10 Not To Miss Places in Ujjain

Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh lies a land steeped in divinity, serenity, and timeless history—Ujjain. This ancient city echoes tales from multiple eras and holds immense religious and historical importance. Home to Mahakaleshwar, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of India, Ujjain is revered as one of the holiest cities in the country. It is also one of the sacred sites where the grand Kumbh Mela is held. Beyond spirituality, the city is known for its traditional batik print fabrics, papier-mâché artefacts, and handcrafted wooden combs. Truly, Ujjain shines like a radiant jewel in India’s tourism crown, especially in the realm of religious travel.

Word has it that you’re planning a trip to Ujjain—and we couldn’t agree more with that decision. But have you figured out what all to see in this sacred city? If not, don’t worry. We’ve curated a list of the 10 best places to visit in Ujjain to help you make the most of your journey. After all, just as Ujjain is among the top destinations in Madhya Pradesh, these attractions represent the very soul of the city.

Before you begin exploring, here’s a quick travel tip: if you’re flying in, Indore is the nearest airport and also a popular tourist destination near Ujjain. From Indore, Ujjain is easily accessible by road.

# Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Your Ujjain sightseeing must begin at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga—one of the twelve most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. What sets this Jyotirlinga apart is that it is Dakshin-Mukhi (south-facing), a rare distinction among all Jyotirlingas. Devotees believe it to be self-manifested and a powerful source of divine energy. Its spiritual aura makes it one of the most revered religious sites in India. While the aarti timings vary according to the Hindu calendar, the temple remains open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

# Kal Bhairava Temple

Next on the list is the enigmatic Kal Bhairava Temple, steeped in fascinating mythological tales. Kal Bhairava is considered the most prominent manifestation among the eight Bhairavas of Lord Shiva. The temple is also closely associated with ancient Tantric traditions and rituals. Whether you visit for devotion or curiosity, the legends surrounding this temple are sure to captivate you.

# Ram Mandir Ghat

Ujjain is one of the four sacred sites of the Kumbh Mela, and Ram Mandir Ghat is one of the key bathing ghats where this grand event takes place. One of the oldest ghats in the city, it remains a hub of spiritual activity throughout the year, with devotees taking holy dips in the Shipra River. While the ritual bath is optional, witnessing the sunset from this ghat is an experience you shouldn’t miss—the sky awash in golden and amber hues creates a truly mesmerising view.

# Kaliadeh Palace

Built in 1458 AD on an island in the Shipra River, Kaliadeh Palace is a striking blend of history and architecture. Its grandeur once attracted emperors like Akbar and Jahangir, whose visits are recorded through Persian inscriptions found within the palace corridors. Though it suffered destruction during the Pindari invasions, Madhavrao Scindia later restored it to its former glory. Today, despite its weathered charm, the palace remains one of the most significant historical landmarks in Ujjain.

# ISKCON Ujjain Temple

Ujjain is also home to a serene and beautiful ISKCON temple. Crafted from white marble, the temple exudes peace and elegance, much like other ISKCON temples across India. As you step inside, you are enveloped by a calming spiritual atmosphere and greeted by the idols of Sri Krishna, Radha Madhana Mohan, Sri Gauri Nitai, and Balram—making it a soothing spiritual retreat.

# Pir Matsyendranath

Pir Matsyendranath may not impress with grandeur, but its historical importance makes it a must-visit. Built in memory of Matsyendranath, a revered leader of the Nath sect of Shaivism, this site holds deep spiritual value. Excavations in the area have uncovered artefacts dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, making it especially fascinating for history enthusiasts.

# Jantar Mantar

Ujjain is home to the oldest of India’s five Jantar Mantars. Constructed in 1719 under the patronage of Maharaja Jai Singh, this astronomical observatory was designed to assist scholars and astrologers in their research. Even today, it stands as a remarkable testament to India’s ancient scientific knowledge and continues to draw visitors interested in astronomy and heritage.

# Chaubis Khamba Temple

Dating back to the 9th century, Chaubis Khamba Temple is one of Ujjain’s most revered shrines. The temple houses the idols of Mahalaya and Mahamaya, believed to be the guardian goddesses of the city. Apart from its religious importance, the temple’s ancient architectural style and its 24 intricately carved pillars make it a visual delight.

# Kalidasa Academy

Adding a cultural dimension to your Ujjain tour, Kalidasa Academy is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sanskrit literature. Spread across a vast campus, the academy showcases productions based on Kalidasa’s works, translations of ancient manuscripts, and hosts cultural events such as the Kalidasa Festival and Kalash Yatra—making it a must-visit for literature and culture lovers.

# Ram Mandir

End your Ujjain journey on a divine note with a visit to Ram Mandir. Dedicated to Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxman, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Along with offering prayers, visitors can admire the temple’s stunning architecture, intricate carvings, elegant paintings, and exquisite sculptures—making it a fitting and fulfilling conclusion to your spiritual exploration of Ujjain.