Ujjain, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, is a spiritual and cultural gem nestled in Madhya Pradesh. Known for the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, it attracts millions of devotees seeking divine blessings. The city is also a significant site for the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. With its rich history, ancient temples, and the serene banks of the Shipra River, Ujjain offers a perfect blend of devotion, heritage, and tranquility. Whether exploring its sacred sites or experiencing its vibrant festivals, Ujjain leaves visitors with a deep sense of peace and spirituality.
1. Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Known for its unique south-facing (Dakshinamukhi) lingam, the temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially for the sacred Bhasma Aarti. Situated near the holy Shipra River, it is a symbol of deep faith, spirituality, and rich heritage.
Location : Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing :
- Temple Opening Time: 3:00 AM
- Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM (Prior booking required)
- General Darshan: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Afternoon Aarti: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Shayan Aarti (Night Aarti): 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Temple Closing Time: 11:00 PM
Entry Fee :
- General Darshan: Free
- VIP Darshan: ₹250 per person (Approx.)
- Bhasma Aarti Booking: ₹100 per person (Online & Offline booking required)
2. Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple
Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth is one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeeths of Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Sati’s elbow fell here, making it a powerful spiritual site. The temple is famous for its two towering deep-stambhs (lamp pillars), which glow beautifully during Navratri, attracting devotees seeking blessings and divine energy.
Location : Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing :
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple.
3. ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple Ujjain is a beautiful spiritual center dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Known for its stunning architecture, devotional kirtans, and Bhagavad Gita discourses, the temple offers a peaceful retreat for devotees. It also features Govinda’s restaurant and a Goshala, making it a must-visit for spiritual seekers.
Location : ISKCON Temple, Ujjain, is situated on Dewas Road, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing :
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit ISKCON Temple, Ujjain.
4. Bhartrihari Caves
Bhartrihari Caves are an ancient site associated with the great poet and sage Bhartrihari, the brother of King Vikramaditya. It is believed that Bhartrihari renounced his royal life and meditated in these caves to attain spiritual enlightenment. The caves have a serene and mystical atmosphere, attracting visitors interested in history, spirituality, and meditation. The inscriptions and sculptures inside add to their historical significance, making them a must-visit for those exploring Ujjain’s rich heritage.
Location : Bhartrihari Caves are located near the Shipra River, close to Gadkalika Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing : Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Bhartrihari Caves.
5. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, also known as Vedh Shala, is an ancient observatory in Ujjain built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. It was designed for astronomical studies, timekeeping, and celestial calculations. The observatory houses various instruments like the Samrat Yantra, Nadi Valaya, and Digansh Yantra, which were used to measure planetary movements and time accurately. Jantar Mantar reflects India’s advanced scientific knowledge in astronomy and remains a fascinating site for history and science enthusiasts.
Location : Jantar Mantar (Vedh Shala) is located on Vedh Shala Marg, near Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing : Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee :
- Indian Visitors: ₹10 per person
- Foreign Tourists: ₹50 per person
- Students (With ID): ₹5 per person
6. Triveni Museum
Triveni Museum in Ujjain is a fascinating place showcasing the rich cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of the city. It houses a remarkable collection of ancient sculptures, artifacts, paintings, and rare inscriptions, offering deep insights into Ujjain’s glorious past. The museum beautifully blends art and history, making it a must-visit for history lovers and tourists interested in exploring the city’s spiritual and cultural significance.
Location : Triveni Museum is located near Triveni Ghat, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing :
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on: Mondays
Entry Fee :
- Indian Visitors: ₹10 per person
- Foreign Tourists: ₹50 per person
- Students (With ID): ₹5 per person
7. Kaliyadeh Palace
Kaliyadeh Palace, built in the 15th century, is a historic site on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain. Known for its Persian-style domes and scenic surroundings, it was once a royal retreat. Surrounded by water channels and lush greenery, the palace is a peaceful spot for history and nature lovers.
Location : Kaliyadeh Palace is situated on the banks of the Shipra River, about 8 km from Ujjain city center, in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timing :
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Open on: All days of the week
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Kaliyadeh Palace.
Famous Food In Ujjain
1. Poha
Poha is one of the most popular and beloved breakfast dishes in Ujjain. Made from flattened rice (chivda), it is lightly spiced and cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilies, onions, and peanuts. Topped with sev, fresh coriander, pomegranate seeds, and a squeeze of lemon, Ujjaini Poha has a unique tangy and slightly sweet flavour.
Ingredients : Flattened Rice, Sev, tomato and onion
2. Petha Paan
Petha Paan is a famous and unique sweet treat from Ujjain, blending the flavors of petha (candied ash gourd) and paan (betel leaf). This delightful dessert combines the soft, sugary texture of petha with the refreshing taste of paan, along with ingredients like gulkand (rose petal jam), fennel seeds, coconut, and dry fruits.
Ingredients : Petha, Betel Leaves, Gulkand, Desiccated Coconut and dry fruits
3. Nagori Halwa
Nagori Halwa is a popular breakfast dish in Ujjain, enjoyed for its unique combination of crispy, flaky Nagori puris served with rich, aromatic sooji (semolina) halwa. The Nagori puri is made from semolina and ghee, giving it a light yet crunchy texture, while the halwa is cooked with pure ghee, sugar, saffron, and dry fruits, making it rich and flavourful.
Ingredients : Semolina, Maida, ghee, sugar and dry fruits
4. Ratatouillee Sandwich
The Ratatouille Sandwich is a unique fusion dish inspired by the French Ratatouille but adapted to Indian flavors. It consists of grilled bread filled with a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and onions, cooked in a rich, herby tomato sauce. Often topped with cheese and grilled to perfection, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavours.
Ingredients : Zucchini, vegetables, spices, bread slice and butter
5. Dal Bafla
Dal Bafla is a famous dish from Madhya Pradesh, especially popular in Ujjain. It is similar to Rajasthani Dal Bati but has a unique preparation style. Bafla is a wheat-based, ghee-soaked dumpling that is boiled first and then baked until golden and crispy. It is served with spiced toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), ghee, chutney, and pickles, making it a wholesome and flavourful meal.
Ingredients : Wheat Flour, Semolina, Baking Soda, Toor Dal, Chana Dal and spices
