Highlights
- Night in Ujjain before the Bhasma Aarti
- Mahakal Lok corridor and Mahakaleshwar darshan
- Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar on the Narmada
- Statue of Oneness at Ekatma Dham
- Ahilyabai's fort and ghats at Maheshwar
- Last night in Indore, close to Sarafa Bazaar
Three nights is the pace we suggest for this circuit, especially with parents. Sleeping in Ujjain puts you a short ride from Mahakal for the pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti, the night in Omkareshwar means an early, quiet darshan on the island, and Maheshwar sits on the drive back to Indore rather than as a separate day.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Indore or Ujjain, Mahakal Lok, evening darshan
Pickup at Indore airport or station, or at Ujjain station if you come on the Avantika Express from Mumbai. The drive from Indore to Ujjain is about 55 km. After check-in and lunch, walk Mahakal Lok in the afternoon, then have darshan at Mahakaleshwar and stay on for the evening aarti if you’ve booked it. Early night if you have a Bhasma Aarti pass.
Day 2: Bhasma Aarti, Ujjain temples, drive to Omkareshwar
Those with passes go to the temple before dawn for the Bhasma Aarti, men in dhoti, women in saree. After breakfast and some rest, visit Harsiddhi temple, Kal Bhairav across the Shipra, and Ram Ghat. After lunch, drive about 140 km to Omkareshwar and check in. In the evening, watch the Narmada aarti at Koti Tirtha ghat.
Day 3: Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar, Statue of Oneness, Maheshwar, on to Indore
Early darshan at Omkareshwar on Mandhata island, then Mamleshwar on the south bank, crossing by bridge or boat. Next, drive up to Ekatma Dham to see the 108-foot Statue of Oneness of Adi Shankaracharya. After lunch, drive about 70 km to Maheshwar for Ahilyabai Holkar’s fort and the Narmada ghats, with time to look at Maheshwari sarees at the looms. In the evening, continue to Indore, about 100 km, and if you still have the energy, end the day at Sarafa Bazaar.
Day 4: Indore, departure
A slow morning. Depending on your train or flight time, a short drive around old Indore, then drop at Indore airport or railway station.
No Bhasma Aarti pass? The trip still works
Passes now open online a month ahead, with a small ₹200 quota at 8 am the day before. We try for both on your behalf, in each pilgrim’s name. If neither comes through, Day 2 starts with ordinary morning darshan at Mahakal instead, and nothing else in the plan changes. Be wary of anyone in Ujjain who offers to arrange a pass for cash.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotels in Ujjain, Omkareshwar and Indore (1 night each) with daily breakfast
- Pickup and drop at Indore airport/station or Ujjain station
- Private car for all sightseeing and transfers
- Help applying for Bhasma Aarti passes on the official temple website
- Visits to Mahakal Lok, Ekatma Dham and Maheshwar
Not included
- Train or flight tickets (quoted on request)
- Bhasma Aarti and other aarti fees (paid on the temple website)
- Boat rides at Omkareshwar
- Lunches and dinners, and food at Sarafa
- Offerings, tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Ujjain, Omkareshwar & Indore Yatra.
