The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is famous for the pair of artificial lakes (Upper Lake and Lower Lake) that split the city. Towards the north of the lakes lie the intriguing old town with rustic mosques, bustling bazaars, serpentine alleys and exquisite havelis. To its south is the new town with swanky infrastructure, shopping complexes and wide roads. It is this contrast that makes Bhopal an exquisite blend of the old and the new, the past and the present, the rustic and the classy.
Bhopal is replete with majestic mosques which showcase classic Mughal architecture exemplified by the Taj-Ul-Masjid (one of the largest in India, built by the third female ruler Bhopal had, Shah Jahan Begum), and Moti Masjid. The city will catch your attention through its breathtakingly beautiful havelis and museums as well as Nawabi food that is an absolute delight for foodies. Tragically, Bhopal is also a reminiscence of a world’s worst industrial disaster in the chemical plant of Union Carbide that was responsible for at least 8000 deaths from the explosion alone.
Places to Visit
Upper Lake
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh holds a significant number of lakes hence widely known as Bhopal the city of lakes. Upper Lake is the most significant lake of Bhopal commonly known as the Bhojtal. It’s the oldest human-made lake in the country that lies to the west of Bhopal. The locals also call it Bada Talab. Serving around 30 million gallons of water the lake is a primary source of potable water to the residents of the city.
This beautiful vast water body was named after King Bhoj who built the lake across the Kolans River in the 11th-century. According to folklore, the king constructed this humongous lake to cure himself of his skin disease. The pillar on one corner of the lake holds the statue of Raja Bhoj. The Upper Lake is separated from the lower lake by an overbridge called Pul Pukhta.
Since agriculture is the main source of livelihood for people of Bhopal, the lake is the primary source of water for irrigation. On the eastern side of the lake, the boat club was established offering some water sports for the visitors such as parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting etc. Within its vicinity lies the scenic Kamala Park. The royal garden is flooded with tourists and visitors during the peak seasons since it’s a hub for all adventure enthusiasts. The boat club, sunset, aquarium serenaded by the cool breeze of Bhopal is a perfect getaway.
Van Vihar
Located in Bhopal, Van Vihar is a National Park and a Zoological Space that operates under the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. It is located just adjacent to the Upper Lake in Bhopal, near Shymala Hills. The animals here are kept closest to their natural habitats, making it a haven for people who love nature. You can spot a vast variety of animals including leopards, cheetah, Neelgai, panthers, etc. as well as birds such as kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and some migratory species. The best time to visit here is between July and September when the chances of seeing a white tiger are the highest. Sprawling over a vast area of 4.45 sq.km, this protected area ensures complete security to animals from poaching and other illegal activities.
The national park categorises animals in 2 categories, i.e., carnivores and herbivores. Herbivores are allowed to roam freely whereas carnivores are kept in enclosed areas. The land is strictly under protection so as to safeguard its flora and fauna. A visit to Van Vihar National Park becomes more enjoyable when you take the safari ride. Furthermore, the adjoining upper lake enhances the beauty of this park. It gets even prettier during the winter season when its time for the birds to migrate. Sightseeing around the park is quite easy as it gives access to its visitors via a network of roads passing through it.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, the national museum of Anthropology, is majestically situated on the Shamla Hills, the upper lakefront of Bhopal. The museum presents the integrated story of the culture and evolution of mankind. The highlight of this museum is the fact that it’s the only one to have painted rock shelters with its post-colonial repertoire of tribal folk, art and culture. Besides, as a perk, the museum houses audiovisual archives, an extensive collection of ethnographic specimens and computerised documentaries.
Spreading over an area of 200 acres, the museum functions with objectives such as highlighting the diversity and cultural patterns of Indian tribals. With its prehistoric essence, the anthropological space is created by the tribals to showcase the ancient lifestyle and mythological trail.
Lower Lake
Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Bhopal has a great fusion of picturesque beauty, modernity, and classic architecture. It has two most beautiful lakes namely, Upper Lake and Lower Lake. The Lower Lake is also known as Chhota Talab. The two lakes are separated by an over-bridge called Lower Lake Bridge or Pul Pukhta. The lake was built in 1794 to commemorate the beauty of the city. The construction took place under Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan Bahadur.
Lower Lake, in particular, is tranquil, peaceful, and charming and is set amidst majestic hills. The Lower Lake has no source of freshwater hence it receives seepage from Upper Lake. Along with Upper Lake, it makes up the Bhoj Wetland. The lakes represent serenity yet suffers pollution from the sewage. The Government is taking steps to resolve the pollution problem of the lake.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelter
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.
Bhimbetka is home to more than 500 rock shelters and caves which have a large number of paintings. The oldest paintings are considered to be 30,000 years old, but some of the geometric figures date to as recently as the medieval period. The colours used are vegetable colours which have endured through time because the drawings were generally made deep inside a niche or on inner walls. It is a great place to visit for people of almost all age groups.
Gohar Mahal
Constructed in the year 1820 by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, Gohar Begum this is one of the most beautiful structures in Bhopal.
The palace was built with a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Gohar Mahal has lost some of its original charm over the years, but it is undergoing restoration which will bring back its grandeur.
City Shopping
Bhopal is a tale of two cities. The northern city boasts of its rich culture with fascinating mosques, grand havelis, and crowded markets. The southern part portrays a more sophisticated role with luxury hotels, beautiful wide roads, and restaurants offering multi-cuisine to cherish. But that’s not all about this city. The city is a paradise for shopaholics with delicate Zardozi sarees, exquisite Mulberry silk, handlooms and well-crafted souvenirs to offer. You can get some of the finest Tussar Silk in the local markets of Bhopal. The Mandana and Pithora paintings are a delight for the art enthusiasts. But, this is just the icing. These street shops also serve amazing hot Gulab Jamuns, Meva Bati, and Shammi Kebabs. Some of the markets are open until two at night! You can enjoy the delicious Dahi Bade, Khopra Pak, Malpua and Imarti while browsing through the lanes of clothing and accessory shops. End your shopping fiesta with the authentic Bhopali Paan to give your trip the true Bhopali touch!
Things to Buy in Bhopal
Whether your budget is small or big, Bhopal has got your back! The various items available in the markets are bound to satisfy the needs of every customer. Market Streets are full of fancy shoes, shiny purses, beautiful silver ornaments, leather products, and of course the famous Bhopal ‘Batua’ with colourful beadwork. You can also get the classic Pithora paintings to keep memories of Bhopal fresh in your heart. Bhopal is famous for the hand-weaved sarees and dress materials. You can get a pastel shade of Chanderi, or a deep gold Kota silk. The beautiful Bagh print kurtas, designed using wooden blocks are a must-have. But, the handcrafted Maheshwari sarees simply steal the limelight with its zari work and elegant sheen.
Let’s take a look at the fantastic Street Shopping in Bhopal Chowk Bazaar:
Chowk Bazaar is the perfect place for hardcore shoppers. The narrow streets sell a plethora of items, from silver jewellery, bags, velvet purses and handloom clothes to antiques, traditional Bhopali artwork, and embroidered cushions.
Best Known For
Attractive and snug footwear made by the local craftsmen.
Timing
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday closed
Tips
Show your bargaining skills. You can go with the famous line, ‘Bhaiya Kal meri friend to itne me le kar gyi thi’.
Shaukat Mahal
Shaukat Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bhopal which has a distinct architecture – a blend of Indo-Islamic and European styles.
The roof of the building is adorned with a series of complicated triangular-shaped arches and the exteriors have beautiful patterns, showing artistic brilliance.
Birla Museum
The remnants of Madhya Pradesh’s glorious pre-historic era is perfectly preserved in the Birla Museum. The museum contains objects used by the Paleolithic and Neolithic man, stone sculptures from 7th to 13th century BC and manuscripts and terracotta belonging to 2nd century BC
This museum is a must-visit for all history and archeology enthusiasts.
Archeological Museum
The archeological museum exhibits sculptures from artists from all over Madhya Pradesh and provides a deep insight into the rich culture of this state.
A place for artistic indulgence, it houses statues of Lakshmi, Buddha and images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva among other pieces of art.
Must Try Food in Bhopal
1. South Indian Food at Manohar Dairy & Restaurant
2. Mughlai Food at Zam Zam Fast Food
3. 10 Downing Street TDS
4. Sagar Gaire Fast Food
5. Hongkong Chinese Restaurant
6. South Indian Restaurant – The Indian Coffee House
7. The Urban Grill Punjabi Restaurant
8. ZauQ
9. Nerbada Sweets
10. Khan Sahab
How To Get Here
Bhopal being the capital city of Madhya Pradesh has it’s own airport and a railway station which connects it to all major cities of the country. It also has very efficient bus and cab services which can be particularly helpful while travelling to places near Bhopal.
By Air
Bhopal has its own Airport, the Raja Bhoj International Airport, where regular flights operate to various cities of the country. The airport is about 15km away from the city.
Nearest Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO)
By Road
Bhopal is easily accessible through an excellent system of roadways and highways. NH12 and NH 86 run through Bhopal.
By Train
Bhopal Junction falls under the west-central zone of India railways. The city is well connected to all major railway stations in the country.