Top 10 Places to Visit in Bhopal

Bhopal and its rich history can be determined from the fact that the rock paintings which were found here are 30000 years old.  The city has a blend of traditional and modern architecture. Bhopal is also known as the ‘city of lakes’ and holds the title of the ‘greenest city in India.’  Some of the leading tourist destinations in Bhopal are:

1. Around 46 km north-east of Bhopal is the Sanchi Stupa.  Sanchi Stupa in Bhopal is famous for exceptional specimens of Buddhist art and architecture from the third century BC to twelfth century AD.  Sanchi Stupa is the most notable of many monuments in Sanchi. It is one of the best preserved early Stupas in central India and is recognized by UNESCO as an important World Heritage Site.

2. National Museum of Mankind:  It was established in the year 1985 and is also known as Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya.  The museum is spread across 200 acres on the Shyamala Hills. Also known as the Tribal Habitat Museum it gives us insight into the evolution of mankind.  The life-size representation of the dwellings of the tribes displays the unique architectural features of the tribals.

3. State Museum of Madhya Pradesh:  It shares the same complex with the National Museum of Mankind.  It is a modern building and is considered to be the best-designed museums in the country.  There are 16-theme galleries representing fossils, sculptures, coins, etc. representing both the past and present of India.

4. Upper Lake is the biggest lake in the State existing from the 11th century.  The water of the lake is believed to have curative powers and cures skin diseases.  This is a manmade lake with an island in the middle. You can enjoy boating here and rent all kinds of boats like a paddle boat, speed boat, rowing boats, etc. from the boat club.

5. Van Vihar National Park:  Covering an area of 445.21 hectares in the heart of the city, you can either walk or cycle to explore the Park.  It is home to around 200 species of birds and wildlife. It has the Upper Lake on one side and the Shyamala Hills on the other which is an ideal home to these wild animals.

6. Bhojpur Temple:  This is an incomplete temple for reasons unknown.  The Shiva Linga here is the tallest in the world and carved out of a single rock.  It is 18 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide. It is located on the banks of the Betwa River.

7. Taj-ul-Masjid is the largest mosque in the continent of Asia covering an area of 23312 square feet.  The 206 feet tall minarets are a sight to behold. Visitors are attracted to witness the intricately carved pillars and ceilings, its imposing size, and pink facade.

8. Gohar Mahal:  It was built by the first ever woman ruler in Bihar, Gohar Begum.  It is a blend of both Mughal and Hindu architecture.

9. Bhimbetka:  About 46 km from Bhopal, Bhimbetka is a World Heritage Site.  The rock paintings in the Bhimbetka caves are over 15000 years old.  The paintings on the walls and ceilings of the caves are exceptional pieces of art and were discovered accidentally.  Do not miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the bygone era. Visit the Bhimbetka caves and be part of that era.

10. Raisen Fort:  Constructed during the 6th century, this fort is 45 km away from Bhopal.  The fort sits on top of a hill and has temples, palaces, lakes, and ponds.  This fort houses the shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, which is visited quite often.