Are you looking for places to visit in Ujjain and things to do there? You have come to the right place! Here, you’ll find the list of Ujjain’s top 10 tourist attractions, along with a list of things to do, the best time to visit, and how to reach Ujjain. Read on to make your journey an unforgettable one!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Ujjain

1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar is a temple and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva – the Lord of Time and Death. It is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga out of the twelve. It is also one of the most revered Maha Shakti Peeth in India.

According to Hindu mythology, the Mahakal linga at the temple is thought to be self-manifested). It is a widely recognised Hindu pilgrimage location where the Bhasma-Aarti draws throngs of worshippers nationwide. Bhasma-Aarti is performed at 3:00 in the morning to please the God of Death by offering Him sacred ashes. Online bookings are made for witnessing and participating in the Bhasma Aarti. Women are not allowed to watch the first 10 minutes of the aarti as it is believed that the Lord undresses and gets ready for Shringaar at the time. A strict dress code is followed where men are required to wear dhoti, and women are required to wear sarees.

According to tradition, Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, stepped into a blaze to protest her father, Daksha, who disapproved of their union. Lord Shiva became enraged by this, so he performed the Dance of Death (Tandav), which earned him the title of Mahakal, or the One Who is Mightier and Ahead of Time Itself.

Ujjain Mahakal Temple is one of the best and topmost places to visit in Ujjain, and Ujjain is famous for the same.

2. Offering Alcohol at Kaal Bhairav Temple

Ujjain is a land of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his reincarnations. The city lights up with the history of Shaivism. Lord Bhairav, also known as Kaal Bhairav, is regarded as a ferocious personification of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Lord protects His followers from danger and drives away dread from their hearts. Additionally, He aids His disciples in overcoming vices like desire, ego, rage, and greed.

According to legend, the Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) allegedly once argued about who was the greatest of the group. Brahma, the Creator, remarked Shiva, the Destroyer, during the discussion that infuriated the latter. Lord Bhairav was born as a result of this rage.

Lord Bhairav receives alcohol as “chadhava”. Outside the temple, sellers will offer devotees a ‘puja’ basket that includes flowers, coconut, and a quarter of local alcohol. Hundreds of worshippers offer the Lord alcohol each day. The priest places the drink in a saucer close to the deity’s slit-like lips. The alcohol starts to dissipate after he slightly tilts the dish. Even scientists are still trying to figure out what happens to the alcohol after it is delivered to the Lord’s lips.It is said that your pilgrimage to Ujjain Mahakal is only complete when you also visit Kaal Bhairav. So make sure to add Kaal Bhairav temple to your list of places to visit in Ujjain

3. Harsiddhi Temple – the Skulls of King Vikramaditya

The 51 Shaktipeeths include the Harsiddhi Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Puranas also refer to this temple, which dates back 2000 years. In this temple, there is a joyful feeling during Navratri. With a big Yagya and recital, the Goddess is worshipped distinctively. Every devotee who visits this place is said to get their desires granted.

The elbow of Sati Mata is reported to have fallen where the Harsiddhi temple is located. Because of this, this temple is considered one of the Shaktipeeths.

It is also said that King Vikramaditya is connected to the Harsiddhi temple. The place where the temple is located is regarded as Vikramaditya’s penance. A few heads with sindoor are on them in a recess behind the temple. They are supposed to be King Vikramaditya’s heads. Folklore says that Vikramaditya offered his head to the Goddess once every 12 years to appease her. Eleven times later, the head kept coming back. The head did not reappear when he offered it as a sacrifice for the twelfth time. His rule was deemed to be over at this point.

If you’re in Ujjain, a trip to this temple is necessary. It is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain.

4. Kaliadeh Palace – A Beauty Lost in Time

One of the city’s most well-known historical landmarks is Kaliadeh Palace. The Sultan of Mandu constructed this palace in the year 1458 AD. The palace stands in the middle of the Shipra River on an island. Its noteworthy architecture features a sizable centre hall known as the middle arena. 

Shipra River runs on both sides of this palace, enhancing the beauty of the surrounding scenery. It was formerly known as the magnificent Sun Temple on the Shipra River banks. In its prime, the palace was so alluring that Emperor Akbar and Jehangir were known to visit this exquisite Kaliadeh Palace.

5. Vedhshala – Jantar Mantar

There are numerous noteworthy locations in Ujjain, and Vedhshala is one of them. It is India’s first observatory. Between 1719 and 1730, Sawai Raja Jai Singh built the structure. In the distant past, various astronomical analyses and forecasts were made here. Because of how effective the tools and methods were, even the movements of the planets were examined at a time when science and technology were still in their infancy everywhere, not just in India. However, when Madhav Rao Scindhia, the then Maharaja of Gwalior, rebuilt the observatory back to its original configuration in 1923, it gradually lost much of its splendour and began to deteriorate. Sawai Jai Singh constructed several observatories in addition to Vedhshala. He constructed four further observatories—one each at Mathura, Delhi, Varanasi, and Jaipur. But what makes Vedh shala in Ujjain so unique is that most instruments are still in good working order today. Even now, astronomical research and planetary positions are recorded at this observatory. It is the best place to visit in Ujjain for astronomy geeks.

6. Ram Ghat – The Home of the Kumbh Mela

Ram Ghat has long been regarded as one of Ujjain’s most popular locations for a Holy bath. Every twelve years, the Kumbh Mela is held here, drawing pilgrims worldwide to take the sacred plunge into the Kshipra River. Ram Ghat unquestionably became one of India’s most popular tourist destinations during Kumbh. But Ram Ghat’s significance extends well beyond its use as a bathing location. You may experience Ram Ghat’s charm by sitting there in the evening outside of Kumbh.

The Ram Ghat’s true treasure may be found after aarti. After the Aarti, darkness and quiet approach as the worshippers leave the Ghat. But that does not imply that one becomes alone. You happened to be in a wonderful, gorgeous, and serene spot. The Harsidhi Temple’s soft illumination is still discernible. City lights illuminate the Kshipra River. The river seems even more gorgeous during this time.

7. Mangalnath Temple – the Birthplace of Mars

Mahadeva is worshipped in the Mangalnath Temple, situated along the Shipra River. It receives regular visits from hundreds of worshippers, making it one of the busiest temples in the city. This area is said to be where the planet Mars was born. The temple is located where the first meridian is said to traverse the globe, which is ideal for astronomical research because it was formerly a well-known position for a clear view of the planet.

The Matsya Purana claims that the temple is where Lord Shiva engaged in a bloody conflict with the demon Andhakasura. A sweat drop from Lord Shiva’s brow fell to the ground during the battle and formed the Shiva Linga.

On Tuesdays, there is a significant influx of worshippers at the temple. Regular Mangal Shanti poojas are held here for those who are said to have a weak Mangal or “Mangal dosh.”

8. Bhartrihari Caves – Unique Places to Visit in Ujjain

On the banks of the River Shipra lie the Bhartrihari Caves, which date to the 11th century AD. The caves, which bear the name of the illustrious sage “Bhartrihari,” are evidence of India’s rich cultural heritage.

According to legend, this is where Bhartrihari, Vikramaditya’s stepbrother and a well-known poet, lived and meditated for 12 years after giving up all of life’s comforts. Bhartrihari, born a king, gave up his opulent lifestyle and took on the clothing of an ascetic because of his tense relationship with his wife. He gave up all his extravagant goals due to the heartache, becoming a spiritualist instead.

The cavern openings are quite small, making them challenging to enter. Stone pillars support the cave, including several chambers where Hindu deity statues or images are kept. It’s fascinating to see the seated statue of the Rishi Bhartrihari sculpted out of stone. Inside the caverns, one may also observe Mahadeva’s trident and holy ash known as Dhuni. In addition, the cave walls often have lovely stone carvings on them.

9. Vikram Kirti Mandir Museum – Delving into the Mauryan Period

In 1965, the Vikram Kirti Mandir was built to commemorate the beginning of the Vikram era’s second millennium. It was created to remind the younger generation of the splendour of the Mauryan Period. The complex includes an auditorium, an art gallery, an archaeological museum, and the Scindia Oriental Research Institute.

The Scindia Eastern Research Institute has a reference library of important Eastern works and a rare collection of 18,000 manuscripts on various topics. Various topics, including Vedic literature, philosophy, dance, and music, are covered in rare manuscripts in Prakrit, Arabic, Persian, and other Indian languages. The Oriental Research Institute also has texts on palm and bark leaves (Bhurja Patra).

Inscriptions, pictures, copper plates, palm leaf and bark leaf texts, and a sizable collection of coins, sculptures, and fossils found in the Narmada Valley are all on show in the museum. The main draw is a large elephant skull from the Stone Age. An exceptional collection of ancient paintings in the Mughal and Rajput styles may be seen at this museum.

10. Chaubis Khamba Temple – Where Goddesses are Offered Alcohol during Navratri

In Ujjain, several such deities are offered cannabis and alcoholic beverages. Ujjain Mahakal receives cannabis every day, while Lord Kalbhairav is offered several litres of alcohol each day. In this city, there is also a temple dedicated to the goddesses Mahamaya and Mahalaya, and on the day of Navratri Mahashtami, the collector personally presents her with alcohol. Subsequently, this blog is provided to all the gods and goddesses as part of the ritual.

Chaubis Khambha is the most historically significant and old temple in the city. On either side of the gate are set the idols of the two goddesses, Mahalaya and Mahamaya. Jagirdar, Isthmurar, and Zamindar used to perform worship on the Ashtami of the Navratri festival during ancient times. This custom is still practised today by the collector.

Things to Do in Ujjain

1. Boating at Ram Ghat

One of India’s holiest rivers is the Shipra River, often called the Kshipra River. The “Skanda Purana,” an old Hindu scripture devoted to Lord Shiva that dates back to the sixth century, contains several anecdotes. Bathing in rivers is said to clean the body and spirit. The most famous location to execute this ritual is Ram Ghat, where Lord Ram is reputed to have carried out his father’s last rites.

2. Experiencing Kumbh Mela

According to Hindu texts, Ujjain is one of four sacred sites where amrita, or the nectar of immortality, is said to have fallen during the Samudra Manthan, a fabled battle between gods and demons. Each of these locations hosts the Kumbh Mela celebration once every twelve years. Due to the unique alignment of the planets, the event in Ujjain is known as the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, and the following will occur in 2028. But visiting it is not for the weak of heart! Millions of pilgrims and sadhus visit it, making it the greatest religious gathering in the world. They parade to bathe in the Shipra River and speak to enquiring spiritual seekers to atone for their sins.

3. Ujjain Sightseeing – Kaliadeh Palace and Sandipani Ashram

There are many places except for temples for Ujjain sightseeing. Kaliadeh Palace is a great start. You can also visit Sandipani Ashram, where it is said that Muni Sandipani taught Lord Krishna. The priests that run the Ashram now are the guru’s direct ancestors. The statue of Nandi in the Ashram is also one of a kind since it is standing, which is quite uncommon. Other sites include a memorial to Sandipani Muni, an old Shiva temple, and a water storage facility named Gomti Kund that serves the Ashram. It is reported that Lord Krishna stooped down there and drew water from the Gomti River. The two highlights are the location where Lord Krishna cleansed his slate before writing and a pair of footprints thought to belong to him. Being a religious place, you’ll find many places to visit in Ujjain that open doors to spirituality.

4. Batik Printing at Behrugarh Village

If you enjoy Indian textiles, consider visiting the adjacent town of Behrugarh (also known as Bhairogarh), where batik printing is carried out. This settlement is located between the Kal Bhairav and Mangal Nath temples on the northern borders of Ujjain. Since artisans from Gujarat and Rajasthan moved there during the Mughal Empire, Madhya Pradesh has been the centre of the batik industry for hundreds of years. Currently, roughly 800 craftsmen are working in the town doing traditional batik printing.

5. Immerse in Kalidasa’s Literature at Kalidasa Academy

The Kalidasa Academy was founded by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1978 to preserve the writings of Kalidasa, a poet who is sometimes referred to as India’s Shakespeare. Its goals also include studying and promoting traditional Sanskrit literature and the arts in general. A public library with more than 4,000 books, some in English, is located on the expansive campus. Additionally, there are drawings, carvings, written works, theatrical costumes, masks, and musical instruments. A garden that was referenced in Kalidasa’s writings is also present. The institution hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including workshops, plays, films, classical and folk music concerts, and the annual Kalidasa Samaroh festival, typically held in November.The rich and unique literary culture here makes Kalidasa Academy top the list of popular places to visit in Ujjain

Best Time to Visit Ujjain

From October to March is the best time to visit Ujjain. The weather is pleasant during the same, and there are fewer chances of rain failing your expeditions.

How to Reach Ujjain

By Air

The nearest airport is in Indore, 51 kilometres from Ujjain.

By Road

Ujjain is well-connected by road to the major cities of India, and one can easily travel by car or bus.

By Rail

Ujjain’s railway station is well-connected to other stations in the country.

Conclusion

Take advantage of this article by curating your perfect travel plan to the city of Gods. There are many places to visit in Ujjain, like Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Vedhshala, Harsiddhi Temple, Kalidasa Academy, and Bhartrihari Caves. Ujjain is famous for housing the Jyotirlinga and Bhasma-Aarti. It is easy to reach the city as it is well-connected to the rest of the country via every travel medium. Grab the opportunity to travel here and bathe in the city’s glorious spirituality!