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Best Places to Visit in Ujjain During Your Stay

From Mahakaleshwar and Ram Ghat to Kal Bhairav, Harsiddhi and Sandipani Ashram: the places worth fitting into your Ujjain visit, with tips on when to go.

By ShivkunjPublished 3 min read

Ram Ghat on the Shipra river in Ujjain with temples along the steps

Ujjain is one of India's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Most of its well-known places sit within a few kilometres of each other in the old city, which makes it easy to see a lot in a short visit.

Here are the places our guests ask about most, roughly in the order people tend to visit them.

Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

The heart of Ujjain. Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the reason many families make the trip. Plan at least half a day if you are visiting on a weekend or holiday.

Read our Mahakaleshwar darshan guide for darshan options and Bhasma Aarti tips.

Shri Mahakal Lok

A wide, landscaped corridor beside Mahakaleshwar, lined with sculptures and murals that tell stories of Lord Shiva. It is especially pleasant in the evening when it is lit up. See our Mahakal Lok visitor guide.

Harsiddhi Temple

A short walk from Mahakaleshwar, Harsiddhi Mata temple is revered as a Shakti Peetha. Its two tall lamp towers (deepstambh) are lit on special occasions, including Navratri, and are a beautiful sight after dark.

Ram Ghat

The best-known ghat on the Shipra river and one of the main bathing ghats during the Simhastha Kumbh. Come around sunset for the evening aarti, when lamps are floated on the river. The steps can be slippery near the water, so keep an eye on children.

Kal Bhairav Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Kal Bhairav, regarded as the guardian deity of Ujjain. It is known for its unusual tradition of offering liquor to the deity. Many visitors go here right after Mahakaleshwar.

Mangalnath Temple

By tradition, Mangalnath is considered the birthplace of the planet Mars (Mangal). It sits on a quiet stretch of the Shipra and is visited by many for Mangal-related pujas.

Sandipani Ashram

The ashram where, according to tradition, Lord Krishna, Balarama and Sudama studied under Guru Sandipani. It is green and peaceful, and children usually enjoy hearing the stories connected with it.

Chintaman Ganesh Temple

A much-loved Ganesh temple a little outside the old city. It is a calm, easy stop, often visited at the start of a new venture or journey.

More to see if you have time

  • Gadkalika Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kalika and associated with the poet Kalidasa.
  • Bhartrihari Caves, linked to the scholar-king Bhartrihari.
  • Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar), an old astronomical observatory, interesting for older children.
  • Gopal Mandir, a marble temple to Lord Krishna in the middle of the old city.

Getting around

Autos, e-rickshaws and app-based cabs are easy to find. For a full day of sightseeing, many families find it simpler to book one cab for the day. Ask your hotel to help you arrange one at a fair rate.

If you are visiting with children or elders, our Ujjain travel guide for families has more practical tips.