10

Best Things to Do in Ujjain

Once you are done with soaking in the spirituality of Ram Ghat, you should take a boat ride on the calm waters of Shipra River to rejuvenate your soul with tranquility. The significance of Ram Ghat among Hindu devotees is immense as this is the place where the world-renowned Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Besides, this ghat, located on the bank of Shipra River, is dotted with countless old and new religious places which makes it an interesting site for tourists and a sacred site for devotees. 

Take a boat ride here during dusk to witness the most scenic spiritual scene of your life where the sound of chants and bells from the evening aarti along with the setting sun creating a riot of colours in the sky will cast a spell on your soul.

Highlight: Boating, Aarti, Scenery

Location: Ram Ghat, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

Shipra River, also known as Kshipra River is one of the holy rivers according to Hinduism and hence, attracts huge rush of pilgrims and tourists curious to observe the Hinduism closely. The river even finds mention in the religious texts of Hindus, and has scores of prominent temples on its ghats. One of the major reasons why this river is so hugely popular is that the famous Kumbh Mela is held once in every 12 years on one of its ghats – Ram Ghat. 

During the mela, lacs of pilgrims take a dip in the sacred waters of this river at Ram Ghat. It is believed that taking a dip here purifies one’s soul and body, and is one of the best things to do in Ujjain. Even if you cannot attend Kumbh Mela, do take a dip here to experience the divinity of Shipra River.

Location: Shipra River, Ujjain

Madhya Pradesh is gifted with natural wonders, don't miss out the chance of visualizing nature's beauty.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the various colors of spirituality in Ujjain is to witness Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat. According to Hinduism, Shipra River is believed to be one of the holy rivers, and you can experience the purest form of spirituality by attending the soothing ritual of aarti that takes place on one of its holiest ghats – Ram Ghat.

The dramatic sky of the dusk, the calm waters of the river illuminated by lamps and the mesmerizing sound of the bells and the chants come together to create a magical aura that will render you hypnotized. Evening aarti at Ram Ghat attracts scores of tourists and offers a surreal experience teeming with divinity.

Highlights: Spirituality

Timings: Sunset

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ram Ghat, Ujjain

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Maharshi Sandipani Ashram is one of the most significant religious places in Ujjain as, according to the mythology, Lord Krishna, Lord Balram and Sudama were taught by Sandipani Muni at this ashram. There is a temple at the ashram which is the only temple anywhere to house the statue of Nandi. The major attraction at this site is the statue of Nandi – the sacred bull. 

A visit to this ashram to witness the spectacular statue and to breathe in the mysticism dissolved in its aura is one of the best things to do in Ujjain. A lot of interesting tales revolve around the ashram and a kund, Gomti Kund, located close to it.

Highlights: Temple and Nandi Statue.

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

Location: Mangalnath Marg, Ujjain

Kumbh Mela is one of the prime factors the fame of Ujjain as a major Hindu pilgrimage is credited to. The largest mass gathering of Hindu pilgrims, Kumbh Mela is a unique concept in itself, listed by UNESCO as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is held every 12 years at Ram Ghat, located on the bank of the holy river Shipra. 

Crores of Hindu devotees attend the festival to partake in the bathing ritual of the festival in which they take a dip in the water of Shipra River which is considered sacred. Ram Ghat of Ujjain is one of the four sites where Kumbh Mela is held. Attending this unique festival is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting things to do in Ujjain.

If you are not lucky to make through the mela, don't be disappointed, here are others exciting things you can do in Madhya pradesh.

Highlights: Mass Gathering

Location: Ram Ghat, Ujjain

One can easily find numerous spots in Ujjain that hold religious prominence and have been mentioned in Vedas and Puranas; Gomti Kund is one of them. It is a small and steep pond with huge religious significance. Located near the bank of Gomti River, this pond can be visited during a visit to Sandipani Ashram as it lies beside it. 

According to a legend, Lord Krishna aggregated waters from all the holy rivers at this pond to help his Guru, Sandipani perform his rituals. Hence, the water of the pond is believed to be sacred. This holy site wears an air of calm and peace, and visiting it to experience its holiness is one of the most spiritual things to do in Ujjain.

Highlights: Religious site

Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM

Location: Near Sandipani Ashram, Ujjain

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Built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh, Vedh Shala Observatory, also known as ‘Jantar Mantar,’ is one of the priceless gems located within the ambit of Ujjain City. The observatory features an impressive range of instruments or yantras that are used to conduct study and research of astrology. 

It was built with an objective to help astrologers and Hindu scholars study the position and movement of celestial bodies. The observatory now serves as a popular spot among visitors with a curiosity to learn about Indian astrology and planets. Visiting this place to check the brilliant structures and instruments it houses is among the best things to do in Ujjain.

Highlights: Astrology instruments and architecture.

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

Entry Fee: Indian: INR 50 | Foreigner: INR 200

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

If you are a history buff or an archaeology enthusiast touring the holy city of Ujjain, Dr. V. S. Wakankar Museum is your ultimate stop where you can witness something unusual. The museum is named after the renowned Indian archaeologist Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar who discovered Bhimbetka Rock Caves in 1957. 

The museum showcases an extremely interesting collection of ancient artifacts including ancient relics and rock art paintings, observing which will compel you to think about the earlier civilizations. Visiting this museum to unravel the mysteries from the history of mankind is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Ujjain.

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Highlights: Rock art paintings and relics.

Location: Sant Nagar, Ujjain

Owing to its rich cultural heritage and interesting timeline, Ujjain also features some historic monuments; Kaliadeh Palace is an exemplifying example. Built in the year 1458 A.D. by the Sultan of Mandu, this gorgeous palace exhibits brilliant Persian architecture. Inscriptions in Persian can also be seen here. Damaged by Pindaris, the palace was later restored by Madho Rao Scindia in the year 1920. 

Standing on an island-like site on the bank of Shipra River, this palace is a visual treat for the lovers of architecture as well as historians and can be visited to witness the amazing craftsmanship and grandeur of the bygone era. The scenic location of Kaliadeh Palace also makes it an ideal spot for experiencing the bliss of nature.

Highlights: Persian Architecture

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Location: Ujjain

There is no greater reason to visit Ujjain than to explore the unbelievable range of prominent temples it is the home to. One of the greatest religious centres for Hindus, the city of Ujjain is dotted with religious sites that welcome thousands of pilgrims every day to experience spirituality.

 Even tourists interested in learning about Hinduism tour various temples in the city. Among hundreds of temples located here, temples like Mahakaleshwar Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Mangal Nath Mandir are the unmissable ones that grace the pious land of Ujjain with their presence. These temples delight the visitors with their architecture, divinity and the feeling of calm and peace they deliver.

You can also retreat your soul spiritually by visiting some of the famous temples in Madhya Pradesh.

Highlights: Spirituality, history, and architecture.