What is Simhastha Kumbh?
Simhastha Kumbh Mela — known simply as "Simhastha" — is the Kumbh Mela held at the holy city of Ujjain on the banks of the sacred Kshipra (Shipra) River in Madhya Pradesh.
This Kumbh is unique because it takes place once every 12 years — specifically when the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha Rashi) and the Sun moves into Aries (Mesh Rashi). This rare astronomical alignment transforms Ujjain into the spiritual capital of the universe.
Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism — home to the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 holiest Shiva shrines in India. During Simhastha, millions of devotees, saints, Naga Sadhus, and seekers descend upon Ujjain for the sacred Amrit Snan (holy dip).
The last Simhastha was held in 2016. The next divine gathering, Simhastha 2028, is expected to draw over 5 crore (50 million) pilgrims from across the globe.
Sacred Bathing Dates 2028
The Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) dates are determined by precise planetary alignments. Bathing on these auspicious occasions is believed to grant moksha and wash away the sins of countless lifetimes.
* Exact dates are indicative and subject to final confirmation by the Ujjain Simhastha 2028 organizing committee based on Panchang calculations.
Ujjain — How to Reach
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore — the nearest airport (55 km from Ujjain). International flights connect via Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Pre-paid taxi or accommodation shuttle to Ujjain in ~1 hour.
Ujjain Junction (UJN) is a major railway station with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Indore, and Bhopal. Special Kumbh trains will run from all major cities during Simhastha 2028.
Ujjain is well-connected via NH 52. From Indore: 55 km (1 hr). From Bhopal: 184 km (3 hrs). From Ahmedabad: 402 km (6 hrs). From Delhi: 771 km (12 hrs). MP Tourism and private buses ply regularly.
Ujjain is located at 23.18°N, 75.77°E in Malwa Plateau, Madhya Pradesh. The Kshipra (Shipra) River flows through the city. Elevation: ~489 m above sea level.
Chinataman Road, Near Shree Ram Vatika
(Patidar Samaj Dharmshala),
Ujjain — 456 006,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Distances from Kumbh Ganga Retreat
All major Simhastha ghats and temples are conveniently close to our accommodation. Below is your complete guide to sacred sites and travel times from our tent city.
Must-Visit Places in Ujjain
Beyond the Kumbh ghats, Ujjain is a treasure trove of history, mythology, and spiritual wonders accumulated over 3,000 years of civilisation.
Why Choose Kumbh Ganga Retreat for Simhastha 2028?
Air-conditioned luxury tents and cottages with attached bathrooms, premium bedding, and 24-hour service. Positioned closest to Ram Ghat for immediate access to Shahi Snan.
Our accommodation provides dedicated shuttle service to all major temples and ghats during Shahi Snan days. Special early-morning transport for Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti darshan at 4 AM.
All packages include three freshly prepared sattvic meals daily — pure vegetarian food following Ayurvedic principles to keep your body and mind pure throughout the sacred Simhastha pilgrimage.
Daily sunrise yoga, meditation sessions on the Kshipra banks, and Ayurvedic treatments to rejuvenate you between darshans and Snan dates. Our Kaya Kalp Kutir wellness team will be fully operational.
Dedicated Pandits and Tirth Guides accompany every tour to all major Ujjain temples — ensuring you receive proper darshan protocol, mantra chanting guidance, and deeper spiritual understanding at each sacred site.
24/7 security personnel, CCTV surveillance, medical staff on duty, and emergency response team. Our campus maintains strict sattvic discipline with no alcohol policy for a truly sacred environment.
Simhastha 2028 is expected to be the largest spiritual gathering in history. Premium tent city spots on the banks of Maa Kshipra are extremely limited. Pre-register now to secure your place at Kumbh Ganga Retreat, Ujjain.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Temp: 28–42°C. Hot days, warm nights. Light cottons recommended. Mornings on Kshipra are pleasant for snan.
Temp: 30–44°C. Peak festival month. Main Shahi Snan (Vaishakh Purnima). Carry sunscreen & hydrate well.
Temp: 28–38°C. Pre-monsoon showers begin mid-June. Final Snan (Mithuna Sankranti) on ~15 June. Light rain gear advised.
Book stays 1 day before each Shahi Snan date to participate in pre-dawn processions. Our accommodation provides 4 AM wake-up calls and hot beverages on Snan mornings.