Take an early flight from Mumbai (closest airport) to Indore (best) or an overnight/same-day train to Khandwa/Indore. Flying saves time and is recommended for a 3-day plan; train is cheaper but slower. Book tickets the day before.
Grab a quick, reliable breakfast at Haldiram's / airport café (Indore airport) or at Viviana Mall (Thane) if you depart later; good options for familiar vegetarian and packaged choices before the drive to Omkareshwar.
Private taxi or pre-booked car from Indore takes ~1.5–2 hours (approx 80–100 km) and drops you at the Omkareshwar ghats/temple area; comfortable and time-efficient for short trips.
Visit the Omkareshwar (Mamleshwar) jyotirlinga on the island — a sacred site on the Narmada with classic temple architecture. Temples are usually open from early morning and again in the evening; morning darshan is calmer. Confirm daily darshan timings locally (typically 5:00am–12:30pm & 3:30pm–9:30pm).
Eat at a clean pilgrim-friendly restaurant such as a well-rated local bhojanalaya or hotel restaurant (many near the ghats serve thali, dal-roti, and light North-Indian vegetarian meals). Portions are simple, fresh and easy on the stomach after temple visits.
Explore steps, small shrines, the Om symbol rock formations and viewpoints along the Narmada; easy walking and photography opportunities — take water and sun protection. Many small shrines and peaceful spots for contemplation.
Short ferry or boat trips around the island give a different viewpoint of the ghaṭ and temples; boats operate in the afternoon but timings depend on water level — check locally (often 4:00pm–6:00pm).
Spend the early evening at the ghats for a calm sunset view and local aarti; a quieter, meditative time by the river. Many pilgrims gather for the evening rituals and aarti.
Have a relaxed dinner at your hotel restaurant or a trusted pilgrim eatery (hotel restaurants near the ghats serve hot meals and simpler North/Malwa-style preparations). Confirm hotel kitchen closing times (usually 9:30–10:00pm).
Attend the quiet early-morning aarti/darshan at the island temple — a spiritually rich time when priests perform rituals. Temples normally open from 5:00am; check local notice boards for exact aarti timing.
Stop for lunch at a highway dhaba or a clean, popular Ujjain restaurant; try local thali or simple North-Indian fare. Arriving by noon gives you time for a relaxed lunch before afternoon temple visits.
Check in to a hotel near the Mahakaleshwar Temple (stay close to the temple for easy early access and evening aarti). Freshen up and prepare for afternoon/evening darshan.
Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga for afternoon darshan; temple typically has afternoon and evening sessions (usual open timings roughly 4:00am–11:00pm overall, with specific slot timings). Purchase token if required and follow the local queue process.
Walk the ghats along Kshipra, buy puja items and sweets from local shops, and soak in the temple-town atmosphere; Ujjain bazaars are good for religious souvenirs and flavours (sweets/snacks).
Attend the evening aarti or watch ritual proceedings near the temple complex; check the temple schedule on arrival for exact aarti timing (evening aarti is usually between 6:00pm–8:00pm).
Have dinner at a recommended local place near the temple or at your hotel. Many establishments cater to pilgrims with simple thalis and light dinner options; try local sweets afterwards.
The famous Bhasma Aarti is performed early morning (often around 4:00–5:30am) and is a unique, powerful ritual — limited entry and queues are common, so arrive early and check if special passes are required. Confirm timings and booking well in advance if this is a priority.
Enjoy a simple breakfast: poha, kachori, chai, or temple prasad from the langar/bhandara (many options near the temple and ghats). Early-morning shops open before or after aarti.
If time allows, visit nearby attractions like Ved Shala (astronomical observatory) or take another walk along the ghats; these are short visits and close to the main temple.
Drive back to Indore airport or station for your return flight/train to Thane/Mumbai. Plan to reach the airport ~2 hours before flight. Driving time is ~1.5–2 hours depending on route and traffic.
Stop at a well-known eatery in Indore (if schedule allows) or eat on board if traveling by train; Indore is famous for snacks but choose hygienic options when on a tight schedule.
Board your return flight/train to Mumbai/Thane. Flight time ~1h15m to Mumbai plus airport transfer; train times vary but are economical. Book an evening slot to arrive in Thane by late evening.