Situated by the Shipra River in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is a truly wonderful city that offers something for everyone. One of the largest and best cities in Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is laced in history. The numerous places to visit in Ujjain will mesmerise you and make sure your trip to the city is etched in your memory for a long time to come.
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Ujjain is one of the four sites where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. During Kumbh Mela, thousands of Hindus flock here from across the country. Throughout the course of history, Ujjain has been a glorious city that attracted visitors from around the world. Around 600 BCE, Ujjain was considered to be the political centre of India. In this article, let’s take a look at some of the best tourist places in Ujjain.
10 Places to visit in Ujjain
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
- Kaliyadeh Palace
- Jantar Mantar, Ujjain
- Bhartrihari Caves
- Shri Kal Bhairav Mandir
- ISKCON Temple, Ujjain
- Triveni Museum Ujjain
- Shri Ram Ghat
- Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain
- Naulakhi Eco-Tourism Pak
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most-visited Hindu temples in the country. This iconic temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams spread across the country. Jyotirlingams are believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva. This temple is situated by the holy river of Shipra. This temple was destroyed by the invading Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during the year 1234. The temple that currently stands at the site was built by the Marathas.
General Ranoji Shinde of Peshwa Bajirao’s army commissioned the temple to be rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga now comes under the management of the collector’s office of Ujjain. Koti Tirtha, a kunda, is one of the major attractions of the temple. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a three-storeyed temple. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 03:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Major Attractions: Koti Tirtha
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Kaliyadeh Palace
Kaliyadeh Palace is one of the most famous places in Ujjain. Like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, this attraction is also located on the banks of the Shipra River. Commissioned by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458, historically, this was a temple of the sun. The two tanks here namely, Brahma Kunda and Surya Kunda were popular attractions. The dome of the Kaliyadeh Palace is beautiful and can be spotted from a distance.
During the Pindari War that took place from 1817 to 1819, Kaliyadeh Palace was badly damaged. It was only in 1920 that Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior renovated this palace and brought it back to its older glory. During its heyday, Mughal emperors like Akbar and Jehangir paid a visit to this palace.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attractions: The architecture
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Jantar Mantar, Ujjain
Jantar Mantar in Ujjain is an observatory that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1725. This observatory is one of the oldest in Madhya Pradesh. Maharaja Jai Singh II, the founder of the city of Jaipur, had a keen interest in astronomy. Maharaja Jai Sing II sent scholars from his durbar to different countries across the world for educational purposes. These scholars were responsible for learning the construction and functioning of observatories.
Jantar Mantar features 13 architectural astronomy instruments. At the time of its construction, the function of this observatory was to measure the altitude, declination of the sun, stars and planets. The Sundial is one of the major attractions at Jantar Mantar. This extraordinary observatory is also known by the name of Vedh Shala. Jantar Mantar is one of the most interesting places to visit in Ujjain.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Major Attractions: Sun Dial
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Bhartrihari Caves
These magnificent caves in Ujjain are named after King Bhartrihari. He was the king of Ujjain and the brother of Vikramadithyan. Bhartrihari renounced the monarchy and decided to spend the rest of his life in the caves meditating. During his time here, he wrote some of his most famous works like Shringar Shatak, Vairagya Shatak, and Nitishatakam. Bhartrihari Caves is one of the most famous tourist places in Ujjain.
King Bhartrihari spent 12 long years here meditating. It is believed that his decision to forsake worldly pleasures and seek solace in this cave came after he found out about infidelity by his wife. Bhartrihari Caves is full of history and is a must-visit for those who are interested in learning about historical facts.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attractions: Gaushala and the temple
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Shree KalBhairav Mandir
Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Ujjain, is worshipped at this highly revered temple. Situated on the banks of the Shipra River, this temple is visited by thousands of devotees annually. One of the most unique facts about this temple is that alcohol is considered to be one of the best offerings to make here. A replica of this temple can also be found in Gujarat. A temple has been believed to exist at the current site for centuries.
Traces of Maratha architecture can be seen at the Shri Kal Bhairav Mandir. According to legends Mahadaji Shinde offered his turban to the deity here and requested the god to help Marathas regain influence in North India. Once the Marathas regained control over North India, Mahadaji Shinde rebuilt the Shri Kal Bhairav Mandir and helped restore its original glory. This temple is one of the top places to visit in Ujjain.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attractions: The architecture
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
ISKCON Temple, Ujjain
A shining example of Hindu Temple Architecture, ISKCON Temple Ujjain is one of the major pilgrimage centres in Madhya Pradesh. One of the most interesting facts about ISKCON Temple Ujjain is that it is completely solar-powered. This popular religious attraction was first opened to the public in 2006. The marble used for the construction of ISKCON Temple Ujjain was sourced from Makran. ISKCON Temple, Ujjain is one of the best religious places to see in Ujjain.
Marbles from Makran are popular across the world for their shine and beauty. Even the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful building in the world, is made using marbles sourced from Makran. Janmashtami, Radhastami, Gaura Purnima and Gopastami are some of the most popular festivals celebrated at ISKCON Temple Ujjain. Here, you will find idols of Lord Krishna, Radha, and Balarama.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 04:30 AM to 05:00 AM,07:30 AM to 01:00 PM,04:00 PM to 08:15 PM,09:00 PM to 09:15 PM
Major Attractions: The architecture
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Triveni Museum Ujjain
Triveni Museum situated in the heart of Ujjain is a museum of art and archaeology. This wonderful attraction is a must-visit for those with an interest in history. This iconic museum was first opened to the public in 2016. Since then, it has earned a name for itself as one of the best museums in the city. This museum is home to three galleries namely the Shaiv, Vaishnava and Shakt. Stone sculpture, ancient coins, and miniature paintings are some of the star attractions at the Triveni Museum.
Some of the most popular religious sculptures on display here are that of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu excavated from different parts of Madhya Pradesh. The majority of the exhibits here are from the medieval era. The religious stone sculptures at Triveni Museum tell stories of religious practises in ancient India. Triveni Museum is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Medieval sculptures
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Shri Ram Ghat
Shri Ram Ghat is one of the holiest places in Ujjain. This bathing platform is one of the integral venues of Kumbh Mela where devotees gather in large numbers to take a dip at this holy site. It is believed that taking a dip at Shri Ram Ghat will help wash away all your sins. Ram Ghat is one of the oldest ghats to be associated with the Kumbh Mela. Shri Ram Ghat is one of the most beautiful places in Ujjain.
The spiritual and religious aura at Shri Ram Ghat should definitely be experienced personally. Your trip to Ujjain will be incomplete if you do not explore the historical Shri Ram Ghat. This ghat in Ujjain is named after Lord Ram and is one of the major attractions in Ujjain. Taking a boat tour on the Shipra River is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Shri Ram Ghat.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Things to do: Take a dip at this holy site
Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain
Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple is the biggest temple in Ujjain to be dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This iconic temple is situated bang in the centre of the city making it easily accessible by all means of transport. This historical temple is believed to be built in the 11th Century CE. During this time, the Paramaras ruled over the Malwa region. Chintaman is the name of Lord Ganesha which is quite popular among the locals.
Chintaman means remover of all obstacles. Lord Ganesha is worshipped among Hindus before any auspicious occasion to ensure that no obstacles take place. It is believed that those who pray at Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple will not face any obstacles in their lives. The dome and the saffron flag waving on its top can be spotted from a distance. Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple is one of the best religious places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 07:0 AM to 08:00 PM
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Naulakhi Eco-Tourism Park
If you are looking to get away from the madness and crowd of the city, visiting Naulakhi Eco-Tourism Park is a must. The lush greenery, water bodies, and the flora and fauna will help you get in proximity to nature. Locals and tourists visit the Naulakhi Eco-Tourism Park in large numbers to breathe in some fresh air. This park is rightly referred to as the lung of the city. Exploring the numerous trails here to admire nature is highly recommended. This is one of the star attractions of tourism in Ujjain.
You will find here a pool along with exciting water slides where you can let loose and have some fun. A dedicated play area at the Naulakhi Eco-Tourism Park keeps the kids engaged. This is one of the best places to visit for those on a family trip. The numerous life-sized sculptures of animals here are fascinating. People often click photos with these sculptures for their Instagram feed.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Lush Greenery
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Things to do: Relax and breathe in some fresh air
Ujjain is a religious and culturally rich city. The vivid history of Ujjain makes it even more interesting. Historical landmarks and attractions from the centuries past adorn this beautiful city. Those with an inclination towards history and Hinduism should definitely visit this city situated in the heart of India. Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with your friends and family, there is something for everyone at Ujjain.
FAQ
What is famous in Ujjain?
The numerous temples like Kal Bhairav, Shri Chintamani Temple, and ISKCON Temple are famous in Ujjain. Apart from this, Ujjain is probably most popular for the Kumbh Mela held here every 12 years.
Which place is near Ujjain?
Indore is the biggest city to be situated near Ujjain.
When is the best time to visit Ujjain?
October to March is the best time to visit Ujjain owing to the pleasant weather.
Is Ujjain safe?
Yes, Ujjain is safe for tourists. In fact, Ujjain is one of the safest cities in the world with one of the lowest crime rates ever.