Ujjain – A Journey of Temples, Tastes & Timelessness

Ujjain Travel Blog: A Day in the Heart of Spiritual India

Located in the heart of India, almost at the country’s geographical centre, Ujjain is one of the oldest living cities in the world, historically known as Avanti and once a major centre of astronomy under King Vikramaditya.



Mahakal Temple & The Majestic Corridor
No visit to Ujjain is complete without the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. The newly developed Mahakal Corridor is a visual and spiritual delight — illuminated sculptures, vast pathways, and stunning evening lighting that make the entire stretch feel magical.

Exploring Ujjain in One Day
Ujjain is compact and easy to explore — you can cover most attractions in 5–6 hours.

1. Kal Bhairav Temple

Famous for its unique offering ritual where some devotees still offer liquor to the deity.

2. Mangalnath Temple

Considered the birthplace of Mars (Mangal), highly significant for astrological poojas.



3. Sandipani Ashram

Believed to be the gurukul where Lord Krishna, Balram, and Sudama studied.

4. Siddhavat Ghat

Home to a sacred banyan tree; important for rituals and ancestral ceremonies.

5. Gadkalika Temple

A revered Shaktipeeth known for powerful evening aarti.

6. Bharthari Caves

Connected to poet-saint Bharthari, offering a glimpse into ancient meditation traditions.

7. Ganesh Mandir

A calm and revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Where to Eat in Ujjain
Ujjain is a vegetarian food paradise. Here’s the perfect sequence:

1. Start Your Day: Poha–Jalebi at Hotel Sarovar

Begin your morning with classic Poha–Jalebi and hot tea — light, fresh and truly Madhya Pradesh.

2. Dayaram Rabdi

Thick, creamy rabdi slow-cooked on wooden coal by aunty ji — an iconic local delicacy.



3. Indrani Cup at Shree Ganga Restaurant

One of Ujjain’s most-reviewed eateries; don’t miss the Indrani Cup dessert.



4. Dal Bafla Thali at Sai Palace

Unlimited dal bafla thali for ₹250 per person — filling, authentic, and delicious.



5. Famous Kulfi Shop

End your food journey with rich, creamy kulfi.

Where to Stay
Ujjain offers options for all budgets — from budget lodges to premium hotels. Booking is easy through online portals, and many walk-in options are available near Mahakal temple.

For Solo Travelers / Bachelor
Spiritual Backpackers Hostel — friendly ambience, clean rooms, and a convenient location.

1-Day Itinerary Example
Here’s a sample itinerary to cover Ujjain efficiently:
6:30 AM – Poha–Jalebi breakfast at Hotel Sarovar
7:30 AM – Mahakaleshwar Temple Darshan (VIP recommended)
9:00 AM – Walk through Mahakal Corridor
10:30 AM – Kal Bhairav Temple
11:15 AM – Mangalnath Temple
12:00 PM – Sandipani Ashram
1:30 PM – Rabdi stop at Dayaram
3:00 PM – Gadkalika Temple & Bharthari Caves
5:30 PM – Shipra River Aarti (Ram Ghat)
7:30 PM – Dal Bafla dinner at Sai Palace
9:00 PM – Kulfi to wrap the day

Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Local Transport
Getting around is easy:
Rent a two-wheeler, OR Hire an auto-rickshaw / battery rickshaw, A full-day ride costs under ₹700.

Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
Here’s an estimated cost for a day in Ujjain:
Food: ₹300–500
Local transport: ₹500–700
VIP Darshan: ₹250
Hostel stay: ₹400–700
Hotel stay: ₹1000–4000

A day trip can easily fit within an economical budget.

Safety Tips
Mobile phones are not allowed inside the Mahakal sanctum — use temple lockers.

Avoid carrying large bags; use free locker facilities where available.

Stay hydrated while walking through corridors and ghats.

During festivals or Shravan month, expect massive crowds — keep personal belongings secure.

Useful Tips
VIP Darshan at Mahakal Temple: ₹250 per person.

The temple market is great for buying rudraksha malas, idols, chandan, and souvenirs.

A Note on Bhang
If you choose to try bhang, buy it only from government-authorized shops and consume responsibly, as its effects can be strong.

How to Reach Ujjain
By Train
Ujjain Junction is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, and Jaipur.

By Air
Nearest airport: Indore (IDR)
Distance: 55–60 km
Travel time: 1.5–2 hours







About the Author


Dr. Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to convey the message he receives from each destination to his readers. "Be what you are. There's no need to be like others" This is what he lives by and hopes that he can inspire others to live their best lives too. Happy exploring!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Andaman: Where the Sea meets the Soul"

Image
Located around 1,200 kilometers east of the Indian mainland, Andaman Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, offer a picturesque retreat for travelers looking for a tropical paradise. I recently had a 7 days trip to Andaman, it was one of the most exciting and scenic journey so far. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of over 500 islands, with only a few being habited, while few islands i.e. North Sentinel Island are still a home for indigenous tribe. Andaman’s are known for their Marine life, Coral reefs, Tropical rainforest and picturesque views. Here are some important tips while planning: Planned Itinerary: Unlike other destinations, Go with the flow might not work here due to limited connectivity among the islands. Moreover, advance booking will also help you to save a lot of money and last minute hustle. You may choose to buy a package else you need to plan advance booking for 1) Flight tickets, 2) Hotel bookings, 3) Ferry bookings, 4) Activities i.e. Island visit...
Read more

Road to Munsiyari: Adventure, Serenity, and Endless Views

Image
Munsiyari Chronicles: A 5-Day Himalayan Road Trip into the Wild Total Distance Covered: 1335 km | Days: 5 | Destination: Munsiyari, Uttarakhand Some journeys are not just trips—they’re a test of endurance, a celebration of nature, and a reminder of how small we are against the grandeur of the mountains. Our five-day road trip to Munsiyari was exactly that. Tucked away in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is often dubbed the gateway to the Himalayan inner ranges—and it truly lives up to its reputation. Day 1: Delhi to Lohaghat – A Spiritual Start (486 km) We left Delhi early, buzzing with anticipation. After hours on the road, we crossed into Mahendranagar, Nepal, to visit the Siddhnath Temple—a peaceful, lesser-known shrine that gave our trip a soulful beginning. By evening, we reached Lohaghat, where we relaxed by the beautiful Lohaghat Lake. Surrounded by dense forests and soft hill silhouettes, the lake offered boating till 6 PM—perfect for unwinding after the ...
Read more

Voyage to Mukteshwar and Kasar Devi (Hidden Gem in Himalayas)

Image
It doesn’t matter how long we’re away, our hearts eventually call us back where we belong. That place that calls me back are the Himalayas. Did you find yours? J If you are a frequent visitor on my page, then you must be aware that I always search for off-beat places which are not so popular and less crowded. This time I was looking for some places like that in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand state. My excitement and curiosity eventually led me to Mukteshwar and Kasar Devi.   Mukteshwar’s  neighbour Nainital attracts lots of tourist traffic from the surrounding states and Delhi. Mukteshwar is better for those who like to explore off beat areas and less crowded hill towns. The serene views of the Himalayas, lush green trees and the whistling chant of birds make this place worth visiting. There aren’t many activities to do at this place, but it is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. Below I will share some popular spots to explore.   Mukteshwar Temple ...
Read more