Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, popularly known as the city of lakes, is situated between the seven hills along the banks of two picturesque lakes. This city is not only famous for lakes but also abode to fine architectural monuments. Founded by Raja Bhoja in 11th century Bhopal combines scenic beauty, historical and modern urban planning.
Bhopal offers two simply contrasting cityscapes. North Bhopal is the Muslim-dominated old city, a fascinating area of mosques, architectural monuments and crowded bazaars.
While South Bhopal is more modern, with wide roads, shopping complexes and upmarket hotels and restaurants nestled contentedly in the Arera and Shamla Hills, which overlook the lakes and the old city beyond.
Main Attraction of Bhopal:
Taj-ul-Masjid
Said to be one of the biggest mosques in the country, Taj-ul-masjid is known for its spectacular architecture. Taj-ul-masjid literally means ‘The Crown of Mosques’. Its construction was started by Sultan Shah Jehan Begum of Bhopal (1868-1901) and it was completely built only after 1971 by the great efforts of Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari of Bhopal.
Van Vihar National Park
Located at the heart of Bhopal Van Vihar National Park is managed as a modern zoological park where animals are kept in the natural habitat. It is spread across an area of 445 hectares. More of a zoo than a sanctuary, this place houses a variety of animals, orphaned or brought from other parts of the state or exchanges from other zoos. This one of a kind national park which allows herbivores to roam freely while the carnivores are kept inside enclosed areas, bounded by trenches and walls so as to prevent poaching.
Gohar Mahal
Gohar Mahal is a fine example of the combination of splendid Hindu and exquisite Mughal architecture. Located along the banks of the Upper Lake, Gohar Mahal, even though not entirely well maintained, still manages to maintain its majestic look and the past glory. It was built by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, Gohar Begum. This palace was constructed in the year 1820, and is truly an architectural marvel, presenting a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Birla Museum
The Birla Museum in Bhopal is home to some very old and interesting sculptures. Located atop the hilly terrains of Bhopal, Birla Museum is an archaeological museum set up in 1971. This one of its kind museum in Bhopal preserves the evidences and artifacts, dating right back to prehistoric and Paleolithic periods.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, also referred to as The National Museum of Mankind. his place happens to be the only tribal habitat in the world, exhibiting contemporary tribal cultures and actual-size dwellings of typical tribal villages of Indian states.
Upper lake
The oldest manmade lake in India, Upper lake is also known as Bhojtal or Bada Talab. This beautiful and vast water body was built during the 11th century. The lake is a massive earthen bound construction, built across the Kolans River.
Lower Lake
Situated in the peaceful and serene environment of majestic hills and the massive Upper Lake, the Lower Lake is a beautiful relic of the great Mugal Empire. Also known as Chota Talaab, it is separated from the Upper Lake by an over-bridge.
Other attractions:
Bharat Bhawan, Shaukat Mahal, Regional Science Centre, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Jain Temple, VIP road.
How to reach
By Air :
Raja Bhoj Airport is the major airport of Bhopal, located around 15 km from the city center in Bairagarh suburban area on National Highway 12. Bhopal which is about 741 km from Delhi, 789 km from Mumbai, and about 200 kms from Indore, is well connected to the metros other cities by many airlines.
By Rail:
Bhopal is on one of the two major Delhi to Mumbai railway lines. Major trains going from Mumbai to Delhi via Itarsi and Jhansi also go through Bhopal.
By Road:
Bhopal State Transport Corporation operates deluxe, super fast and passenger buses to Indore(186 km), Mandu(285 km), Ujjain(188 km), Khajuraho, Pachmarhi, Gwalior, Sanchi(46 km), Jabalpur(295 km) and Shivpuri. There are no direct services to Mandu; you have to connect through Indore. There are extensive bus services (private and state) to cities within the region and interstate.
Best Season to Visit: July to March
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