Witness the famous Bhasma (ash) Aarti at Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — a unique, powerful early-morning ritual worth arriving before sunrise. Check the temple’s current timing (Bhasma Aarti typically begins very early, around 4:00am) and queue rules for entry.
Enjoy a hearty vegetarian Ujjain-style breakfast: poha, kachori or a local thali at a reputable bhojnalaya near the temple so you stay on schedule. Most breakfast places open from 6:00–7:00am; confirm opening on Sundays and festivals.
Stroll the steps and ghats of the Shipra at Ram Ghat — an atmospheric morning walk with local pilgrim activity, and an optional short boat ride on the Shipra to view ghats from water. Boat operators usually run from early morning until late afternoon; availability can vary with river levels.
Visit Harsiddhi Temple (famous local Shakti shrine) and nearby Chakra Mandir — compact, active shrines that give insight into Ujjain’s temple network and daily worship. Most temples are open from early morning until late evening; check festival closures.
See the historic Vedh Shala observatory (Jantar Mantar) to learn about Ujjain’s astronomical heritage and its role as India’s classical meridian. Small entry fee applies and standard opening is mid-morning to late afternoon (confirm seasonal hours).
Have a relaxed vegetarian thali at a recommended local restaurant near the city centre to sample regional flavours and recharge before afternoon sightseeing. Most restaurants serve lunch from 12:00–15:00.
Explore the Bhartrihari Caves and spots associated with Kalidasa; these small historical sites offer scenic views and a quieter side of Ujjain away from the ghats. Sites are open during daylight hours; allow time for short walks.
Return to Ram Ghat for the evening aarti at the Shipra — beautiful sunset light and devotional atmosphere make this a highlight for pilgrims and photographers alike. Aarti times shift with sunset (roughly 6:00–7:30pm depending on season).
Dine on local Madhya Pradesh dishes and popular snacks; choose a well-reviewed hotel restaurant or a clean, established eatery near the ghats to finish the day comfortably. Many restaurants are open until 10:00–11:00pm.
Stay close to Mahakaleshwar or Ram Ghat for the easiest early start; book a mid-range hotel or guesthouse with good reviews for safety and convenience. Reception and check-in times vary by property.
Have an early breakfast or takeaway as you prepare to drive to Omkareshwar to make the most of temple morning hours; many small eateries open from 6:00–7:00am. If you leave early you arrive midday with time to tour the island.
Road transfer southwest to Omkareshwar — expect roughly 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic; plan a fuel/tea stop en route. Book a private taxi or check bus schedules in advance for best timings.
Arrive in Omkareshwar, check in at your guesthouse/hotel near the ghat to leave bags and get fresh before temple visits; properties around the island and on the Nagar side are both convenient.
Visit the Omkareshwar/Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga temple on the island — a principal pilgrim site with compact sanctum and continuous devotees. Temple morning hours typically start before dawn and run till midday; always confirm darshan timing on the day.
Lunch at a simple riverside café or dhaba serving thalis and light meals; try local vegetarian fare and chai while enjoying Narmada views. Cafes usually operate through afternoon hours but fewer options exist than in larger towns.
Take a boat around the Omkareshwar island to view temples from the river and disembark to visit Siddhanath and other small shrines; boats commonly operate until late afternoon (confirm availability and safety lifejackets).
Walk to a nearby viewpoint on the island or the opposite bank (Ghosala) for panoramic views of the Om-shaped island and the Narmada — excellent for photos and a quiet break. Daylight hours suitable; avoid steep paths if mobility is limited.
Attend the evening aarti at the main ghat — the riverside ritual as the sun sets is a moving way to end the day and is usually performed daily around sunset (timing varies by season).
Dinner at a riverfront restaurant or your hotel; enjoy simple home-style Indian food and relax after the day’s walking. Many establishments serve dinner until 9:00–10:00pm but choice is limited; confirm timings in advance.
Overnight at a guesthouse or hotel on the island or on the adjacent Nagar side to be close to morning darshan and the ghat. Book ahead during weekends and festival periods for best options.