Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028

Planning your Ujjain Simhastha 2028: the complete guide

Ujjain's Simhastha brings together three things that make it unique among the four Kumbh cities: the Shipra river, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, and a mela held in the full heat of an Indian summer. Planning well is the difference between an exhausting trip and an unforgettable one. This guide gathers the advice we give every family.

What we know about the dates

The Simhastha is expected to run from 27 March to 27 May 2028, as reported by the Madhya Pradesh government. The Shahi Snan dates, the days when the akharas take their royal bath, have not yet been officially notified. When they are, they will be the busiest days of the mela, and camps near Ram Ghat will fill quickly.

What you can do now:

• Decide roughly when you want to travel: early in the mela (late March and April) is cooler; May is the hottest.
• Register your interest so you can be told as soon as the Shahi Snan dates are announced.
• Plan your Bhasma Aarti early, because slots are limited.

Our guide to what we know about the 2028 Simhastha is updated as news comes in, and Simhastha 2016 vs 2028 shows how the last Simhastha was organised.

The heat: planning around it

April and May afternoons in Ujjain regularly cross 40 °C. The heat is the most common reason pilgrims fall ill at this mela, and it should shape your plan.

• Snan and darshan early in the morning or in the evening. Rest between noon and 4 pm.
• Stay somewhere cool. We strongly recommend air-conditioned accommodation, such as our AC Camp or Luxury Camp, especially for seniors and children.
• Drink water and ORS constantly, wear light cotton clothing and cover your head.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating. Rest in the shade and drink fluids immediately.

Our summer heat survival guide has a full checklist.

Ram Ghat and the Shipra

Ram Ghat is the main bathing ghat of the Simhastha, and the akharas take their Shahi Snan here. During the mela, bathing areas are extended along the Shipra, and on crowded days you may be directed to a nearby ghat. The evening aarti on the Shipra is a beautiful, calmer experience than the bathing mornings. Read our guide to Shipra snan at Ram Ghat for rituals, etiquette and safety.

Mahakaleshwar and the Bhasma Aarti

Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the only one facing south. For most pilgrims, darshan here is as important as the snan.

• Regular darshan is open to all; queues can be very long during the Simhastha.
• The Bhasma Aarti, performed before dawn, is the most sought-after ritual in Ujjain. Slots are limited and must be booked through the temple's official channels (guide).
• Mahakal Lok, the corridor of murals and sculptures around the temple, is best seen in the evening when it is lit up (guide).

Ujjain's other temples

Ujjain has been a sacred city for thousands of years, and a Simhastha trip usually includes:

• Kal Bhairav, the guardian of the city, where liquor is traditionally offered to the deity;
• Harsiddhi, a Shakti Peetha known for its tall lamp towers (guide);
• Mangalnath, linked with Mars and the Mangal dosh puja (guide);
• Sandipani Ashram, where Krishna is said to have studied.

Our Kal Bhairav, Mangalnath and Sandipani guide covers the route.

Where to stay

During the Simhastha, being close to Ram Ghat and Mahakal saves long walks in the heat. We offer:

• AC Camp: air-conditioned tents with power backup, our recommendation for this mela.
• Luxury Camp: spacious AC cottages with hot water and meals.
• Deluxe Camp: comfortable air-cooled cottages.
• Tent Stay and Group Tents: for budgets and groups, with coolers.

Some visitors stay in Indore, about 55 km away, which has more hotels but means long transfers on Shahi Snan days (pros and cons). Our where to stay guide compares the options.

Sample itineraries

• 2–3 days: Ram Ghat snan, Mahakaleshwar darshan and the Ujjain temple circuit (package, 2-day itinerary).
• 4 days: add Omkareshwar, the island Jyotirlinga on the Narmada, about 140 km away (package).
• 5 days or more: add Maheshwar and Mandu, or the Panchkroshi Yatra around Ujjain (guide).
• Live in the mela: our Simhastha Camp Experience is for those who want satsang, akhara camps and the full atmosphere.

Getting there

Indore's airport is about 55 km away, with flights from most major cities (airport to Ujjain). Ujjain Junction is well connected by rail. See how to reach Ujjain for all the options.

What affects the cost

Prices for Simhastha camps will firm up once the Shahi Snan dates are notified. Your budget depends on your dates, whether your stay is air-conditioned, the number of nights and travellers, and add-ons like Omkareshwar. Our budget guide explains each factor, and every trip is quoted for your exact dates.