My Journey Through Indore, Omkareshwar, and Ujjain
My recent trip to Madhya Pradesh was a perfect blend of spiritual exploration, family fun, and cultural immersion. Traveling with my son, we experienced the vibrant streets of Indore, the tranquil spiritual vibes of Omkareshwar, and the grandeur of Ujjain’s ancient temples. Here’s a detailed account of our journey, filled with unforgettable moments.
Day 1: Arrival in Indore and Exploring the City
We landed in Indore in the evening on a flight from Bangalore. After a smooth arrival, we checked in to Playotel, a comfortable and family-friendly hotel in the heart of Indore. The hotel offered a great atmosphere for relaxation, and my son enjoyed playing indoor games like chess and carrom in the lobby, which was a hit with him.
Evening Exploration in Indore
After a leisurely evening at the hotel, we decided to explore nearby attractions. We took a stroll through the city, soaking in the sights and sounds of Indore before heading back to Playotel for a cozy dinner. After our meal, we retired for the night, eager for the adventure that awaited us the next day.
Day 2: Omkareshwar and Back to Indore
Journey to Omkareshwar
The next morning, we had booked a cab to take us to Omkareshwar, which is about a two-hour drive from Indore. Omkareshwar, known for its sacred temples and peaceful ambiance, was our first spiritual stop.
| Route | Distance | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Indore to Omkareshwar | 77 km | 2 hours |
Darshan at Omkareshwar Temple
Once we arrived in Omkareshwar, we went straight to the Omkareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s location, perched on an island in the Narmada River, is mesmerizing. We participated in the Rudraabhishek ceremony, which was a deeply moving experience. The chanting and the rituals brought a sense of calm and divinity.
Boating and Scenic Views
After our temple visit, we took a boat ride around the Narmada River. The peaceful boat ride offered beautiful views of the temple and the surrounding lush greenery, making it a serene and refreshing experience.
Lunch and Return to Indore
It was around 1:00 PM by the time we finished, so we had lunch on our way back to Indore. We reached Indore by 5:00 PM, and the day was far from over.
Evening in Indore: Shopping and Street Food
Chappan Dukan and Rajwada Palace
We headed straight to Chappan Dukan, a famous food street in Indore, known for its delicious street food. We enjoyed local treats like poha, sabudana khichdi, and crispy jalebis. Afterward, we visited the Rajwada Palace, an architectural masterpiece that once belonged to the Holkar dynasty. We spent some time exploring the palace and its surroundings before heading back to Playotel to rest for the night.
Day 3: Journey to Ujjain and Mahakal Darshan
Departure to Ujjain
We checked out early the next morning and took a cab to Ujjain, about an hour’s drive from Indore. Once we arrived, we checked in to Hotel Imperial Grand and had lunch. My son was particularly excited as the hotel had a terrace swimming pool, which he thoroughly enjoyed after a busy morning of traveling.
| Route | Distance | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Indore to Ujjain | 55 km | 1 hour |
Harsiddhi Temple
In the evening, we visited the Harsiddhi Temple, one of the important Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is known for its spiritual energy, and the evening atmosphere was peaceful and calming.
Dinner and Bhasma Aarti Preparation
After visiting the temple, we returned to the hotel for dinner. We didn’t sleep because we had a special event planned for the night — the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Late Night Adventure: Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti
At midnight, we took an auto to the Mahakaleshwar Temple to witness the Bhasma Aarti. This sacred ritual, which involves the application of bhasma (ash) to the Shiva idol, starts around 4:00 AM and lasts until 6:00 AM. Standing in the queue, we could feel the divine energy around us as the aarti began. The chanting, the atmosphere, and the rituals made it a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
Ujjain Mahakal Corridor
After the aarti, we spent some time exploring the newly inaugurated Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, a beautifully designed space that enhances the spiritual experience at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. We walked through the corridors, did some shopping, and bought the famous Mahaprasad Laddoos as a token of this divine experience.
Day 4: Kaal Bhairav, Mangalnath, and Departure
Kaal Bhairav Temple
After a spiritual morning, we visited the Kaal Bhairav Temple, where the queue was short, and we completed our darshan in about 30 minutes. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, and the energy here is intense and awe-inspiring.
Mangalnath Temple
Next, we visited the Mangalnath Temple, located on a hill. The view from the top of the hill was fantastic, and the temple itself holds great significance as the birthplace of the planet Mars.
Rest and Late Lunch at Hotel Imperial Grand
After visiting the temples, we returned to Hotel Imperial Grand, took some rest, and had a late lunch. The hotel’s hospitality made our stay very comfortable, and we felt rejuvenated after the long day.
Departure
After checking out from the hotel, we headed to Indore Airport and boarded our return flight to Bangalore, marking the end of a memorable trip.
| Route | Distance | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Ujjain to Indore | 55 km | 1 hour |
Conclusion: A Family Spiritual Journey
Our journey through Indore, Omkareshwar, and Ujjain was a beautiful blend of spirituality, family fun, and cultural discovery. From the peace and serenity of Omkareshwar to the awe-inspiring Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar, every moment of the trip was unique and fulfilling. Whether it was the street food in Indore, the spiritual rituals at the temples, or the family bonding time at the hotel, this trip will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you’re planning a spiritual and family-friendly vacation, I highly recommend exploring these incredible destinations. It’s a journey that promises both spiritual enrichment and unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Summary of my Travel from Bangalore
| Day | Activities | Location | Distance/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Indore by flight from Bangalore | Indore | Evening flight, 1.5 hrs |
| Check-in at Playotel | Indore | – | |
| Son enjoyed indoor games like chess and carrom at the hotel | Indore | – | |
| Evening exploration: Nearby places, shopping | Indore | – | |
| Dinner at hotel, rest | Indore | – | |
| Day 2 | Booked cab to Omkareshwar | Indore to Omkareshwar | 77 km, 2 hrs |
| Darshan at Omkareshwar Temple, participated in Rudraabhishek | Omkareshwar | – | |
| Boating around the temple, scenic views | Omkareshwar | – | |
| Lunch on way back to Indore | Omkareshwar to Indore | – | |
| Arrival in Indore around 5 PM, Visit Chappan Dukan for street food and Rajwada Palace | Indore | – | |
| Return to Playotel for rest | Indore | – | |
| Day 3 | Check-out from hotel, cab to Ujjain | Indore to Ujjain | 55 km, 1 hr |
| Check-in at Hotel Imperial Grand, lunch | Ujjain | – | |
| Son enjoyed terrace swimming pool | Ujjain | – | |
| Evening visit to Harsiddhi Temple | Ujjain | – | |
| Dinner at Hotel Imperial Grand, preparing for Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple | Ujjain | – | |
| Day 4 | Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple (4 AM – 6 AM) | Ujjain | – |
| Explore Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, shop, buy Mahaprasad Laddoos | Ujjain | – | |
| Visit Kaal Bhairav Temple (quick darshan) | Ujjain | – | |
| Visit Mangalnath Temple (hilltop view) | Ujjain | – | |
| Late lunch at Hotel Imperial Grand, check-out | Ujjain | – | |
| Cab to Indore Airport, return flight to Bangalore | Ujjain to Indore | 55 km, 1 hr |
This table summarizes your travel details, temple visits, and places explored, making it easy for anyone planning a similar trip to follow.