11 Unmissable Places to Visit in Bhopal

Last Updated on April 14, 2024 by admin

The capital of Madhya Pradesh does not really come up on the tourist circuit but the city of lakes has a lot to offer. This guide on places to visit in Bhopal includes Bhopal tourist places that the locals love as well as a tourist’s favourite.

Located on the same Malwa Plateau as Indore, Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh state, positions itself at par with the commercial capital.

Bhopal, the name in itself depicts the live life king size persona and was amongst the largest princely states in the pre-independence era, after Hyderabad. 

Historically, Bhopal is noted for its 100 years of Begum rule i.e, ruled by women rulers, who brought basic infrastructure facilities like waterworks, railways, postal services etc to the city. 

Bhopal, which grappled under the tragic industrial accident, of The Bhopal Gas Tragedy has emerged itself from the negatives of the past. Whatever the city went through can never be forgotten as the effects can still be seen in posterity. It has sailed through and has now become one of the most beautiful capital cities as well as, has well mapped itself on the tourism map of India.   

Bhopal is a fantastic blend of history, scenic beauty and modernisation. It is slightly elevated than the northern plains and is surrounded by small hills of the Vindhyachal range of mountains and boasts of beautiful lakes hence the name, The city of Lakes. 

PLACES TO VISIT IN BHOPAL

Bhopal tourist places include nature trails, lakes and historical monuments. All of these places can easily be covered in 2 days in Bhopal.

Upper Lake | Bada Talab

Upper Lake makes Bhopal, Bhopal. It is the city’s heartbeat. 

Upper Lake, Bada Talab, and Bhojtaal are a few of the names which are associated with this lake. It is encircled by Van Vihar National park on one end and the fields on the other. It is so scenic that there are so many restaurants and cafes along the edge of the lake which makes it easier to have a look at the breathtaking view of this mesmerizing lake. It is one of the Bhopal famous places and spending an evening here is a must.

Bada Talab is home to beautiful birds like Cranes, white storks and black-necked storks. Bird watchers have sighted beautiful and rare birds on this very lake. It also supports many species of plants and microorganisms along with those of reptiles too. 

One can go fishing and boating on the boat club and kayaking and canoeing at the National sailing school which is generally open throughout the course of the day. 

Bhojtaal is of great importance to the locals both culturally and socially. It is also responsible single-handedly to supply drinking water to the residents of Bhopal. There is a grand statue of Raja Bhoj overseeing the lake. It is a tribute to the warrior and legendary king of Indian history who played a significant role in protecting the culture.

Did you Know? Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes.

Van Vihar National Park 

Van Vihar is a National Park or a drive-through Zoo. It has an amazing combination of wetlands, elevated land, different types of slopes, plains and small and big pools of water hence conserving animals in their natural habitats. 

It is home to all kinds of animals carnivores, herbivores and reptiles and various species of birds too. It is located along the edges of Upper Lake which makes it scenic and greatly popular amongst tourists as well as wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. 

Van Vihar has definitely changed the conventional definition of the zoo. One can not only spot animals here but go on birding trips. It houses a Bird interpretation Center and a Butterfly Park too. It also functions as a rescue, conservation and breeding centre for various animals. It is open from morning 0600 hrs to evening 0600 hrs and closed only on Holi and Diwali.

Taj-ul Masjid 

Taj-ul-Masjid is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest in the world, built by one of the Begums of Bhopal. It is one of the unmissable places to visit in Bhopal. It stands tall within the city limits and clearly visible from multi-storied buildings almost all over the city. 

Its architecture and decorations have great similarities to the Jama Masjid of Delhi. The structure of the mosque comprises three domes and two minarets and is located on the banks of the Motia Talab. The look and grandeur of this mosque are unique and hence the name, Taj-Ul which means the crown of Mosques.

National Museum of Mankind 

If Anthropology interests you, then the National Museum of Mankind is for you. It is curated with the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India. 

This museum depicts all the information about human evolution with respect to India and Indian culture. It goes beyond the place and time and shows how humankind evolved in different terrains of the desert, coasts, and mountains as also the tribal habitat. All the exhibits are categorized under Open Exhibitions, Indoor Galleries and temporary exhibits. Visiting this place is quite a knowledge-gaining experience.

Gauhar Mahal

Gauhar Mahal is one of the important and oldest palaces of the Nawabs of the princely state of Bhopal. There is no definite date proof of the construction of the palace but it is assumed that it was constructed during the rule of Nazar Mohammad Khan in early 18th century. The palace was named Gauhar Mahal after Gauhar Begum, wife of Nawab Nazar Mohammad Khan.

The architecture of the palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and local style influences. The combination of multi-coloured arches on two pillar built in Diwan-e-khas and the flower leaves on the gate seems to be influenced by Mughal architecture.

Tribal Museum, Bhopal

The main concept of curating a tribal museum is to bridge the gap between the common man and the lesser-known tribal communities of the state. This is beautifully done through various artefacts and motifs which show their tribal lifestyle. 

The lifestyles of the seven major tribes of Madhya Pradesh are depicted through their crafts in beautiful galleries. These tribes are Bhil, Gond, Korku, Baiga, Sahariya, Kol and Bhariya. This place is a three-storied building which shows the life values of these tribes along with their graceful lifestyle and spiritual beliefs. 

Sair Sapata 

A place which improves the happiness quotient of the families of both tourists and locals. It is conceptualized and made effective by Madhya Pradesh tourism. The area is maintained within a complex which houses a special area as a kid’s play zone, a toy train and a suspension bridge quite akin to the one in Rishikesh, the Laxman Jhula. It also has an appetizing food court which caters for good food for visiting people.

Ropeway At Manuabhan Tekri, Bhopal

It may not be Asia’s longest ropeway, but riding on this ropeway is one of the best things to do in Bhopal.

Located at the Manuabhan Tekri temple, the Bhopal Ropeway offers great views on the way and from the peak. At the peak, a stunning Jain temple offers serenity, peace and beautiful views. 

Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhojpur 

The temple has an amazing vibe of magnificence and is popular because of Shivling’s of height 7.5 feet. It was built in the 11th century by King Bhoj and later abandoned. The reason is unknown even to the Archeological Survey of India which has declared it to be a monument of national importance as the architectural plans carved on the unfinished walls of this temple help archaeologists to understand more about the architecture of that time. 

Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple is one of the best places to visit in Bhopal. Read about it in detail: Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple.

Places to visit near Bhopal

If visitors have some more time, they choose to check out these places to visit near Bhopal.

Bhimbetka Caves 

As the name suggests, Bhimbetka is actually Bhimbaithka, meaning the sitting place of Bhim. 

Located about 45 km south of Bhopal, Bhimbetka is a rock shelter which is declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, having evidence of human habitation in this area of Madhya Pradesh during the stone age. These caves have paintings which range from various eras like Mesolithic and Paleolithic etc. The study of these caves and paintings helps archaeologists to understand the evolution of man through these periods of time. 

It is open from morning 6 am to 6 pm during all seasons.

Place where Tropic of Cancer passes 

Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line that is parallel to the equator and passes through our country in several states. On the globe, till this latitude, the sun is exactly overhead and beyond this, it starts to slant. This line has been very well indicated on the highway by the Govt of Madhya Pradesh for the tourists.

It’s on the Bhopal-Sanchi highway so it can be covered when one plans to visit Sanchi as it is en route. The place has been marked beautifully for tourists for photography purposes. 

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest structures built in ancient India and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sanchi Stupa was built by the great emperor Ashoka to uphold the teachings of Buddha. He also wanted to spread the principles of Buddhism and the way of life which he believed to be compassion and peace. 

The dome-like structure represents the cosmic mountain or the dome of heaven which encircles the earth and the chhatraveli represents the three jewels of Buddhism, namely Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The stupa premises hold many other Stupas, Gateways or the Toranas, a temple which was built during the reign of the Gupta Dynasty and the Lion Pillar which is now known as Ashoka Pillar and of patriotic significance to the Nation of India.

Shopping in Bhopal 

Shopping is and will always be an important part of travelling and vacation so while it is important to tick off places to visit in Bhopal, it is equally important to indulge in some retail therapy. 

Like two sides of a coin, Bhopal has two different places for shopping. Chowk Bazar has old-school vibes and is in Old Bhopal. It showcases all the work which is intricate to the heritage of Bhopal and New Market, is new, modern and contemporary.

Bhopali Batuas

These batuas are the pride of Bhopal. They are the reminder of the essence of feminism of the Begum rule of Bhopal. Batua means wallet in Urdu. It is strung and made of colourful fabrics embroidered with Zardosi work. It can be bought from Chowk Bazar which is a very famous market in old Bhopal as also the New Market. 

Chanderi and Bagh Print dress material and Sarees

These are Madhya Pradesh’s very own fabric and pattern of clothes. Dress material and Sarees in Chanderi and Bagh prints are must-haves for any ethnic wardrobe. These can be further accessorized into Stoles, Curtains, Cushion Covers and Dupattas. These can be bought from any local shops or Mrignayani Showroom and Avanti Handlooms which are Madhya Pradesh Govt owned shops. 

Pithora Paintings

Traditionally done on walls and lately, on canvas, these are practised by Bhil and Bhilala tribes which find origins in the State of Madhya Pradesh. They have great similarities with the paintings of the Rathwa tribe in Eastern Gujarat. The paintings are made of white colour and have no feature of ornamentation. Natural colours are used and the paintings depict the lifestyle of these tribes. Scenes like harvesting, childbirth or any mythological stories are generally seen in them.

Must try food items in Bhopal | Best Street food in Bhopal

Pav Bhaji from Manohar 

Manohar Dairy and Sweets is a vegetarian restaurant having various outlets across Bhopal. It’s a pleasure trip for foodies. The place offers Sweets, Chats, and Namkeens of all varieties and is well known for its breakfast menu. Your taste buds will have an amazing rollercoaster ride at this foodie junction.

Veg Cheese Sandwich & Cold Coffee at Sharma & Vishnu 

If you want a happy place to go with your family and enjoy, this is the right place. Veg Cheese Sandwich and Cold Coffee are favourites amongst locals, they offer different cuisines for their customers.

Shami Kebab from Murga on Wheels 

This is a non-vegetarian paradise. When awesome taste does not dent your pocket, it is a place to be. Grilled chicken is their forte.

Chole Bhature from New Market 

If you are shopping in New Market and are hungry, enquire about the oldest Chole Bhature shop in New Market and you will be guided to this place. A small, old joint which serves amazing, lip-smacking Chole Bhature. 

Haji Lassiwala

If you are a fan of the stuff which is home to authentic Indian culture, welcome to Haji Lassiwala. Placed in Itwara Bazar, it’s a must-visit place for Falooda and Lassi.

Best time to visit Bhopal

Every season has a different flavour of tourism in every city. Similarly, you can visit Bhopal in any month of the year however the months between October to March are most enjoyable as winters here are mild and one can enjoy sightseeing to the fullest.

Another great time to visit is during the monsoon if one wants to enjoy the natural beauty in and around Bhopal. 

Where to stay in Bhopal

Bhopal hotels cater to all budgets of accommodation. There are heritage options, hostels, resorts, luxurious properties and more.

Heritage stay: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace

Mid-range hotel:  Radisson Bhopal, Hotel Casa Stay

Luxurious hotel: Taj Lakefront Bhopal, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal

Resorts: Celebration Resorts & Farm Villa

How to reach Bhopal

Bhopal can be reached through all the means of transport.

By Air  

Bhopal Airport is known as Raja Bhoj Airport located around 15 km from the city on National Highway 12. Bhopal is connected to all the metros and major cities through all the airlines.

By Road

Various state and interstate buses ply to and from Bhopal to various cities both private as well as state transport.

By Train

Bhopal Junction is the major railway junction in the city. It is connected to the main Delhi-Mumbai line as also to the main lines of Southern India that connects all the state capital cities.  

Getting around Bhopal

Auto-rickshaw and App based taxi like Ola and Uber is the best way to get around Bhopal. Drivers understand English so it is easy to converse even if you are an international traveller. The main language spoken here is Hindi by the locals.

FAQs for Bhopal Tourist Places

What is Bhopal famous for?

Bhopal is famous for the infamous Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Bhopal is known as the “city of lakes”; its name is a derivation of Bhoj Tal (Bhoj Lake), a lake constructed by Raja Bhoj, in the 11th century.

How did Bhopal get its name?

The name Bhopal is derived from Bhojpal or Bhoj’s dam, the dam which now holds up the Bhopal city lakes, and is said to have been built by a Minister of Raja Bhoj. 

How many lakes are there in Bhopal city?

There are two lakes namely the upper lake and the lower lake.

Is Bhopal worth visiting?

Yes! It is one of India’s most historic cities and has many things to see and do in Bhopal making it a beautiful place to visit. 

Sustainable tips for Places to visit in Bhopal

• Respect the ancient structures of temples, caves and mosques by not sitting on them. Use the garden space instead.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on them.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas.

Read More posts from Madhya Pradesh

• Bhojeswar Shiva Temple, Bhopal
• Places to visit in Pachmarhi
• Orchha Fort
• Plan a trip to Mandu Madhya Pradesh

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