Ratlam, formerly a princely state, is the district headquarters of
Ratlam District in western
Madhya Pradesh. It stands at an altitude of 1577 ft above sea level. Ratlam is 21 km north-west of
Ujjain.
Today, it is one of the major agricultural towns of India, mainly engaged in the production of cotton, silk and sugar. It is also the divisional headquarters of the western railways. Sailana, 21 km from Ratlam, is famous for its cactus garden.
The nearest airport is at Indore.
Ratlam Junction Railway Station is a prominent railhead of Madhya Pradesh. The
National Highway 79 passes through Ratlam.