Everything for the Ujjain Simhastha 2028—expected dates, Shahi Snans, Mahakal darshan, where to stay, how to reach, beating the heat, rituals and costs.
Ujjain hosts the Simhastha Kumbh on the banks of the Shipra (Kshipra) every twelve years. The last was in 2016, and the next is in 2028. Madhya Pradesh is preparing for the largest Simhastha ever. This guide brings together everything you need, with links to detailed articles.
At a glance
| Expected period | 27 March – 27 May 2028 (as reported) |
| Shahi Snan dates | Not yet officially notified. See below. |
| River | Shipra (Kshipra) |
| Main ghat | Ram Ghat |
| Presiding deity | Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga |
| Nearest airport | Indore, ~55 km |
| Railway | Ujjain Junction |
When are the Shahi Snans?
Several travel websites list Shahi Snans on 9 April, 23 April and 8 May 2028, but others give different dates, and no official notification had been issued as of October 2026. We will publish the confirmed schedule as soon as the government and the Akhara Parishad announce it. Read What we know so far.
The scale of 2028
- The state government is planning for visits running into crores of pilgrims. Reports in 2026 cited planning figures far above those of 2016.
- A large government budget has been reported across more than a hundred projects: roads, new ghats on the Shipra, and the Kanh diversion to keep polluted water out of the Shipra.
- A security audit has planned for around one lakh devotees a day to get darshan at Mahakaleshwar during the mela.
Where to stay
- Near Mahakal Lok and Ram Ghat: walkable and convenient for darshan. See Hotels near Mahakal Lok.
- Simhastha camps: choose air-cooled or AC tents for the heat. See Simhastha camps.
- Indore: a big hotel market about 55 km away. See Staying in Indore.
The full comparison is in Where to stay.
Getting there
Fly to Indore, or take a train to Ujjain Junction. See How to reach Ujjain and Indore airport to Ujjain.
What to see and do
- Mahakaleshwar and the Mahakal Lok corridor
- Bhasma Aarti, which needs online booking
- Ram Ghat snan and the evening aarti. See Shipra snan.
- Ujjain's temple circuit. See Places to visit.
- Omkareshwar, the second Jyotirlinga. See Omkareshwar guide.
The heat
April and May in Malwa are very hot, often above 40 °C. Plan snan and darshan for early morning, rest at midday and go out again in the evening. Read Surviving the heat.
Plan with us
Our Ujjain Simhastha packages include stays, transfers and a coordinator. Enquire now to be told the moment the Shahi Snan dates are announced.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 22 Oct 2026
