The beautiful city of Bhopal which is built on seven hills, is the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The city situated around two artificial lakes is second the largest city of Madhya Pradesh, after Indore. It is also known as the City of Lakes.
The city was founded and ruled by the famous Parmara king Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. It was named as 'Bhojpal' after the legendary king and later became 'Bhopal'. Today’s Bhopal was founded by Afghan soldier Dost Mohammed Khan who ruled over the city from 1708-40 A.D. Bhopal was ruled by four Begums from 1819 to 1926. The Begums of the royal family ruled it for almost hundred years and during their rule the city witnessed its glorious peak. Many developments took place during this period like waterworks, railway lines and postal system. They also built some exquisite mosques and palaces which stand testimony to the golden period in the Bhopal’s history. Later Nawab Hamidullah, son of Nawab Sultan Jahan, the last Begum, ascended the throne in 1926. He acceded to the Indian government and Bhopal became an Indian state on 1 May 1949.
The city bequeathed with woody forests magnificent hills and vibrant landscapes is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic cultures. The city is also a classic example of the harmonious symphony of North Indian and South Indian traditions. The old city of Bhopal is dotted with rustic charmed bazaars, old mosques and havelis which are reminders of a bygone era. Whereas new Bhopal City mesmerises its visitors with its well laid out parks and gardens, grand avenues, large boulevards and modern office buildings. Though growing rapidly Bhopal city has retained much of its eternal quaintness and charm.
Attractions & Tourist Places in Bhopal
There are several places of tourist’s interest in and around the city.
Jama Masjid
Jama masjid which is a classic example of Islamic architecture was constructed during the period of Qudisiya Begum in the year 1837. This small mosque is not very grandiloquent but it is a beautiful mosque known for its two towering minarets visible from a significant distance. The internal sanctum of the mosque is made out of marble.
Moti Masjid
The mosque is situated right in the heart of the city. Moti Masjid is known by the sobriquet ‘the Pearl Mosque’. This beautiful shrine signifies the golden era Bhopal witnessed under the begums rule. Moti Masjid was constructed in the year 1860 under the benefaction of Nawab Sikander Jehan Begum. The mosque which is built in red bricks resembles the famous Jama Masjid in Delhi in its architectural design. The mosque has two dark red towers on either side embellished with dominating golden spikes. The scintillating white – marble façade of the mosque enthrals the visitors.
Taj-ul Masjid
This is the largest and most beautiful mosques in the country. Taj-ul-Masjid literally means 'The Crown of Mosques'. The foundations of the mosque were laid during the reign of Begum Shah Jehan. This imposing mosque has a striking pink façade, two 18-storey octagonal minarets with marble domes on top, three huge bulbous domes and a spacious courtyard with a large tank in the centre.
Shaukat Mahal
This is a beautiful alabaster-white building that lies in the heart of the city. It is a beautiful blend of oriental and occidental styles and gothic & post-Renaissance artistic style of art and architecture. It is said that this was designed by a Frenchman who is supposed to be a descendant of the renowned Bourbon Dynasty of France. The roof of Shaukat mahal is adorned with series of complicated triangular arches which is its striking feature. This building is quiet unique when compared to the other Islamic architecture that dominate the city.
Sardar Manzil
Sardar Manzil is located in the vicinity of Shaukat Mahal. Sardar Manzil was the Hall of Public Audience in the past during the rule of the Nawab Begums. It is a big brick-red structure which is surrounded by well-maintained garden with different variety of plants.
Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Lakshmi Narayana Temple in Bhopal dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is located atop the Arera Hills. It enshrines Lord Vishnu along with His consort Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati are also worshipped here in a separate shrine. The temple is built by the eminent industrial family of the Birlas. So it is also called as the ‘Birla Mandir’. The temple has sandy-yellowish façade and is surrounded by sprawling lawns. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the entre Bhopal city.
Birla Museum
Birla Museum lies near the Lakshmi Narayana Temple. The museum has a rich collection of sculptures dating back to the period between 7th and 13th century AD, tools and equipment’s used by the Palaeolithic and Neolithic man, ancient coins, Terracotta objects dating back to 2nd century BC to 6th century AD, numerous prehistoric manuscripts etc. The main attraction here is the model of Bhimbetka rock shelter with its ancient murals.
Upper Lake
Upper Lake of Bhopal is also reckoned as the ‘Bada Talab’. The Upper Lake is spread over an extensive surface area of 31 sq. km. It is divided from the Lower Lake by an over bridge. This lake serves as a principal source of drinkable water for the people of Bhopal city. The great ruler Raja Bhoj built an earthen dam across the River Kolans in the 11th century which led to the formation of upper lake. Sail, paddle and motor boat rides are available at the Upper Lake. Van Vihar National Park and the fish-shaped aquarium near the lake add to the attractions.
Lower lake
Lower Lake of Bhopal, also known as the ‘Chhota Talab’ forms the Bhoja Wetland along with the Upper Lake. Is connected to the Upper Lake through a bridge named ‘Pul Pukhta’. This lake is polluted by the drains which carry wastes and sewage from the various households in various parts of the city.
Gohar Mahal
It is behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake. This sprawling palace was built by Qudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum in 1820. The Gohar Mahal is an excellent blend of Hindu and Mughal style of architecture.
Government Archaeological Museum
In the Government Archaeological Museum various articles that signify the historical and cultural heritage of the state are exhibited in various classified galleries. It has a rich collection of artefacts and sculptures like the statues of Lakshmi, Buddha, images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves, image of Shiva and Parvathi, Jain sculptures dating back to the 12th century and a fine carving of two couples from Khajuraho. The museum is closed on Monday and government holidays.
Bharat Bhawan
It was set up in 1982 under the patronage of the Government of Madhya Pradesh to promote creative and performing art. This multi-arts complex is a thriving centre of theatre, music, performing and other contemporary arts. Designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa Bharat Bhavan has a chain of terraced gardens which are landscaped in a descending manner. the main attraction of Bharat Bhawan are Roopankar (museum of fine arts) which exhibits the contemporary folk and tribal art, Rangmandal (a repertory) which has a fully equipped indoor auditorium, and an oper air theatre where many plays and stage shows are organized, Nirala Srijanpeeth(art gallery), Vagarth (a centre of Indian poetry) which has a vast collection of ancient and contemporary poetry, Chhavi (a Center of Classical Cinema), Anhad (a library of classical and folk music) which organizes performances and concerts, Antrang (an indoor theatre), Bahirang (an outdoor theatre) and an Ashram.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind)
This one of its kind museum is chiefly categorized into three group’s namely open-air exhibitions, indoor galleries and periodical or temporary exhibitions. Open-air exhibitions display Coastal Village, Desert Village, Himalayan Village, Pre-historic Painted Rock Shelters, Mythological Trail and Traditional Technology Park. There are two indoor galleries namely Veethi-Sankul and Bhopal Gallery. It also displays life-size tribal dwellings. The main building has several exhibition halls, indoor and outdoor auditoriums and a reference library. This prominent tourist destination also has a collection of pre-historic painted rock shelters.
Van Vihar National park
Van Vihar National park is located close to Upper Lake. Spread Across an area of 445 hectares this park house a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous animals in their natural habitat. The animals housed here are either orphaned or those which are exchanged from other zoos. It also has large number of local and migratory birds, butterflies and insects.
Places to visit near Bhopal
Gufa Mandir
Gufa Mandir is located at Lalghati approximately 8 kilometres from the heart of the city. This is a cave temple. It is said to have been founded by Late Baba Narayan Das in 1949. The temple enshrines the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman and Lord Hanuman.
Sanchi
Sanchi is situated around 48 km from the city. It is an important religious site of the Buddhists. It is situated at an elevation of 1423 ft. and the place is scattered with number monasteries, temples, stupas and pillars dating back to 3rd century BC to 12th century BC. The ‘Great Stupa of Sanchi’ built by the Mauryan Ruler Ashoka and Ashoka Pillar are the major attraction here. The Buddhist Vihara, The Great Bowland and the Museum at Sanchi are the other attractions here.
Bhimbetka
Bhimbetka , is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is about 46 km South of Bhopal. It is known for world’s oldest prehistoric rock paintings found in the rock shelters and caves here. The oldest paintings here is said to be around 12,000 years old. The 600 caves here were used as a rock shelter by people from the earliest of periods. The paintings which portray the lives of prehistoric human beings are broadly classified under different periods by archaeologists namely The Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, Early Historic and medieval.
Islamnagar
Islamnagar is 11km away on Bhopal-Berasia Road. The main attraction here is the hilltop Palace complex of Dost Mohammed which is a classic example of harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Islamic decorative art. Chaman Mahal and the double-storied Rani Mahal are also worth visiting.
Bhojpur
Bhojpur is 28 km southeast of Bhopal. This placed is renowned for the ancient 'Bhojeshwar Temple' which was constructed in the later part of the 11th century dating back to the period of Raja Bhoj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is referred to as the 'Somnath of the East'. The sanctum of the temple has the biggest Shiva Linga which is carved out of a single stone. The Shiva linga is about 2.3 m high and 5.3 m in circumference.
Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is located about 195 km from Bhopal . It is the only hill resort in the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. This hill station is set against the backdrop of the Satpura mountain ranges and is elevated at a height of 3,350 ft. This mesmerising location with its quiet and tranquil ambience attracts many tourists. The cascading waterfalls, dense forest glades, deep ravines, lush green mountains magnify the quintessential beauty of the place. This was the summer retreat during the days of the British rule. The place is also famous for its pre-historic caves and its antique rock paintings found in the Mahadeo Hills.
How to reach Bhopal
Bhopal Airport, also known as Raja Bhoj Airport, is 15 km away from the city centre. Regular flights connect Bhopal with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh Guwahati, Goa, Indore and Lucknow. Bhopal is the main railway junction of the West Central Railways. It is also a major railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge. Bhopal is very well connected with rest of the country by good network of trains. The city has a good network of state and national highways which connect it with the rest of the country. Several state as well private buses connect Bhopal to all the cities and towns of the state. Many overnight buses from Delhi, Gwalior and Jabalpur are available to Bhopal.
Accommodation
The city has plenty of accommodation options ranging from 5 star budget hotels and mid-range hotels to budget hotels and lodges. Bhopal also has ultra-luxurious palace hotels and heritage hotels which date back to the late 19th century that offer a comfortable stay to its visitors.