5 ​Places to Visit in Ujjain Other Than Temples​

Whenever we hear about Ujjain, the first thought that comes to our mind is of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, renowned for its spiritual significance, which is hard to miss, right? But here is the thing, Ujjain, once known as Avantikapur, is more than its religious temples. It offers you various places to visit in Ujjain, from the Mauryan empire to Maratha rule to Mughals and more, which will leave you surprised. The city is a heritage site that dates back to the Vedic era, and festivals like Kumbh Mela make it one of the popular destinations. 

But if you are someone who is looking for places to visit in Ujjain other than temples? Then, don't worry! We have compiled a list of places that you can explore to know the history of Ujjain, apart from temples. 

Top Places To Visit In Ujjain On Your Trip Other Than Temples

1. Ujjain Observatory (Jantar Mantar)

One of the best places to visit in Ujjain, apart from temples, is the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory that offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s scientific history. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1719, and do you know what? This observatory is part of the 5 major Jantar Mantar sites built across India. Because of its history in astrology and timekeeping, Ujjain became one of the most prominent destinations. The Jantar Mantar houses instruments that are used to observe celestial bodies, measure time and calculate astronomical activities. You can witness some of the instruments like Samrat Yantra, Chakra Yantra, and Dhanisth Yantra. 

• Location: Chintaman Rd, Jabsinghpura, Ujjain
• Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
• Ticket Price: INR 40 per person and INR 50 for a camera. 

2. Sandipani Ashram

If you are exploring places to visit in Ujjain other than temples, then another must include in your bucket list is Sandipani Ashram. It is situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, and according to the legends, Lord Krishna, along with his brothers Balram and friend Sudama, got his education under the great sage Sandipani during their childhood. When you visit this place, you will feel like you are in a natural retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Take a moment and soak in the fresh air and the history of this ancient and sacred site away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

• Location: Maharshri Sandipani Aashram, Sri Sarveshwar Mahadeva Temple, Mangalnath Marg, Ujjain
• Timings: 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM 
• Ticket Price: Free for all

3. Bhartrihari Caves

Another famous places to visit in Ujjain, which will steal your heart, is the Bhartrihari Caves situated near the Gadkalika Temple. These caves are from the 11th century and got their name from the sage Bhartrihari, who was the stepbrother of King Vikaramaditya. The best part is that these caves are the best example to deeply know about the Indian rock-cut architecture. Here, you will find narrow caves leading to the statue of Bhartrihari in the meditating pose and Mahadev’s trident, along with holy ash. Moreover, you can also witness the stone images carved on the walls of the cave. While exploring this peaceful place, make sure you carry a torch with you and do not enter the caves if you are afraid of closed spaces. 

• Location: 6Q38+JJQ, Barnagar Road, Ujjain
• Timing: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Free for all. 

4. Ram Ghat

When you are exploring places to visit in Ujjain, you cannot leave Ram Ghat off the list. Located along the sacred Kshipra River, this ghat is one of the popular and serene spots of the city. It is believed that this spot is where Lord Rama, along with his brother Laxman, performed a ritual to honor their ancestors. And since then, pilgrims have come here to take a holy dip in the river, seeking blessings and purification. The thing that makes Ram Ghat so special is not just its religious significance but also its peaceful setting. As you walk along the riverbank, you will notice the gentle flow of the Kshipra River, the sounds of temple bells, and a perfect way to unwind and relax. 

• Location: Ram Ghat Marg, Kartik Chowk, Ujjain
• Timings: open 24 hours 
• Ticket Price: Free 

5. Kaliadeh Palace

If you are looking for a places to visit in Ujjain that take you on a history walk and not just a temple, then you need to add Kaliadeh Palace to your list. This is a 15th-century palace, situated on an island in the Kshipra River, which offers a serene escape with a picturesque setting and rich heritage. The palace was built by Sultan Mahmud Khilji of Mandu, and originally it was a Sun Temple. You can see a central dome with ornate arches showcasing the Persian architecture influence in the palace. There are 2 Persian inscriptions inside the palace, which showcase the visits of the other Mughal rulers like Akbar and Jahangir. The Kshipra River and sacred tanks like Surya Kund and Brahma Kund surround the whole palace. 

• Location: 6QXH+J5G, Island on the bank of the Kshipra River
• Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Free

Wrapping It Up 

We hope that this blog about the 5 best places to visit in Ujjain apart from temples will help you to know more about the city, apart from its spiritual significance. When you are visiting Ujjain, don't forget to attend the evening aarti at Ram Ghat, making your visit worthwhile. Let us know which place stole your heart away. 

FAQs

Is 2 days enough for Ujjain?

Yes, two days are generally sufficient to explore Ujjain apart from the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Explore the places to visit in Ujjain, like Ram Ghat on the banks of the Kshipra River, Vedh Shala or Jantar Mantar, Sandipani Ashram and many more. 

Can we cover Ujjain and Omkareshwar in 1 day?

You can cover Ujjain and Omkareshwar in 1 day, as the distance between them is around 4 hours. But it also depends on what you are looking to explore. If you are visiting Ujjain just to seek the blessings of Mahakal and other temples, then Omakreshwar is also possible in 1 day. However, if you want to explore other places to visit in Ujjain, like Vedh shala, Kaliadeh Palace, Bhartrihari caves, then you need at least 2 days so that you can also explore Omkareshwar in peace. 

What are the timings of the evening aarti of the Kshipra River?

You can witness the evening aarti of the Kshipra River at 7:00 PM in the summer and 05:30 PM in the winter. So, you can plan accordingly.