Things To Do In Ujjain

Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is an amazing place to be in. It is a town that has seen 5000 years of history. There are temples and monuments that remind us of what life must have been like thousands of years ago. Not only are there temples and monuments to see but there are a lot of things one can do in Ujjain also. One can visit Vedh Shala to learn about the glories of Indian astrology. If you wish to learn about history, visit Kaliadeh Palace where you can also learn about Persian architecture. If you want entertainment spend an evening boating on the Shipra River. Let us see what all we can do while we are in Ujjain.

The Vedh Shala Observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17^th century. The observatory that features several instruments that were used to study astrology was also known as Jantar Mantar. One can imagine these instruments being used four centuries ago by Hindu scholars and astrologers to advance their study regarding the celestial bodies, their positions and movements.

The beauty of Ram Ghat lies not only in its spirituality but also in the placid waters of the Shipra River. Go boating then in these waters and even when you take the boat ride take a look around and absorb the spiritual scene of the number of new and old religious places, with the sound of their bells and chants. Go during the evening aarti for maximum effect.

Located near the Nanakheda Bus Stand in Ujjain, the ISKCON temple is stunning in its beauty. One must pay a visit to this beautiful temple with its artfully sculpted idols of Krishna, Balaram and Nitai - all dressed in vibrant colours and sparkling jewellery.

At the Wakankar Museum you will see something that you may not have seen anywhere else before. Dr Wakankar discovered Bhimbhetka Rock Caves near Bhopal in 1957. In this museum you will see an extraordinary collection of artefacts going back to ancient times in the form of both rock art paintings and relics. The visit to this museum will help you to start thinking about the ancient civilizations.

Rumi ka Maqbara or the 600-years old Tomb of Maulana Rumi is located about 4 km from Ujjain. It is famous for its architecture also and is definitely worth a visit on account of its hexagonal shape. Rumi was a Sufi saint who came from Iran. The tomb has the shrines of both the Iranian saint and his wife. The tomb has survived several disasters in the past. 

Ram Ghat is one of the major tourist attractions in Ujjain. The ghat, located on the banks of Shipra, is where the Shipra aarati is held every day. It is a pleasure to see the aarati in the evening when prayers are chanted and bells chime while lamps are lit on the ghat. It is at this ghat that the Kumbh Mela is held once every twelve years. It is a spectacle you are not likely to forget.

Ujjain features several historic monuments, among which the Kaliadeh Palace is an outstanding example of Ujjain’s rich cultural heritage. Inscriptions in Persian language may be seen on this beautiful palace that was built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458 AD. Extensive damage was caused to the palace by Pindaris who were Muslim foragers and plunderers that created havoc during the 17^th-19^th Century period in India. Following the attacks, Madhav Rao Scindia restored the palace in 1920. Today the grandeur and the intricate craftsmanship of the palace is a visual treat for visitors. The visit to this palace, built on an island on Shipra, is the perfect idea for enjoying the beauty of nature.

The Chintaman Ganesh in Ujjain is its biggest temple of Ganesha. Located around 7km from Ujjain, the temple is today right at the centre of the market. The temple was built sometime in the 11^th and 12^th centuries during the reign of the Paramaras over Malwa. Visitors must look carefully at the fine carvings of the stone pillars that bring out the true beauty which has defied the age of the temple.