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Madhya Pradesh · Central India

Ujjain and Omkareshwar

Two of the 12 Jyotirlingas a few hours apart: Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, with its dawn Bhasma Aarti and the new Mahakal Lok corridor, and Omkareshwar on an island in the Narmada.

Best timeOct-Mar
Ideal stay2-3 days
GatewayIndore (IDR)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne
  7. JUly
  8. AUgust
  9. SEptember
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Ujjain is one of the seven holy cities and a Kumbh Mela city. Mahakaleshwar is famous for the Bhasma Aarti before dawn, which needs advance booking. Omkareshwar is 140 km south, on an om-shaped island in the Narmada, with a 108-ft Adi Shankaracharya statue. Both are an easy trip from Indore, the food capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Highlights

  • Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar (book ahead)
  • Shri Mahakal Lok corridor at night
  • Kal Bhairav and Harsiddhi temples
  • Ram Ghat aarti on the Shipra
  • Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and the Narmada parikrama path
  • Statue of Oneness (Adi Shankaracharya), Omkareshwar

What to eat

  • Poha and jalebi for breakfast
  • Indore’s Sarafa night market and 56 Dukan
  • Dal bafla

Where to stay

Ujjain has hotels near the Mahakal temple; Indore has the widest choice and makes a good base.

Getting there

Fly to Indore (IDR), 55 km from Ujjain. Ujjain Junction has trains from Delhi, Mumbai and Bhopal.

Tips

  • Bhasma Aarti places are limited; book on the temple’s official channels and beware of touts selling passes.
  • Men need dhoti and women saris for some aarti and sanctum rules; check the dress rules when you book.
  • Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain is due in 2028; expect huge crowds and early bookings.

Best time to visit

Oct-Mar. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.

Temples and shrines near Ujjain and Omkareshwar

All pilgrimages in India

Places to see in and around Ujjain and Omkareshwar

6 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.

More places in Madhya Pradesh

Food to try in and around Ujjain and Omkareshwar

Madhya Pradesh favourites to look out for.

  • Poha and jalebi
  • Dal bafla
  • Bun kabab
  • Nalli nihari
  • Rogan josh
  • Ladoos
  • Sugarcane juice
  • Ratlami Sev GI: speciality
  • Jhabua Kadaknath Black Chicken Meat GI: speciality
  • Morena Gajak GI: sweet

The full food passport, state by state.

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