The short answer
Kedareshwar Temples, Sailana: what visitors should know first
A quiet pilgrimage stop that fits a Sailana day trip. Go in the morning, dress modestly and expect steps and uneven ground at the cliff; timings are not widely published.
History and context
The story behind Kedareshwar Temples, Sailana
Wikipedia places the initial structure of Bada Kedareshwar in the reign of Raja Jai Singh (1736 to 1757). Raja Duleh Singh later spent heavily on it, added a man-made lake and built a small palace opposite.
Useful facts
Kedareshwar Temples, Sailana facts at a glance
- Location
- About 4 km from Sailana fort
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Lord Shiva as Kedareshwar
- Visitor note
- Bada and Chota temples carved into a rock cliff
- Built
- Initial structure in the reign of Jai Singh, 1736 to 1757
Why it matters
Why Kedareshwar Temples, Sailana is worth your time
These temples were cut into rock rather than built up, which is a form uncommon in this part of Malwa. The Bada Kedareshwar structure is attributed to the reign of Jai Singh and was later enlarged by Duleh Singh, which links the shrines to the story of the Sailana royal family.
For a pilgrim the site is a living Shiva shrine; for a traveller it adds a quiet, rocky counterpart to the cactus garden and grassland.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Cliff-cut shrines
Two Shiva temples are cut into igneous rock.
- 02
The lake
A man-made lake lies beside Bada Kedareshwar.
- 03
Quiet setting
Small crowds outside festival days.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan the temples as the quiet end of a Sailana day. Wikipedia describes two Shiva temples, Bada and Chota Kedareshwar, about 4 km from the fort in opposite directions, carved into a cliff of igneous rock. Take a car, since the walk from the town is long, and arrive in the morning when the light on the rock is soft.
Remove footwear before the shrine, dress modestly and carry a small offering only if you plan to give one. The man-made lake added later by Raja Duleh Singh beside Bada Kedareshwar is a calm place to sit. The surface can be slippery after rain, so use the steps and a handrail where available.
Do not expect facilities. There are no restaurants at the temples, so eat in Sailana or carry snacks, and keep your visit brief and respectful.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Go in the morning and use a car
- Dress modestly and remove footwear
- Take care on wet rock
- Carry snacks and water
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 4 km from Sailana fort, Ratlam district; around 25 km from Ratlam
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to an hour
- Best time
- Winter mornings; Mahashivratri is crowded
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The shrines are cut into rock, so expect steps and uneven surfaces. There is little seating or shade, and rain makes the rock slippery.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free in the usual way for temples, but timings are not published; remove footwear and follow local customs. Check photography rules at the shrine.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Kedareshwar Temples, Sailana
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The shrines are cut into rock, so expect steps and uneven surfaces. There is little seating or shade, and rain makes the rock slippery.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Are there two temples?
Yes, Bada and Chota Kedareshwar, in opposite directions from the fort.
Is it far from Ratlam?
Around 25 km via Sailana; allow time on small roads.
Is it suitable for elders?
With care; the rock steps are uneven.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
