Hey travelers! This is Harshali sharing my recent travel experiences to Ujjain and Indore with my family.
I finally made the long-awaited trip to Ujjain, driven by my devotion to Lord Shiva and 15 years of fasting every Monday. I planned to visit Ujjain and Indore but ended up exploring unexpected, serene places. We were three travelers, and we wrapped up the trip at Rs. 10,000 per person for six nights.
Discovered hidden gems with untold stories, truly worth a thousand tales.
Route from MUMBAI-UJJAIN-INDORE:
- We traveled from Mumbai to Ujjain by Avantika Express from Mumbai Central Station at 8:50 p.m., which took approximately 12 hours.
- From Ujjain, we took a train to Indore.
- Bus tickets, for instance, from Ujjain to Omkareshwar, are priced over 200 rupees. If the bus stop is nearby, consider opting for bus travel.
Note: Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar are well-connected, offering various travel options like trains, rickshaws, private cars, and government/private buses.
Places to visit in Ujjain:
- Mahakaleshwar Temple: I visited Mahakaleshwar temple in the evening, catching Sandhya Aarti. I heard about temple mysteries, like chirping birds before the aarti, and witnessed them. The birds completed the parikrama of the temple, chirping all the way through and sitting on the branches of the banyan tree just beside the temple. The sight and the sound made my visit to Mahakaleshwar more magical. Sandhya Aarti showcased Shrungar and the mesmerizing rhythms of Damaroo and Jhanjh. The spiritual vibe, especially during Aarti times, makes time feel slower. The presence of Mahakaleshwar is strongly felt, and the temple corridor, Arati times, on the banks of Kshipra was carved and thoughtfully placed with statues that tell vivid stories of Lord Shiva.
- Temples: Explored Ujjain the next day, visiting Kalabhairav, Harsiddhi, Gadkalika, Bada Ganapati, Ram Ghat, Vashisht Ashram, Ram Mandir, Mangalnath Mandir, 24 Khamba Temple, Vikrant Bhairav, Sati Mata, and more. These temples in Ujjain hold significant historical importance.
Places to visit in Indore:
- Holkar Rajwada: The ancestral residence of the Holkar family is the Rajwada in Indore, and it’s a very stunning palace. To the extent that you simply must see the Rajwada in Indore.
- Annapurna Mata: The intricate carvings and architecture of the Annapurna Mata Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Annapurna Maa in India, made it the most striking temple I have ever seen.
- Kaanch Mandir: I discovered another temple, Kaanch Mandir, where every part, including the ceiling, is covered with mirrors of various sizes.
- Lalbagh Palace: It is not just a big palace, but it also suggests the taste of artistry of the Marathas.
- Lotus Garden: True to its name, the garden boasts thousands of lotuses in a large pond. Small boats are available to take you to the midst of this picturesque sea of lotuses.
Food and Accommodation
Stay :
- In Ujjain, I failed to book Mahakaleshwar Bhakt Niwas despite numerous attempts online as well. I ended up at the Dwarkadhish Hotel, 1km from the temple. This is a walkable distance, as no cab takes you directly to the temple. Priced at 3500 Rs. per night, it lacked basic services like food and room amenities, and the AC was not working properly. The location was convenient for accessing the main market, temples, and the station. I learned that Bhakt Dham’s stay arrangements needed to be made online at least a month in advance, located within the temple premises. Plan a stay at Bhakt Dham only or any ashram if you’re doing a group tour.
- In Indore, stay at Gujarati Samaj Guest House and highly recommend it or a similar hotel. The Vijay Nagar area is a good choice as it’s close to the city center. The staff is courteous, the food is homely, and the rooms are spacious for 1500 rupees per night.
Food :
- In Ujjain, enjoy the evening after having snacks and food at Satyug near Mahakaleshwar Temple. Food at Ujjain is not very satisfying for Maharashtrian people, but if you have a sweet tooth, Ujjain has many options, as the basic taste of the food you get in Madhya Pradesh is on the sweeter side.
- Don’t miss 56 Dukan if you’re a foodie in Indore—it’s a must-visit. Known for its variety of treats, it captures the essence of Indian food culture with kulfis, sweets, namkins, and chats spread across 56 shops. Although we missed Sarafa Bazaar, it’s another excellent spot for foodies in Indore.
Hidden Gem in Ujjain:
Harsiddhi and Gadhkalika Mata temples are notable not only for the devi’s appearances and the temple structures but also for the unbelievable magical and mysterious stories around them. The Kshipra arati at Ram Ghat is also very good.
Hidden Gem in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh:
The next day, we visited Devi Ahilyabai’s Fort in Maheshwar, a hidden gem in MP. The stunning temples, Narmada Ghat, and the fort, standing strong for 300 years, left me amazed. Despite its beauty, the place is less visited. It is a true heaven. Maheshwar is not just a destination; it’s an unforgettable experience. We explored local handicrafts, especially the exquisite Maheshwari fabric, and purchased handwoven Maheshwari silk sarees. Nearby, Sahasrashara and Patalpani waterfalls are scenic (best during or just after the monsoon).
Travel Tips:
- For those planning a trip to Ujjain, it is advisable to book a stay at the Bhakti Dham or any ashram near the temple premises.
- If traveling by auto rickshaw in Indore or Ujjain, it is recommended to opt for e-rickshaws, as they can accommodate up to 4 people comfortably.
- Taking a guide for historical insights into these places is also recommended.
- It is important to note that some shopkeepers and hotel owners in Indore and Ujjain can be loud and sometimes sarcastic, but the people of Madhya Pradesh are generally warm and welcoming.
Overall, our trip to Ujjain and Indore was a memorable and spiritually enriching experience. From exploring the ancient temples to indulging in mouth-watering food, we enjoyed every moment of our journey. Whether you are a devotee or someone seeking historical and architectural wonders, these cities have a lot to offer.
For more travel tales do visit https://sowl.in/stories to fix your wanderlust desires.
I was happy to travel!!! Happy Exploring!!!
