Ujjain Travel Guide for Families

Ujjain is a wonderful city to visit as a family. Grandparents come for darshan, children enjoy the stories behind each temple, and evenings by the river are something everyone remembers.

Travelling as a group does need a little more planning. Here is what we have learnt from welcoming families at Shivkunj.

Pace your days

The most common mistake is trying to see everything in one day. With children or elders, aim for:

• One major temple in the morning, when everyone is fresh.
• A long rest in the afternoon, especially from April to June.
• A relaxed evening outing, such as the aarti at Ram Ghat or a walk through Mahakal Lok.

Our 2-day itinerary follows this pattern.

Handling temple crowds

• Choose quieter times. Weekday mornings are usually calmer than evenings, weekends and Mondays.
• Agree on a meeting point before entering any temple, and make sure children know it.
• Write your phone number on a card in your child's pocket.
• Ask about facilities for elders. Mahakaleshwar has had arrangements for elderly and differently-abled devotees. Ask at the help desk about current options.
• Carry water and light snacks, and keep a small bag with essentials.

Places children enjoy

• Sandipani Ashram, where Krishna is said to have studied. Children love hearing that story.
• Shri Mahakal Lok, with its large sculptures and open walkways, especially in the evening.
• Ram Ghat at sunset for the aarti and lamps on the water.
• Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar), an old observatory that older children find fascinating.

Getting around with family

For a group, a cab for the day is usually the most comfortable choice. It saves bargaining for each trip and gives elders a place to rest between stops. Autos and e-rickshaws are handy for short hops within the old city.

Choosing a family-friendly stay

When you compare hotels, look for the things that make family travel easier:

Lift access

Important with elders and heavy luggage

24×7 reception

Helpful for late trains and very early darshan starts

Parking

If you are driving or hiring a cab for the trip

Space to sit together

A balcony or common seating makes evenings easier

Shivkunj was set up with exactly these needs in mind: lift access to every floor, round-the-clock reception, free parking and large balconies with seating for the family.

Packing list for families

• Photo ID for every adult
• Comfortable, modest clothing and easy slip-on footwear
• A light shawl or jacket for winter mornings
• Water bottles, sun hats and basic medicines
• A small bag for footwear tokens, prasad and keys

Have a question about your family's stay? Contact us. Our team is happy to help you plan.