Kajal Rani Cave

About Kajal Rani Cave

Kajal Rani Cave is one of the main attractions at Omkareshwar away from the temples. It lies about eight kilometres from the Omkareshwar temple, and its appeal is the setting: undulating land running out to the horizon, open and green after the rains. For visitors who have spent a day in queues and on temple steps, it is the obvious relief from the town’s many holy sites, and it is usually taken as a late afternoon or sunset outing.

Why people come out here

The view over the rolling country

The ground falls away in a series of low ridges and the view carries a long way. There is no monument to tick off; the point of the trip is to sit for a while and look at it.

The cave and the walk to it

The cave gives the spot its name and is a short walk from where vehicles stop. The ground is rough in places, so it is worth having proper shoes rather than temple slippers.

Planning your visit

Eight kilometres out means arranging transport both ways. There is little by way of facilities at the site itself.

• Hire a vehicle for the round trip and agree on waiting time.
• Carry your own water and snacks.
• Aim for late afternoon so you get the light and the sunset.
• Start back before it is fully dark, as the road is unlit.

Best time to visit

The weeks just after the monsoon, from September through November, are when the country around the cave is greenest and the views are clearest. Late afternoon is the best hour on any day of the year. Midsummer afternoons are hot and hazy and not worth the drive.