Ujjain is a city located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the Malwa region. Ujjain has witnessed a rich history, spanning from the Mauryan Empire to the Mughals and Maratha Rule. You will find cultural structures relating to all three. There are many great places to visit in Ujjain as well.
Ujjain is well known for its temples and spirituality. People of Ujjain believe it has existed even before the Pre-Mahararata Era. Ujjain has also been called Avanti, Avanitaka and Avantikapur. Let’s discuss some great tourist spots here today!
10 Ujjain Tourist Places to Visit
Ready to explore the city of temples with your loved ones? Wait, first get to know about the great places to visit in Ujjain so that nothing is left from your itinerary.
1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of India's 12 jyotirlingas in India, is noted as one of the most frequented tantric temples of the Hindus. It displays the architectural styles of the Chalukya, Bhumija and Maratha. It is believed that in the temple, Lord Shiva in the lingam is self-manifested.
To amplify the spiritual experience, you can also spend time at the Rudra Sagar Lake next to it. In short, it is one of the best Ujjain places to visit.
Location: Jabshinghpura
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: free
2. Ram Ghat
The sacred Shipra River draws a large number of devout Hindu pilgrims to Ram Ghat in Ujjain. Ram Ghat is one of four pilgrimage sites where the famous Kumbh Mela is held. It is also one of the Ujjain famous places. In addition to attending the mela, experiencing the evening aarti at the ghat can be spiritually enlivening.
While there are several temples at Ram Ghat, the Chitragupta temple is the most well-known and frequented. By way of the ghat, it is a serious spiritual cleansing to take a holy dip in the river Shipra. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Ujjain. The river Shipra comes from Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in the Hindu scriptures.
Location: Ram Ghat Marg
Timings: No specific timings
Entry fee: free
3. Kal Bhairav Temple
Kal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairav. He is the city’s guardian deity. The interesting thing about this temple is that the deity is believed to drink alcohol. It is to be said that visiting this temple after visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple is the best thing to do in Ujjain.
You can also learn about the Tantra cult here. This best tourist place in Ujjain does not have idols or images.
The deity of the temple is a natural rock formation beautifully adorned with a Maratha-style turban and vermilion.
Location: Bhairavgarh
Timings: 5 AM to 9 or 10 PM
Entry fee: free
4. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an observatory and an awe-inspiring piece of architecture. It is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain and was created by Maharaja Jai Singh in the seventeenth century.
Its outdoor complex is filled with many gigantic tools for astronomy that are made to be used by the naked eye.
It gives us all insights into the motion of the planets and the sun as well. The complex features many interesting monuments, including the Nadivalaya Yantra, Shanku Yantra, Digyansha Yantra, and Samrat Yantra.
Location: Jabshinghpura
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 40 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners, Rs. 50 for Camera, & Rs. 150 for Audio Guide
5. Bhairogarh
Bhairogarh is one of the best places to visit in Ujjain and a charming village located on the fringes of the city, with Mangal Nath and Kal Bhairav temples located nearby.
It is one of those places to see in Ujjain that has been known as the centre of batik for hundreds of years. It has a village of over eight hundred artisans who are skilled in traditional batik printing.
This distinctive painting method is done on cushion covers, scarves, sheets, saris, napkins, handkerchiefs, and more!
The village is also famous for retaining traces of remaining structures dating back to the third and second centuries BC.
Location: Sidhawat
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: free
6. Mangalnath Temple
As per the Matsya Purana, the Mangalnath Temple is recognised as the birthplace of Mangal. It is situated on a hill, and from the top, the beautiful Shipra River can also be viewed.
The temple is one of those places to visit in Ujjain that is built using red sandstone. It is believed to have been constructed on the place where Shiva and the demon Andhakasura fought a fierce battle.
During their epic battle, a single drop of sweat slipped from the forehead of Lord Shiva onto the ground, resulting in the formation of the Shiva Linga.
Location: On the banks of the River Shipra
Timings: 5 AM to 10 PM
Entry fee: free
7. Kaliadeh Palace
Kalideh Palace is commonly referred to as KD Palace. It is one of the best places to visit.
The palace was constructed by the Sultan of Mandu during Mahmud Khilji's reign in 1458 AD. The palace's central dome exhibits stunning Persian architecture.
The palace suffered damage due to wars, but it was repaired and restored to its former glory in 1920 under Maharaja Sir Madho Rao Scindia. The earlier Sindhia dynasty previously occupied the structure whenever they came to Ujjain.
It is set on the river banks of the Shipra. From both sides, its terrace offers you excellent views of the river flowing.
Location: On the banks of the River Shipra
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: free
8. Gomti Kund
Hindu mythology states that Gomti Kund possesses sacred waters from various places in the world. People fill their bottles with the water from the kund and take it back home.
Devotees say it is because of Lord Krishna, who called for all the holy waters, and thus created Gomti Kund.
In the Puranas, Gomti Kund is stated to be a water source for the Sandipani ashram in the old days, where Krishna got educated under Guru Sandipani.
Location: Inside the Sandipani Ashram
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: free
9. Bhartrihari Caves
The Bhartrihari Caves are located on the banks of the Shipra River, close to Gadkalika Temple. These caves have been named for a great poet and sage associated with eleventh-century Ujjain.
Additionally, it is said that King Vikramaditya, the Ujjain legend, is connected with the caves as well. The entrances to the caves are quite small, and it is somewhat difficult to access.
The caves have sitting and reclining rooms, idols, stone pillars, and images of various Hindu deities. There is a statue of Bhagirathi also in the caves.
Location: Gonsa
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 8 AM to 7 PM or 9 AM to 5 PM (Verify locally)
Entry fee: free
10. Sandipani Ashram
If you are looking for something to do in Ujjain other than visiting temples, then add Sandipani Ashram to your bucket list of places to visit in Ujjain. The ashram is located on the banks of the Kshipra River, and according to the legends, Lord Krishna, Balram, and his friend Sudama studied under the great sage Sandipani when they were children.
This location will feel like a natural refuge, surrounded by trees and greenery. Take the time to immerse yourself in the fresh air and the history of this ancient holy place, removed from the clamour of the city.
Location: Mangalnath foot road
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or AM to 7 PM or 8 AM to 6 PM timing (verify locally)
Entry fee: free
Conclusion
Ujjain is rich in spirituality, history, and culture - it offers all. This city has been important since the early Vedic period, and its natural position as a major pilgrimage place has been cemented. There are many great places to visit in Ujjain that will surely lure you.
So don’t wait any longer! Pack your bags and begin your trip now.
