Easy Tourist Guide

Panchet – is an ideal and perfect weekend destination for the people of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar. Though Panchet is located in Jharkhand, but its closeness to the border of West Bengal and Bihar makes it easily accessible from both these states. Situated at a distance of about 90 Km from Durgapur and 280 Km from Kolkata, it is a perfect place to spend 1 or 2 days in the secludedness of nature. The picturesque surroundings on the bank of River Damodar, gushing waters of the Panchet Dam, greenery of the Panchet Hill, a garh of historical importance, local tribal peoples and pollution free environment, are some of the snapshots that best describes the beauty of Panchet. Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen starrer Bengali film “Bipasha” was shot extensively at the picturesque location of Panchet.

About Panchet

The Panchet Hill, also known as Panchakot Hill provides an ideal backdrop and a picture perfect location to spend time away from the humdrum of the busy city life. Close proximity from Durgapur makes it a perfect weekend gateway for the people of Durgapur. Panchet, though has the reputation of being a popular picnic destination is also an ideal place to spend a day or two.
The dam at Panchet is the last of the four multi-purpose dams that was constructed in the first phase of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). It was constructed across the Damodar River at Panchet in Dhanbad district in the Indian state of Jharkhand, and opened to the nation in 1959.

Best time to visit Panchet is either in the beginning of winter when the weather is mild or in the rainy season when the reservoir is full of water and the gates of the dam are opened to release water. The view of gushing waters and the accompanied sound will make you spell bound. The place is also a popular picnic spot and is full of tourist and visitors from all over West Bengal and Jharkhand in winter months.

Places of interest around Panchet

Maithon – Maithon is another most visited and most popular picnic destinations situated on Barakar River, a tributary of River Damodar in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, bordering the state of West Bengal. Though the surroundings of the Maithon dam are not so green like Panchet dam, yet it is no short of mesmerizing beauty. Boating at Maithon is extremely popular among tourists and visitors.
This picturesque place is an ideal weekend gateway for the people of Durgapur and the adjoining area as well. It is a place where visitors flock in large number for picnicking or for having a quite holiday in peaceful and serene surroundings. The lake at Maithon spreading over an area of 65 Sq.Km, offers boating and fishing facilities making it an ideal place to float on water with your family and loved ones. A casual walk on the dam or a boat ride in the lake to the distant islands, Maithon has in store everything to make it a place worth a visit.

The Maithon Dam is15,712 ft long and 165 ft. high and is specially designed for flood control. It has a unique underground power station which is first of its kind in S.E. Asia and generates 60000 KW of electricity. Normal daily visitors do not have access to the underground power station, but Prior permission can be acquired for visiting the powerhouse. The permits are issued from the office of the Assistant Public Relations Officer and guide services are also made available.
Kalyaneshwari Temple – A few kilometers from the Maithon Dam towards West Bengal side is the 500 hundred year old ancient temple of Kalyaneswari. According to legends the temple is created on the sight on which some of the body part of Goddess Parvati fell when it was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu`s Chakra. Located at the bank of River Barakar the original temple structure was built by Maharaja Hari Gupt who was fleeing from the Kushans. This was later on renovated by king of Panchkota some five centuries ago.

The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari (an incarnation of Shakti) is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women and hence frequented by childless women in large numbers to fulfill their wish of having a child. This popular Hindu pilgrimage destination frequented by devotees and tourists as well, for viewing the footprints of the Goddess which is said to be imprinted in one of the temple premises by the stream.
Panchokot Hill – The Panchet hill is the other name of Panchokot hill. If you love to trek, then you can trek to the top of the Panchet Hill. It is better to take a local guide while trying to trek to the top of the hill. It will certainly give you immense pleasure and a panoramic view of the surroundings.

How to reach Panchet?

By Rail – Barakar Railway Station is the nearest railway station of Panchet. Get down at this station and hire a auto rickshaw to reach Panchet.
By Road – Reaching Panchet by road is a nice option as the road is good for most of the part. No matter wheather you are traveling from Durgapur or Kolkata or Bardhaman, take NH2 and drive towards Dhanbad. Near Asansol take the left road through Asansol Market. Go straight to Niamatpur and take the “New road” from there. Following the new road, you will pass through Kulti and then Barakar. After Chirkunda More take the Panchet Road. You will be right on the Panchet Dam.
If you wish to avert the humdrum and traffic chaos of Asansol Market, follow the NH2 up to Maithon College More. Before reaching Maithon College More, you will cross landmarks like the toll plaza and the Barakar Bridge. Shortly after crossing Barakar Bridge you will reach the Maithon College More. Turn left and follow this road without diverting anywhere and will be at Panchet Dam.

Where to stay at Panchet?

The best place to stay at Panchet is at Prakiti Bhraman Kendra of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC). To know more about booking this lovely resort, log on to : http://wbfdc.com/gpkt/where-to-stay.html. You can also call at – 09434246516, 033 – 2237-0060/0061.
One can also stay at Palashbithi, lying within 200 mts of Prakiriti Bhraman Kendra. Palashbithi has only two four bedded rooms. It will give you the true taste of village life with a pond around the cottages. The food here is incredible. For booking, contact at – 08001702087.

Pahalgam – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth is indeed so mesmerizing that it is hard to describe its beauty by mere words. The lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, pine forests, swift flowing Lidder River and the absence of the ravages of progress all adds up to make Pahalgam a dream destination and one of the most romantic places on earth. In spite of militancy related problem in the Kashmir valley in recent past, Pahalgam has never been short of tourists. And now, when militancy in Kashmir is on wane, Pahalgam is fast becoming the most popular tourist destination of Kashmir. Wheather you wish to have a romantic trip with your beloved or want to spend some quality time with your family indulging in various activities like, horse-riding, picnicking on the bank of the river, taking a pony ride, walking barefoot on the meadows or just lie down under the sun and relaxing, Pahalgam is certainly the most ideal place.

Where is Pahalgam?

Pahalgam – once a shepherd’s village is a romantic hill town in Anantnag district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

About Pahalgam

Situated at an average altitude of 2130 m above sea level, Pahalgam is known for its breathtaking views and mystic charm coupled with a laid back attitude, making it a honeymooner’s paradise. The romanticism of Pahalgam can be only be felt once you visit the place. At one point of time, Pahalgam was merely a village of shepherds with breathtaking views, but today it is being reckoned as the premier resorts of the Kashmir valley. Lying at the confluence of streams arising from the Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam is a tourist’s paradise not only because of its astounding natural beauty but also due to the fact that the place has something to offer for all kind of tourists. The mesmerizing beauty and the glamorous look of the hill town make it a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films.
Pahalgam is associated with the holy Yatra of the Amarnath Cave. Chandanwari, 16 km from Pahalgam, serves as the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra is organized every year in the Hindu month of Sawan (July to August). Pahalgam is known to be the starting point of several trek routes. Some of the famous treks from Pahalgam are the Pahalgam-Sonamarg Trek and the treks to Chandanwari, Kolahoi Glacier and Sheshnag Lake. Trekking to Kolahoi glacier via Arau, a popular and charming meadow is the most popular. Snow skiing is an attraction during the winter months drawing tourists from around the world. White water rafting on the waters of Lidder River is must do thing in Pahalgam. Pahalagam is an angler’s delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout.
No other place captures the essence of Kashmir’s captivating beauty as Pahalgam does. Nestled on the banks of the Lidder River, Pahalgam is the place where nature unfolds its mystery in a wild profusion of color. In spite of being a small place of 2-3 Km, you can spend a week here without getting bored. Dense Pine and Cedar forests, snow clad mountains, sparkling streams, breathtaking glaciers, vast meadows and pastures, cool climate and the aura of romance all around are some of the snapshots that best describes Pahalgam. A couple of days spent at this breathtakingly beautiful hill station will definitely rejuvenate you and will probably be the most romantic days of your life.

Sightseeing in and around Pahalgam

Baisaran – Situated at a distance of about 5 Km from Pahalgam is the lush green meadow of Baisaran surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains on the back is a spectacle to the eye. The beauty of the place is comparable to some of the best known European resort and has been the shooting place for some well known Bollywood movies, including Kumar Gaurav starrer ‘Love Story’.
You have to trek to Baisaran on foot or can hire a pony to reach this undulating meadow. It is one of the easiest and friendly treks. Now, there is even a forest road to Baisaran and you could try and drive up there. Beware that there are portions on the forest road where you may encounter a stream or two, with small boulders, and even some steep curves.
The snow covered Tulian Lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11 Km upward trek from Baisaran. The trek is a real challenging one as some of the heights are steep and there is no trek trail. It is advisable to take experienced guide or go with local poly wallahs hiring their pony. But once you reach Tulian and touch the water of the lake, you will definitely forget all your hardship in reaching the place. You will be amazed by the beauty of the place. The lake remains mostly covered with snow all the throughout the year, except in summer months.
Aru – The charming and beautiful meadow of Aru is at a distance of about 11 Km from Pahalgam. Walking or riding a pony upstream along the River Lidder through some picturesque locality will take you to the meadow of Aru, bordered on one side by a ravine of the Lidder River. One can also hire a local car and reach Aru by the main track, which is on the left bank of the river.

Apart from enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the golden-green meadow, the other major attraction of tourism in Aru is trekking. Some of the popular treks of this region are those of Lidderwat meadow, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Marsar Lake, Aru- Sind Valley trek over Sunmos Pass or Yamhor Pass.
Betab Valley - Named after the super hit Bollywood movie Betaab, in which Sunny Deol, son of Dharmendra made his debut, Betaab Valey is indeed a romantic destination often regarded as a “Dream Valley”. Apart from being a favourite destination for shooting of Bollywood movies, Aru is also a world famous tourist resort where tourists from around the world flock in large number. Located at an altitude of about 2530 m above sea level and at a distance of about 7 Km from Pahalgam, the picturesque valley of Aru has been the shooting place of several Hindi and regional movies other than the Betaab. Recently, Superstar Ranbir Kapoor, son of Rishi Kapoor has done shooting for his film Rockstar in Betaab valley.

The Valley of Betaab is surrounded by snow covered mountains peaks, dense Pine and Deodar forests with River Sheshnaag originating from Sheshnaag Lake, flowing majestically through it. The river flows down to join River Lidder just 7 Km below At Pahalgham. Clusters of Willows tossing each other in wind are lined on the banks of Sheshnaag River and create an alluring atmosphere.
Golf Course – The nine-hole golf course of Pahalgam at an altitude of about 2400 m above sea level is an extremely popular sightseeing destination for every tourists, wheather he plays golf or not. The awesome beauty of the place will definitely make one spell bound. With snow-capped mountain at the back, carpet of green grass below foot and forest of Pine and Deodar all around, it is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and picturesque golf courses of the world.

There is a golf club on one side, where light refreshments, as well equipment and golf caddies could be rented out. Golf can be played in this Golf course on an hourly basis after paying necessary fees. Playing golf among the natural setting of snow capped Pahalgam is really an experience to cherish lifelong.
Hajan – On the way to Chandanwari from Pahalgam is Hajan, a popular shooting location for several Hindi and regional movies. Regular film viewers will definitely recognize the place. It is indeed a great sightseeing destination worthy of visit. Not only for tourists visiting Pahalgam, even pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy shrines of Amarnath Caves, make it a point to spent some time at Hajan.
Mamaleshwara – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple dating back to 5th century is believed to be the oldest existing temple of Kashmir. Situated in the Mamal village on the bank of Lidder River, major portion of the temple is in ruins today. Apart from being an important sightseeing destination for tourists, devotees throng this temple in huge numbers.

How to reach Pahalgam?

By Air – Pahalgam does not have its own airport. Airport at Srinagar at a distance of about 95 Km is the nearest airhead from Pahalgam. This airport at Srinagar is well connected by regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. Regular flights of Air India, Air India-IC, Go Air, Go Business, IndiGo, Jet Airways Konnect, Jet Airways, JetLite, Kingfisher Red, Kingfisher and Spicejet lands here.
Satwari airport at Jammu at a distance of about 160 Km is the second nearest airport of Pahalgam. This airport is very well connected with almost all the major cities of India.
By Rail – Pahalgam does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station from Pahalgam is at Jammu, at a distance of about 240 Km. Jammu is well connected with all the major cities of the country. Jammu can also be reached from Delhi by numerous trains which ply between the two cities at regular intervals throughout the day. One can reach Pahalgam from railway station by taxis or buses.
By Road – One can reach Pahalgam from Jammu and Srinagar as well. Special luxurious buses will also be available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam. Super deluxe, A-class, B-class busses operated by J&K SRTC as well as other transport agencies takes around 10 – 11 hours to reach Pahalgam from Jammu, while it takes 3 – 4 hours to reach Pahalgam from Srinagar.
If you intend to travel by your own car, take to National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, and on reaching Anantnag turn right if you are traveling from Jammu or turn left if you are traveling from Srinagar to reach Pahalgam.

Where to stay at Pahalgam?

Being one of the most popular and favoured tourist destination of the Valley of Kashmir, Pahalgam has a number of hotels to meet the budget of every kind of travelers. Though one has the option of visiting Pahalgam on a one-day tour from Srinagar, but the beauty and flavor of Pahalgam can only be felt if one stays here for at least a couple of days.
Account of a few of the hotels of Pahalgam that are considered as good staying options are given below :-
JKTDC Huts and Tourist Bungalow – Jammu Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) Huts and Tourist Bungalow is the most popular and sought after staying option at Pahalgam among both Indian and International tourists. Hutments and the Tourist Bungalow on the meadow facing the Lidder River make staying pleasurable one. Moreover all the huts have well stocked kitchen with some basic utensils as well.
For booking, contact at – Tourist Reception Centre of Srinagar at - 0194 – 2457927, 2457930 or Tourist Reception Centre of Jammu at – 0191 – 2579554.
You can also opt for online booking at www.jktdc.co.in
Hotel Heevan – It is undoubtedly one of the best hotels of Pahalgam. It stands on the banks of the river Lidder and has the best location. Located away from the chaos of the market, Hotel Heevan provides you the right ambience to enjoy the scenic beauty of Pahalgam.
Exclusively furnished centrally heated rooms and suites with wall to wall carpeting, attached baths with running hot and cold water, TV and EPABX exchange in all rooms, 24 hour prompt room service, own power generators. Laundry and dry cleaning service and Courtesy transport services to and from market makes it the best staying option of Pahalgam if one can afford. The hotel has 40 Double Rooms, 6 Suite Rooms, and 1 Three Bedroom Cottage.
The restaurant of the hotel, Dilkhusha, decorated with rich arts and crafts of Kashmir, provides you impressive views of Pahalgam while you enjoy the rich cuisine from all over the world. The restaurant serves Indian, Continental, Chinese, Gujrati and Kashmiri cuisine. The interiors of the restaurant are a soothing blend of Kashmiri and European architecture. Abshaar, the coffee shop is located on the bank of rive Lidder. While in the coffee shop you can enjoy the view and the soothing sound of river Lidder cascading down the Valley of Pahalgam. The coffee shop has big glazed windows so that you can enjoy the views of Pahalgam.
To book Hotel Heevan, contact at – 0194 – 243219.
Hotel Mount View – It offers breath taking views of river Lidder, pine trees and snow capped peaks. Another fascinating fact about the hotel is that, though the hotel is situated in an unique sylvan surrounding, yet it is very close to the main market. Mount View Hotel is one of the oldest and famous hotel of Pahalgam which was re-constructed in year 2002. Presently it is having 54 Double rooms and 4 suites. All rooms offer panoramic view of pines, River Lidder and the hotel garden. The incomparable three side open views from Deluxe suits make sure that you are in close association with nature while you stay in these suits. The garden that rests in the lap of the Himalayas presents a romantic look while listening to the music of flowing of Lidder River.
For booking, contact at - 01936-243321, 243221 or 09419049858, 09419045177, 09906676888.
Himalaya House – It is a small Guest House situated right on the River Lidder and just 5 minutes away from the centre of Pahalgam. Himalaya House caters to all types of travelers providing a home away from home while you are in Pahalgam. All rooms have hot/cold showers in attached baths with satellite TV and library. The Peaceful garden of the hotel where one can relax by the fast flowing Lidder River while enjoying the surrounding natural environment makes the stay really memorable. The hotel features rooms with custom-made beds, a common lounge area where guests can gather and relax by the open fire and a garden to lounge in. While at the hotel, guests can enjoy trekking, fishing, camping, horse riding, jeep safaris and white water rafting.
For booking this hotel, contact at any of the following numbers : 01936-243072, 09419045020, 09418020814.
Several other hotels of Pahalgam that are indeed very good staying options include :
Hotel Pine & Pick – This luxurious hotel with 70 rooms is a Category `A` hotel. For booking, contact at – 01936-243210, 243304.
Pahalgam Hotel – This is another Category ‘A’ hotel with 50 rooms. For booking, contact at – 01936-243252.
Woodstock Hotel – It is a very good staying option of Category ‘A’ hotel with 57 rooms. For booking, contact at – 01936-243259.
Grand View Hotel – This ‘B’ Category hotel with 15 rooms is a good budgeted staying option. For booking, contact at – 01936-243273.
Shepherd`s Hotel – It is good budget hotel of Pahalgam with 26 rooms. It is a `B` Category hotel, which can be booked at – 01936-243274.
Hill Park Hotel – It is another ‘B’ Category hotel with 32 well-furnished rooms. For booking, contact at – 01936-243286.

Ujjain – one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus is a religious tourist destination on the bank of River Shipra. This temple town of Madhya Pradesh is revered as one of the holiest town of India. This holy city with a long and rich history is one of the most visited pilgrim destination of the Hindus. Maha Kumbh – held once in twelve years at Ujjain is visited by pilgrims and tourists from around the world. This holy and sacred festival makes Ujjain one of the most visited and sought after pilgrimage destination of Hindus from around the world. The fact that the city has a long and varied history is evidenced from its various architectural remains, including several damaged sculptures, monasteries, ruined temples, old remains of foundations of houses, ancient bones, skeletons, coins, terracotta figurines, beads and semi-precious stones.

Where is Ujjain?

The ancient city of Ujjain is located on the Malwa Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. The city of Ujjain is the administrative centre of Ujjain District and Ujjain Division.

About Ujjain

The origin of Ujjain is believed to be related to the mythological legend of (Samudra Manthan) churning of the ocean of milk by the gods and the demons to discover the pot of nectar. Ujjain has a rich history dating back to the time of the Aryan settlers. Even the name of Ujjain has been prominently mentioned in the Buddhist literature as one of the four great powers along with Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha. Ujjain has even been mentioned as Ujjaini in the great epic of Mahabharata. The city has always been in the thick of action from the era of mythology and pre-history to present day.
The rich legacy of Ujjain is further evidenced from the fact that Ujjain was a major centre of mathematical and astronomical research in the 6th and 7th centuries. The famous mathematicians who worked there included, – Brahmagupta, Varahamihira and Bhaskaracharya. Great Indian poet Kalidasa’s name has been inextricably linked with Ujjayini through his immortal poem ‘Meghdoot’.
Ujjain boasts of a long and varied history that can be seen in its magnificent historical monuments and ancient temples. This holy pilgrimage city of the Hindus is believed to be so sacred that taking a dip in the holy river Shipra during the Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh becomes a mission of their life. In spite of the fact that there might not be much to do here except explore some of its well-kept treasures, yet it remains an interesting place to visit.

Sightseeing in and around Ujjain

The temple town of Ujjain has a number of prominent and popular sightseeing spots, most of which are temples of various gods and goddesses. Description of a few of them is given below.
Mahakaleshwar Temple – The temple of Mahakaleshwar, dedicated to the presiding deity of time, Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The awe inspiring lingam and the majestic temple seem to dominate the lives of the people of Ujjain. Hindu pilgrims from around the country visit this majestic temple of Mahakaleshwar throughout the year and especially during Shivaratri festival.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is located near a lake, having five levels, one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The temple with soaring shikaras and ornate walls has lingam believed to be swyambhu (born of itself) and the idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be Dakshina Murti or south faced. This unique distinction of dakshina murti worship, upheld in the tantric tradition makes this temple of Mahakaleshwar unique among the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesha, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum respectively. To the south is the image of Nandi. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey opens for darshan only on the day of Nagpanchami. Another unique feature of Mahakaleshwar temple is that, it is believed that prasada offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.
Harsiddhi Temple – It is one of the most prominent temples of Ujjain, which enshrines the famous image of goddess Annapurna seated between the idols of Maha Laxmi and Maha Saraswati. Built during Maratha period, the temple exhibits prominent Maratha style of architecture. Dedicated to Harasiddhi, a name assumed by Mother Gowri it is the sixth of the 18 Sakti-Pithas and is a popular pilgrimage destination among Hindus. With idol of Annapurna painted in dark vermilion and Sri Yantra, the symbol of power or Shakti, enshrined in the temple, the temple is considered to be a sacred place for the Hindus. The beautiful lamp stands of the Harasidhhi Temple needs special mention.

Kal Bhairava Temple – It is one of the most famous and unique temples of Ujjain built by the Marathas. The temple, which resembles a fort, is unique in the sense that the main offering to the deity is wine, and this is also the only Prasad given to the devotees. Bhairav is a fierce materialization of Lord Shiva; the Destroyer of the Universe is the main deity of the temple. A Shiva lingam is enshrined under a banyan tree inside the periphery of the temple opposite Nandi the Bull. The Kal Bhairava Temple is famous for Tantric style of worship in which wine is offered to Kal Bhairav as the main offering. Tantric are unorthodox secret cult with strong black magic overtones. Many sadhus or holy men with ash-smeared bodies and long matted hair are easily spotted around this temple.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir – It is another unique temple of Ujjain having a colossal statue of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God. In the center of the Ganeshji temple lies an exceptional statue of Hanuman with five faces. The five faces symbolize courage, loyalty, devotion, strength, and righteousness. The Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is situated near the reservoir of the Mahakaleshwar Temple and is visited by tourists as well as devotees from around the country, all throughout the year.
Bhartrihari Caves – Situated on the bank of the Shipra River, Bhartrihari Caves is a popular tourist destination of Ujjain. Sage Bhartrihari, the step brother of Vikramaditya is believed to have meditated here after renouncing worldly life. His famous works, Shringarshataka, Vairagyashataka, and Nitishataka, were possibly written during the days when he lived in this caves. . Every year, thousands of devotees frequent the place, to pay homage to the poet-prophet. There is a small temple inside the caves, which is considered as a holy shrine for people belonging to the Nath community. In fact, Natha Sadhus camp in huge tents that surround the caves and one can often notice them sitting around ritual fires. The ancient site of Pir Matsyendranath located nearby heightens the religious aura of the place surrounding the caves.
Kaliadeh Palace –It is one of the most prominent and popular sightseeing destination of Ujjain. Situated 8 Km north of the town of Ujjain, Kaliadeh Palace was built over a Hindu Sun Temple, on an island in the River Shipra in 1458 by the Sultans of Mandu. The elegantly looked palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture in India. The glorious landscape of the flowing river on both sides of the palace and the man-made tanks and channels, with gurgling of water presents a spectacular scene. Two Persian inscriptions record the visits of Akbar and Jehangir to this palace. The palace was broken by the by Pindari thugs, the looters from neighboring Pindar, and was restored by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920.
Navagraha Mandir – This is another unique temple of Ujjain and is considered to be a must visit destination in the tour of this temple town of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to the nine Planets of Our Solar system, the Navgraha Mandir of Ujjain reiterated the fact that astronomy and astrology share an ancient bond in India. Situated at the confluence of the Shipra and two other rivulets, signifies that each planet exercises an influence on the lives of people and hence need to be conciliated to avoid a negative effect. Worshippers offer flowers, coconuts, vermilion and especially mustard oil to the idol of Saturn, which is considered to exercise the most negative influence. The temple attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays.
Vedh Shala observatory – Tour of Ujjain is considered incomplete without a visit to this ancient observatory constructed by Maharaja Sawai Raja Jaisingh of Jaipur between 1725 and 1730. Apart from being a brave fighter and a politician, Raja Jai Singh was an exceptional scholar, who studied books on Astor-Mathematics available in the Persian and Arabic languages at that time. Based on his own knowledge and experience, he set up observatories in Ujjain, Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura and Varanasi under the patronage of king Muhammad Shah, under whom he served as the Governor of Malwa.

In local diction this observatory is called as Jantar Mantar, which is a plagiaristic form of Yantra and Mantra. Vedh Shala observatory situated at the south-east of the town is a surreal open-air observatories consisting of 4 monuments. The first one is a 22 ft. high Samrata Yantra, which was used to calculate the time. The equinoctial days are calculated with the help of the second instrument by name of Nadi Walaya Yantra. The position of stars and planets are calculated with the help of the third equipment, Dignasha Yantra. Bhitti Yantra helps to calculate the turning down of the Sun and the distance of the zenith. Two marble-topped sun dials in the small garden of the observatory; one a conventional sun dial, the other made up of two large quadrants split by a tall staircase whose shadow tells the time is bound to evoke a sense of pride for its builder. The observatory houses a planetarium and a telescope. The telescope is used to observe the moon, Mars, and Jupiter and is a hot spot for stargazers, tourists, students of astronomy and curious public.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple – This ancient stone temple dating back to 11th -12th centuries is highly revered and one of the most visited shrines of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Built by the Paramara Kings of Malwa, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who is conventionally worshipped here as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning “the redeemer from worldly anxieties”. Situated in the South-west corner of city Ujjain, this marvelous shrine in white, enshrines the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to be swayamabhu (born of itself) and is flanked on both sides by his companions, Siddhi and Ridhhi. Exquisitely carved stone pillars in the assembly hall needs special mention. Though the very appearance of the temple suggests that it belongs to prehistoric times, yet it has not lost its charm; in fact, it has become unique with its ancient origin and look. The temple also embraces the idol of Lord Vishnu in its vicinity. Here, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are worshipped together with great devotion.
Gopal Temple – Built in the 19th century, by Bayajibai Shinde, this huge temple dedicated to lord Krishna, is another popular sightseeing destination of Ujjain. Bayajibai Shinde, who happened to be Maharaja Daulat Rao Scindia’s queen, constructed this magnificent historical edifice in Madhya Pradesh which boasts of a glorious religious and legendary legacy that draws innumerable tourists at regular intervals. The marble-spire structure is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. The silver plated door of the inner sanctum is the same door, which had been carried away by Mahmud of Ghazni from the Somnath temple of Gujarat. Mahadji Scindia recovered the door and now it has been installed in this temple.
Some other prominent sightseeing destinations of Ujjain includes, Chaubis Khamba Temple, Pir Matsyendranath, Durgadas Ki Chhatri, Siddhavat, Sandipani Ashram, Gadkalika, Mangalnath and a few others.

How to reach Ujjain?

By Air – Ujjain does not have an airport of its own. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, at a distance of about 55 Km is the nearest airport to Ujjain. Major airlines like Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Go Air, Alliance Air, Spice Jet, Kingfisher Airlines and Indian Airlines connect Indore to major Indian cities like, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Goa, Nagpur, Ranchi, Raipur, Patna, Vizag and Kolkata.
By Rail – Ujjain is an important railway station on the Western Railway network and is well connected with most of the major cities of India. It lies on the Bhopal-Nagada rail route.
By Road – Ujjain is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Major roadways like Agra Road, Dewas Road, Indore Road, Maksi Road and Badnagar Road link Ujjain to other places of India. Good motorable roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 km), Bhopal (183 km), Bombay (655 km), Delhi (774 km), Gwalior (451 km), Indore (53 km), Khajuraho (570 km), Mandu (158 km) and other major Indian cities.

Where to stay at Ujjain?

Hotel Shanti Palace – This is a 3 star hotel located on University Road, near Madhav club, Ujjain. It is one of the best staying options in Ujjain at budgeted price. The hotel has 24 air-conditioned rooms with all modern and basic amenities. The hotel has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant that needs special mention.
To book rooms in this hotel, contact at : 0734-2533302/03/04.
Hotel Shipra Residency – It is one of the most popular and well known hotels of Ujjain. This 3 star hotel is located at University Road, near Madhav Club. This star category hotel in budget price offers well-maintained accommodation required for a comfortable stay. With accommodation units, categorized as AC Rooms, AC Deluxe Rooms and AC Suites, Hotel Shipra Residency is an ideal place, offering the best of amenities, at pocket friendly prices.
To book rooms in this hotel, contact at : 0734 – 2551495
Hotel Ashray – Located at a distance of 1 Km from Ujjain Railway station and 1.5 Km from Dewas Bus Stand of Ujjain, it is another good hotel for the discerning traveler. There are both AC and non AC rooms and suites to suit your budget. Providing a feeling of home stay, the hotel is quite popular among tourists and travelers.
To book rooms in this hotel, contact at : 0734-2519301/2519302/2519303.
Hotel Grand Tower – Located at Vikram Marg near Clock Tower, Ujjain it is another good staying option. With well maintained and well furnished AC and non AC rooms, this particular hotel is an ideal option for accommodation.
To book rooms in this hotel, contact at : 0734 – 255 3699.
Other popular hotels that too are good staying options includes :
Hotel Surana Palace (booking contact number – 0734-2530045).
Hotel Ajay (booking contact number – 0734-2550856).
Hotel Anand Palace (booking contact number – 0734-2533211).
Hotel Atlas (booking contact number – 0734-2560473).
Hotel Kabir (booking contact number – 0734-2556191).