Embark on a captivating five-day journey through the enchanting Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, beginning in the vibrant city of Indore and culminating in the sacred city of Ujjain. This meticulously curated itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and scenic beauty. Over the course of this trip, travelers will explore the bustling streets and historic landmarks of Indore, visit the revered Omkareshwar temple nestled on an island in the Narmada River, experience the artistic charm of Maheshwar known for its handwoven textiles, discover the ancient ruins and panoramic vistas of Mandav, and finally immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of Ujjain.
Each destination promises a unique glimpse into the rich history and diverse traditions that define this remarkable region.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Indore: Suggested Itinerary
Rajwada, Sarafa, Chhappan Dukan, and many more.
Day 2
Departure for Omkareshwar
via Kalakund
Omkareshwar
Jyotirlimgam Temple: Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar
Omkareshwar, one of the twelve sacred Dwadash Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is located on Mandhata Island in the holy Narmada River. The island derives its name from its unique shape, which resembles the sacred symbol “Om.” Devotees from across the world visit Omkareshwar to seek blessings from Shiva and the Mother Narmada. Just opposite the temple stands the revered Mamaleshwar shrine, an equally important pilgrimage site. Situated on the southern bank of the Narmada, the Mamaleshwar temple complex dates back to the 11th century and was magnificently rebuilt by the Holkar royal family in the 18th century.
Parikrama of Omkareshwar parvat
Owing to the deep religious significance of Omkareshwar Island, devotees embark on an 8‑kilometer pilgrimage around the sacred mountain. During my own journey, I witnessed many archaeological marvel, scenic sites and lesser‑known places that are rarely mentioned by common travelers.
Omkareshwar Dam
Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness)
The Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar rises 108 feet high on a sacred island, honoring the life and profound teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. Standing atop a majestic pedestal, it embodies the essence of Advaita, the philosophy of oneness, and is being developed as part of the Ekatma Dham — the Abode of Oneness.
Archaeological sites
I got an opportunity to see ruins of Siddhanath temple, Chand -Suraj dwar, etc.
Narmada Parikrama Yatra
If you’re traveling between November and March, you may encounter the Narmada Parikramawasis devotees walking the sacred circumambulation of the Narmada River, whom Hindus revere as Mother Goddess Narmada. If possible, take a moment to meet and greet them; the entire parikrama spans roughly 3,500 km, making it a profound spiritual journey..
Rewa Bhagirathi Gaushala
On the banks of the sacred Narmada River lies a peaceful Gaushala and Ashram named Rewa Bhagirathi Ashram, where visitors can experience the serenity and purity of the region. With the kind permission of the Gaushala’s caretaker, pilgrims those with a devotional mindset rather than a tourist approach may stay and partake in the authentic prasadam.
Day 2
Maheshwar
Maheshwar is renowned as the capital of Punyashloka Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary queen celebrated for her just and visionary governance in Central India. Located about 70 km from Omkareshwar, the journey to Maheshwar also offers a must‑visit stop at Mandaleshwar, a town rich in spiritual and historical significance.
Mandaleshwar
According to historians, the renowned shastrarth the scholarly debate between Adi Shankaracharya and Mandan Mishra took place at this very site. Today, a temple on the banks of the Narmada River stands in commemoration of those significant historical events.
Places to see in Maheshwar
Maheshwar Fort
Maheshwar Fort stands as a testament to India’s rich history, having witnessed pivotal moments that shaped both society and the nation. It was from here that Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar ruled with wisdom and foresight, commissioning numerous monuments across the country, including the renowned chhatri (cenotaph) at Alampur in Bhind district. The handloom industry she encouraged to foster self-employment continues to sustain countless families even today. In more recent times, the fort’s picturesque ghats—often compared to those of Varanasi—have become a favored backdrop for Bollywood films over the past two decades.
Ghats of Maheshwar
Evening Narmada Aarti
Dwarikadheesh Mandir
Weaver’s Place
Morning Walk in Maheshwar
Where to dine in Maheshwar: Shri Banke Bihari Ji
Where to stay in Maheshwar
Ahilya Resort is one of the finest places to stay in Maheshwar, and it’s where we chose to stay during our visit. The town also offers numerous homestays, along with a charming heritage property managed by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, providing visitors with a range of comfortable and authentic accommodation options..
There is one Rural Management And Development Centre which runs to transform a life of local youngsters through studies, skills and samskaar. N.A.R.M.A.D.A., founded by Bharati Thakur in 2010 after her Narmada Parikrama, is a mission inspired by Swami Vivekananda that uplifts rural and tribal lives in Nimar through education, skills, and values. An inspiring place that spreads hope, one village at a time.
Day 4
Mandu
Mandu or Mandav is well known destination of Madhya Pradesh known for Hill forts, Palaces, Lakes, temples and unique bio-diversity. It is also a place where you can experience the simplicity and natural hospitable approch of host communiy i.e Malwa- Nimar Culture. It sits on a rocky outcrop of the Vindhya ranges, overlooking the Narmada valley. The historical sites in Mandu are wonderful examples of a blend of Afghan, Mughal, and Indian architecture.
Places to visit in Maheshwar
Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir
Rani Roopmati Pavilion
Rupmati Pavilion stands on a high cliff above Nimar Valley. It was once a watchtower and later became a place where Rupmati, Baz Bahadur’s beloved, watched the sacred Narmada River.
Baz Bahadur’s Palace
Rewa Kund
Jahaz Mahal
Hindola Mahal
There are many other important places in Mandu which is having architectural and historical importance that tourist can visit.
What to buy in Mandu
Mandu ki Imli, also known as Khorasani Imli, is a uniquely long, spiral-shaped tamarind cherished for its distinct taste and historic association with Mandu
Where to stay in Mandu
All category accommodations are available in Mandu but the appealing one are the Homestays.
Day 5
Ujjain
The distance from Mandu to Ujjain is about 160 km via Badnawar, a journey of roughly four hours. Ujjain, revered as the City of Mahakal, is home to one of the Dwadasha Jyotirlingas and is renowned for temples such as Kaal Bhairav, Mangalnath, Harsiddhi, and Gopal Mandir. In recent years, the most iconic addition has been Mahakal Lok, a grand corridor created to depict stories from Hindu dharma through magnificent sculptures and immersive lighting.
Mahakal Lok
Photo
Where to stay in Ujjain
All category hotels, in the counting of thousands available in Ujjain.
Our journey through the cultural landscapes of Malwa and Nimar came to a meaningful close in Ujjain. Travelers may follow the same route, reverse it, or tailor the itinerary to suit their own preferences.
Indore and Ujjain can both serve as convenient starting or ending points for this circuit. Indore is well connected to the rest of the country by rail, road, and air, and Ujjain too enjoys excellent connectivity. The region offers many more places to explore some of which we couldn’t visit due to time constraints but they’re certainly worth adding to your itinerary.
Narmade Har
नर्मदे हर
👌🏻