Ujjain is a very important location in the district of Madhya Pradesh, which enlightens its visitors with its religious significance. It is home to a lot of shrines and religious sites. It is one of India's holiest towns, and every 12 years, the famed Hindu event 'Kumbh Mela' is held there. A great number of tourists, especially foreigners, flock to Ujjain to marvel at the magnificent temples and other sites of worship that add to the city's splendor. Ujjain, as one of Madhya Pradesh's most prominent tourist destinations, is an excellent location for religious tourism in India. Ujjain is also home to a number of prominent museums, parks, castles, and other sights, making it a great vacation spot for individuals of all ages.

History of Ujjain -

The history of Ujjain can be dated directly to the Mahabharat and Ramayana epics. The legends of Lord Ram and Sita of the period when they used to visit this site to conduct "Pind-Daan" for father Dasharat at Ramghat are lost in the middle of ancient times. It was formerly the home of Great Emperor Ashoka and is now a revered pilgrimage site. It was here, as a proconsul, that he learned about Buddha's teachings during his reign in the western regions.

Things to do in Ujjain :-

• Boat your worry away at Ram Ghat:- After you've soaked in the mysticism of Ram Ghat, enjoy a boat ride on the Shipra River's serene waters to renew your spirit with tranquilly. Take a boat ride here at twilight to see the most beautiful spiritual sight of your life, where the music of chanting and chimes for the evening aarti, along with the lowering sun producing a frenzy of colours in the sky, will imbue your heart.

• Take a holy dip in the Kshipra River's waters:- Shipra River, also referred as Kshipra River, is one of Hinduism's holiest rivers, attracting a large number of tourists from around the world eager to learn more about Hinduism. The river is mentioned in Hindu holy writings and has a slew of notable temples along its ghats. One of the nicest things to do in Ujjain is to take a bath here, which is said to purify both the spirit and the body.

• Try some delicious street food:- Ujjain is a foodie's paradise, with numerous pushcarts serving a variety of foods dotted throughout the city. The street food in this area is a wonderful combination of Maharashtrian, Gujarati and Rajasthani specialties. You'll find practically whatever your flavor profiles desire, from pani puri, bhel puri, kachori, and samosa to chilli bhutta, vada pav, poha, and dabeli. The rabri-coated ice gola is a must-try here.

• Indulge in evening Aarti:- One of the most heavenly, spiritual practices that you can participate in while visiting this charming city is evening Aarti on the shores of Shipra. The Aarti takes held on the banks of Shipra in the evening, around sundown. The art is termed as Shipra Aarti because it is performed to honour the old Shipra river.

• Shop for Batik at Behrugarh Village:- A visit to the neighboring Behrugarh (also known as Bhairogarh) hamlet, where batik printing is performed, is advised if you enjoy Indian handicrafts. Between the Kal Bhairav and Mangal Nath shrines, this settlement is located on the northern borders of Ujjain. Since artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat arrived there during the Mughal Empire, it has been the centre of Madhya Pradesh's batik industry for centuries.

• If possible, go during the Kumbh Mela:- The large number of devotees and Sadhus travel from all over the country to participate the Kumbh Mela, among the most popular Hindu cultural events. It is locally named as Ujjain Simhashta. You should attend the Maha Kumbh Mela if your visit overlaps with this massive festival. Thousands of devotees congregate at Ram Ghat on the banks of the Shipra River to witness this wonderful celebration.

What is the best way to get here ?

• Via Air : Ujjain's closest airport is Indore, which provides a number of flights connecting the city to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, and Ahmedabad. To get to Ujjain, follow a specific taxi from this airport.

• Via Rail : Ujjain Train Station, about 1 km from the city center, is the closest railway station. It has excellent transportation links to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. To go to your intended location in Ujjain, you can take rickshaws, buses, or taxis from the railway station.

• Via Road : Ujjain is very well accessible by road to nearby cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Gwalior, Mumbai and others, and there are frequent buses that allow travelers to get to Ujjain in luxury.

Places to visit :-

• Mahakaleshwar Temple - Mahakaleshwar Temple is amongst the most well-known temples devoted to Lord Shiva in Ujjain since it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sites where Lord Shiva is said to live. On the walls there are also images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati. 

• Kal Bhairav Temple - As this temple is said to be associated with Hinduism's Tantric sect, you'll observe a lot of sadhus here practicing Tantrik contemplation. In front of Nandi the Bull, there is a Shivalinga underneath a Banyan tree. On Mahashivratri, you'll notice the most visitors and activity.

• Kaliadeh Palace - This gorgeous palace is located on an island in the Shipra river. It was constructed in 1458 AD by Mandu dynasty. There are several Persian writings inside this monument, and the architectural style has a strong Persian presence. This magnificent mansion was formerly visited by the Emperor Akbar and Jahangir.

• Ved Shala- It is the earliest of the country's five observatories, having been founded in the 17th century. This beautiful structure was built with extreme care and has been used as a study center since the classical era. The Cancer Tropic, it appears, crosses via Ujjain. Raja Jai Singh constructed Jantar Mantar in the 17th century.

• Bhartrihari Caves - The Bhartrihari caves near Ujjain are where Bhartihari, Vikramaditya's stepbrother, pondered. It is one of the most tranquil spots to visit in Ujjain, situated on the banks of the Shipra riverbed.

• ISCKON Ujjain Temple - The glorious white marble edifice of ISKCON in Ujjain is definitely a sight to behold. The exquisitely chiseled marble statues of Radha Madhana Mohan, Sri Krishna and Balram, and Sri Gauri Nitai, clad in vibrantly coloured clothes and magnificent jewelry, will undoubtedly uplift your inner soul.