🔹Auto🔹
At the exit of the platform, i.e., opposite the main building, many auto-rickshaws are available for the Mahakal Temple and nearby areas. The rate is fixed at ₹10 per head (no bargaining).

🔹Lodging🔹
The UJN station dormitory fills up early. Many guesthouses and hotels near the temple are available from ₹350 onwards.

🔹Food🔹
For breakfast, the railway canteen is good, or you can have packaged foods. Local restaurants are either overpriced or lack food quality.

🔹Best months to visit🔹
December to February. The weather remains pleasant.

🔹Places to visit🔹
Mahakaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Shipra River, and 3-4 temples in the vicinity. One whole day is sufficient for visiting all places.

🔹Mahakal Temple🔹
In my experience, it took less than 60 minutes in the queue. However, it may take longer on holidays or during festivals. The temple interior is very clean, and proper management is organized by the temple organization.

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UJJAIN - RATLAM
This line is very well connected by railways. However, there are no trains between 9:40 and 16:00 (except two weekly trains). Plan your schedule accordingly to catch a train.

❌ Do not take buses ❌
The bus lobby is misleading. They may charge ₹100-120 per head. The buses are in very poor condition. The driver may claim a 2-hour journey with only one stop at Badnagar, but it will stop at every small village en route, taking 3.5-4 hours. The bus goes via the Badnagar route. The buses may have 50-60 seats, but due to greed, they fill them with 80 passengers, many standing in the aisle.

Ujjain is one of the underrated religious cities of India. Few historical references for this city are listed below -

For Devotees -

1) Sinhasth (Kumbh) Mela, held every 12 years (last held in April 2016), mainly to bathe in the Shipra River (most famous ghats are Ram Ghat/Narsingh Ghat). The reason Sinhasth is organized in Ujjain, one of four places, is that drops of nectar fell there during Sagar Manthan.
2) Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the only one facing south. The morning Bhasma Aarti is a sight to behold, though advance booking (available online) is recommended at least a day in advance through the temple counter; otherwise, expect long queues. Online booking is best. Rudrasagar pond enhances the temple's beauty. Nearby temples (all walkable) include Bade Ganesh Mandir, Harsiddhi Temple, Santohi Mata Mandir, Char Dham Temple, Ram Mandir, and Gopal Mandir. It is 1 km from Ujjain railway station.
3) Lord Krishna received his education here from Guru Sandipani; the ashram is located in a peaceful area, about 3 km from Ujjain railway station. Three must-visit nearby temples (within 500 meters) are: (i) Mangalnath Temple (famous for Bhat Puja, for those with Manglik dosh), situated on the Shipra River (beautiful ghats); (ii) Kalbhairav/Vikrant Bhairav Temple (a curious temple where Lord Bhairav drinks madira/wine); (iii) Sidhanath Temple (famous for Pind Daan rituals), situated on the Shipra River.
4) Pirmatsyendranath Samadhi Sthal - Another place on the Shipra River, the samadhi of a great saint who achieved maximum control over the Indriyas. Nearby temples include Gadh-Kalika Mata Temple (try the tamarind/plum), Bharthari Caves (a must-see), and Rinmukteshwar Mahadev. It is 3 km from Ujjain railway station.
5) Jantar Mantar (Observatory) - One of four observatories in India (two others operational are in Delhi and Jaipur). It was built in the 17th century. It is 1.5 km from Ujjain railway station.
6) The idol of King Vikramaditya with 32 putlis (dolls), from the Vikram-Betal stories, can be seen behind Harsiddhi Temple.

For Foodies - Don't miss the ice cream/kulfi from famous shops (Gopal Mandir/Mahakaleshwar) and poha jalebi at the railway station. Try the namkeen from Bafna shop (Sati Gate, Gopal Mandir area) and kachori (Dhaba Road, Gopal Mandir area).

For Bikers - Enjoy riding to: (i) Chintman Ganesh Temple, 8 km from the city center towards Badnagar; (ii) Gambhir Dam, 15 km from the city center towards Badnagar (during the rainy season); (iii) Hamu Khedi Temple, 8 km from the city center towards Dewas; (iv) KD (Kaliadeh) Palace, 10 km from the city towards Agar Road (during the rainy season), on the banks of the Shipra River.

Bus rides are available for ₹70 to visit all temples in Ujjain within 5 hours.

Nearest Airport - Indore (45 km)