Hey! Mohit here. Recently, my six buddies and I, all in our final year of B.Tech from Greater Noida, had an amazing four-day trip to Ujjain. We were all about embracing the travel bug and creating exciting memories.
Route :
We started our journey in Greater Noida, took the Delhi Metro to the center of Delhi, and then caught a train to Ujjain at 10:50 p.m. I arrived in Ujjain at 8:10 a.m., ready for the adventure.
Places Visited:
- Rama Ghat: Our first stop, “Ganga Residency,” showed us a comfortable place with a view of the riverside.
- Mahakaleshwar Mandir: After a refreshing stay, we attended the mesmerizing evening aarti at Mahakaleshwar Mandir, just 1.8 km away. We caught the evening aarti at 7 p.m., an enchanting experience that left us in amazement. The journey through the 2 km-long temple corridor was surreal, releasing spirituality and positive vibes. After that, we went back to the hotel, and we rested, preparing for another day of exploration.
- Chardham Temple and Ashram: The next morning, we had a delicious breakfast at a local stall near Rama Ghat. After that, we checked out and headed towards the Chardham Temple and Ashram. The intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings there made for a wonderful beginning to our day.
- Mangalnath Temple: Following that, we proceeded to the Mangalnath Temple, considered to be the birthplace of Mangal Bhagwan. The sight of the Shipra River from the temple was truly breathtaking.
- Bhartrihari Caves: Our final destination was the Bhartrihari Caves, situated on the banks of the Shipra River. Linked to the philosopher-poet Bhartrihari, these caves offered a peaceful setting for meditation.
A Hidden Gem in Ujjain
- Pind Mandir:
It is situated near Rama Ghat. It’s a hidden gem, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient importance.
- Kaal Bhairav Mandir
After that, we went to the Kaal Bhairav Mandir, a sacred place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his fierce form. Dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city, it stands on the banks of the Shipra River. The original temple was made by a little-known king named Bhadrasen. A crowded place, it attracts hundreds of devotees every day. Interestingly, one of the offerings to the temple deity includes liquor.
Best Accommodation and Food in Ujjain:
We stayed at “Ganga Residency” near Rama Ghat, a hotel that not only promised but delivered a cozy retreat with traditional decor and a view that enhanced our spiritual experience.
Local delicacies added a delightful touch to our journey. A breakfast of chai and poha near Rama Ghat was a perfect start to our day. Don’t miss trying Ujjain’s renowned street food; Poha and Jalebi are must-tries.
Best time to visit Ujjain:
When the weather is nice, October to March is the ideal time of year to visit Ujjain. Ujjain might be too hot for you for the remainder of the year, with highs reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius.
Necessary things to pack:
- Ujjain has a mix of climates, so pack comfortable clothing suitable for both day and night.
- Light cotton clothes are advisable.
- Comfortable and durable footwear, especially if you plan to explore temples and walk around the city.
- Carry a valid ID proof and multiple photocopies. This is essential for train travel and hotel check-ins.
Travel Tips:
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples in this sacred city.
- Don’t miss out on trying local delicacies. Ujjain is known for its street food; Poha and Jalebi for breakfast are a must-try.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip to pack accordingly.
We took our train to Delhi and headed back home, saying goodbye to Ujjain with memories that warmed our hearts. It wasn’t just a spiritual journey; it was an experience of friendship, religion, and discovery. Ujjain had left a lasting impression on all of us, and we came back with a bag full of stories to treasure and share for a lifetime.