Things to Do in Ujjain

The factor responsible for the huge popularity of Ujjain is the spiritual treats it offers in the form of a plethora of temples it is the abode of. One of the most revered Shiva temples all across the country, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain, is a popular site among the devotees of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that Lord Shiva in lingam in the temple is svayambhu (self-manifested). There are some interesting myths pertaining to the existence of the Jyotirlinga. The Rudra Sagar Lake by the side of the temple blends in a feeling of serenity to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. For every explorer visiting Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain.

Spiritual treats are one of the best things to do in Ujjain which you shouldn't miss out.

Timings: 4 AM to 11 PM

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1.7 km

The presence of Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain confirms that it is, indeed, one of the most sacred places in Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to the ‘guardian deity’ of the city. Though Ujjain houses a huge number of temples within its geographical area, Kal Bhairav is among the most prominent ones and record a footfall of hundreds or thousands of devotees every day.

Liquor is offered as chadhava to the idol of Kal Bhairav at this temple as a part of a tantric ritual. The temple is located on the river bank of the river Shipra, which adds a magical charm to the air of this place.

It is also believed by some that the temple is almost 6000 years old.  The huge religious significance of Kal Bhairav Temple among Hindus makes it one of the top Ujjain tourist places.

Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM

Location: Jail Road, Bhairavgarh, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 4.1 km

You can also check out some of the other places to visit near Ujjain for making your trip to the spiritual place delightful.

This is among the most popular places to visit in Ujjain, as this is where the very famous Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. The Kumbh Mela holds a great prominence among the followers of Hinduism, which is evident from the fact that almost 2 crore people attend the mela. 

Ram Ghat is located on the bank of the river Shipra. The evening Shipra aarti is one of the best attractions at Ram Ghat. There is a wide range of temples located at the ghat, out of which the temple of Chitragupta is the most revered one. Take a dip in Shipra River and come out painted in the shades of divinity – this is an excellent place to rejuvenate the spirituality in you.

Timings: 5:30 AM to 12 PM

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1.8 km

For making your stay in Ujjain more relaxing, check out some of the exclusive resorts in Ujjain.

Located on a hill, overlooking the vast stretch of the calm waters of Shipra River, this renowned Hindu temple offers the feelings of divinity and tranquillity synonymously and is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain. This is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Mangala. As per the Indian astrology, Lord Mangala denotes planet Mars. 

According to Matsya Purana, the temple is located on the spot where Lord Shiva had a violent battle with the demon Andhakasura; and, during the battle, a drop of sweat from Lord Shiva’s forehead dropped on the ground and created the Shiva Linga. The temple welcomes huge rush of devotees on Tuesdays.

Timings: 4 AM to 8 PM

Location: Bhairavgarh Road, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 4.5 km

If you think Ujjain tourist places have nothing to offer beyond spirituality, here is something different for you. Also known as ‘Vedha Shala,’ Jantar Mantar easily finds a place among the best places to see in Ujjain. One of the topmost architectural marvels in the city, it is an observatory which was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh. 

Since its construction, Jantar Mantar has been of utmost help to Indian astrologers and now serves as a prominent tourist place. A visit to this observatory is sure to give you some important insights into the study of the movement of planets and the sun. The geographical position of India – as it is believed that the Tropic of Cancer passes through Ujjain – makes Jantar Mantar all the more significant here. 

The complex houses various interesting monuments, namely Shanku Yantra, Nadivalaya Yantra, Samrat Yantra, and Digyansha Yantra, serving different purposes in astronomy.

Jantar Mantar is one of the prominent historical monument in Madhya Pradesh that you must witness. 

Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

Entry Fee: Indian – INR 40 | Foreigner: INR 200

Location: Jayasinghpura, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 5.1 km.

Famous as a hub for Batik printing, Bhairogarh is a small village near Sidhawat that served as a marketplace for the traders coming from Rajasthan and Gujarat during the Mughal Rule. Furthermore, the ancient village still has remnants of structures dating back to the 3rd and 2nd century BC. Even now, after 400 years, the charm of the place has not faded, and bed sheets and apparels with beautiful prints keep the name of Bhairogarh alive.

 Textiles, painted and printed textiles at Bhairogarh are exported to many countries. Besides, oudhnis, quilts, and jajams with exquisite designs can be found here. The ancient village of Bhairogarh is, undoubtedly, one of the best Ujjain tourist places who want to learn about the unique type of textile printing and painting.  

Bhairogarh falls under the must see places of Madhya Pradesh to witness some of the skillsets of the people of the Ujjain city.

Location: Sidhawat, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain: Bus Stand: 5 km

Of a large number of temples you can find in Ujjain, Chintaman Ganesh Temple holds an exceptional reverence. The temple was built sometime around the 11th and 12th century, and so, holds a historical significance as well. Chintaman Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh – the Lord of beginnings. 

As per the beliefs, Lord Ganesh himself came to the earth to build this temple. Scores of devotees pay a visit to the temple every day with great veneration. The garbhgriha of the temple houses an idol of Lord Ganesh which is believed to be self-manifested. The captivating structure of the ancient temple features convolutedly carved pillars. 

This temple is definitely one of the best tourist places in Ujjain.

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM | 5 PM to 10 PM

Location: Chintaman Road, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 6.7 km

Owing to the beautiful architecture it displays and the scenic location it sits on, Kaliadeh Palace easily finds itself among the most iconic historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. This palace, located on the bank of the river Shipra, is one of the most captivating monuments made in Persian architecture in Madhya Pradesh. 

Built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458, this is among the most captivating places to see in Ujjain. The palace was damaged by Pindaris, but was later restored by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. Amidst all the religious sites and ghats in Ujjain, this place offers something different to the tourists exploring the city – Kaliadeh Palace intrigues architecture and history enthusiasts alike. 

The fascinating riverside position of the palace makes it an ideal spot for picnics.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Location: Banks of Shipra River, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 7.3 km

There is no dearth of prominent Hindu temples in Ujjain for the locals and tourists seeking solace in spirituality. Bade Ganesh Ji Ka Mandir is among the most popular religious places in Ujjain. The most iconic thing about the temple is the massive statue of Lord Ganesh – the Lord of wisdom and prosperity – that adorns its premises. 

And, the massive statue is also how this temple got its name. There is also a Panchmukhi or five-faced image of Lord Hanuman in the middle of the temple gate adding grace to the divinity of the place. Located near the reservoir of the Mahakaleshwar Temple, this is a must visit place.

Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM

Location: Mahakal Mandir, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1.9 km

Located on the bank of River Shipra, Bhartrihari Cave is one of the most popular tourist places in Ujjain, visited by the devotees and tourists in great numbers. It is believed that the great poet and scholar of the ancient times, Bhartrihari, tormented by the infidelity of his wife, denounced the worldly life and became a hermit, and meditated in this cave for a long time. 

The cave features paintings and scriptures. There is also a small temple here, serving as a pilgrimage to the Nath community. The soothing noise of the waters of Shipra River adds a feeling of tranquility to the aura of this place. Besides, the cave is in a close proximity to the revered temple of Gadkalika.

Timing: 6 AM to 9 PM

Location: Barnagar Road, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1 km

Located on the outskirts of Ujjain city, Gomti Kund features a calm atmosphere, and hence, is a fitting place to spend some peaceful moments at. It is a holy water tank or a steep pond lying close to the famous Sandipani Ashram. As per the legend, Lord Krishna consolidated waters from all the holy rivers at this tank to help his guru, Guru Sandipani to perform his rituals. 

This kund holds a religious prominence among Hindus, which is evident from the fact that thousands of devotees flock to experience the divinity of this holy site every year. The water of this pond is believed to be sacred and so, devotees fill their water bottles here and take the water home. You must visit this place on your visit to Sandipani Ashram.

Timing: 5 AM to 6 PM

Location: Maharshi Sandipani Ashram, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 3 km

Harsiddhi Temple is one of the major temples adding grace to the divine land of Ujjain with their presence. It is one of the major Shaktipeeths in the country. There is a very interesting legend featuring Lord Shiva and his wife Mata Sati about how this temple was established. It is said that 13th fragment of Mata Sati’s body fell down on the site where the temple stands. 

To see the temple in all its glory, it should be visited during Navratri festivities. Many lamps and candles illuminate this place, illuminating the hearts of the visitors with a sense of mysticism. Located close to Mahakal Temple, Harsiddhi Temple is among the best places to visit in Ujjain.

Timing: 5 AM to 7 PM

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 2.4 km

For the delightful stay while traveling to the cultural state you should check out some of the best soothing resorts in Madhya Pradesh.

If you are exploring Ujjain with your family or you are looking for a spiritual retreat, ISKCON Temple of Ujjain is a place you must not skip. This is one of the most iconic places in the city of Ujjain. Out of a chain of hundreds of ISKCON Temples all over the world, the one in Ujjain has exceptional significance and welcomes thousands of visitors in the form of devotees and tourists daily. 

The enchanting chants, the echo of the temple bells and the unparalleled peace of the place come together to guarantee an escape into the world of spirituality. The gardens of Tulsi and colorful flowers add further beauty to the opulent temple complex.

Timing: 7 AM to 9 PM

Location: Mahashweta Nagar, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 6 km

You can also check out some of the national parks of Madhya Pradesh which is perfectly suited for family outings.

Your quest to explore the spiritual treasures of Ujjain is incomplete without a visit to Chaubis Khamba Temple. Dating back to the 9th or 10th century, the temple is hailed as a holy site among the followers of Hinduism. The temple got its name from the 24 pillars that adorn the structure of this temple. 

The spot where the temple is located in the entrance gate of Mahakal-Vana. The ancient-styled structure and architecture of the temple make it an interesting sight. The temple is dedicated to Chhoti Mata and Badi Mata, and proudly possesses the idols of Mahalaya and Mahamaya, the guardian goddesses of Ujjain. You can also see their names inscribed in the footsteps of the temple.

Timing: 5 AM to 7 PM

Location: Gudri Chauraha, Ujjain

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1.4 km

Also, check out some of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh to make your trip to the cultural state a memorable one.

Located in the middle of the bustling Big Market Square, this temple is an oasis of serenity. Exhibiting a brilliant specimen of Maratha architecture, the temple is a marble-towered structure. Gopal Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was built by the wife of Maratha King Daulatrao Shinde, Bayaji Bai Shinde. 

Also popular with the name of Dwarkadhish Temple, Gopal Mandir is the second largest temple in Ujjain following Mahakaleshwar. Gopal Mandir houses a two-feet tall silver gilded statue of Lord Krishna. Besides, the temple also features idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, and Garuda. Gopal Mandir, being a masterpiece, impresses the lovers of art and architecture visiting the shrine.

Timing: 5:30 to 12 PM

Location: Near City Market, City Centre, Ujjain, India

Distance from Ujjain Bus Stand: 1 km