Ujjain Itinerary
Ujjain sits on the Kshipra River in western Madhya Pradesh and is considered one of India's seven sacred cities. The temples, ghats, and corridors here have drawn visitors for centuries. These are the places that make the journey from Delhi worth it.
Places to Visit in Ujjain
Visit these places while you are in the city:
Mahakaleshwar Temple
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is Ujjain's defining landmark. The Bhasma Aarti draws thousands of devotees each morning.
Ram Ghat
- The principal bathing ghat on the Kshipra River. Ram Ghat is most active in the early morning, when pilgrims come to bathe before visiting the temple.
Kal Bhairav Temple
- About 8 km from the city centre, the Kal Bhairav Temple is one of Ujjain's most visited sites. Dedicated to a fierce form of Shiva, it is known for the tradition of offering liquor to the deity in the form of sealed bottles presented at the entrance, a practice that has drawn travellers for generations.
Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar)
- Built by Raja Jai Singh II in the 18th century, Ujjain's astronomical observatory was used to calculate celestial events and determine the city's position on India's traditional prime meridian. A focused visit here takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Sandipani Ashram
- According to Hindu scripture, this is the site where Lord Krishna, Balram, and Sudama studied under the sage Sandipani. The ashram includes a small tank said to have been used for writing numerals.
Mahakal Lok Corridor
- This is a pilgrim corridor adjoining the Mahakaleshwar Temple, with wide promenades and sculpted panels from the Shiva Purana. An evening visit is the least crowded and most scenic.
Things to Do in Ujjain
Attend the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar:
The Bhasma Aarti begins before sunrise and lasts 45 minutes. Advance registration is required, and passes fill up quickly on weekends. Reaching the temple by 3:30 AM is advisable.
Watch the Evening Aarti at Ram Ghat:
Oil lamps, conch shells, and synchronized chanting mark the evening aarti at Ram Ghat. Arrive early to hold a good position by the river.
Visit Kal Bhairav Temple:
The Kal Bhairav Temple is 20 minutes from the city centre. Known for its liquor-offering ritual, it has no admission charge and takes under an hour to visit.
Take a Dip at Ram Ghat:
Bathing in the Kshipra holds significance on Ekadashi and through the month of Kartik. Early morning is the most active period and the best time to experience the ghat fully.
Try the Local Food:
Stalls near the ghats serve poha, jalebi, and kachori from early morning. Most eateries near the temple precincts are sattvic. Pick up prasad sweets from the old city before leaving.
Once your Delhi to Ujjain cab service booking is confirmed with Next Cab, your driver will get you to every site on this list.
