12 Best Places to Visit Near Mahakal Temple – Ujjain
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: 24 hours for most temples and ghats
- Popular Attractions: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat
- Temperature: Summer: 30°C to 45°C; Monsoon: 24°C to 32°C; Winter: 3°C to 20°C
- Things to Do: Visit sacred temples, participate in rituals at the ghats, attend Kumbh Mela, explore local markets
- Places for Shopping: Jantar Mantar Market, Tower Chowk, Topkhana Market
- Best Restaurants: Shivam Restaurant, Sagar Family Restaurant, Sudama Restaurant, Imperial Restaurant
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 800 km
Exploring Ujjain: A Brief Overview
Ujjain is a city in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh and is considered one of the sacred cities of India. An important city of ancient India, Ujjain is home to the Kumbh Mela which takes place every twelve years to attract millions of devotees. The city is home to 108 temples, and the most prominent one is the Mahakaleshwar Temple. This temple is still active and people come to worship, though some of them claim that this temple is divine and that it is not comparable to any other.
Owing to its ancient history, Ujjain has become one of the most important places of pilgrimage for those desiring liberation. The city is regarded as a city of salvation, from where Hindus are expected to attain ‘moksha’ or salvation from rebirth. It is time to reveal the top attractions of the city with a special focus on the places that are located close to the Mahakal Temple.
How to Reach Ujjain?
By Air
The nearest airport to Ujjain is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, approximately 55 km away. From Indore, you can reach Ujjain by cab or public transport, taking about 1.5 hours.
By Train
Ujjain Junction is well-connected by rail to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Regular trains from these cities run to Ujjain Junction, making it easily accessible.
By Road
Ujjain is well-connected by road to nearby towns and cities. Hired taxis, personal vehicles, and several private buses offer comfortable travel options to Ujjain.
Famous Places Near Mahakal Mandir
1. Harsiddhi Temple
Harsiddhi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths and therefore, a prime site for worship. The temple can be recognised by the Red Towers and Shri Yantra. It is a famous and easily accessible place in Ujjain known for its religious importance as it is situated adjacent to the Mahakal Temple.
2. Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is one of the significant places to perform religious activities and it is located on the bank of the river Kshipra. People come here to take holy baths and do other pujas as well. The most fascinating event is the evening aarti at Ram Ghat which has made this place famous among the tourists in Ujjain.
3. Kaal Bhairav Temple
It is one of the most famous places near Mahakal Temple devoted to Kaal Bhairav – the god-protecting Ujjain. The trend followed at this temple is particularly colourful where liquor is offered to the deity and later served as prasad.
4. Sandipani Ashram
It is the place established in history that Lord Krishna with Sudama and Balarama took education from Sandipani. The ashram has another water body of prominence called the Gomati Kund-a tank with religious importance. It is one of the famous tourist attraction centres in Ujjain, especially when it comes to historical stories.
5. Kalideh Palace
Kalideh Palace stands along the Kshipra River and has wonderful architecture. Constructed in the Mughal architecture, the palace is enclosed by water bodies and is well covered by trees. For history lovers, it is one of the most recommended sites to visit in the neighbourhood of Mahakal Temple.
6. Vikram Kirti Mandir
This cultural centre is dedicated to King Vikramaditya and comprises a museum, an art gallery, and a research centre for expressing Indian culture. There is also a museum that contains relics, coins and manuscripts from the earliest period of the town’s history. This temple is also among the best places to visit near Mahakal Temple Mandir, Ujjain.
Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Ujjain: Seasonal Guide, Bhasm Aarti and Temple Timings
7. Chintaman Ganesh Temple
Chintaman Ganesh Temple is also one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha situated in Ujjain. It is said that the idol here came into being on its own. It is a few kilometres away from Mahakal Temple and can be regarded as one of the most famous places near Mahakal Temple.
8. Bhartrihari Caves
Bhartrihari Caves are located in the district of Ujjain and originate from the western side which is on the banks of Kshipra River. Hence, these historic caves are attributed as the meditation place of the poet and philosopher Bhartrihari. The surroundings make it one of the popular places to visit near Mahakal Temple Mandir as it does not have much crowd.
9. Gadkalika Temple
Another one of the best places to visit near Mahakal Temple Mandir is the Gadkalika Temple. Belonging to the Kalika Devi, the temple poses a high religious significance. Some people believe that the place was a worshipping temple of the well-known poet Kalidasa. This temple is one of the prominent places of worship for the devotees in Ujjain.
10. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple in Ujjain is a contemporary temple built for worshipping Lord Krishna. It is a well-architectured temple and the atmosphere within is calm and favourable to the guests. It is one of the tourist spots in Ujjain that offers a peaceful environment.
11. Pir Matsyendranath
Gopal Mandir is a beautiful temple made of white marble that is devoted to Lord Krishna. This temple is also aesthetically very attractive and has a spiritually charged environment that makes it one of the most recommended tourist attractions in Ujjain. It is located near the Mahakal Temple and is in the central part of the city.
Suggested Read: Travel Guide: Ghadi Wale Baba, Ujjain | Story, How To Reach
12. Gopal Mandir
Pir Matsyendranath is a temple that is dedicated to the saint Matsyendranath. The place is situated close to the Kshipra River and comprises both Hindu and Muslim architecture. This is a different kind of place to visit, which is near Mahakal Temple and shows the cultural prosperity of Ujjain.
Which are the famous places near Mahakal Temple?
The popular sightseeing tours near the Mahakal Temple include Harsiddhi Temple, Ram Ghat, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Sandipani Ashram, and Kalideh Palace. These attractions include places of worship, history and architecture.
How far is Ram Ghat from Mahakal Temple?
The Ram Ghat is situated about 2 km from the Mahakal Temple. It is just a few minute’s drive or a ten-minute stroll, which makes it convenient for tourists.
What are the must-visit places in Ujjain for first-time visitors?
For first-timers to the city, some of the must-visit places are Mahakaleshwar Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Ram Ghat, Kaal Bhairav Temple, and Sandipani Ashram. These sites give appreciable feel of Ujjain’s religious and historical background.
Are there any unique tourist attractions in Ujjain besides temples?
Yes, apart from temples Ujjain has many other attractions like Kalideh Palace, Vikram Kirti Mandir, Bhartrihari Caves and many more. They can provide the visitor with certain ideas about the history, culture and atmosphere of the town.
What are the best places for shopping near Mahakal Temple?
The main shopping areas close to Mahakal Temple are Jantar Mantar Market, Tower Chowk and Topkhana Market. These markets sell different local arts and crafts, souvenirs, and other traditional products.