After completing this trip and looking back at how everything went, I realized something important — how we plan a trip actually shapes the way we experience it.
This was not a perfectly planned trip. We planned it around a long weekend because my cousin was working, and that felt like the easiest option at that time. But as the journey unfolded, I started noticing what worked well and what didn’t.
In this blog, I want to share how our Ujjain trip was structured, what felt right during the journey, and what I would do differently next time. This is not a guide, but just my experience — in case it helps someone planning a similar trip.
How We Decided the Travel Route:
As we only had 4 days to cover Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Indore, flying was the only practical option for us. The nearest airport to Ujjain is Indore, so that made the most sense.
We initially booked an early morning flight at 5:30 am, but it got cancelled due to Indigo issues at that time. Our flight was rescheduled to 2:30 pm, which reduced our time in Ujjain.
We landed in Indore around 4 pm and started towards Ujjain by road. We thought it would take around 1.5 hours, so we expected to reach by 5:30 pm, visit a few temples, and sleep early since we had Bhasm Aarti the next day.
But things didn’t go as planned.
Because it was a long weekend, there was heavy traffic, and we reached our hotel around 6:30 pm. We freshened up and managed to visit a few temples, but we got only about 2 hours of sleep on our first day.
We also chose to cover Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Indore in one trip because they are all relatively close to each other. It didn’t make sense for us to come back again separately for Indore or Maheshwar.
Even though it was a tight schedule, this route made sense for our time, and we were able to cover everything we planned.
Planning the Trip Around Bhasm Aarti:
The main reason for this trip was to witness the Bhasm Aarti in Ujjain.
Since it was a long weekend, we decided to prioritize Bhasm Aarti at the beginning of the trip — and I think that was one of our best decisions.
We woke up at 11:30 pm and stood in the cold for around 4–5 hours to witness the aarti. It wasn’t easy, but the excitement kept us going.
Looking back, I don’t think we could have done this if it was scheduled for the last day of the trip. After multiple days of travel and lack of sleep, we would have been too exhausted and irritated.
Reaching Ujjain one night before Bhasm Aarti helped us mentally prepare for it. It was still challenging, but starting the trip with this experience made it feel more manageable and meaningful.
How Our Days Were Structured:
Day 1:
We planned to visit some temples in Ujjain before Bhasm Aarti, as we had to leave for Omkareshwar the next day. Since we reached late, we couldn’t cover all the temples, but we visited a few and were happy with it. It didn’t feel too rushed.
Day 2:
We witnessed Bhasm Aarti early in the morning, visited the remaining temples in Ujjain, and then headed to Omkareshwar for our special darshan between 6 pm and 8 pm. This day felt quite rushed, and we were also running on very little sleep.
Day 3:
We started towards Maheshwar after breakfast. This day felt completely different. We had enough time, didn’t have to rush, and could actually experience the place. It was the most relaxed day of the trip.
Day 4–5:
We spent the remaining time in Indore. We visited some temples, explored palaces, did some shopping, and also gave ourselves time to relax. Since our flight was at 4:30 pm, we could explore the city till the afternoon.
What Worked Well in This Plan:
Even though the schedule was tight, the route worked very well for us.
If I visit again, I would still follow the same route — Indore → Ujjain → Omkareshwar → Maheshwar → Indore.
We were able to cover all the places we wanted.
Adding Maheshwar to the trip was one of the best decisions. It was peaceful, beautiful, and completely different from the rest of the journey. Sitting by the Narmada River and just observing the surroundings was one of my favorite moments.
Ending the trip in Indore also felt right. After the intensity of temple visits, Indore gave us space to slow down, explore at our own pace, and relax.
What I Would Do Differently Next Time:
If I plan this trip again, there are a few things I would change.
I would spend more time in Ujjain. The city felt very lively, but I didn’t get enough time to experience it fully.
I wouldn’t rush temple visits. We were moving quickly from one temple to another, and it felt like we were just checking off places. I would prefer spending more time in fewer temples and actually experiencing them.
I would visit Omkareshwar during the daytime. I feel it would be even more beautiful, and I would love to take a boat ride to reach the temple.
I would definitely stay at least one more day in Maheshwar. That place felt like stepping back in time. I would love to sit by the Narmada River during sunrise and sunset and just take it all in.
What This Trip Taught Me About Planning:
Before this trip, I thought planning meant organizing everything perfectly.
But this journey changed that perspective.
I realized that planning is not about controlling every detail. It is about giving your trip a basic structure while still allowing space for experience.
Some parts of our trip were well-structured, and some parts didn’t go as expected. But both taught me something.
Too much planning can make you rush.
Too little planning can make you feel lost.
Somewhere in between is where the real experience lies.
This trip taught me that it’s not about fitting everything into a schedule — it’s about creating space to actually feel the place you are in.
Conclusion:
This was not a perfect plan.
There were delays, rushed moments, and things we couldn’t experience fully.
But at the same time, it was a trip that worked.
It gave us structure, helped us cover everything we wanted, and also showed me how I would plan differently next time.
If anything, this journey didn’t just teach me how to travel better — it taught me how to plan with more awareness.
And I think that’s something I will carry into every trip from now on.
If you haven’t read my full Ujjain journey yet, you can start here:
→ Blog 1
I’ve also shared my complete experience of Bhasm Aarti and Omkareshwar here:
→ Blog 2
And my Maheshwar & Indore travel experience here:
→ Blog 3
You can also read what this journey taught me here:
→ Blog 4