DELEGATE TRAVEL GUIDE

DEAR DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES,
WELCOME TO USICON 2026!

We are honoured to host you in Indore, the cleanest city in India and the vibrant heart of the Malwa region. USICON 2026 is a journey of both the mind and the spirit. To balance our comprehensive scientific agenda with the region's rich spiritual offerings, we have empowered our delegates with this self-guided travel manual. By choosing not to organize centralized tours, we ensure you have the autonomy to visit Ujjain, Omkareshwar, or Mandu whenever your schedule permits, ensuring a seamless blend of academic learning and personal discovery. This leaflet is designed to help you plan your personal excursions to the historical and spiritual landmarks surrounding Indore. As the scientific program is extensive, we encourage you to use this guide to manage your time effectively.

EXPLORING THE HERITAGE &. SPIRIT OF THE MALWA REGION

Ujjain: The Center of Time&. Eternity

Ujjain, or ancient Avanti, is not just a pilgrimage site; it is considered the "Greenwich of India" because the Tropic of Cancer and the zero meridian of ancient Indian geography intersect here. Ujjain is one of the seven sacred Puri cities and holds the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, unique because it is Dakshinamurthi (south-facing), symbolizing the mastery over death.

• Distance from BCC: -55 km from Brilliant Convention Centre (BCC). Approx. 1.5 hours via the 4-lane lndore-Ujjain road. (Note: Construction is underway on the 6-lane highway; please expect minor delays).
• The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Mahakal is the only one that is Dakshinamurthi (facin,9 south). In Hindu tradition, south is the direction of Varna (.Death). By facing South, Lord Shiva asserts his power as Mahakal-the conqueror of Time and Death itself. The lin,9am at the Mahakala is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power (.shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
• Mahakal Lok Corridor: This is one of India's largest corridors, stretching nearly 900 meters. It isn't just a walkway; it's an open-air museum featuring 108 ornate pillars and nearly 200 statues depicting stories from the Shiva Purana. Visiting this after your darshan, especially in the evening, is a cinematic spiritual experience.
• Darshan Process: Timings: (Bhasma Aarti - 4:00 AM to 06:00 AM, requires prior booking. All slots for bhasma Aarti in the month of January are already booked.
• Sheeghra Darshan: Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. To skip long queues, delegates can purchase an Rs.250 ticket.
• Online Booking: Visit https:1/shrimahakaleshwar.com
• Time Required: 2-3 hours for Darshan; an additional 1.5 hours for the Mahakal Lok Corridor

Omkareshwar: The Island of 'OM'

Omkareshwar is home to the fourth Jyotirlinga, situated on an island shaped like the sacred symbol 'OM' at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers.

• The Two-Part Unga: Tradition says the Jyotirlinga is split into two: Omkareshwar (on the island) and Mamleshwar (on the southern bank). A visit is considered complete only after bowing at both. The Narmada here is considered so holy that even the stones in the riverbed are said to be naturally shaped like Shivalingas (Narmadeshwar).
• Distance/Time: -80 km from BCC. Approx. 2:30 to 3 hours due to ghat sections.

Maheshwar (The Varanasi of Central India)

• Distance/Time: 95 km from Indore (Appprox 2 hours); 65 km from Omkareshwar (Appprox l :45 hours)
  If Ujjain is about power, Maheshwar is about peace. It was the capital of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen revered as a saint.
• The Ghats: The stone-carved ghats along the Narmada are architectural masterpieces. Unlike the busy ghats of Varanasi, these are serene and clean.
• Artistry: Maheshwar is famous for its Maheshwari Sarees, a craft revived by the Queen herself in the 18th century. Watching the weavers at work inside the fort is a must for any visitor interested in Indian textiles.
• Must See: Sahastradhara (where the river breaks into a thousand streams) and the evening Aarti at the Ghats.

Mandu: The Floating Architecture

A fortress town perched on the Vindhya range, Mandu is a testament to the legendary love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Mandu is a celebratory ode to stone and water. Known as the "City of Joy", it is famous for its Afghan architecture.

• Jahaz Mahal: Built between two lakes (Kapoor and Munj), this palace looks like a massive ship anchored in water.
• Rani Roopmati Pavilion: Perched on a cliff, it was built so the Queen could gaze at her beloved Narmada river flowing in the distance. The acoustics and the sunset views here are legendary.
• Hoshang Shah's Tomb: India's first marble structure (inspiration for the Taj Mahal).
• Distance/Time: -95 km from BCC. Approx. 2.5 hours.

LOCAL INDORE SIGHTSEEING

THE INDORE FOOD EXPERIENCE

Indore is the "Street Food capital of India." Your visit is incomplete without

• Chappan Dukan: 56 street-food shops in one lane. Try the Johnny Hot Dog.
• Sarafa Night Market: After 10:00 PM, this jewelry market turns into a food paradise. Try Bhutte ka Kis and Garadu.

IMPORTANT: WINTER ADVISORY

• Weather: Late January/February temperatures can drop to 10°c - 12°c in the early morning and late night.
• Attire: Please carry light woolens/jackets for road trips and early morning darshans.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear (slip­ons) as you will be frequently entering sacred sites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is there a dress code for Mahakal Darshan?

• General Darshan: Modest Indian wear is recommended.
• Sanctum Entry ( Garbhagriha): Strictly enforced. Men must wear a Dhoti/ Sola ( unstitched cotton); Women must wear a Saree. Western wear Qeans/t-shirts) is not permitted inside the inner sanctum.

Can I take my mobile or camera inside the temples?

• Ujjain: Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the Mahakaleshwar temple complex. Safe lockers are available at the entrance, but expect long queues.
• Omkareshwar: Generally allowed in the complex, but photography is restricted inside the inner sanctum.

How do I book Sheeghra (Fast-track) Darshan?

• Tickets (Rs. 250) can be purchased at the temple counters or online at https://shrimahakaleshwar.com It is highly recommended to book in advance.

Can I book Sheeghra (Fast-track) Darshan for Omkareshwar online?

• While Ujjain's Mahakal temple has an excellent online portal, we recommend purchasing Omkareshwar fast-track tickets directly at the temple counters. This ensures you have the most valid entry for the day and can adapt to the local crowd conditions.

Is it safe to travel at night?

• Yes, the lndore-Ujjain and lndore-Maheshwar roads are safe, but try to return by 10:00 PM to avoid heavy truck traffic.

Can we combine Omkareshwar with Maheshwar?

• Yes. It is a long day (14-15 hours), but feasible if you leave Indore by 6:00 AM.