Road Trip from Delhi to Ujjain, Mahakaaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu & Indore – A Spiritual and Heritage Circuit

Jai Shri Mahakaal! Kaal ke bhi Kaal Hain Mahakaal

Ek safar, jo bhakti se bharpoor hai, aur itihaas se bhi.

A road trip from Delhi to Ujjain isn’t just a journey — it’s a plunge into India’s soul. From the divine chants at Mahakaal’s Bhasma Aarti to the echoes of royal queens at Mandu, this trip weaves spirituality with history, all while cruising through some of Central India’s most scenic highways.

Perfect for cars, bikes, or even SUVs, this route is loved by roadtrippers seeking spiritual bliss with a cultural kick. Whether you're bowing before Mahakaaleshwar Jyotirlinga at 4 AM or gazing at the Narmada from Ahilya Fort, you're signing up for a soulful ride.

✅ Best suited for: Bikes, Cars, SUVs✅ Trip theme: Spiritual + Heritage✅ Total Duration: 5–6 days

🗺️ Route Options – Delhi to Ujjain

You have two fantastic routes to reach Ujjain by road from Delhi:

1️⃣ Route via Agra–Gwalior–Jhansi (NH44)

• Delhi → Agra → Gwalior → Jhansi → Ujjain

• Approx. 850–880 km, takes 14–16 hours

• Bonus: Historical pitstops like Agra Fort, Gwalior Fort

• Roads: Mostly 4-lane, some narrow patches near Jhansi

  
  

2️⃣ Route via Gurgaon–Sohna–NE-4 Expressway

• Delhi → Gurgaon → Sohna → NE-4 → Ujjain

• Shorter, approx. 820 km, takes 12–14 hours

• Best for smooth drives with fewer diversions

• Roads: Fast-moving, expressway-style stretches

🚘 Day-by-Day Road Trip Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: Delhi to Gwalior (Route 1) OR Delhi to Kota (Route 2)

• Route 1: Start at 5 AM, breakfast in Agra, reach Gwalior by 1 PMVisit Gwalior Fort, Sas Bahu TempleNight stay in Gwalior

  
  

• Route 2: Start at 5 AM, take NE4 via Sohna–Dausa–KotaLunch at Dausa bypass, evening in KotaNight stay at Kota

  
  

🧭 TIP: Avoid night driving; prebook hotel near city center

🗓️ Day 2: Gwalior/Kota to Ujjain via Bhopal or Indore

• Route 1: Gwalior → Jhansi → Sanchi/Bhopal → Ujjain (9 hrs)Quick stop at Sanchi Stupa or Van Vihar Lake in Bhopal

  
  

• Route 2: Kota → Neemuch → Indore → Ujjain (8–9 hrs)Smooth highway drive, lesser heritage but faster

🏨 Reach Ujjain by late evening

🗓️ Day 3: Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar Darshan Day

• Early Morning:🔱 Attend Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple⏰ Get in line by 11 PM previous night, only traditional dress allowed👕 Men: Kurta pyjama | Women: Saree/Salwar suit

  
  

• Post-Aarti Breakfast: Poha, Jalebi from local vendor

  
  

• Late Morning: Visit

  • Har Siddhi Mata Temple

  • Ram Ghat (holy Shipra snan)

  • Kaal Bhairav Temple (liquor offered to deity)

  • Sandipani Ashram

  
  

• Evening:

  • Normal darshan again (less crowded)

  • Explore Mahakal Lok Corridor (newly built, stunning at night)

🗓️ Day 4: Ujjain – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Mandu

• Early Morning: Drive to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (~3 hrs)

  • Visit both Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar temples

  • Take Narmada parikrama if time allows

  
  

• Midday: Head to Maheshwar (~2 hrs)

  • Visit Ahilyabai Fort, Narmada Ghat, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple

  • Try local Maheshwari sarees

  
  

• Evening: Reach Mandu (~1.5 hrs)

  • Overnight stay in Mandu (resorts available)

🗓️ Day 5: Mandu – Indore

• Morning: Explore Mandu’s Afghan-Mughal architecture

  • Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion

  • Sunset point at Baz Bahadur Palace

  
  

• Afternoon: Drive to Indore (~2 hrs)

  • Visit Rajwada Palace, Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, Lal Bagh Palace

  • Enjoy Sarafa Bazaar night street foodMust-tries: Bhutte ka kees, Garadu, Jaleba, Sabudana khichdi

🗓️ Day 6: Indore to Delhi (Flight or Drive Back)

• Option 1: Fly back from Indore AirportConnected to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, etc.

  
  

• Option 2: Drive back via NE4 (1.5–2 days depending on pace)

🧳 Practical Tips & Budget

• Fuel Cost (Round Trip by Car): ₹12,000–₹15,000 (Petrol SUV)

• Hotel Budget (Mid-range): ₹2000–₹4000/night

• Darshan Booking:

  • Bhasma Aarti online booking: https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/

🙋 FAQ – Delhi to Ujjain Road Trip

Q1. Is the Delhi to Ujjain road safe for families?Yes, both routes are safe and busy. Night halts in Gwalior/Kota are recommended for families.

Q2. Can I attend Bhasma Aarti without booking?No. Prior online booking is mandatory. Carry printout and ID.

Q3. What’s the best vehicle for this trip?SUV or sedan. Roads are mostly good. NE4 is superb for long drives.

Q4. What other Jyotirlingas can I combine with Mahakal?Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a must-add and easily covered in this route.

Q5. Can I buy Maheshwari sarees in Maheshwar?Yes. Visit the handloom centers near the fort area for authentic buys.