Take some time off for Bhopal - the capital city of Madhya Pradesh to enjoy the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is a famous tourist destination in India that impresses people with its ultimate blend of age-old traditions and modernity and offers numerous tourist attractions to keep your interest glued every time you come here, whether for a short or long duration.
For instance, you can head to ancient forts, temples, caves, museums, and palaces if you wish to step back into the time of a bygone era. For nature buffs, there are lush green parks, lakes, and dams and for adventure seekers, the city boasts water parks with entertainment centers that allow you to experience the best of the recreational world.
Not to forget about its delicious local cuisine that will surely provide a treat to your taste buds. Some of the must-try food items are Bhopali Gosht Korma, Seekh Kebabs, Biryani, Poha, Shahi Tukda, and Bhopali Paan. It is also known for its street food culture, so be sure to hog on the chaats, samosas, and other snacks available in the bustling markets and food stalls.
Wondering how to give a kick-start to your Bhopal tour? Book a Bhopal Darshan Package with us to see how we turn it into an unforgettable experience. The top 4 points of interest in Bhopal are as follows:
1. Upper Lake
Among the popular sightseeing places in Bhopal is the Upper Lake which draws a huge influx of visitors every year. Often referred to as the Bhojtal, the Upper Lake is the oldest artificial lake in the country that provides an idyllic escapade for all those who are looking to spend some time in the serenity of nature.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls around the lake to soak in this location's unparalleled charm and aura. While one side features the statue of Raja Bhog (who constructed this lake during the 11th century to get rid of the skin disease he was suffering from), the other side has a boat club that boasts many recreational activities to entertain people of all age groups. These include boating, kayaking, parasailing, rafting, and canoeing.
Please note that the Upper Lake lies in close proximity to Kamla Park, which is another must-visit destination in the city. That simply means that whenever you plan to enjoy a delightful evening at this lake, you should also spare some time out for the royal garden. All this will be worth every single penny.
2. Van Vihar National Park
The second tourist attraction that deserves your presence on your Bhopal tour is the Van Vihar National Park. It is a wildlife reserve sanctuary that serves as a home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Some of the species that are common to spot here are leopards, panthers, sambar, cheetah, blackbuck, hyena, porcupine, kingfishers, wagtails, etc.
Indulge in safari rides to make the most of your time. The safari rides allow you to see the wildlife species from close. Also, there is a food court within the premises of the Van Vihar National Park which serves quick refreshments to satiate your little hunger pangs. However, the options are quite limited so you can bring your own food from your home too.
July to September is the best time to visit the Van Vihar National Park. During this time, the chances of capturing the white tiger in your camera are the highest. One can also head to the park in winter as it is the time when birds from different corners of the nation migrate to this place and call it their home.
3. Birla Museum
All those who wish to sneak peek into the rich heritage of the region can pay heed to the Birla Museum. Established in the year 1971 by the Birla Group of Industries, the Birla Museum or Birla Archaeological and Cultural Museum was set up to preserve and showcase the artistic and historical treasures of Madhya Pradesh.
It has a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and archaeological finds that span several centuries. The exhibits cover a wide range of subjects including archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, and art.
One of the highlights of the museum is its ancient sculptures. These sculptures represent different periods of Indian history and showcase the artistic mastery of the sculptors. The museum also boasts miniature paintings that depict various themes such as religious and mythological stories, courtly life, and everyday scenes.
In addition to its art collections, the Birla Museum also houses a section dedicated to regional costumes, jewelry, and textiles. Here, visitors can explore the diverse clothing styles and traditional crafts of Madhya Pradesh, gaining insights into the cultural fabric of the state.
4. Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Lying adjacent to the Birla Museum is the Lakshmi Narayan Temple which stands as a magnificent testament to the architectural grandeur of ancient Indian temples while incorporating modern design elements.
It is a renowned Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is revered as the preserver and protector in Hinduism, and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The main deity of the temple is Lord Lakshmi Narayan, a combined form of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
As you enter the temple complex, you’ll be greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains that create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The temple complex also features smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati.
Inside the main sanctum, devotees can offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Lakshmi Narayan. The sanctum is adorned with intricately carved pillars, a captivating dome, and a stunning idol of the presiding deity. The temple interior exudes an aura of spirituality, creating a sacred space for devotees to connect with the divine.
So, these are a few places that you can plan to add to your itinerary list whenever you visit the city of Bhopal the next time. If time permits, you can also explore several other points of interest that are worth your time. These include Raisen Fort, the National Museum of Mankind, Bhojpur Temple, the Archaeological Museum, Jama Masjid, Lower Lake, Bhimbetka Caves, and Gohar Mahal.
In case you need any kind of help with your trip, get in touch with our professionals. We at Bhopal Tourism are an experienced tours and travel company that offers a diverse range of Bhopal tour packages to address the varied needs of our various clients. Our travel packages can easily be altered as per your choice. Depending on your holiday style and other preferences, we don’t mind upgrading it to a half-board or a full-board travel package. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about our services in detail.
How to Reach Bhopal?
There are 3 modes of transportation available for people to access the city of Bhopal in their own comfort, which are as follows:
By Air: The city is served by the Raja Bhoj Airport, located approximately 15 km northwest of Bhopal. You can book a flight to Bhopal from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and others. From the airport, you can hire a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Bhopal to reach your destination in Bhopal.
By Train: Bhopal Junction is a central railway station in Bhopal and is well-connected to various railheads across the country. Several trains operate regularly to and from Bhopal. You can check the train schedules and book your tickets through the Indian Railways website or other online ticketing platforms.
By Road: For your ease, there is a facility of private and state-owned buses from Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, etc., to Bhopal on an everyday basis. Alternatively, self-drive your own vehicle to cover the required distance at your ease. The choice is yours! However, it is always advisable to check the current travel regulations, availability, and timings of transportation options before planning your trip, as they can be subject to change.
