Location : 56 kms from
Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India.
Tourist Attractions : Bade Ganeshji ka mandir, Chintaman
Ganesh, Pir Matsyendranath, Bhartrihari Caves, Kaliadeh Palace, Durgadas ki
Chhatri, Harsiddhi Temple, Siddhavat, Kal Bhairava, Sandipani Ashram,
Gadkalika, The Vedha Shala ( Observatory) and many more.
Best Hangout : Sandipani Ashram, Shipra River.
Fairs and festivals: Mahashivratri and the Simhastha
Kumbh Mela are some of the festivals celebrated in Ujjain.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Dewas, Agar, Nagda,
Sailana, Maksi, Mandsaur, Gandhi Sagar and Bhanpura.
When to Visit : Through the year
About Ujjain
Ujjain is situated at a distance of 56 km from Indore and is one of the
holiest cities for Hindus. It is situated on the bank of the sacred river
Shipra in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Having mythological
legends, the city also has a long and distinguished history. This ancient
city was governed by great emperors like Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas,
the great poet wrote his soul stirring poetry here.
Today, Ujjain represents an interesting amalgamation of an age-old legacy
and the modern day lifestyle.
Major Tourist Attractions in Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar temple
The temple of Mahakaleshwara has high shikhara dominating the skyline and
life of Ujjain. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the lingam at
Mahakaleshwara is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, it is believed to be
swayambhu (born of itself). It is believed that it derives its shakti or
power, from within itself. The south facing idol of this majestic shrine is
one of its kind, a positioning upheld by tantric traditions and found only
in Mahakaleshwara among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Every Mahashivaratri, in the
month of March, a fair is held near the temple.
Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir
This is a popular pilgramge spot situated above the tank near the
Mahakaleshwar Temple and owns a large ornate statue of Ganesh.
Chintaman Ganesh temple
This temple is situated on the opposite bank of the River Shipra and is a
considerable antiquity and a popular place of pilgrimage. The idol here is
believed to be self formed. The artistically carved pillars of the assembly
hall date back to the Parmara Periods.
Bhartrihari Caves
These caves are named after the great scholar poet Bhartihari, who lived
and meditated here. These caves are situated on the banks of the river
Shipra near Gadkalika Temple.
Harsiddhi Temple
This is an important shrine with the image of Goddess Annapurna.
Vedh Sala ( Observatory)
This is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh between 1725 and 1730
AD. Ujjain is considered the Greenwich of India, with the first meridian of
longitude passing through it. This observatory is smaller than those in
Jaipur or Delhi but it's still in use and quite interesting. Astrologers can
purchase the complete year's astronomical ephemeris in both English and
Hindi at the observatory for Rs15 only.
Apart from these attractions there are many more to see at Ujjain. There
are many nearby tourist destinations also like Dewas, Agar, Nagda, Sailana,
Maksi, Mandsaur, Gandhi Sagar and Bhanpura.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is at Indore (55 Kms.) and is connected by
air with Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi and Gwalior.
Rail: Ujjain has a railway station on the Western Railway line and
connected with major cities in India.
Road: Good roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 Kms.), Bhopal
(183 Kms.), Bombay (655 Kms.), Delhi (774 Kms.), Gwalior (451 Kms.), Indore
(53 Kms.), Khajuraho (570 Kms.), Mandu (158 Kms.).
Accommodation
There are several hotels and lodges available for accommodation. Besides,
in Ujjain, there are government run hotels also like the Shipra and the
Yatri Niwas that are conveniently priced and comfortable.
