How to Visit Ajmer on a Budget Under ₹15,000

TL;DR Summary

• Explore Ajmer under ₹15,000 with smart planning.
• Budget travel via trains starting at ₹300.
• Affordable 5-day itinerary for solo travellers.
• Cheap stays under ₹1,500 per night.
• Must-visit: Dargah Sharif on a shoestring.
• Local hacks for food under ₹200 daily.

Introduction to Budget Travel in Ajmer

I still remember my first backpacking trip to Ajmer over a decade ago, with just ₹5,000 in my pocket. I arrived on a dusty overnight train, checked into a ₹400-a-night guesthouse near the Dargah, and spent days wandering through bustling bazaars, sipping ₹10 chai with locals. Ajmer, nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, is a hidden gem for frugal travellers. It’s not just about the spiritual allure of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah; it’s a city where history, culture, and affordability blend seamlessly. You can explore iconic sites, eat hearty meals, and find dirt-cheap stays without breaking the bank. Unlike overhyped tourist traps, Ajmer rewards those who travel light and smart. In this guide, you’ll discover how to plan a 5-day trip under ₹15,000, with insider tips on transport, stays, and local hacks to stretch every rupee.

Why Visit Ajmer on a Budget?

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah entry is free, saving on major attraction costs.
• Local street food like kachoris costs under ₹20 per piece.
• Public transport within the city starts at just ₹10 per ride.
• Budget guesthouses near the Dargah are available for ₹500 nightly.
• Day trips to nearby Pushkar cost less than ₹200 round-trip.
• Off-season travel (July-September) slashes accommodation rates by 30%.
• Bargaining at local markets can cut souvenir costs by half.

Top Budget Things to Do & See

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

A spiritual haven drawing millions, this 13th-century shrine offers profound peace.

Budget Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and donation pressures.

Ana Sagar Lake

This serene man-made lake is perfect for a quiet evening stroll.

Budget Tip: Skip paid boat rides; enjoy free lakeside views instead.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

An ancient mosque with stunning Indo-Islamic architecture, whispering tales of history.

Budget Tip: Entry is just ₹15; carry your own water to save.

Taragarh Fort

Perched on a hill, this fort offers panoramic views of Ajmer.

Budget Tip: Trek up for free instead of hiring expensive autos.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan

A Jain temple with a mesmerizing golden chamber depicting cosmic stories.

Budget Tip: Entry is ₹10; visit mid-week for fewer crowds.

Foy Sagar Lake

A lesser-known spot ideal for budget picnics amid natural beauty.

Budget Tip: Pack your own snacks to avoid overpriced nearby stalls.

How to Reach Ajmer on a Budget

Ajmer is well-connected and accessible for budget travellers. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer), about 135 km away. Flights to Jaipur start at ₹3,000 from major cities like Delhi or Mumbai if booked early, but to save more, opt for a train or bus from Jaipur to Ajmer (₹100-₹300, 2-3 hours). Ajmer Junction Railway Station is a major hub with direct trains from Delhi (₹300-₹500, 5-6 hours in sleeper class), Mumbai (₹500-₹800, 16-18 hours), and Ahmedabad (₹300-₹450, 7-8 hours). Book tickets on IRCTC 2-3 months in advance for the lowest fares. For road travel, state-run RSRTC buses from Jaipur (₹150, 3 hours) or Delhi (₹400, 7-8 hours) are the cheapest options; book at local bus stands or online via RedBus for discounts. Once in Ajmer, use shared autos or city buses (₹10-₹20 per ride) to move around. A hack from my travels: always check for unreserved train tickets at the station for last-minute savings if you’re flexible with timings.

Best Time to Visit for Budget Travellers

For the best deals, plan your Ajmer trip between July and September (monsoon) or March to April (early summer). These off-season months see fewer tourists, meaning lower hotel rates (30-40% cheaper) and less crowded attractions. The weather is manageable—monsoons bring light showers, and early summer isn’t as scorching as May-June. Avoid peak season (October-February) during festivals like Urs at the Dargah, when accommodation prices double, and crowds make free exploration tricky. Winter is pleasant but pricier. A personal tip: I visited in late August once, and not only did I snag a room for ₹400/night near the Dargah, but I also had peaceful mornings at Ana Sagar Lake with hardly any tourists around.

Where to Stay – Cheap Homestays & Hostels

Ajmer offers plenty of budget stays under ₹1,500 per night, especially around the Dargah area and near the railway station. Near Dargah Sharif, guesthouses like Hotel Haveli Heritage charge ₹500-₹800 per night for basic rooms with shared bathrooms—perfect for solo backpackers. In the Vaishali Nagar area, small lodges like Hotel Plaza Inn offer rooms for ₹700-₹1,000 with AC if you bargain. For a hostel vibe, check out backpacker-friendly dorms near Ajmer Junction for ₹300-₹500 per bed; they’re basic but safe. Always book directly by calling or walking in to avoid online platform fees, and ask for discounts during off-season. Browse budget-friendly stays on Unpaqd: Browse Unpaqd stays in Ajmer

Trip Cost Breakdown (5-Day Trip for 1 Person Under ₹15,000)

Category	Cost (₹)	Notes
Transport (Round Trip)	1,000	Train from Delhi (₹500 x 2, sleeper).
Stay (5 nights)	5,000	₹1,000/night at budget guesthouse.
Food (5 days)	2,500	₹500/day (street food, local diners).
Local Transport	500	Shared autos, buses (₹100/day).
Activities/Entry Fees	500	Minimal fees for forts, temples.
Miscellaneous	500	Souvenirs, extra snacks.
Total	10,000	Well under ₹15,000 budget.

Note: Costs are approximate and based on solo travel with frugal choices. Adjust for group discounts or splurges.

Suggested Budget Itineraries

3-Day Quick Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Ajmer by morning train (8:00 AM). Check into a budget guesthouse near Dargah (₹1,000/night). Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah (11:00 AM-1:00 PM, free). Lunch at a nearby stall (₹100). Evening at Ana Sagar Lake (4:00 PM-6:00 PM, free). Dinner at a local dhaba (₹150).
• Day 2: Morning trek to Taragarh Fort (7:00 AM-10:00 AM, free). Explore Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra (11:00 AM-12:30 PM, ₹15). Lunch at a street vendor (₹80). Afternoon at Soniji Ki Nasiyan (2:00 PM-3:30 PM, ₹10). Relax at Foy Sagar Lake (4:30 PM-6:00 PM, free). Dinner (₹120).
• Day 3: Morning visit to local bazaars for souvenirs (9:00 AM-11:00 AM, ₹200 budget). Check out by noon. Catch an afternoon train/bus back (₹500). Total cost: ~₹6,000.

5-Day Full Experience

• Day 1: Arrive in Ajmer by morning train (8:00 AM). Check into guesthouse (₹1,000/night). Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah (11:00 AM-1:30 PM, free). Lunch (₹100). Evening at Ana Sagar Lake (4:00 PM-6:00 PM, free). Dinner (₹150).
• Day 2: Morning at Taragarh Fort (7:00 AM-10:00 AM, free). Visit Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra (11:00 AM-12:30 PM, ₹15). Lunch (₹80). Afternoon at Soniji Ki Nasiyan (2:00 PM-3:30 PM, ₹10). Dinner (₹120).
• Day 3: Day trip to Pushkar (8:00 AM-4:00 PM, ₹200 round-trip by bus). Explore Pushkar Lake and temples (free). Lunch in Pushkar (₹150). Return to Ajmer. Dinner (₹100).
• Day 4: Morning at Foy Sagar Lake with a picnic (8:00 AM-11:00 AM, free, pack ₹50 snacks). Explore local markets (2:00 PM-4:00 PM, ₹300 for souvenirs). Dinner at a dhaba (₹150).
• Day 5: Leisurely morning near Dargah for last-minute photos (9:00 AM-11:00 AM, free). Check out by noon. Catch return train/bus (₹500). Total cost: ~₹10,000.

Ideal For

• Solo backpackers seeking spiritual and cultural experiences.
• Budget couples looking for affordable romantic getaways.
• Small groups of friends exploring history on a shoestring.
• First-time travellers wanting an easy, low-cost destination.

Safety, Permits & Local Etiquette on Budget

Ajmer is generally safe for budget travellers, but stick to crowded areas at night, especially around the Dargah. No permits are required for major attractions, though photography may be restricted inside the Dargah—always ask first. For mobile connectivity, buy a local SIM (Airtel/Jio, ₹200 for 1GB/day) at the station; avoid pricey roaming plans. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites—carry a scarf or dupatta to cover shoulders. Don’t accept unsolicited help from “guides” near the Dargah; politely decline to avoid hidden fees. Bargain respectfully at markets, and always carry small change for street vendors. A lesson from my early trips: keep ₹10-₹20 notes handy for quick auto rides or chai stops—it saves hassle.

Hidden Budget Tips from 20+ Years of Travel

• Visit the Dargah on Thursdays for free communal langar meals if offered.
• Buy snacks from local kirana stores near the station, not tourist areas.
• Use shared autos over private taxis; negotiate fares down to ₹10-₹15/person.
• Carry a reusable water bottle—refill at guesthouses to save ₹20/bottle.
• Shop for souvenirs at Khwaja Market; start bargaining at 50% of quoted price.
• Walk short distances (under 2 km) between attractions like Dargah and Ana Sagar.
• Check local event calendars for free cultural shows near the Dargah.
• Travel in unreserved train compartments for last-minute trips at half the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ajmer affordable for budget travellers?

Absolutely, Ajmer is a haven for budget travellers. With stays starting at ₹500 per night, meals under ₹200 daily, and free or low-cost attractions like the Dargah Sharif, you can explore comfortably under ₹15,000 for a 5-day trip. My own trips have proven you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy Ajmer’s charm—just smart planning.

Q: How much does a budget trip to Ajmer cost?

A 5-day budget trip to Ajmer typically costs around ₹10,000-₹12,000 per person. This includes transport (₹1,000-₹2,000 round trip), stays (₹500-₹1,000/night), food (₹500/day), and minimal entry fees. Costs can dip lower with off-season travel or group discounts. I’ve managed under ₹8,000 by sticking to street food and shared transport.

Q: What's the best time for cheap travel to Ajmer?

The best time for cheap travel to Ajmer is July to September (monsoon) or March to April (early summer). During these off-season months, hotel rates drop by 30-40%, and crowds are thinner. The weather is bearable, though monsoon showers may require a light umbrella. Avoid peak festival times like Urs for better deals.

Q: How to reach Ajmer cheaply?

The cheapest way to reach Ajmer is by train, with sleeper class fares starting at ₹300-₹500 from cities like Delhi or Jaipur. State-run RSRTC buses from Jaipur (₹150, 3 hours) are another frugal option. Book tickets early on IRCTC or at bus stands for the lowest rates. I’ve often grabbed last-minute unreserved train tickets for even cheaper rides.

Q: Are there safe budget stays in Ajmer?

Yes, Ajmer has plenty of safe budget stays under ₹1,500 per night, especially near the Dargah and railway station. Guesthouses like Hotel Haveli Heritage (₹500-₹800) and dorms near Ajmer Junction (₹300-₹500) are reliable for solo travellers. Always read recent reviews or ask locals for recommendations. I’ve stayed in these areas multiple times without issues, just lock your belongings.

Q: Which is better for budget — Ajmer or Jaipur?

For a tighter budget, Ajmer wins over Jaipur due to lower accommodation and food costs. Ajmer’s major attractions like the Dargah are free or cheap, while Jaipur’s forts and palaces often have higher entry fees (₹50-₹200). Transport within Ajmer is also more affordable at ₹10-₹20 per ride compared to Jaipur’s pricier autos. I’ve found Ajmer more manageable for a quick, low-cost cultural fix.