Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh and is famous as the city of lakes. The top attractions of the city are its majestic havelis, museums and the Nawabi food which attracts tourists all around the year.
Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, the city is famous for lakes in the city. The city of Bhopal is also known as the city of lakes as it is famous for the pair of lakes present in the city which split the city into two parts. The north part of the lakes is the old town with beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars and wonderful haveli's. In the south part of Bhopal is the new city which has tall buildings, shopping complexes and wide roads.
Bhopal has majestic mosques which showcases the classic Mughal architecture in the Taj-Ul-Masjid and the beautiful Moti Masjid. The most important attraction of the city are its breathtakingly beautiful havelis and museums as well as the Nawabi food which is an absolute delight for foodies.
Another famous place in Bhopal is the UNESCO world heritage site of Sanchi Stupa. The place has relics of Buddha and is one of the most important Buddhist sites in India. Tourists in Bhopal can also visit the famous Udayagiri Caves where one can admire the iconographies of Hindu Gods like Vishnu, Durga and Shiva depicting legendary stories of the Gods and their Shrines.
Van Vihar, Bhopal
The Van Vihar is a national park and zoological space located in Bhopal which operates under the guidelines of Central zoo Authority of India. The Van Vihar is located just near to the upper lake near Shyamala Hills in Bhopal. The animals here are kept in their natural habitats making it Paradise for people who love to see animals in their natural habitat.
There are variety of animals present here such as the leopards, Cheetah, nilgai, Panthers etc and even one can notice varieties of birds such as kingfishers, bulbul's, wagtails and some other migratory birds species. The best time to visit here is between July and September when the chances of seeing a white tiger are the highest. Spread over an area of 4.45 sq.km, this protected area ensures complete security to animals from poaching and other illegal activities.
Lower Lake, Bhopal
The city of Bhopal has a great fusion of picturesque beauty, modernity, and classic architecture. The city has two most beautiful lakes namely, Upper Lake and Lower Lake. The Lower Lake is also known as Chhota Talab. The lake was built in 1794 to commemorate the beauty of the city.
The Lower Lake, is tranquil, peaceful, and charming and is set amidst majestic hills. The lake represent serenity yet suffers pollution from the sewage. The Government is taking steps to resolve the pollution problem of the lake.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, the national museum of Anthropology, is located at the Shamla Hills, Bhopal. The museum showcases the integrated story of the culture and evolution of mankind. The main attraction 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 computerized documentaries. The anthropological space is created by the tribals to showcase the ancient lifestyle and mythological trail.
Upper lake, Bhopal
The Upper Lake is the most significant lake of Bhopal commonly known as the Bada Talab. It’s the oldest human-made lake in the country that lies on the west of Bhopal. Serving around 30 million gallons of water the lake is a primary source of potable water to the residents of the city.
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.
Gohar Mahal, Bhopal
The Gohar Mahal was built in the year 1820 by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, Gohar Begum this structure 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.
Birla Museum, Bhopal
The Birla Museum preserves the remnants of Madhya Pradesh's glorious pre-historic era is. 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 attracts a huge crowd of tourists and is a must-visit for all history and archeology enthusiasts.
Jama Masjid, Bhopal
The Jama Masjid is a revered shrine and popular tourist destination in the city of Bhopal. The mosque is officially known as Taj-ul-Masajid, which translates to "Crown Among Mosques". The wonderful architecture of Jama Masjid showcases the classic Islamic architecture with its beautiful shrine and two tall minarets. The mosque is spread over a large area and is made out of red stones and has two minarets flanking the main structure.
The entire surface of Jama Masjid is embellished with careful carvings and ornamental windows, with the three marble domes standing out against the contrast of the blue sky. Inside the masjid, a small pond and the royal market area is present as well.
Archeological museum, Bhopal
The archeological museum of Bhopal exhibits sculptures from artists from all over Madhya Pradesh and offers 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. The museum is always flooded with visitors throughout the year.
Sadar Manzil, Bhopal
The Sadar Manzil occupies a place of eminence in Bhopal. The red-brick structure is a hybrid of the western and Asian style of architecture designed by a descendant of the Bourbon Dynasty of France. The Sadar Manzil has lush green gardens with exotic flora, intricately carved arches and the oriental style of architecture give the space a grand appearance.
The wooden door bounds the entrance that opens to a large courtyard adorned by a fountain. Amazing paintings adorn the ceilings although thick cobwebs cover them. The large podium overlooking the garden was once the seat of the ruler and the rectangular open space houses a stage with rooms on either side. Sadar Manzil attracts tourists and locals who wish to view the aesthetic charm of the place.
Sanchi, Bhopal
The Buddhist monuments of Sanchi are one of the oldest stone structures in India, located just 46 km from Bhopal. This stupa is a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Great Stupa was built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka. The sculptures and monuments present at the site are a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture in Madhya Pradesh.
Sanchi is known for its ancient Stupas, monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar, Toranas or ornate gateways with intricate carvings and other remnants of the rich Buddhist culture which date back to the 3rd century B. C. This is one of the most important places for Buddhist pilgrimage and pilgrims from around the world visit this place.
Perfect time to visit Bhopal
The perfect time to visit Bhopal is during the winter months of October to March. The weather is ideal and one can explore the rich flavors of the grand city. July-September is the second best time to visit the city.
Conclusion
Bhopal is a delightful blend of captivating landscapes, pleasant weather, and rich traditions which makes it a perfect heaven for the tourists. From lovely lakes to captivating landscapes, Bhopal has everything which excites tourists. So, pack your bags and move on a journey to Bhopal and enjoy your traveling experience.
