, semi precious stones to handicrafts. If you want to combine shopping with sightseeing for a weekend then Jaipur is the answer. Visit the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal and Jantar Mantar. The city is 130 km from Ajmer.

Kota is a small city in Rajasthan, known for its IT coaching centres and the patent kota sarees. Located on the bank of Chambal river, Kota is also the Industrial capital. Many come here for pilgrimages like Gurudwara Azamgarh Sahib and the Mathuradhish Mandir. You can also go see the red sand stone Jagmandir, explore the serene surroundings of Kishore Sagar Lake and Maharao Madho Singh Museum. Kota is 203 km from Ajmer.

Around 233 km from Ajmer, Ranakpur is a small town in the Pali district. As the name suggests, Pali district is home to the growth of Jainism so you will find many Jain shrines here. Visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple along with the renowned Surya Narayan Temple. The carvings of Lord Surya on his chariot with horses and warriors are otherworldly in this temple. There is also the Fort-museum of Mewar Fort as well as the mesmerising Aravalli Ranges merging with the Thar here.

A beautiful temple town in the lap of Aravalis, Nathdwara is perched on the bank of River Benas. It is the town where Lord Shrinathji, the manifestation of 7-year old Krishna chose to reside after the persecution of Aurangzeb drove the community of Vaishnavs away from Govardhan Mountain in Vraj. Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple should be your first stop followed by the numerous eateries outside the temple square, shops selling bandhinis, leheriyas, meenakari, picchwai and other artforms. You can also visit the Lal Bagh Museum nearby along with the Vrindavan Gardens where a live sized bhool-bulaiya of grass awaits you. Nathdwara is 217 km from Ajmer and is best visited on festivals like Holi, Diwali ad Janmashtami as well as in winters.