Overview
Home to a large number of temples and religious sites, Ujjain is a very important destination in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which fascinates its tourists with its religious significance. It is one of the seven sacred cities in India, where the famous Hindu festival 'Kumbh Mela' is organized every 12 years. A large number of tourists including foreigners visit this wonderful destination to enjoy the sight of splendid temples and other places of worship that enhances the beauty of Ujjain. Being one of the most popular tourist hubs in Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is definitely an ideal site for religious tourism in India.
Popularly known as Ujain, Ujjayini, Avanti, and Avantikapuri, this majestic town is located on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. It houses country's most beautiful temples and shrines and other historic buildings, that represents the great work of the Gupta dynasty, who has given its best to the city. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ujjain, which pulls a large number of tourists from different parts of the world to see the best of this historic city.
There are a couple of sculptures and monasteries spread around the Ujjain city that gives the evidence of Buddhism, thrived here in the 4th century. The city has always been in the circle of most artistic and religious places in Madhya Pradesh that has produced many astronomers and poets. Tourism in Ujjain is at its peak, all because of its amazing heritage buildings and a plethora of glorious temples that reign the old world charm of Gupta Dynasty.
Interesting facts
- Ujjain is also called Ujjayini and it existed from the pre-Mahabharata Era
- This place has been ruled by the King Vikramaditya from the Gupta Dynasty for a very long time. The famous Vikram University is also named after him
- Lord Krishna believed to have received his education from this place along with Balarama and Sudama. Tourists can find paintings of Lord Krishna here receiving teachings from Maharshi Sandipani
- Ujjain is also called the city of temples, as it has a large number of temples, including one of the 12 Jyotirlings-The Mahakaleshwar Temple
- It hosts the India's largest fair-the Kumbh Mela, which is held in every 12 years in only 4 cities in India including Ujjain
- Ujjain has India's first observatory called Jantar Mantar, built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is only the one, which is still functional
- Ujjain is home to Kal Bhairav Mandir, in which the deity idol is believed to drink liquor
Things to Do and See in Ujjain
- Visit the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotilingha Shrine, which is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinghas of Lord Shiva and a place where Lord Krishna completed his education
- Tourists should definitely visit Harsidhi Temple, one of the Shaktipeeths, situated at 52 different places in India
- If you are a great follower of Lord Krishna, you must definitely visit Sri Sri Radha Mohan Temple, established by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
- Kal Bhairava is a must visit attraction in Ujjain, which is believed to be built by the king Bhadresen near the Shipra River
- Visit another famous temple of Ujjain, ‘Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir’ to worship Lord Ganesh, whose statue is believed to be one of the biggest and most beautiful
- Visit the famous Pir Matsyendranath temple, which alone is responsible for pulling a large number of tourists to Ujjain
- One can also visit Bhartrihari Caves at the riverbank of Shipra, to get an idea how Bhartrihari, believed to be the half-brother of Vikramaditya, lived his life in spiritual contemplation at this place
- Tourists must also explore other important places of interest in Ujjain including Chintaman Ganesh, Maa Wagheshvari, Durgadas Ki Chhatri, Kaliadeh Palace, Vedha Shala, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Museum, Vikram University, etc.
Where to Stay in Ujjain
Ujjain is a popular tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh, visited by thousands of tourists every day. A lot of tourists seek accommodation facility to stay comfortably in Ujjain during their religious journey and with a plenty of options to take a halt here, Ujjain is looking after the need of every tourist pretty easily. Have a look at the most popular hotels in Ujjain, equipped with all the necessary facilities…
- Anjushree Inn
- Shipra Residency
- Hotel Pleasure Landmark
- Hotel Muskan Palace
- Hotel Samey
- Vikramaditya Hotel
- Gujrati Samaj Dharamshala
- Yatrika Hotel
- Hotel Mahakal Palace
- Hotel Mittal Avenue
- Hotel Surana Palace
- Hotel Imperial Ujjain
- Hotel Shanti Palace
Shopping in Ujjain
Ujjain has always been a symbol of culture and tradition and it is an ideal destination for shopping ethnic handicraft products. One can buy beautiful ethnic ornaments, keepsakes, papier-mache products, bamboo goods, and traditional clothes from the local markets here. Some of the popular shopping destinations in Ujjain are Treasure Bazaar, Devine Valley, Pakiza, Mahakaleshwar Marg, Free Ganj, Jawahar Marg, and Gopal Mandir Marg.
Weather in Ujjain
Summer: 25°C to 45°C
Winter: 3°C to 25°C
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to reach Ujjain is at Indore, which has a number of flights that connects the city to Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bhopal, and Ahmadabad. One can take a direct taxi from this airport to reach Ujjain.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ujjain Railway Station, which is around 1km from the city centre. It is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. One can take rickshaws, buses, and taxis from the railway station to reach your desired destination in Ujjain
By Road: Ujjain is well-connected through road to neighbouring cities like Indore, Gwalior, Mumbai, Ahemdabad, etc. and there are regular buses that allow tourists to travel Ujjain comfortably.
Best Time to Visit
The worldly charm of Ujjain can be best felt during the winters or spring, i.e. between October and March. A lot of tourists visit this magical city to feel connected to the god and to spend their holidays in an absolute bliss amid the captivating surroundings of Ujjain.
