Madhya Pradesh, the most populous state in India, has its administrative centre in Bhopal. A large number of visitors are drawn to the region because it has an illustrious history and an abundance of naturally beautiful attractions. The age of the rock drawings discovered here, which are close to 30,000 years old, provides some indication of the region’s long and eventful past and are amongst Bhopal’s famous places.
How to reach Bhopal?
By air: The Bhopal Airport is situated around 13 kilometres to the north-northwest of the city centre, and it has excellent air connections to a number of other significant towns in the nation. Cabs are available to take passengers from the airport to the heart of the city.
By train: Bhopal Junction is the busiest train station in the city and a key interchange on the Central Railway line from Delhi to Mumbai and the Delhi-Chennai main line. In fact, it links Bhopal to everything except the far northeastern states.
By road: Bhopal is connected to the cities of Jodhpur, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Kota, Jaipur, Shirdi, Pune, Amravati, Jaipur, Surat, Vadodara, and Nashik by means of regularly scheduled state-run and commercial bus services.
15 places to visit in Bhopal that are worth your time
In addition to being known as the “City of Lakes,” Bhopal is also known as the “Greenest City in India.” Here’s a list of some of Bhopal’s popular tourist places.
Upper lake
Source: Pinterest
The Upper Lake is by far the most important lake in Bhopal, and is also popularly referred to as the Bhojtal. Located to the west of Bhopal, this artificial lake has the title of being the country’s oldest lake. It is also known as Bada Talab by the natives that live there. The lake is the principal supply of drinkable water for the inhabitants, and it provides approximately thirty million gallons of drinking water each year to meet their needs.
This stunningly expansive body of water was given its name after King Bhoj, who constructed the lake in the eleventh century by clogging the Kolans River. Folklore here is that the ruler made this enormous lake so that he could treat the skin ailment that he suffered from. The sculpture of Raja Bhoj may be seen atop the pillar that can be found on one of the lake’s corners. An overbridge known as Pul Pukhta sits between the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake to create the separation.
The boat club was created on the Upper Lake’s eastern side, and it now provides a variety of water activities for guests to enjoy, including parasailing, kayaks, paddling, and rafting, amongst others. The picturesque Kamala Park may be seen in the neighbourhood. Given that the royal garden serves as a gathering place for those who are enthusiastic about experiencing new things, it is quite busy during the high season. Bhopal visiting places would include the boat club, the sunset, and the aquarium, all while being serenaded by the fresh air.
The Upper Lake may be accessed with little effort. The airport and train station are both within easy reach. About nine to ten kilometres separate you from the airport, while the nearest train station is located about six kilometres away. The closest bus stops are at Kilol Park and Polytechnic; from there, it’s roughly a kilometre of walking.
Van Vihar
Source: Pinterest
The Central Zoo Authority oversees the management of Van Vihar, a nature reserve and botanical habitat in Bhopal. It is near Bhopal’s Shyamla Hills, just next to the Upper Lake. It is a paradise for nature-lovers since the animals are maintained close to their environmental conditions.
A wide range of creatures and birds may be seen, notably panthers, cheetahs, Nilgai, leopards, and wagtails, among others. In order to have the greatest chance of sighting a white tiger, plan your trip around July and September.
Van Vihar’s convenient location makes it a popular residential and commercial area. Chickoo Dwar is one of two entrances, the other being Ramu Dwar. Cheeku Dewar’s closest bus stop is located at the Kilok Park stop. Also, the park is near the end of Lake Road, so that is another option for getting there.
The closest bridge is Bhadbhada Bridge, which connects Ramu Dwar. To get to the entrance of Van Vihar, you will need to arrange for a private vehicle, such as a car or auto rickshaw, since no public transportation goes there.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
Source: Pinterest
The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is a one-of-a-kind museum that can be found in Shyamla Hills in Bhopal. It is situated about one kilometre from Van Vihar National Park and nine kilometres from Bhopal Junction. It is considered to be the biggest and most well-known anthropological institution in India, and it is also among the most popular Bhopal places to visit due to its location.
The museum shows human culture and development. The museum’s decorated rock dwellings and post-colonial indigenous customs, architecture, and tradition are major highlights. The museum has audiovisual collections, ethnographic items, and interactive movies.
The museum, which has a land area of around 200 acres, operates with the purpose of achieving a number of objectives, one of which is to showcase the variety and social customs of Indian tribal communities. The ethnographic space, which has an air of archaic about it, was developed by the tribal people to demonstrate the old way of life and the legendary trail.
The hours of operation are as follows: from March to August, 11 AM to 6.30 PM; from September to February, 10 AM to 5.30 PM; closed on Mondays and public holidays. Adults are charged Rs. 50 for entry, while students and groups are charged Rs. 25 per person.
Lower Lake
Source: Pinterest
The city of Bhopal is a wonderful example of how modernism and traditional heritage can coexist together. Upper Lake and Lower Lake are two of the gorgeous lakes that it has. The name Chhota Talab may also be used to refer to the Lower Lake, located at a distance of four kilometres from the Bhopal railway junction.
Lower Lake Bridge, also known as Pul Pukhta, is a suspension bridge that spans the gap between the two lakes. The lake was constructed as a tribute to the attractiveness of the city in 1794.
In particular, Lower Lake is a haven of serenity and calmness, and it is surrounded by some very gorgeous hills. Since there is no other supply of freshwater in the area, outflow from Upper Lake flows down into Lower Lake.
Bhimbetka
Source: Pinterest
There are several rock shelters in Bhimbetka that show the oldest evidence of human existence in South Asia. 2003 was the year that it was designated a World Heritage Site. More than five hundred rock caves and shelters may be found at Bhimbetka, each of which has a significant number of artworks.
Although many of the basic shapes date back to as early as the mediaeval era, it is believed that the oldest drawings stretch back 30,000 years. Because the designs were often completed deep within a crevice or on interior walls, the colours that were employed are vegetable colours that have persisted despite the passage of time. It is a wonderful destination for individuals of practically any age group to go and spend time in.
National Highway 12, which links Bhopal and the metropolitan area of Hoshangabad, provides visitors with an easy way to reach the caverns. However, travelling to the Bhimbetka region through public transport buses may be a very taxing and time-consuming endeavour, particularly because the roads in that area are in such terrible shape. Therefore, the best way to go to the Bhimbetka Caves is to engage a private taxi service. Bhimbetka is located around 37 kilometres distant from the railhead, which is linked to all of the domestic railheads.
Gohar Mahal
Source: Pinterest
Gohar Begum, the city’s first female ruler, is credited with building this stunning monument in 1820, located on the banks of Upper Lake. It is widely regarded as among the most attractive buildings in Bhopal. The palace was designed and constructed using a seamless blending of Hindu and Mughal architectural principles.
The Gohar Mahal has seen significant deterioration over the years, which has caused it to lose part of its allure. However, it is now undergoing restoration, which will return it to its former glory.
Both the airport and the railway station may be reached without any trouble. You are placed around nine to ten kilometres from the airport, and the closest railway station is approximately six kilometres from where you are.
Birla Museum
Source: Pinterest
The Birla Museum in Madhya Pradesh excellently preserves the vestiges of Madhya Pradesh’s rich prehistoric civilisation. Palaeolithic and Neolithic artefacts are on display, together with stone carvings from the 7th to the 13th century BC, and texts and earthenware from the 2nd century BC. Anyone interested in history or archaeology should definitely go to this place to visit Bhopal.
The Bhopal station is the closest train station to the museum; it is about five kilometres away. From this station, one may take a rickshaw or a car. The Birla museum may be reached by road in the most expedient manner. You may easily get to the museum by either driving yourself, using a cab or taking a bus.
Shaukat Mahal
Source: Pinterest
One of the most stunning structures throughout Bhopal, the Shaukat Mahal is known for its unique style, which is a fusion of Indo-Islamic and European design elements. The building’s top is embellished with a succession of intricate arches in the form of triangles, and the façade is covered with stunning patterns, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of their craft.
You may easily reach Shaukat Mahal by either renting a private taxi or making use of public transportation that is readily available. It is approximately four kilometres away from the Bhopal railway junction.
Jama Masjid
Source: Pinterest
The Jama Masjid in Bhopal, which was built during the reign of Quidisiya Begum, is a renowned shrine and a major tourist attraction. Taj-ul-Masjid, or “Crown Among Mosques,” is its full name in Arabic. Jama Masjid’s stunning shrine and two towering minarets are famous examples of Islamic architecture.
Devotees go to Jama Masjid for its beauty and spiritual importance, both from inside Bhopal and beyond. From a distance, the mosque’s basic and elegant architecture can be seen sprawling over a huge portion of the property.
The road is the quickest and most convenient route to the mosque, and you may utilise public transportation to get to the Jama Masjid. The Jama Masjid may be reached by rickshaw or taxi from the train station, which is just a distance of four kilometres away from the mosque. In Bhopal, the Raja Bhoj Airport is about nine kilometres from the Jama Masjid. Outside the airport, one may reach the mosque quickly and simply by taking a cab or an auto.
Moti Masjid
Source: Pinterest
Bhopal is home to a number of mosques, including the Moti Masjid. The Moti Masjid may be smaller than some of the other magnificent and historically significant structures in the ‘city of mosques,’ but its significance cannot be understated. It was constructed in 1860 by Sikander Jehan Begum, a descendant of Qudusiya Begum of Bhopal, and is one of India’s best-known historical landmarks.
This mosque in Bhopal looks a lot like Delhi’s Jama Masjid, except for one thing: it’s smaller. Two modest cupolas adorn the Moti Masjid’s white marble exterior. On each side of the main building are two stunning and interesting dark-red towers.
Moti Masjid, situated in the middle of the city, is very convenient to get there by bus, car, or taxi due to its central location. You may also access the city’s public transportation network via the Bhopal train station, which is located on Hamidia road.
Archaeological Museum
Source: Pinterest
The archaeological museum in Madhya Pradesh displays sculptures created by artisans from all throughout the state. These sculptures provide a profound look into the state’s vibrant cultural heritage. In addition to other works of art, it has sculptures of the deities Lakshmi and Buddha, as well as figures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The Kamla Park Bus Station may be found close to the museum, about 2.3 kilometres away. From here, you may take a rickshaw to go to Nishatpura Junction Cabin, which is 9.5 km far from the exhibition and is quite easy to get there. Both the Museum and the Raja Bhoj Airport Terminal are located 14 kilometres apart from here. It is not difficult to get taxis that can take you to the museum.
Bharat Bhavan
Source: Pinterest
Located in Bhopal, the Bharat Bhavan is an independent multi-arts complex/museum sponsored and developed by the Administration of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, in 1982. Through visual, linguistic, and performing arts, this new multi-arts centre aims to provide visitors with an engaging and memorable experience.
Bharat Bhavan offers a platform for modern expression, thinking, and creativity, and is a popular destination for tourists who want to get a glimpse of some of India’s most talented dance and singing artists. Various free-speech-related events are held here, and artists from throughout the nation come to perform.
Bharat Bhavan is in proximity to Upper Lake. It is 12 kilometres distant from Raja Bhoj International Airport, 8 kilometres from Habibganj Railway Station, and six kilometres from the Nadira Bus Stand.
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Pinterest
The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, located close to Bhopal, is one of the earliest and most diversified tourist destinations in the country. As one of the country’s first protected areas, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary was developed in 1865. Seeing large mammals like leopards, tigers, wild boars, and deer is not unusual while you’re here, as is seeing the endangered Indian Gaur. Before embarking on a trip or a jungle walk, check with the forest officials to see whether the schedules are right.
The distance from Bhopal to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is 117 kilometres. There is no roadway that leads directly from Bhopal to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. However, you have the option of taking the train to Itarsi Junction and then transferring to a cab to reach Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rani Kamlapati Palace
Source: Wikipedia
The Rani Kamlapati Palace is a historic palace that can be found in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is situated inside Kamla Park and can be reached by travelling a distance of five kilometres from Bhopal Junction. The Gond tribes were the indigenous owners of Bhopal, and they inhabited the palace that sat on a hill overlooking the Upper and Lower Lakes.
The huge wall that served as the dam that separated the two lakes was where Raja Bhoj raised the palace. The Rani Kamlapati Palace was constructed in the 18th century using Lakhauri bricks, and it has cusped arches placed on crumpled pillars. In recognition of the Queen, the merlons have been designed in the form of water lotuses.
Taj-Ul-Masjid
Source: Pinterest
The Taj-Ul-Masjid, which is one of the biggest mosques in the nation, has an architecture that is both spectacular and exquisite. The gigantic domes, the breathtaking corridor, and the exquisite minarets all make a statement about the history of the building. On the other hand, entry inside the mosque is restricted to Muslims only.
The Taj-ul-Masajid has located a short distance, just nine kilometres from the Raja Bhoj Terminal in the city. Hamidia Road is located close to where the train station sits. Only four kilometres separate the Taj-ul-Masajid from the city’s central train station. There are buses that often go to and from the surrounding areas, including Vidisha, Sanchi, Ujjain, Indore, and other cities and towns. You may reach Taj-ul-Masajid via the public transportation network that is available inside Bhopal.
FAQs
Is a trip to Bhopal worthwhile?
Bhopal is one of the cleanest cities in India, and its environment encompasses not one, but two lakes called the Lower Lake and Upper Lake. It is a city that provides a remarkable and one-of-a-kind cultural experience. In addition, it is home to one of the biggest mosques in Asia, which is known as the Taj-ul-Masjid. The renowned Sanchi Stupa may also be seen in the vicinity of Bhopal.
What is well-known in Bhopal?
Bhopal is well-known as being among the cleanest and most environmentally conscious cities in India. It is famous for its extensive traditional culture as well as its cuisine.
How did Bhopal get its name?
The term Bhojpal served as the inspiration for the naming of Madhya Pradesh's capital city. Bhojpal was the designation of a city that existed in the 11th century and was situated in the same general vicinity as the modern city of Bhopal. King Bhoj of the Parmara dynasty established Bhojpal.
What items can I purchase in Bhopal?
The Bhopal Batua, or Bhopal wallet, is a famous souvenir from Bhopal. It is sometimes embellished with colourful beads, and it is made of leather. Hand-woven drapes are also available, including pastel-hued Chanderi silk sarees and deep gold Kota silk. Handmade zari work on Maheshwari sarees is another popular option. You may also get kurtas in a variety of designs, in addition to traditional sarees.
Does Bhopal qualify as a metro city?
Although it is not a metro city, the Indian government's smart city initiative includes Bhopal. According to India's 2011 census, there are 46 classified metro cities, although Bhopal does not rank among them.
How many lakes does Bhopal have?
The Indian city of Bhopal is home to a grand total of 17 lakes.
What river runs through Bhopal?
Bhopal is located near the well-known Narmada River.
Priya Banerjee, a writer with a keen eye on the property market, she deciphers the ever-changing trends in residential real estate. Priya excels at simplifying complex real estate terms, making them easy for everyone to understand. Her well-researched advice helps buyers and investors understand complex topics.
