Spirituality, culture, and history merge beautifully in Ujjain, which is among the oldest and most sacred cities in India. Also known as the city of Lord Mahakal, there are a lot of things to do in Ujjain, and it attracts a myriad of pilgrims and travellers throughout the globe. You can immerse yourself in the spiritual power of the place, sightsee tranquil ghats or hectic bargain bazaars, observe distinct traditions and engage in a plethora of activities here in Ujjain, which are endless.
Early morning temple darshans and spell-binding evening aartis, all the time in this place, seem magical. Whether you’re going there with your daily or friends, this place is gonna give you a lot of memories to hold. You will find the most enjoyable things to do in Ujjain in this guide, which will make spending time in Ujjain memorable.
Top 10 things to do in Ujjain
Confused about all the activities which you can enjoy while having a visit to Ujjain? Well, worry not! Given below are the 10 best things to do in Ujjain that will make your trip worthwhile.
1. Take Blessings in Mahakaleshwar Jyotilinga
One of the most important things to see in Ujjain is visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a famous Lord Shiva temple in India. The special Bhasma Aarti offered to the deity with sacred ash is an experience of its own. The prayers, sandalwood, and ceremonies build a godlike environment that devotees become mesmerised by. You might not be a very religious person, but the moments in that temple, the architecture and spirituality will keep you quite touched.
Timings: 4:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Best time to visit: In the morning.
Places to visit nearby: Harsiddhi Temple, Ram Ghat.
2. Stroll Along Ram Ghat
Strolling along the Ram Ghat is indeed one of the best things to do in Ujjain. Ram Ghat is the oldest and most calm ghat of the Shipra River. The sight here is spectacular during the period of sunset and sunrise, as religious people are involved in a holy dip in the river. This all changes as the ghats become the centre of life during the Kumbh Mela, being one of the largest spiritual events in the world. When you sit and watch people pray around the river, place diyas in the water, you get the most brilliant feeling of peace and unity. It is one of those places where time stands still.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Best time to visit: In the morning or evening.
Places to visit nearby: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple.
3. Visit Harsiddhi Temple
Another shrine in Ujjain, which is important, is the Harsiddhi Temple. The two giant pillars in the temple have hundreds of lamps, which, during the Navratri, light up powerfully. The power of spirituality is great, and worshipers frequently visit to allow prosperity and power. The red paint used on the wall and the serene environment have made this temple both a spiritual and cultural treasure trove to visit.
Timings: 5:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Best Time to visit: Navratri festival.
Places to visit nearby: Ram Ghat.
4. Explore Kal Bhairav Temple
One of the most interesting temples in Ujjain is the Kal Bhairav Temple, which honours Lord Kal Bhairav, who is a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is unique in the sense that this temple offered liquor to the deity, which is an ancient practice. Worshipers assume that God Bhairav receives the offering and, in exchange, blesses them. The temple is packed with utmost spiritual spirit and chants, and the visitors have a memorable experience of magical Ujjain, and hence it is considered one of the best things to do in Ujjain at night.
Timings: 5:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: Morning ritual or evening ritual.
Places to visit nearby: Gadkalika Temple, Ram Ghat.
5. Evening Aarti at Shipra River
Shipra River evening aarti is among the most marvellous Ujjain things to do. When the priests conduct the rite using diyas, chants and conch shells, the whole riverbank becomes glowing with divinity. Floating diyas in the river result in a surreal scene as they cast a spell on the devotees and people who visit them. This spiritual ceremony takes you back into the depths of Ujjain and is indeed one of the best things to do in Ujjain during your visit.
Timings: Around sunset
Best time to visit: Nights all year round.
Places to visit nearby: Ram Ghat, Mahakaleshwar Temple.
6. Visit Jantar Mantar (Vedh Shala)
The Vedh Shala or the Jantar Mantar, constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century in Ujjain, is an astronomical observatory. It was meant to investigate the motions of the planets and the calculation of time. In fact, the instruments here are still operating even today, giving valuable knowledge on how the ancient Indians did their science. Visiting this site is an adrenaline rush as it is also an adrenaline rush, making it one of the most unique things to do in Ujjain.
Timings: 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Best time to visit: back in Winter (Nov-Feb)
Places to visit nearby: Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat.
7. Shop at Ujjain Local Bazaars
Shopaholics will savour the colourful local markets of Ujjain. The bazaars have religious souvenirs and brass idols as well as traditional handicrafts and jewellery to offer to all. You can purchase items, including famous Ujjaini sarees and items of beadwork. Strolling around the streets with the fragrance of street food and colourful stores is a fulfilment in itself. It relates to an ideal mission of returning a part of the Ujjain culture home, making it one of the top things to do in Ujjain.
Timings: 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: Evening shopping time.
Places to visit nearby: the city centre, the stalls, the street food.
8. Enjoy Street Food of Ujjain
Food also takes a significant place in the culture of the city, and Ujjain has a reputation for lip-smacking snacks. Local picks include poha, jalebi, bhutte ki kees and samosas. This is not only because the street food is delicious, but more than that, it is affordable. One of the most ideal things to do in Ujjain at night and to explore the city like a local is by taking a stroll through the busy streets, trying different flavours. Don’t forget the sweet lassi in earthen pots.
Timings: Anytime of the day and night.
Best time to visit: Evening.
Places to visit nearby: Local bazaars and the city centre are situated close to the hotel.
9. Feel the spiritual peace of Sandipani Ashram
Sandipani Ashram enjoys a distinctive niche in the history of Ujjain since it is believed that lord Krishna, Balram and Sudama studied there. The ashram today stands as a peaceful place for those seeking some contentment and religious education. Surrounded by nature and calmness, it is an ideal place to meditate and touch your soul. It has a small temple and ponds, giving the ashram an additional charm as well.
Timings: 6:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Best time to visit: Morning.
Places to visit nearby: Gopal Mandir, the local markets.
10. Attend the Kumbh Mela in Ujjain
Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Ujjain is one of the largest religious meetings in the world, which occurs every 12 years. Millions of worshippers come to get a sacred dip in the River Shipra, as they believe it removes sins. The festival is full of colourful processions, saints, rituals and celebrations, which makes the affair indeed an unforgettable cultural experience. Although you might not come here to Kumbh, the atmosphere of this city will always remind you of the serious spiritual traditions.
Timings: After every 12 years (2028)
Best time to visit: Mela time
Places to visit nearby: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ram Ghat.
conclusion
Every part of the city of Ujjain has a story to share, some temples have centuries of belief within them, and all Ghats echo with rituals and chants.. Step out and explore the sites to see in Ujjain regardless of your spiritual orientation, historical interests, or just having a quiet moment, and you will get a lifetime of memories. Whether you want to visit sacred temples, try the local food, or do shopping, this city offers it all. Pack your bags and experience the religious beat and various other things to do in Ujjain, and have this blessed city turn you around with its sacredness.
