The last time Ujjain hosted the Kumbh Mela was in 2016.
If you have ever wanted to visit one of the most spiritually significant places in India, then Ujjain is the destination to go to. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is famously known as the ‘city of temples’ due to the many holy temples that reside within the city and attract pilgrims from all around the world. If you wish to visit these places of religious significance, then you must book our Ujjain tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of the city so you can understand why you must book a trip to Ujjain immediately.
If you have ever wanted to visit one of the most spiritually significant places in India, then Ujjain is the destination to go to. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is famously known as the ‘city of temples’ due to the many holy temples that reside within the city and attract pilgrims from all around the world. If you wish to visit these places of religious significance, then you must book our Ujjain tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of the city so you can understand why you must book a trip to Ujjain immediately.
Ujjain once served as the ancient capital of the Avanti kingdom, which is what gave it the name ‘Avantika’. This is when Emperor Ashoka ruled over the city we now know as Ujjain. Several centuries ago, astronomers considered Ujjain to be the prime meridian of India, thereby giving it the title of the madhya rekha or the middle line. After the reign of the Mauryas, the city was ruled by several other dynasties, such as the Sungas, the Satavahanas, and the Sakas. When Chandragupta II (who was also known as Vikramaditya) ruled over Ujjain, the city became a primary centre for subjects such as astrology and astronomy. As per Hindu mythology, it was King Shiva who founded Ujjain, and the city is believed to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
| Category | Details |
| City | Ujjain |
| Currency | The Indian Rupee (INR) |
| High season | October to March |
| State Flower of Madhya Pradesh | The Madonna lily |
| Standard Voltage | 230 volts |
| State Animal of Madhya Pradesh | The barasingha |
| Languages | Official: Hindi ; unofficial: Malvi, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi |
| Famous Tourist Attractions | Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat, Gomti Kund, Jantar Mantar, Bhartrihari Caves |
| Things To Do | Boating, cycling, meditation |
| Famous Food | Poha jalebi, sabudana khichdi, bhutte ka kees, dal bafla, malpua, kachori |
| Places To Visit | Indore, Bhopal, Maheshwar, Dewas |
| Souvenirs To Buy | Silver jewellery, brass and copper items, wooden handicrafts, sarees and textiles, religious items, locals sweets and snacks |
The following are the top reasons to book Travel Guru’ Ujjain tour packages:
Being able to breathe in the spiritual and pious ambience of Ujjain is surely one of the best reasons to reserve our Ujjain tour packages. The city is filled with some of the most divine temples where devotees gather to offer their prayers. There is the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique feature to note down about this temple is that the lingam is self-manifested and is south-facing. There is the revered Kal Bhairav Temple, which is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, who is believed to be a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Remember to visit the Ram Ghat, which is the spot where Lord Ram performed the pind daan for his father, King Dasharath. Some of the other temples to visit in Ujjain include the Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Harisiddhi Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Chaubis Khamba Temple.
If you’re lucky, you will get to witness the sacred Kumbh Mela at least once in your lifetime, and you might just be able to experience it with our Ujjain tour packages. Occurring once every 12 years, Ujjain is one of the holy locations where this religious festival is conducted. This is where pilgrims and devotees from all over the world gather in millions and take a dip in the holy Shipra River, hoping that it will help them attain liberation. Based on when you grab our Ujjain tour packages, there are also other vibrant and colourful festivals to experience in Ujjain, such as Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, and so on.
When you book Travel Guru’ Ujjain tour packages, you will get the opportunity to taste the unique foods of the city. The cuisine of Ujjain includes a lot of vegetarian dishes, streetside snacks, savoury items, and delectable sweets. There are plenty of interesting snacks you can consume in Ujjain during your trip, including poha, bhutte ka kees, and kachoris. When you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can go for traditional sweets like malpua, shrikhand, jalebi, and gulab jamun. Remember to also try out vegetarian delights like sabudana khichdi and dal bafla.
Ujjain has an eclectic variety of souvenirs for tourists to pick up during their trip. Being a spiritually significant destination, it’s natural for the city to have a wide array of religious souvenirs, such as Rudraksh beads and brass and copper items that one can use during a pooja. Browse through the striking silver jewellery available in the city, check out the striking wooden handicrafts, explore the beautiful sarees and textiles, and try out the delicious local snacks and sweets that you can take back home with you.
Ujjain is known to have a humid, subtropical climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in the city brings about so you can accordingly decide when to book our Ujjain tour packages:
During the summer season, the range of temperatures in Ujjain oscillates between 31 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. The high temperature and scorching heat make it difficult to explore the tourist attractions and outdoor activities of Ujjain at this time. If you’re hoping for fewer crowds and discounts on flights and accommodation, then book our Ujjain tour packages for the summer months.
The temperature range to expect in Ujjain during the monsoon season is between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. While the temperature is slightly lower during the monsoon season as compared to the summer months, the difference isn’t always too significant. However, the landscape of the city turns lush green at this time, blessing tourists with a pleasant sight. A refreshing activity to try out with our Ujjain tour packages during this season is taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Shipra River. Nag Panchami and Teej are two festivals that are celebrated during the monsoon period.
As winter embraces Ujjain, the range of temperature varies between 10 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. On certain days, it can also go as low as 3 degrees Celsius. The mornings bring about a misty ambience, and it’s the ideal season to go sightseeing and explore the gorgeous temples in the city. The many festivals to experience at this time with our Ujjain tour packages include Dussehra, Diwali, and Holi.
Did you know that the city of Indore has been voted the cleanest city in India eight times in a row to date? There are several other feathers to its cap, such as being declared the first ‘water plus’ city of India by the Swachh Survekshan 2021. In addition to being the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, it’s the most populous city in the state. Indore is also recognised as one of the fastest-growing smart cities in India. The name of the city is derived from the Indreshwar Temple in Indore, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the numerous attractions to explore in Indore with our Ujjain tour packages include the Annapurna Temple, Rajwada Palace, Kanch Mandir, Lal Bagh Palace, Patalpani Waterfall, and Kamla Nehru Zoo.
Bhopal is famously known as the ‘City of Lakes’ because there are numerous natural and artificial lakes located both in and around the city. It’s the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The Upper Lake (also known as Bhojtal) in Bhopal is the literal as well as metaphorical heart of the city, serving as one of the primary sources of drinking water for its residents. When you visit Bhopal with our Ujjain tour packages, you will be able to taste its delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Mughal influences and Marwari culinary traditions. The city is home to one of the largest mosques in Asia, which is the Taj-ul-Masajid. The other spots to witness in Bhopal include the Van Vihar National Park, Rani Kamlapati Palace, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Sanchi Stupa.
Maheshwar is a town located in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. It served as the capital of the Holkar dynasty, which ruled over the town during the 18th century. The dynasty contributed significantly to the development of the town and added to its architecture through temples, forts, and ghats. One of the most culturally significant aspects of Maheshwar is the presence of Maheshwari sarees. These sarees are known for their lightweight, exquisite texture and are created by the local artisans through traditional techniques. Having intricate designs, Maheshwari sarees often feature floral motifs and geometrical patterns. Some of the places to visit in Maheshwar with our Ujjain tour packages are the Ahilyeshwar Temple, Narmada Ghat, Ahilya Fort, and Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple.
Dewas is a city situated in the Malwa region of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The name of the city is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Dev’, meaning ‘god’, and ‘vas’, meaning ‘abode’. Therefore, the city’s name translates to the ‘abode of gods’. The name is associated with the Devi Vaishnavi hill in the city, or the Dewas Tekri, which has temples dedicated to the deities, Kalika, Tulja Bhavani, and Chamunda Maa. Back during the rule of the Mughal emperor Akbar, Dewas just existed as a small village. Two Pawar Maratha brothers named Tukoji Rao and Jivaji Rao founded Dewas in 1728.
With Travel Guru’ Ujjain tour packages, you get to witness the many wonders of Ujjain. Listed below are some of the most beloved places to visit in Ujjain and the activities to participate in:
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated on the banks of the holy Shipra River. Mahakal or Mahakaleshwar is a form of Lord Shiva that is known to represent him as the lord of time and death, thereby indicating Shiva’s power as the ultimate creator and destroyer. As per legend, the lingam at this temple is said to be self-manifested, meaning that it draws its power from within. This is why the lingam is known as Swayambhu, which means self-manifested. One of the most distinctive features of the lingam is that it’s south-facing.
The Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is dedicated to a fierce form of Lord Shiva, known as Kal Bhairav, a deity who is believed to be a strong symbol of strength, knowledge, wisdom, spiritual transformation, and courage. Kal Bhairav is believed to be the guardian deity of the city of Ujjain, with many believing him to be Ujjain’s commander-in-chief who keeps the city protected from evil forces. Located on the banks of the revered Shipra River, there is a unique practice followed at the temple that’s connected to Tantric traditions. As per this practice, alcohol is offered by the devotees, which is poured by the priests into a slit in the lord’s throat, and this offering is said to disappear miraculously. Devotees believe that it symbolises the deity absorbing any negative energy and imparting protective and positive energy.
The Ram Ghat in Ujjain is situated on the banks of the holy Shipra River and has a deep religious and spiritual significance among devotees. The reason behind this is that it’s believed that Ram Ghat is the spot where Lord Ram performed the pind daan (Hindu ancestral rites) for his father, King Dasharatha, which is how the place derived its name. Another reason that makes Ram Ghat so crucial is that it’s one of the four locations where the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years.
The Gomti Kund in Ujjain is a steep pond and a holy water tank located within the Sandipani Ashram. There is a strong and interesting spiritual legend associated with this spot. According to this legend, the Gomti Kund was created by Lord Krishna, who gathered all the holy waters so that his guru, Sandipani, wouldn’t have to make the journey to collect the sacred waters.
The Jantar Mantar in Ujjain, which is also known as the Vedh Shala Observatory, is an astronomical observatory. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II during the 18th century with the intention to measure time, track celestial movements, and predict eclipses. The observatory offers visitors an insight into ancient Indian astronomy as it showcases huge sundials and celestial trackers.
The Bhartrihari Caves in Ujjain are situated on the banks of the Shipra River, near the Gadkalika Temple. The caves have their history tied to King Bhartrihari, who was the brother of King Vikramaditya, in addition to being a philosopher, poet, and the ruler of Ujjain. He is said to have renounced his kingdom, after which he meditated at this very location. This is where Bhartrihari composed his famous works, Niti Shatak, Shringar Shatak, and Vairagya Shatak, all of which are collectively known as Trishatak.
Ujjain is home to markets that offer several interesting objects and souvenirs for visitors to purchase. Here are some of the things to buy and markets to explore with our Ujjain tour packages:
Given the religious and spiritual significance of Ujjain as a city, it’s not a surprise that one of the most popular things to buy from Ujjain is religious souvenirs. Among these religious items, the ones tourists go for the most are rudraksha beads, which are considered to be the tears of Lord Shiva and symbolise peace, strength, wisdom, and divine energy. Other religious souvenirs to buy from Ujjain are religious idols and statues of deities made from items like marble, wood, brass, and stone.
Various kinds of textiles and sarees are available in Ujjain for tourists to buy with our Ujjain tour packages. Bandhani textiles are particularly popular in the city, known for their vibrant colour and tie-dye designs. Make sure to also check out the elegant and exquisite Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees while you’re in Ujjain.
Jewellery lovers out there must check out the silver jewellery that Ujjain is famous for. Various kinds of silver jewellery pieces are available in the city, including bangles, earrings, necklaces, and anklets. Having intricate and detailed craftsmanship, you will find eclectic types of silver jewellery in Ujjain, ranging from everyday pieces to temple jewellery.
Brass and copper items are another category of popular souvenirs in Ujjain. Pooja items made of brass and copper are especially famous under this category. Some of the types of copper and brass products to buy from Ujjain are bells, thalis, oil lamps, and incense holders.
The skilled artisans of Ujjain are known to make some of the most intricate wooden handicrafts that you can buy from the city with our Ujjain tour packages. You will come across various kinds of wooden handicrafts in Ujjain, such as toys, sculptures, home décor items, and idols.
Ujjain is a land of delicious snacks and sweets, and if you’re someone who loves to munch on sweet and savoury food, then you must check them out with our Ujjain tour packages. The sweets you can get for yourself and your loved ones in Ujjain include malpua, shrikhand, and jalebis. The snacks to buy from the city are sev, poha, kachoris, and bhutte ka kees.
Let’s take a look at some of the delicious foods you absolutely must try out during your trip with our Ujjain tour packages:
When it comes to iconic food combos, it doesn’t get better than the poha jalebi found in Ujjain. You may have had these two items separately, but have you ever had them together for breakfast? Well, you can try it out during your trip with our Ujjain tour packages. Flattened rice is used to make the poha, which is then garnished with sev, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a bit of lemon. At times, unique elements such as pomegranate and tomatoes are added to the mix as well. The savoury and tangy taste of the poha perfectly complements the sweet and crispy flavour of the hot jalebis.
Sabudana khichdi is a popular dish in Ujjain, particularly during the events and festivals that include religious fasting. Made using tapioca pearls, some of the other ingredients that go into preparing this dish are cumin seeds, potatoes, green chillies, roasted peanuts, and coriander.
Bhutte ka kees is a popular street food in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, as you will discover during your holiday with our Ujjain tour packages. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish are corn, milk, mustard seeds, green chillies, and spices. The mildness of the spices, coupled with the sweetness and creaminess of the milk, makes this a wholesome dish to consume.
Dal bafla is often considered Madhya Pradesh’s version of the popular Rajasthani dish called dal baati churma. Baflas are wheat flour dumplings that are boiled, fried, or baked till the exterior turns golden brown. The dumplings are dipped in ghee, which is what gives them a rich and buttery taste. It’s usually served alongside spicy lentil soup. The dish is particularly comforting to have during the winter season.
Are you someone who has a sweet tooth? If so, then you can’t miss out on having the malpuas of Ujjain. Popularly known as the Indian version of pancakes, it’s made with milk, sugar, and flour. Cardamom is added for a distinct flavour, and the batter is fried until the exterior turns golden brown. It’s dipped in sugar syrup to add to its overall sweetness, while the interior remains soft and fluffy. These are particularly popular during festivals such as Holi and Diwali.
Kachoris are crispy, deep-fried pastries that are eaten both during breakfast and snack time in Ujjain. Filled with lentils or onions, some of the spices that go into making these kachoris are coriander powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and red chilli powder. These snacks are usually served along with tamarind chutney and potato curry. Dal kachoris and pyaaz kachoris are some of the most popular kinds of kachoris to eat in the city with our Ujjain tour packages.
The rich cultural heritage of Ujjain is visible through the many festivals that are celebrated in the city throughout the year. This includes Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Mahashivratri, and so on. The one festival that’s possibly the most integral to the city of Ujjain is the Kumbh Mela festival. Held once every 12 years, millions and millions of devotees attend the Kumbh Mela, wherein they take a dip into the holy Shipra River, believing that it will help them wash away their sins and achieve moksha or liberation. The next Kumbh Mela in Ujjain is supposed to be held in 2028.
Different kinds of prints are available in Ujjain that are used on items such as clothes, bedsheets, cushion covers, dress materials, and so on. There is batik printing, which involves the use of melted wax and the process of dyeing. You will also come across the Bhairavgarh print of Ujjain, which initially made use of blocks created with potatoes and employed the techniques of bandhej. Later on, blocks of wood and soil were used for this kind of printing, along with modern chemicals and screen printing. Other kinds of handicrafts which tourists can buy as souvenirs with our Ujjain tour packages include wooden products, stone carvings, and embroidered textiles.
The last time Ujjain hosted the Kumbh Mela was in 2016.
Ujjain is also known as the ‘city of temples’.
We would recommend you set aside at least two to three days for a trip to Ujjain.
Indore is a little over 50 km away from Ujjain.
One can easily take a train from Ujjain to Bhopal.
It takes anywhere between three and four hours to drive from Ujjain to Omkareshwar.
Ujjain is famous for being a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre with numerous holy places and temples, and for having an ancient history tied to astronomy, spirituality, and literature.
Apart from the strict dress code at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, the temple has also banned the use of mobile phones at its premises.
Yes, devotees and visitors are allowed to touch the lingam at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.
Yes, girls and women can attend the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.
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