Sometimes a holiday doesn’t mean packing for an adventure, carrying your swimsuits for the beaches or hopping the streets for shopping. Sometimes you just need to slow down a little, get away from all the noise, and dig deeper into the roots and mythology of India. 

India is a beautiful land that blends spirituality, culture, traditions, and years of faith and devotion. The best part of the spiritual destinations of India is that you need not be a hardcore devotee to enjoy these destinations. You might be travelling with the family, or as a couple; a spiritual getaway to sacred temples and pilgrimage destinations might just prove to be a meaningful break. So pack your bags, keep comfortable clothes and let’s explore the two most revered spiritual destinations of India - Ujjain and Kedarnath. 

One simply takes you deep inside India's mythology, where the ancient infrastructure of the city and the sacred Shipra River define the city. The other is about going up to the Himalayas, where the sacred shine of Shiva peacefully rests. 

Ujjain - a land in Madhya Pradesh where Shiva shines 

Ancient - the word that best describes Ujjain. 

For most of the visitors, the spiritual heart of the city is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling. Resting on the banks of the holy Shipra River, Ujjain is gaining a lot of tourist attraction because of its spirit, spirituality, culture, tradition, and faith. 

Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple becomes significant during the early hours of Bhashma Aarti. This is an early morning ritual that is known to attract millions of devotees all across the country. 

But there is a lot more in Ujjain other than Mahakal.

Ujjain is a spiritual destination that deserves a lot of your time. Just adjacent to the temple is the Mahakal Lok, which is a beautifully designed corridor presenting murals, sculptures and artistic depictions that trace the connection with Indian mythology. If you are confused or searching for some of the best places to visit in Ujjain, you can check with Thomas Cook. They have years of experience in providing the best holiday packages meeting your budget preferences and interests. 

A visit to Ujjain is certainly incomplete if you have not visited the famous Kalbhairav temple. It is a famous traditional temple where devotees offer liquor as part of their offerings. 

A few other temples that add layers to the city's rich spirituality are Har Siddhi Temple, Mangalnath Temple and Sandipani Ashram. 

And after all the temple visits, when you really need a breather, head directly to the Ram Ghat for serenity and peace.

Some other experiences that will make your spiritual journey worthwhile are spending an evening by the side of the ghats, listening to the chants and watching the lamps lit beautifully.

How long should you stay in Ujjain? 

2-3 days are sufficient when you visit Ujjain, and during these days, you can comfortably visit all the temples and do the major sightseeing. 

Kedarnath - a journey of spirituality 

Let’s leave the bustling streets of Ujjain and head towards the far and serene Himalayas. 

Welcome to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva - Kedarnath. 

Other than being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is also amongst the Char Dham yatra of Uttarakhand.

One thing that you must know and feel before going to Kedarnath is that the temple is not the ultimate destination; it is the journey that gives you the real lifetime experience. 

Pro tip: the trek through Gaurikund to Kedarnath is challenging and is at a very high altitude. Do not rush in trekking and take time to acclimatise. 

Something more you must know about Kedarnath. 

If you compare travelling to a spiritual destination, like Ujjain, Kedarnath naturally requires more planning and more packing. 

As we all know, the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable, and Kedarnath is only operational during the winter months. Before booking your Kedarnath tour packages, make sure to check:

1. all the registration requirements
2. The dates on which the temple opens and closes
3. Suitable weather condition
4. Important things that you might need during your trekking
5. If we plan to use helicopter services, their operational days and hours
6. Availability of preferred accommodation
7. Considerations like medical and fitness certificate 

The most important thing that should be kept in mind while going to Kedarnath is: don’t underestimate the altitude! 

Take the journey at your own pace. Keep yourself hydrated, pack layers and give yourself time to acclimatise whenever you need. 

Helicopter, trekking or pony - which is apt for you? 

Pilgrims make the journey to Kedarnath in multiple ways, trekking being the most immersive option of all. 

Helicopter options are particularly for those travellers who may have difficulty trekking, especially senior citizens or handicapped people. 

Pony and other assisted vehicles also run according to the current rules and regulations of the Kedarnath Temple protocols. 

Be prepared for the changing weather conditions, and plan accordingly. 

Ujjain versus Kedarnath - which pilgrimage site is best suited for you? 

Choosing the spiritual destination entirely depends on the type of experience you want to have. 

Choose Ujjain if: 

1. Easy accessibility is all you want
2. Your main motto for spending a holiday is visiting temples
3. You are interested in ancient mythology and history
4. You like to have a shorter Travel duration with riverside experiences
5. Experience of Mahakaal and Bhashma Aarti 

Choose Kedarnath if: 

1. You wish to have a Himalayan pilgrimage
2. You are more interested in an immersive spiritual experience
3. An experience and the independence of completing a challenging site
4. A time of solitude and peace 

And if you really wish, and you have time - do both! 

What to pack? 

Jain requires comfortable and light clothing, whereas for Kedarnath, pack layers, warm clothing and comfortable footwear. The most important thing while booking Kedarnath tour packages and Ujjain tour packages is to carry patience! 

Whether you opt to choose the traditional energy lost in the city of Ujjain, or you wish to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas while trekking to the Kedarnath Temple, go slow, and be lost in the spirituality of the pilgrimage sites. 

Sometimes the best getaways are not the ones that take you farther and farther from your home; it’s that one moment that brings you closer to yourself.