The best of Ujjain for Simhastha 2028 pilgrims: Mahakaleshwar, Mahakal Lok, Ram Ghat, Harsiddhi, Kal Bhairav, Mangalnath and day trips.
Ujjain, ancient Avantika, is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities believed to grant liberation. Beyond the Simhastha snan it is packed with temples, ashrams and history. Here is what to see, grouped by area.
Around Mahakal (walkable)
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: the only south-facing Jyotirlinga, home of the Bhasma Aarti
- Mahakal Lok: the sculpture-lined corridor, best when lit at night. See our guide.
- Harsiddhi Mata Temple: a Shakti Peetha with its towering lamp pillars. See the deepstambh aarti.
- Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir: a huge Ganesh idol near Mahakal
- Rudrasagar lake, beside the corridor
On the Shipra
- Ram Ghat: the main Simhastha ghat and the venue of the evening aarti
- Siddhavat: a sacred banyan on the Shipra, revered for rites for ancestors
- Triveni and the Navagraha Shani temple, at the confluence on the city's edge
The western circuit (by car)
- Kal Bhairav: Ujjain's guardian deity
- Mangalnath: believed to be the birthplace of Mars (Mangal)
- Sandipani Ashram: where Krishna is believed to have studied
- Gadkalika: the goddess associated with the poet Kalidasa
- Bharthari caves: linked to King Bharthari, the poet-king who became an ascetic
See Kal Bhairav, Mangalnath and Sandipani: the western circuit.
Heritage
- Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar): Jai Singh II's observatory
- Chintaman Ganesh: a revered Ganesh temple on the outskirts
- Kaliadeh Palace: on an island in the Shipra, north of the city
Day trips
- Omkareshwar, about 140 km. See the Omkareshwar guide.
- Maheshwar and Mandu. See the Malwa plan.
Sightseeing tips
- Heat: sightsee early and late, and rest at midday.
- Shahi Snan days: keep temple visits for other days.
- E-rickshaws are handy for short hops. Use a car for the western circuit.
See Ujjain with us
All our Ujjain packages include sightseeing with a private car. Ask us to add any of these places.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 11 Oct 2026
