Delhi to Ujjain Trip Plan – Complete Guide

Ujjain, being a key pilgrimage city in Madhya Pradesh, is mostly famous for one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiv, i.e., Mahakaal, revered as the “Lord of Time” who conquers death and time itself. If you are planning to visit this temple, then this temple is accessible from all major Indian cities via multiple transport options available.

From Delhi, the journey is about 700-750 km, with the train route being the most economical in terms of budget travel.

By Train

Direct trains are available from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Ujjain Junction (UJN), covering about 747-787 km in 10 to 15 hours.

Daily Trains

Given below are the daily trains from New Delhi Railway Station, given with approximate timing and fare for the sleeper class (SL).

Train No.	Name	Departs NDLS	Arrives UJN	Duration	SL Fare
12416	NDLS INDB EXP	21:50	08:20	10h 30m	₹430
20156	NDLS DADN SF EXP	23:25	10:20	10h 55m	₹430
12920	MALWA EXPRESS	20:30	11:20	14h 50m	₹475

Key Options

• Fastest daily: NDLS INDB EXP (12416) at 10h 30m.​
• Cheapest: Options like HW BDTS EXP (19020) start at ₹335 SL, though not daily.​
• Weekly highlights: INDB SF EXP (22942, Wed, 22:40-09:00, 10 h 20 m, ₹430).​
• Fares vary by class (3A ~₹1100-₹1300, 2A ~₹1600+); check IRCTC for exact prices as they fluctuate.

Booking Tips

• Bookings have to be made via the booking website, like IRCTC, redRail, or ixigo, up to 60 days in advance; Tatkal opens a day prior.
• Live seat availability is mostly on waitlists (e.g., RLWL common); we recommend using the app for PNR statuses and running updates.
• From New Delhi Railway Station, there are 7 daily trains, along with weekly trains. We recommend confirmation via official sites prior to your dates.
• Also, travellers need not worry about food, as you can order food on trains from Delhi to Ujjain via IRCTC e-catering (coverage 450+ stations) and through partner apps; food gets delivered directly to your seat at major stops.
• Use IRCTC eCatering (ecatering.irctc.co.in) or apps like RailRestro, Swiggy, RailMitra, or GoFoodie—enter PNR/train no./seat details. Place the order 30-60 min before stopping; food arrives FSSAI-approved from local restaurants (veg/non-veg, Jain).
• For your convenience, we have provided an estimated cost for the food available on the menu: Veg Thali ₹140-250, non-veg ₹200-350, combos (rice/dal/roti) ₹120-220, Jain ₹180+, snacks ₹50-120, beverages ₹20-50. Group orders get discounts.
• If you are unsatisfied with the toilet facility in the train, then Delhi-Ujjain trains (e.g., 12416, 12920) halt 8-12 times. Therefore, you may get fresh at the local Jan Suvidha Kendra.

• Suggested Tour: Ujjain Tour Package from Delhi

By Air

There are no direct commercial flights available from Delhi Airport to Ujjain Airport due to its limited operations. The standard route is flying to Indore (IDR) Airport, about 55-60 km from Mahakaleshwar Temple, then taking a ride to the temple in a cab or rented vehicle.

Flight Costs and Details

Operators like IndiGo and Air India offer multiple daily flights (1.5 hours duration).

One-way economy fares start at ₹4,000–₹5,000, averaging ₹4,300–₹4,700 as of early 2026 data, though they can rise to ₹14,000+ during peak seasons.

Airline	Sample One-Way Fare	Frequency
IndiGo	₹4,698	28 weekly
Air India	₹4,299-₹5,050	Multiple daily

Booking Tips

• It is always advisable to book in advance on websites.
• Remember, prices fluctuate with demand, time, and season.
• On Delhi-Indore flights (1.5 hours), meals aren’t complimentary for most but can be pre-booked or bought onboard via airlines.
• Also, if you pre-book your food via app (12+ hours ahead, 15% off) or onboard (flights >60 min). But remember, no free meals on Saver/Lite fares. Also, we have provided you with sample prices.
• Combos (meal + beverage): Veg sandwich ₹400, Chicken Junglee ₹500, Poha/Dal Chawal ₹400.
• Snacks: Nuts/cookies ₹200; water free on request.
• Stretch Fare: Complimentary veg meal box (sandwich + nuts).

For Air India, buy-on-board or complimentary meals are available on select fares; the domestic menu includes Indian dishes.

• Pre-book: Veg Thali ₹300, non-veg chicken curry ₹350-₹400 (incl. beverage)
• Onboard: Sandwiches ₹200+, hot snacks if available; special Jain/low-cal options ₹400, but always remember to pre-book for savings and guaranteed hot food.
• Travellers do not need to worry about toilets, as flights and airports usually have clean and free toilets.

Ground Transfer Costs

From Indore Airport to Mahakaleshwar Temple (60 km, 1-1.5 hours), you will need a cab or rented vehicle; therefore

• Sedan cabs cost ₹700-₹1,100
• SUVs cost ₹1,500-₹2,000 via prepaid taxis, Ola, or apps.

Which can in total cost Delhi -to-Mahakaleshwar Temple total ₹5,700-₹7,000 per person (flight + cab)

Helicopter Options and Costs

No scheduled Delhi-Ujjain helicopter service exists commercially, but you can book charters  that cost ₹2-3 lakhs+ one-way for small groups.

• The MP Govt’s HeliYatra offers Ujjain-local hops (e.g., to Omkareshwar) at ₹12,000-₹15,000/sector, but not from Delhi.

By Bus

There are direct buses from Delhi to Ujjain that cover 700–800 km overnight (12–14 hours), which will drop you near the Mahakaleshwar Temple (2 km walk/auto).

No major interchange is required for direct services.

Bus Costs

Fares range from ₹850 to ₹3,000 one-way (non-AC seater ₹850+, AC sleeper/Volvo ₹1,500-₹2,900, luxury up to ₹5,000). Average 2026 prices: ₹1,100-₹2,200 depending on operator/accommodations

Operators

Between Delhi and Ujjain run about 60-70 services daily or weekly (RSRTC, MPSRTC limited), along with some private operators.

Type	Operators	Bus Types	Sample Cost	Departs Delhi
Govt	RSRTC, UPSRTC	Non-AC Seater/Sleeper	₹900-₹1,500	16:00-20:00
Private	FlixBus, zingbus, Babu Travels, Yolo Bus, Safar Express	AC Sleeper/Volvo (2+1)	₹1,600-₹2,900	17:00-19:00

Booking Tips

• Prices may hike on Mahashivratri or Simhastha Kumbha Mela time; therefore, it is best advised to book in advance.
• With major boarding points at Kashmiri Gate ISBT or Dhaulakua, we recommend aiming for evening service to arrive by morning, as it’s an overnight travel.
• Also for safety purposes, some private operators provide live tracking via app along with basic amenities including AC, charging, blankets and a water bottle.
• Also, travellers should not take tension for the midway food or halt for toilets, as these services usually stop for refreshment at regular intervals on their pre-decided destinations.

Type	Operators	Bus Types	Common Halts (3-4 stops)
Govt	RSRTC, UPSRTC	Non-AC Seater/Sleeper	Mathura/Dholpur, Morena,
Private	FlixBus, Zingbus, Babu Travels, Yolo Bus, Safar Express	AC Sleeper/Volvo (2+1)	Karnal Bypass, Gwalior, Kota,

By Personal Vehicle (Car)

The distance between Delhi and Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar Temple) is about 750–800 km with good connectivity; therefore, if you want, you can drive your personal vehicle from Delhi via Mumbai Expressway (DME)–NH52 (fastest, 10–12 hours) or, if you prefer, via NH19 Agra–Gwalior (12–14 hours).

Recommended Route and Costs

Primary Route: Delhi → Sohna → Dausa → Kota → Garoth/Agar → Ujjain (mostly 4-6 lane expressway).

• Distance/Time: 760 km, 10-12 hours (non-stop).
• Fuel: ₹4,500-₹6,000 (petrol sedan @₹100/L, 15 kmpl).
• Tolls: ₹900-₹1,200 car one-way (FASTag 5% less; 12-15 plazas).​
  Key tolls: Ghamroj (₹125), Hilalpur (₹100), Kota Bypass (₹155), Nipaniya (₹80).
• It is recommended to take a halt at regular intervals for refreshment and for food, as the distance is too long; therefore, we recommend 2-3 breaks for meals/rest. Also, there are Dhabas in abundance.

Halt (Time from Delhi)	Food Spots	Recommended Dishes	Cost/Person
Gwalior (3-4 h)	Madhur Milan, Pind Balluchi	Dal Makhani, Paratha, Thali	₹200-400
Kota (7-8 h)	Highway dhabas	Rajasthani Dal Baati	₹150-300
Agar/Garoth (10h)	Local Dhabas	Poha-Jalebi, veg Thali	₹100-250​

• If you want, you can also plan to visit nearby areas if possible –
• Agra (NH19 halt, 4h): Taj Mahal (₹50 entry), Agra Fort (1-2h tour).​
• Gwalior (5h): Gwalior Fort quick view
• Kota (8h): Chambal views, skip if rushing.

⭐Stick to DME for speed; avoid night travelling post Kota due to narrower roads ahead.

Precautions

• Drive daytime (start 5-6 AM); DME smooth, but watch for animals after Kota.
• Carry FASTag, a spare tyre, and a toolkit; check the weather (Oct-Mar is ideal, avoid monsoon).
• Fuel up in Kota/Dausa; use apps like MapMyIndia/TollGuru for live tolls/traffic.
• Temple precautions: Book Bhasma Aarti online; no leather/mobiles inside; park 2 km away.

Best Places to Stay Near Mahakaleshwar Temple

Staying near Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain offers walkable access (0.1–1 km), with options ranging from budget Govt Dharamshalas to luxury resorts. Prioritise cleanliness, AC rooms, and temple-facing views.

For the best deals, book via the temple site/MP Tourism.

Accommodation Comparison

Type	Name	Distance to Temple	Rating (out of 5)	Price Range (₹/night)	Key Features & Contact
Govt/Dharamshalas	Shri Mahakaleshwar Bhakta Niwas	0.1 km	3.4	500-1,200	Basic AC rooms, pilgrim-focused, clean, near Jaisinghpura. Ph: Temple Trust.
Govt/Dharamshalas	Yadav Dharamshala	0.2 km	4.0	400-800	Simple dorms/shared baths, economical for groups; managed by trust.
Budget Hotel/Motel	Hotel Bholenath Palace	0.2 km	4.3	1,000-2,000	AC, clean rooms, family-friendly, opp. parking; breakfast available. +
Budget Hotel/Motel	Hotel Blue Star	0.1 km	3.3	800-1,500	Basic AC, near Chauraha, good for short stays; chai/snacks.
Mid-Range Hotel	Hotel Shipra Avenue	0.2 km	4.0	1,500-2,500	Modern rooms, opposite the police station, with restaurants nearby and reliable WiFi.
Mid-Range Hotel	Hotel Hari Om Palace	0.2 km	5.0	1,200-2,200	Cosy, peaceful, great service via YatraDham bookings
Luxury Resort/Hotel	Hotel Imperial or Sayaji (15-20 km out)	20 km (shuttle)	4.5+	4,000-8,000	Pools, spas, full amenities; best for comfort post-Darshan.

Namaste India Trips Recommendations

We recommend travellers usually travel to the Mahakaleshwar Temple around winter (October–March), as this is the prime travel window. The weather at this time is between 15 and 25°C, which suits standing in long queues for Darshan and sightseeing, especially around Maha Shivratri (February–March) for vibrant festivities.

Peak Crowd Times

• Festivals: Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar, lakhs attend), Simhastha Kumbh Mela (every 12 years, next in 2028).
• Weekends/Holidays: Saturdays/Sundays, public holidays; Mondays (Shiva day) are busier.
• Summer (Apr-Jun): Intense heat (40°C+) cuts crowds,

Low-Crowd Times

Opt for serene visits with shorter waits (30-90 min):

• Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Lush, quiet (10-25°C, rainy); fewer visitors, ideal for introspection—watch for travel disruption.
• Weekdays: Tuesdays-Thursdays, early mornings (pre-9 AM) or post-9 PM Mangala Aarti.
• Off-Peak Summer: Early AM/evening visits dodge heat and lines
• If wanted, you can also book VIP Darshan online (₹500-2,000) to skip queues anytime.
• Along with this, aim for a 2-3 day stay for Bhasma Aarti (1:30-2:30 AM)
• Also, target weekdays in winter balance, as they balance comfort and moderate crowds best.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Question-1: Please tell me the opening and closing times of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Ans: Mahakaleshwar Temple opens at 4:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM, with no afternoon break for both summer and winter. Also, Bhasma Aarti begins around 4–5 AM, with morning aarti at 7–7:30 AM and evening Aarti at 5–7:30 PM, with darshan remaining open until closing.

The only exception is on Monday, as the temple opens even earlier at 2:30–3:00 AM, while on other days, it follows the regular pattern.

Question-2: I Want to watch Bhasm Arti. Please tell me about the booking process and time of the arti, and when to reach for the arti for a perfect view.

Ans: In order to view Bhasma Aarti, you need mandatory online booking, and that too 30-60 days earlier via their official shrimahakaleshwar.com or temple app; no walk-ins for Aarti. For which, just visit their website, shrimahakaleshwar.com > “Online Services” > “Bhasma Aarti Pass”.

+ Also, remember that males are only allowed for the ash application (women witness from the balcony)
+Wear traditional attire (men: Dhoti/Kurta; women: Saree/Salwar)

Question-3: What is Simhastha Kumbh Mela, and how is it celebrated in Ujjain?

Ans: Simhastha Kumbh Mela, also known as Ujjain Kumbh Mela, is one of the four primary Kumbh Mela in India, held every 12 years in Ujjain on the banks of the sacred Shipra River, making holy baths there spiritually purifying for moksha (liberation).

It is advised to take a bath in the holy Shipra River during the Chaitra to Vaishakha full moons at the time of Kumbh Mela. Also, millions of devotees gather here at that time, especially at Akhadas for Shahi Snan (royal bath), therefore turning the Shipra banks into a big tent city.

Question-4: Can we book a personal Rudra-Abhishek at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain?

Ans: Yes, you can book a personal Rudra-Abhishek at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain. But it requires online booking; therefore, visit the official temple site shrimahakaleshwar.mp.gov.in > “Pujan/Abhishek Booking” section. Select Rudra Abhishek, choose date/time (daily slots 8–11 AM/4–6 PM), enter details (ID proof, Sankalp items), and pay. Confirmation via SMS/email; carry printout/ID on arrival.

• Offline alternative: Visit the puja counter the day prior or call helpline 1800-233-1008; Reddit users suggest coordinating with priests in person for Personalised slots over online for smoother execution.

Question-5: How is the accommodation near the Mandir? Are there any pre-cancellation hotel rooms available?

Ans: There are plenty of hotels available near the Mandir. We advise you to book through apps like TripAdvisor and MakeMyTrip/Expedia, and remember free cancellation is common up to 24–48 hours prior only.

Question-6: I don’t want to wait in line due to my knee problem. Also, I have elderly parents with me. Is there any facility for quick darshan?

Ans: Yes, Mahakaleshwar Temple offers dedicated quick Darshan facilities perfect for those with knee issues or elderly companions, minimising standing time to 15–45 minutes via paid VIP passes. Book online at shrimahakaleshwar.mp.gov.in (“VIP Darshan” section), with costs ranging from ₹250/person (15–30 min wait) up to ₹2,000+ for Garbhagriha priority, ideal for knee issues and elders with wheelchair assistance. Also, in this, you can touch the lingam.

Question-7: Do Bhasm for arti really come from the ashes of dead people?

Ans: No. Now it comes from burning cow dung and specific woods like Peepal, Palash, Shami, Bargad, and Amaltaas, ensuring hygiene and sanctity. But traditionally, yes, there are mentions of ashes being used in a temple for Pooja

• Recommended Tour: Ujjain Tour Packages