Ujjain

Ujjain is the quiet and relatively small provincial town. Ujjain is situated about 60 kms. from Indore. Ujjain is one of the greatest cities of ancient India and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus in India. It is also one of the four towns where the Kumbh Mela is held and plays as a host up to a million pilgrims who gather on the place every twelve years. Various people came here to bath in the Shipra river and worship at the temples on its banks. According to Hindu astronomers, it is also the city from where the Tropic of Cancer pass. This explains the presence of the observatory (Vedha Shala) built by the Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1725. Even today, the Ephemeris tables (predicted positions of the planets) are published here. Ujjain is also known for industry and crafts. The best season to visit Ujjain is from October to March.

According to legend, the gods and the demons once churned the ocean for Kumbha (a pot of divine nectar). First emerged a pot of vish or poison. The Lord Shiva drank it down. The poison was so strong that his divine neck turned blue and he was known as the Nilkantha or the blue-necked one. It all happened at Ujjain and that is the reason for its sacredness. In the ancient times and in the great Hindu epics, the Upanishads and the Puranas Ujjain was known as Avantika. According to the legend, the Lord Siva commemorated his victory over the demon ruler of Tripuri by changing the name of his capital to Ujjaiyini. Ujjaiyini means one who conquers with pride. Various dynasties like the Sakas, Guptas, Paramaras, the governors of the Slave Dynasty of Delhi, Mughals and Marathas ruled over this prosperous city.

It is also said to have been the seat of the viceroyalty of Ashoka during the reign of his father at Pataliputra (Patna) in 275 BC. Chandragupta II also transferred his capital from Pataliputra to Ujjain. The emperor Asoka’s sons were born here, and it was from here that they set out to preach Buddhism. The poet Kalidasa, wrote some of his works here and even the god Krishna is believed to have studied here. Kalidas described the city as the “town fallen from Heaven to bring heaven to earth.” Ujjain was also situated on a trade route to Mesopotamia and Egypt and consequently trade flourished. Nowdays, it is little more than a provincial town.

Best time to visit
Ujjain is known for super hot summers and chilly bone chattering winters! During the months of March to June the barometer rises to its peak with temperatures as high as 40 degrees. While during December- January, the temperature remains cool during day time but can reache to 10 deg C during night time! Every year the monsoon starts in Ujjain from June and continues till September. So the best time to visit this city is September to March when the temperature remains at a moderate level.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Ujjain
From temples and caves to museums and ashrams there are numerous spots in Ujjain that attracts tourists:

Bhartrihari Caves : The caves got their name from King turned sage, Bhartihari, the step brother of King Vikramaditya. Bhartihari denounced the material life and went on to mediate in these caves that later on became the trademark of his years of perseverance and spiritual connection. Some of his great works like Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak have gained wide recognition.
Kal Bhairava Temple: On the banks of river Kshipra is situated the famous temple of Lord Bhairava. Intrestingly, it is perhaps the only temple in India where alcohol is served to the Lord. Confused? Well, this is true!
Kalidah Palace: Get a glimpse and feel of Persian architecture in Ujjain by visiting famous Kaliadeh Palace built by the Sultans of Mandu. The 15th Century palace with its central hall surrounding galleries is a classic example of Persian architecture. Two famous Persian inscriptions mentioning about the visit of Akbar and Jahangir testifies to the importance it hold during medieval period.
Kalidas Academy: Established by the department of culture of the government of Madhya Pradesh Kalidasa Academy came into being in 1978. Dedicated to the versatile Indian poet, Kalidas, many of this much valued and precious works are kept in this academy.The prime motive for establishing the academy was to keep the memory of the great poet-dramatist Kalidasa constantly refreshed. It also aimed to promote classical sanskrit language.
Ramghat: The oldest bathing ghat in Ujjain, Ram ghat is a must visit place for any Hindu devotee. Lakhs of devotees bath in this ghat during the Kumbhamelas. If you are in Ujjain, it is a good opportunity to take a dip in this holy ghat.
Vedshala: The first observatory of India is located here in Ujjain. The instruments once used to study astronomical calculations are still in good shape and working conditions. The credit for establishing the observatory goes to visionary Raja Jai Singh,Governor of Malwa, during the reign of Muhammad Shah of Delhi.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism

Madhya Pradesh Tourism got its name because of its geographical position, being located in the centre of India. However, it's tagline 'The Heart of Incredible India' has more to do with the fact that it houses facets of the whole of India into this state. From the historical monuments to modern amenities, culture, food and people- this state gives a taste of entire India packed within its geographical boundaries.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states that is surrounded by other states on all its sides. It lies in the plain regions of the country and occupies one of the oldest parts of the Indian Subcontinent which was once the land of the Gonds called the Gondwana. Every twelve years the grand fair of Kumbh Mela is organised here. Madhya Pradesh has some spectacular historical places in its region, of which a temple made of glass in Indore is quite famous. Ujjain, a sacred city for the Hindus, is a renowned place in the world as it is one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Madhya Pradesh is particularly famous for its Khajuraho temples which exhibit the erotic sculptures depicting the ancient India Kama Sutra text. The great Sanchi Stupa constructed during King Ashoka's reign is situated here in Bhopal. The Bandhavgarh National Park which houses the Barasingha and the Tigers reserve is also located here.