Kalia Deh Palace is a palace located on the banks of Shipra river in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most famous historical landmarks of Ujjain and a testimony to its glorious past. The palace was built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458 AD during the time of Mahmud Khilji. The palace was once a beautiful temple of the Sun god with two tanks named Surya Kunda and Brahma Kunda.
Kalia Deh Palace is famous for its splendid and magnificent architecture, its rich history and legends, and its cultural significance. The palace has a large central hall (mandapa) and a sanctum (garbhagriha), where the idol of the Sun god was installed. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture, and the Persian inscriptions here record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir to this palace.
The palace was damaged by Pindaris during the Pindari war but was restored by Maharaja Sir Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior in 1920. The palace is now a museum and an institute that displays the history and culture of Ujjain. It has exhibits related to astronomy, archaeology, art, literature, etc. It also has a planetarium that shows various celestial phenomena. Kalia Deh Palace is famous tourist attraction in Ujjain, visit during Ujjain Local sightseeing and one day trip From Indore and Bhopal.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Kalia Deh Palace, such as its location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Kalia Deh Palace
Kalia Deh Palace is located in Kalia Deh village, on the outskirts of Ujjain city. The palace complex covers an area of about 5 acres, and has a main building and several smaller buildings. The main building has a large hall (mandapa) and a sanctum (garbhagriha), where the idol of the Sun god was installed. The building also has a museum, a library, an auditorium, and a garden that showcase the works and life of Kalidasa.
Timing/Entry Fees Kalia Deh Palace
The palace is open for visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Monday. The entry to the palace is free for all visitors. However, there are some special services and facilities that require a fee or a ticket. For example, the planetarium show requires a ticket of Rs. 10 per person; the library requires a fee of Rs. 5 per person; and the auditorium requires a fee of Rs. 50 per person. These services can be booked online through the official website of Kalia Deh Palace (https://kaladehpalace.com/).
How to Reach Kalia Deh Palace
Ujjain is well connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities of India. The nearest airport is Indore Airport (IATA: IDR), which is about 55 km away from Ujjain. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Ujjain. The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction (Station Code: UJN), which is about 10 km away from Kalia Deh Palace. From there, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the palace. Ujjain is also accessible by road from Indore (55 km), Bhopal (190 km), Ahmedabad (400 km), Mumbai (655 km), Delhi (775 km), etc.
Things to Do/Must See Kalia Deh Palace
There are many things to do and see in and around Kalia Deh Palace. Some of them are:
- Visiting the museum: This is one of the main attractions of Kalia Deh Palace. The museum has a collection of various artifacts and relics related to the history and culture of Ujjain. It has exhibits such as coins, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, weapons, etc. The museum also has a section dedicated to Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of India. It has his works, portraits, statues, etc.
- Watching the planetarium show: This is another interesting feature of Kalia Deh Palace. The planetarium is located in the dome of the palace and shows various celestial phenomena such as stars, planets, constellations, eclipses, etc. The show lasts for about 30 minutes and is conducted in Hindi and English languages. The show is informative and entertaining for both children and adults.
- Exploring the library: This is another useful facility of Kalia Deh Palace. The library has a collection of books and journals related to astronomy, archaeology, art, literature, etc. The library also has a section dedicated to Kalidasa, where one can find his works and commentaries. The library is open for visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Monday.
- Enjoying the auditorium: This is another fun activity of Kalia Deh Palace. The auditorium is located in the hall of the palace and has a capacity of 200 seats. The auditorium hosts various cultural events and programs such as music concerts, dance performances, drama shows, etc. The auditorium also has a sound and light show that narrates the history and legends of Ujjain and Kalia Deh Palace.
Significance of Kalia Deh Palace
Kalia Deh Palace is not only a place of heritage, but also a place of immense cultural and historical significance. It is a testimony to the glorious past of Ujjain and its association with the Sun god, the Sultan of Mandu, and the Mughal emperors. It is also a tribute to the genius and legacy of Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of India.
The palace was once a beautiful temple of the Sun god, who was worshipped as the supreme deity in Ujjain. The palace had two tanks named Surya Kunda and Brahma Kunda, where the devotees used to take a holy dip and offer prayers to the Sun god. The palace also had an idol of the Sun god, which was made of gold and studded with precious stones.
The palace was built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458 AD during the time of Mahmud Khilji. The Sultan was impressed by the beauty and splendor of the palace and decided to convert it into his residence. He also added some Persian elements to the architecture of the palace, such as the central dome and the inscriptions.
The palace was visited by Emperor Akbar and Jehangir, who were fascinated by the palace and its history. They also appreciated the works and writings of Kalidasa, who was born and lived in Ujjain. Kalidasa was one of the most celebrated poets and playwrights of India, who wrote masterpieces such as Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa, etc. He was also a scholar of Sanskrit, astronomy, astrology, etc.
The palace was damaged by Pindaris during the Pindari war but was restored by Maharaja Sir Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior in 1920. The Maharaja converted the palace into a museum and an institute that displays the history and culture of Ujjain. He also installed a planetarium in the dome of the palace to promote astronomy and science.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Kalia Deh Palace?
A: Kalia Deh Palace can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the winter season (October to March), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The palace also looks more beautiful and charming during this time.
Q: How can I book online services for Kalia Deh Palace?
A: One can book online services for Kalia Deh Palace through the official website of Kalia Deh Palace (https://kaladehpalace.com/). One can register on the website and then choose the service they want to book, such as planetarium show, library, auditorium, etc. One can also make online donations and buy online souvenirs through the website.
Q: What are the other places to visit near Kalia Deh Palace?
A: Ujjain is a city of temples and has many other places to visit near Kalia Deh Palace. Some of them are:
Mahakaleshwar Temple: This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, in India. It is located in the heart of Ujjain city, near the Mahakal Chowk. The temple is famous for its unique and magnificent architecture, its rich history and legends, and its spiritual significance. It is also known for its Bhasma Aarti, or the ritual of offering ash to the deity, which is performed every morning with great devotion and reverence.
Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple: This is one of the most revered and oldest temples of Goddess Shakti in India. It is located in the Harsiddhi Chowk, in the center of Ujjain city. The temple is dedicated to Harsiddhi Mata, or the Goddess of Happiness and Fulfillment, who is also one of the forms of Goddess Durga. The temple is famous for its splendid and colorful architecture, its rich history and legends, and its spiritual significance. It is also known for its huge lamps, or deep stambhs, that are lit every evening and create a dazzling spectacle. The temple is also a part of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or the places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell after she immolated herself in her father’s sacrificial fire.
Kalbhairav Temple: This is one of the most ancient and popular temples of Lord Shiva in Ujjain. It is dedicated to Kalbhairav, or the fierce form of Lord Shiva, who is also the guardian deity of Ujjain. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kshipra, about 8 km away from Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple is famous for its unique and mysterious features, such as the idol of Kalbhairav, which has a silver face and a garland of skulls; the offerings of liquor to the deity, which are consumed by the idol through a metal pipe; and the presence of a dog as the vehicle (vahana) of Kalbhairav.
Ram Ghat: This is a sacred ghat (bank) on the river Kshipra, where pilgrims take a holy dip during the Kumbh Mela. It is also a place where many saints and sages meditate and perform rituals.
Bhartrihari Caves: These are ancient caves where Bhartrihari, a renowned poet and philosopher, is said to have lived and attained enlightenment. The caves have a serene and peaceful atmosphere and are surrounded by greenery.
Kalidasa Academy: This is a cultural center dedicated to Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of India. The academy has a museum, a library, an auditorium, and a garden that showcase the works and life of Kalidasa.
Vikram Kirti Mandir: This is a museum and an institute that displays the history and culture of Ujjain. It has exhibits related to astronomy, archaeology, art, literature, etc. It also has a planetarium that shows various celestial phenomena.
