Begin your trip by visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and a highly revered temple amongst Hindus. The temple opens at 4:00 AM and it is advised to begin your day early to avoid crowds. The temple's unique Bhasma Aarti, where Lord Shiva is worshiped with sacred ash every morning, is a must-see experience.
Est. time spent: 2 hours
Make your way to the nearby Kal Bhairav Temple, highly revered amongst the locals as the 'Kotwal of Ujjain'. The temple is dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva called Kal Bhairava. The temple is known for its unique offering of alcohol to the deity, as it is considered as Prasad.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
Head to Kaliadeh Palace, located on the banks of the Shipra river and counted amongst the most scenic places in Ujjain. The palace is an ancient edifice which is now in ruins, but still attracts visitors for the breathtaking views of the river and the nearby hills.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
Begin your day by visiting the Chintaman Ganesh Temple, located on the outskirts of Ujjain. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and intellect. The idol here is believed to be a Swayambhu, or self-manifested, and it is said to possess healing powers.
Est. time spent: 2 hours
Visit the Sandipani Ashram, where Lord Krishna and Sudama received their education from Guru Sandipani. The ashram also has a museum showcasing artifacts and statues related to Hindu mythology.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
Conclude your day by visiting the Vedh Shala Observatory. It is one of the oldest observatories in India and has been operational since 1725 AD. It has a collection of astronomical instruments and devices, which were used to study the movement of celestial bodies. The observatory offers an insightful view of Indian astronomical history.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
Start the final day of your itinerary by visiting the Mangalnath Temple, dedicated to the planet Mars. The temple is positioned in a unique geographical location, which is considered an ideal spot to observe the planet's movements. It is a popular tourist attraction for both the scientific as well as the religious significance attached to it.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
End your trip by visiting the Harsiddhi Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Goddess Sati. The temple houses the idol of Annapurna, the Goddess of food, and is highly revered by the devotees. It is a perfect place to attain spiritual peace and introspect before concluding your trip.
Est. time spent: 1 hour
If you have more time to spare, you can consider visiting other important temples in Ujjain like the Mahakal Temple, Gopal Mandir, and Chausat Yogini Temple. You can also visit the nearby city of Indore if you're interested in exploring more of Madhya Pradesh. For those on a tighter schedule, you can consider skipping Kaliadeh Palace and Harsiddi Temple and have a more relaxed tour around other places or opt for an evening arti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga instead.