Ujjain is the pilgrimage city of India located in the banks of River Shipra in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The ancient city of Malya was populary known as Avantikapuri or Avanti. Ujjain is among the four holy cities of India that hosts the Kumbh mela festivals. Ujjain used to be the capital city of the ancient kingdom of the Avanti kingdom.
One of the major attractions of this city is Kumbh Mela also known as Simhastha Mela. The celebrations attract thousands of Hindu believers from all over the country and other parts of India. Hindus believe that when their gods and demons were fighting, they dropped nectar in four cities and Ujjain was one of them. Pilgrim tourists will also get an opportunity to visit some of their respected temples such as Mahakal and Harsidihhi temple.
Tourists visiting Ujjain will also get an opportunity to learn more about these people’s history and culture. There are several historical places all over the area such as palaces, caves and temples. Places like Bharthari caves, kaliyadeh palace and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan museum are among some of the places to visit in Ujjain. Some of the temples in this place were also built in the ancient days and they have a lot to tell about the history of this place. The architectural designs and paintings around the temples depict the traditional set up of this place.
Ujjain is easily accessible from different cities of India. The city has an elaborate transport network that connects it to other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Indore. The best time to visit is in the month of October to March when the climate is pleasant. Tourists in the city will also get a good experience in their hotels located some few metres from famous tourists attractions of this area.
Tourist Attractions in Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar temple is located in Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most famous temples of India and also it is among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Jyotirlingams places are considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple is located near Rudra Sagar Lake and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The deity is believed to be in the form of Swayambhu that implies within itself. The name implies that the god derives power from within it and other images. Tourists visiting this place cannot miss to visit this temple for spiritual nourishment.
The temple is located in a massive land surrounded by a huge wall. The five storey building contains five levels including the underground. The structure is a reflection of Rajput architectural design while the use of marbles and colonnades reflects the Mughal style. Tourists from other region should pay a visit to this wonderful temple just to see the wonderful architectural design of the Rajput people.
Inside the temple there are different idols representing different deities. The first idol is known as Dakshinamurti implying that which is facing down. There are also images of Lord Ganesh, Parvati, karttikeya and Nandi. On the third floor of the temple there is an idol of lord Nagchandreshwar. The images and the idols show the artistic knowhow of these people as well as religious set up of that time. Tourists visiting during the day of Mahashivratri will enjoy fairs held close to the temple that takes place throughout the night.
Gopal Mandir
The Gopal Mandir was created by Scindias and is largely influenced by the Maratha architecture. The silver plated doors that were stolen from Somnath Temple in Gujarat, were taken to Afghanistan by Ghazni. Later they were taken to Lahore. Mahadji Scindia then took them back and placed them here in 19th century. The temple is made of marble and has a magnificent shine. The temple is dedicated to lord Krishna who was also called as Gopal.
Bhartrihari Caves Ujjain
Bhartrihari cave is located in Ujjain close to Shipra River. It is one of the highly visited sites in Ujjain. The caves are named after the famous sage of India. The sage is believed to have lived in this place when he meditated and decided to forsake worldly pleasures for the sake of his religion. The sage was also a great poet and scholar and he has written some literal materials such as Shringar Shatak, Vairagya Shatak and Nitishatak. A legend tells that Bhartrihari had a sore relationship with his wife who was so dear to him. After some time the sage could not endure the complicated relationship and choose to give all other things and choose to become a spiritualist. He left his home and went into the caves where he dedicated his life to meditating and writing.
Inside the cave there is a temple that is used by the Nath community as their worship centre. This makes the place a holy cave hence a good destination for pilgrim tourists. Thousands of devotees visit this cave to pay respect to this sage and also worship in this temple. Other tourists come to camp in this place especially pilgrims who perform various rituals while sitting around a huge fire.
Tourists visiting the cave can also get an opportunity to visit River Shipra that is located some few meters away. The cascading water of the river adds beauty to the caves. Tourist’s visiting this place will learn more about the traditional wealth of this country.
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Historical Places of Ujjain
Ujjain is also a land with numerous historical places. The historical site contains valuable information that is important in understanding the historical background of this place. Some of the historical sites in Ujjain include:
Kaliadeh Palace
The palace was built in 1458 A.D by sultan of Mandu. This old monument in Ujjain is located in the island of River Shipra. The magnificent palace was demolished during the time of Pindaris but was later rejuvenated in the time of Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920.
Inside the palace there is a tank that is called Surya Kund that was of religious importance to the local people. The villagers used to take a holy dip in that tank while seeking remission of sins. Another major attraction of the palace is its wonderful architectural design of the Persian people. Close to the tank there is an inscription that records the visit of Akbar and Jehangir in this place.
Vikram Kirti Mandir
The museum was established in 1965 to collect and display historical items and artifacts. The building contains items such as coins, images, manuscripts and ancient clothes which were worn in the traditional days. The museum also displays weapons and utensils which were used long time ago. The museum also has some manuscripts and inscriptions of various objects in different languages.
The research institute in this place is also a show case of paintings of Rajput and Mughal styles.
Other historical places worth to pay a visit in this place include vedh shala, kalidas acadamy and kothi palace.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
This is an ancient holy temple of Lord Ganesha in Ujjain. The temple was constructed between 11th and 12th during the reign of Paramaras the king of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who was known as ‘Chintaman’ in the traditional days. The name implied the lord remover of worries and tension. Devotees come into this place to relieve tension and worries.
One of the major attractions of this temple is an image of Lord Ganesha popularly known as ‘Garbhagriha’. The idol is surrounded by two wives of lord Ganesha known as Riddhi and Siddhi. There is also an image of Lord Vishnu inside the temple.
The temples architectural design is also a major attraction among tourists. Its appearance is an indication that the temple belongs to the pre historical time. Inside the temple there are artistic curved pillars that are placed in the assembly hall. The ancient origin of the temple makes it appear unique in comparison with other temples of the city.
Chintaman Ganesh temple is one of the most revered Ganesha temples. Tourists from all over the world flock into this temple to receive blessing from Lord Ganesha. Devotees also visit this temple in order to be sanctified from their sins. The temple is located at a strategic point where it can be easily accessed especially from Indore city. Tourists can use a bus or hire a taxi from Indore and Bhopal. The temple is located along the Ujjain-Fatehabad railway lines hence tourists can also use a train.
Fairs and Festivals
Ujjain is a land of fair and festivals. Tourists visiting this place will enjoy a variety of festivals ranging from religious to traditional. Some of the notable festivals in the area include:
Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela festival also known as Simhastha Kumbh is an important festival celebrated in the Hindu calendar in a cycle of twelve years. The festivals commences on a full moon day of Chaitra and continues in the successive months until the full moon day of Vaishakha. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of the world who come to take a holy bath in River Shipra. The festival is accompanied by a number of religious songs and processions. Ujjain is among the four cities of India that hosts Kumbh festivals.
Maha Shivaratri
The festival are celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees fast for a whole day and keep watch during the night while paying tribute to Lord Shiva. After the fast, devotees bathe using boiled water that is prepared using sesame seeds. The water is supposed to remove their impurities. After bathing devotees wear new clothes as a sign of renewal and transformation. The devotees make joyful melodies and songs to mount Kailash to provoke him from his deep mediation so that he can bless mankind. The climax is reading of religious scriptures about the kindness and large heartedness of Lord Shiva.
Other fairs and festivals in this city include Kartik fair, Kalidas Samaroh, Vikram Mahotsav and Shravan Maas Sawari.
Best Hotels in Ujjain
Shipra Residency Hotel
Shipra residency is a three star hotel located on university road in Ujjain. Tourists visiting the hotel can either use the airport in Indore or the railway station in Ujjain. The hotel provides exceptional facilities with high quality services that suits both commercial and leisure travelers.
The hotel provides 28 spacious and air conditioned rooms. The rooms are fitted with in room amenities such as cable TV, telephone and attached bathroom with hot/cold running water. The hotel also provides oven, microwave and king size beds. The rooms are divided into various categories such as A/C rooms, A/C deluxe rooms and A/C deluxe suites.
Shipra residency hotel provides a multi cuisine restaurant that serves a wide variety of delicious food. The hotel also has a bar that serves different beverages as you relax in their dining room. Other services in the hotel include housekeeping, travel assistance desk and a modern conference hall.
Hotel Shanti Palace
The hotel is located in Ring Road in Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This is one of the best hotels in Ujjain offering modern facilities that suits the needs of both commercial and leisure travelers. Tourists in the hotel can easily access the attractive sites of this place such as temples and historical monuments.
Hotel Shanti palace provides well-appointed rooms that are spacious and luxurious. The rooms are divided into the following categories: couple suit, shanti suit and executive suite. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, daily newspaper, air conditioning, attached bathroom with hot/cold running water, direct dial phone and channel music.
The hotel contains modern conference and banquet hall that are fully furnished. Other services include laundry services, internet connections, free parking and doctor on call. The hotel contains a multi cuisine restaurant serving a wide variety of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines.
Hotel Muskan Palace
The hotel is located in Malwa plateau in Ujjain. The hotel is located 500 meters from the railway station hence guests can easily access the hotel. Hotel Muskan Palace is built in a modern way with international facilities that make it the best destination for any kind of a traveler.
The rooms in the hotel are elegantly furnished with modern furniture. Rooms are air conditioned and equipped with modern amenities such as attached bathrooms, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee maker, internet connections and 24 hours room dinning. Hotel Muskan Palace provides nonsmoking rooms for those who are non-smokers and also rooms designed for handicapped.
Guests visiting this hotel will enjoy other facilities such as multipurpose gymnasium and health club, restaurant, doctor on call, currency exchange, car parking, travel assistance desk, car hire services and 24 hours room service. The hotel accepts all major credit cards.
Vikramaditya Hotel
Vikramaditya hotel is located in Ujjain along the Indore Ujjain highway. The hotel is located near Nanakheda bus stand and a stand throw distance from the railway station hence easily accessible. Guests visiting this three star property will enjoy high quality services offered by highly competent staff.
Hotel Vikramaditya provides 24 rooms and 4 suites that are spacious and air conditioned. The rooms are divided into various categories such as executive rooms, deluxe rooms and suites. The rooms are equipped with modern facilities such as Cable TV, electronic telephone, 24 hours room service, coffee/ tea making facility, air conditioning and modern bathrooms.
The hotel provides the best services for business travelers such as a fully equipped business centre, conference hall and currency exchange. The conference hall is suitable for training programmes, meetings and seminars. Other services offered at the hotel include restaurant, cocktail lounge, marriage garden and a coffee shop.
Hotel Ramakrishna
The hotel is located in Ujjain city opposite the railway station. The hotel is 55 kilometers from Indore airport hence making it easily accessible from different parts of the country. Guests visiting the hotel will enjoy a range of modern services and facilities that makes the hotel the best destination for any kind of a traveler.
Hotel Rama Krishna provides 40 rooms that are elegantly designed. The rooms are equipped with modern facilities such as attached bathrooms with cold and hot running water, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning and room service. The rooms are divided into different categories such as deluxe room, semi deluxe room and A/C room.
The hotel boasts of New Sudama restaurant serving different variety of food. Guests at the restaurant are served with pure vegetarian Punjabi cuisine. Other services offered at the hotel include doctor on call, laundry services, tour guide services and car hire services.
Hotel Satyam
Hotel Satyam is located in Ujjain near Mahakaleshwar temple. The hotel is easily accessible as it is located 55 kilometers from Indore airport and just some few meters from the railway station. The hotel is also located close to the most notable attraction sites of Ujjain such as Mahakaleshwar temple.
Hotel Satyam provides 10 rooms that are equipped with all necessary amenities such as television, air conditioning, refrigerator, sofa, safe deposit locker, study table, newspaper, iron and ironing board, attached bathroom with cold/hot running water and internet connections. The hotel also has an in house multi cuisine restaurant serving a wide variety of food. The rooms are divided into different categories such as luxury executive room and six luxury executive rooms.
Other services offered at the hotel include doctor on call, travel assistance desk, laundry services airport/railway transfer at a cost and taxi services. The hotel also provides a room service that operates from 7 A.M to 12 P.M at night.
Hotel Grand Tower
Hotel Grand Tower is located close to Mahakaleshwar Mandir in Ujjain. The modern hotel is offers high quality services that makes it an ideal choice for leisure and business travelers. The hotel is 60 km from Indore the nearest airport. The hotel assists their guests with tour/ticket assistance hence making the process easy.
The hotel provides 22 air conditioned and non-air conditioned rooms. The rooms are equipped with attached bathroom with cold and hot running water, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, cupboard and luggage rack, clean linen towel and all necessary bathroom toiletries.
Hotel Grand Tower contains a restaurant that serves guests with a wide range of food such as Indian, Chinese and local cuisines.
Guests in the Hotel Grand Tower will also enjoy other services such as internet access in public areas, business center, travel assistance desk, parking facility, laundry services and housekeeping services.
Hotel Avantika
Hotel Avantika also known as Yatri Niwas and is located in Ujjain city close to Nanakheda Bus stand. The hotel is easily accessible from all major cities in India through Indore airport that is 56 km away. The hotel offers standard facilities that are ideal for any kind of a traveler.
Hotel Avantika provides for rooms and 58 dormitory beds. The rooms are divided into four bedded room and A/C single/ double room. The rooms including the dormitories are equipped with cable Television, room service and attached bathroom with cold and hot running water. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Hotel Avantika provides a multi cuisine restaurant serving guests with a wide range of food variety to ensure that guests are comfortable while at the rooms. Other services offered within the hotel premises include car parking and housekeeping services. The hotel is an ideal place for those travelers who are budget minded.
Hotel Surana Palace
Hotel Surana palace is located G.D.C. Road Dashera Maidan, Ujjain. The hotel is located 1.5 kilometers from the railway station and bus stand. Tourists visiting the hotel will enjoy standard facilities offered in this hotel that makes them to have a lovely stay.
The rooms in the hotel are spacious and comfortable with modern facilities such as study table, sofa unit, television, intercom facility, geyser in bathroom, hot and cold running water in the bathroom, bathroom toiletries and room service from 7A.M to 11 P.M. There are 26 rooms in the hotel that are charged at an affordable fee.
Guests in the hotel will also enjoy a range of facilities such as a modern conference hall that is well furnished, parking facility, internet connections, restaurant serving a wide range of cuisines, dining hall, doctor on call, travel assistance desk and laundry services. The hotel also provides taxi services and airport/railway transfer at a manageable cost.
Hotel Mittal Avenue
This is one of the best hotels located in Nanakheda Ring Road in Ujjain city. The hotel provides world class services and modern facilities making the best choice for any traveler. Tourists visiting this hotel will enjoy warm hospitality offered at the hotel by their competent staff.
Hotel Mittal Avenue provides 46 well-appointed rooms that elegantly designed. The rooms are divided into executive rooms, executive (three bed), Mittal suites and presidential suites. Facilities in the rooms include 24 hours cold and hot running water, telephone, LCD television, safe deposit locker and intercom facility.
Hotel Mittal Avenue provides a banquet hall, a Krishna hall and an ovi hall. The halls are suitable for birthday parties, kitty parties, get together and conference hall. Guests at the hotel will also enjoy other services such as a doctor on call, restaurant, Wi-Fi internet connections at some selected places, guide assistance, lawn and gardens, parking facility, laundry services and car hire.