Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is replete with old mosques showcasing splendid Mughal Architecture. Apart from the old rustic charm of medieval times, Bhopal is also known for the pair of artificial lakes, which splits the city into two. These lakes are referred to as the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake and are divided from each other via an overbridge.
The Upper Lake or the Bada Talab was built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj, and the Lower Lake was built in 1794 by Nawab Chhote Khan. These two lakes play a vital role in enhancing the face value of Bhopal’s tourism.
Apart from that, visiting Bhopal can leave you with so many cherishable memories to hang upon all your life; you can consider sailing in the lakes, boating, visiting museums, relishing the food, shopping, exploring, and so much more.
Best Time To Visit Bhopal
If you are planning on visiting this city with the old rustic feels, then the best time to visit Bhopal would be from October to March. During these months, the overall climate is quite pleasant for sightseeing and exploring activities.
History Of Bhopal
In the 11th century, Bhopal was ruled by King Bhojpal who built many lakes in the region. After him, the city’s architecture was improved a great deal by Dost Mohammed Khan who ruled the city after the demise of Aurangzeb.
However, it was the reign of the Begums in Bhopal due to which there was a surge of cultural and artsy activities in the region. Yes, it was in the 19th century, that the city of Bhopal was under Muslim women, and one of the first among them was Mamola Bai, who started looking after the city post her husband’s demise.
Mamola Bai was then succeeded by Qudsia Begum who took after the reins of the kingdom when her husband was assassinated. And after Qudsia Begum, her daughter took over the throne. It is believed that under the rule of these women, Bhopal flourished a great deal as a hub of art and cultural activities.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Globally known as the worst industrial disaster, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy accidentally exposed about 42 tonnes of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas to 5,00,000 people. Due to this, people woke up with a burning sensation happening in their lungs, and more than 8,000 deaths were reported.
Apart from that, reports also suggested that nearly 7,00,000 people were affected by it.
Places To Visit In Bhopal
Bhopal is very famous among tourists and locals. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. Here's the list of the places to visit in Bhopal.
1. Upper Lake
It is considered to be one of the most prominent aspects of tourism in Bhopal. Also referred to as Bhojtal, it is believed to be the oldest lake in the country to be made by humans. Apart from Bhojtal, many locals also like to refer to the lake as Bada Talab. The lake serves about 30 million gallons of usable water to the residents.
2. Van Vihar
This national park is a must-visit if you want to explore the wildlife and their natural habitats. Here one gets to see leopards, cheetahs, Nilgai, panthers, and various other wild animals. For wildlife photographers and nature lovers, this place is no less than heaven. Van Vihar covers an area of about 4-5 sq. km.
3. Gohar Mahal
This place was constructed in 1820 by Gohar Begum and is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures of Bhopal. This historical building has successfully attained the right balance between Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. If you want to relive the historic charm of Bhopal then, this is one of the best places to visit.
4. Lower Lake
Also referred to as the Chota Talab, this is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bhopal. These two lakes are separated by an over-bridge called Pul Pukhta. It is believed that the lake was established by Chhote Khan in 1794 to honor the grand spirit of Bhopal.
How To Reach Bhopal
Bhopal is a dazzling city in Madhya Pradesh, soaked in the rich history and legacy that has been left behind by medieval rulers. It is located at an approximate distance of 783, 779, 1,380, 1,442 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
- Nearest metropolitan city - Mumbai
- Nearest airbase - Raja Bhoj Airport
- Nearest railhead - Bhopal Railway Station
- Distance from Mumbai - 776 Kms
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By Air - You will need to take a flight to Bhopal Airport also known as the Raja Bhoj Airport. It has fairly good connectivity with other Indian cities. Once you deboard at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation like a cab or a bus.
- Distance from Raja Bhoj Airport - 13 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Bhopal
By Train - Bhopal has its railway station. It is fairly well-connected with other Indian cities. As you deboard at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
- Distance from Bhopal Railway Station - 2 Kms
By Road - Bhopal has good overall road connectivity with nearby cities. You can also consider traveling to Bhopal via a good motorable road network. For this, you can take a cab, bus, or your vehicle.
- Distance from Indore - 194 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhopal
Q: What are some popular places to visit in Bhopal?
A: Some popular places to visit in Bhopal include the Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Taj-ul-Masajid, Van Vihar National Park, and the Museum of Man.
Q: Are there any historical sites to see in Bhopal?
A: Yes, Bhopal has several historical sites to visit such as the Raja Bhoj's Palace, Jami Masjid, and the Gohar Mahal.
Q: Are there any temples or religious sites to visit in Bhopal?
A: Yes, there are several temples and religious sites to visit in Bhopal such as Laxmi Narayan Temple, ISKCON Bhopal.
