- Upper Lake
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh’s capital, is known as the “City of Lakes” because of its large number of lakes. The Upper Lake, also known as the Bhojtal, is the most important lake in Bhopal. It is the country’s oldest man-made lake, and it is located west of Bhopal. Bada Talab is another name for it among the locals. The lake, which holds roughly 30 million gallons of water, is the city’s principal source of potable water.
King Bhoj, who built the lake across the Kolans River in the 11th century, was given the name of this lovely large body of water. The king built this massive lake to cure himself of a skin ailment, according to legend. Raja Bhoj’s statue is affixed to a pillar in one of the lake’s corners. Pul Pukhta, an overbridge between the Upper and Lower Lakes, separates the two.
Because agriculture is the main source of income for the residents of Bhopal, the lake serves as the principal source of irrigation water. The boat club was established on the eastern side of the lake to provide visitors with water sports such as parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. The picturesque Kamala Park is located nearby. During peak seasons, the royal garden is overrun with tourists and visitors because it is a nexus for all adventure seekers. The boat club, sunset, and aquarium, all while being serenaded by the cool wind of Bhopal, make for an ideal retreat.
- Van Vihar
Van Vihar is a National Park and a Zoological Space in Bhopal that runs under the Central Zoo Authority’s standards. It’s close to Shymala Hills in Bhopal, just next to the Upper Lake. The animals are preserved as close to their original environments as possible, making it a refuge for nature lovers. Leopards, cheetahs, Neelgai, panthers, and other animals can be seen, as well as birds including kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and some migratory species. The best months to visit are July and September, when the chances of spotting a white tiger are greatest. This protected area, which covers 4.45 square kilometres, ensures that animals are safe from poaching.
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
The national museum of Anthropology, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, is beautifully positioned on the Shamla Hills, Bhopal’s upper lakefront. The museum tells the complete story of humanity’s culture and evolution. With its post-colonial repertory of tribal folk, art, and culture, this museum is unique in that it is the only one with painted rock dwellings. The museum also has audiovisual archives, a large collection of ethnographic items, and computerised documentaries as a bonus.
The museum, which covers 200 acres, aims to emphasize the diversity and cultural traditions of Indian tribal. The tribal developed the anthropological environment with its primordial character to illustrate the ancient lifestyle and mythological path.
- Gohar Mahal
Built in 1820 by Gohar Begum, the first woman monarch of Bhopal, this is one among the city’s most stunning monuments.
The palace was designed to be a perfect combination of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Over the years, Gohar Mahal has lost part of its original appeal, but it is currently undergoing restoration that will restore its grandeur.
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- Birla Museum
The Birla Museum perfectly preserves the vestiges of Madhya Pradesh’s beautiful pre-historic age. The museum houses Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts, as well as stone sculptures from the 7th to 13th centuries BC, as well as texts and terracotta from the 2nd century BC.
This museum is a must-see for everyone interested in history or archaeology.
- Shaukat Mahal
Shaukat Mahal is one of Bhopal’s most magnificent structures, with a unique architectural that combines Indo-Islamic and European traditions.
The building’s roof is embellished with a succession of intricate triangular-shaped arches, and the exteriors feature lovely patterns that demonstrate artistic brilliance.
- Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, a respected shrine and major tourist destination in Bhopal, was built during the reign of Quidisiya Begum. Taj-ul-Masajid, which means “Crown Among Mosques,” is the official name. With its gorgeous shrine and two tall minarets, Jama Masjid’s stunning architecture is reminiscent of classic Islamic architecture. It is the country’s largest mosque, as well as one of the largest on the African continent.
The allure of Jama Masjid, as well as its religious significance, draws people from all around Bhopal and beyond. The mosque is wide and spread out, with a basic and beautiful style that can be seen from afar. It has two minarets surrounding the main structure and is composed of red stones. The three marble domes stand out against the contrast of the blue sky, and the entire surface of Jama Masjid is adorned with precise carvings and beautiful windows. A small pond and the royal market area are also located within the property. Taj ul Masajid is a great experience. It is a symbol of all that is spiritual and heavenly.
- Bharat Bhavan
The Government of Madhya Pradesh established and funds Bharat Bhavan, an autonomous multi-arts complex and museum in the state capital of Bhopal. Mrs. Indira Gandhi, India’s then-Prime Minister, declared it open in 1982. It’s a multi-arts centre that aims to provide an interactive experience via the use of verbal, visual, and performing arts. Bharat Bhavan is a favourite haunt of individuals who want to see beautiful dance and singing performances and gives a venue for current expression, thought, search, and invention. At the many events relating to free expression of thinking, artists from all around the country perform.
The architecture of the Bharat Bhavan shines through like a brilliant diamond overlooking the Upper Lake, reflecting the grandeur of everything inside. It contains an art gallery with a lot of magnificent works of art, and if the spectacle succeeds to capture your attention, you may take a lesson or two at the fine art classes. Here on the property, there is an open-air amphitheatre, a studio theatre, and an auditorium where you may see a live performance or, better yet, act yourself. The museum of tribal and folk art, as well as libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music, feature the history of Indian art forms.
- Birla Mandir
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple, located at the top of the Arera Hills, is a spectacular monument with a grandiose grandeur and architecture. Birla Mandir is the temple’s official name. It’s a breathtaking sight that offers a panoramic perspective of Bhopal’s old city. The temple was constructed in honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and her spouse Vishnu (also known as Narayan), the universe’s preserver. As a result, she is known as Lakshmi Narayan. The temple is a shrine to Lord Shiva and Parvathi, bringing consolation and tranquillity to devotees. It is surrounded by vegetation and has an antique beauty.
The beautiful temple, which is spread over 7.5 acres and is embellished with well-kept lawns and gardens, fountains, and statues, attracts thousands of devotees during the Janmashtami and Diwali festivals. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built by the Birla Group, a well-known industrial family, and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Raisen Fort
Raisen Fort is a large historical structure perched atop a hill that has a large water reservoir, palaces, and a few temples. The 800-year-old fort, which is located in Bhopal, features nine gateways, defences, domes, and the ruins of various early mediaeval buildings. Hundreds of bats now call it home.
Raisen Fort also houses the shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, a Muslim saint. The shrine is said to be able to fulfil the wishes of pilgrims. The fort was ruled by the Rajputs and other Hindu dynasties till the 16th century. Although the fort was taken by the Bhopal nawabs, it is now in the hands of the ASI.
The impressive fort is built on a rocky outcropping with a large stone wall pierced by nine entrances. It drowns in the wilderness, which is densely forested with flora and long grass. The Raisen fort, which is adorned with a huge courtyard and a magnificent pool in the centre, dates back to 1200 AD. The powerful fort also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, as well as four palaces (Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal, and Hawa Mahal). Every year on the occasion of Shivratri, the temple doors open. On other days, pilgrims who visit the temple tie a piece of cloth to the grill gate in order to have their desires granted.
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