Plan a getaway to the capital city of Madhya Pradesh to enjoy a rich tapestry of experiences that go beyond the traditional tourist attractions. Steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, Bhopal is known for its amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic cultures, which is reflected in its historical monuments and age-old edifices.
It is called the "City of Lakes" due to its picturesque lakes and tranquil surroundings. The city is encompassed by several hills and forests that offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching. As a visitor, you can spend as much time as you want here and we promise that you’ll return home with a fulfilling experience especially if you enjoy your trip with our Bhopal Local Sightseeing Tour Packages.
Bhopal is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights that reflect the city's multicultural heritage. The local cuisine combines elements of Mughlai, Rajasthani, and Marathi flavors, resulting in a unique gastronomic experience. Don't miss the chance to savor delicious dishes like Bhopali Gosht Korma, Biryani, Paya Soup, and the famous Shahi Tukda dessert.
Combine it with the excellent retail therapy experience this city offers to people of all ages. You can explore bustling markets like Chowk Bazaar and New Market to shop for traditional textiles, jewelry, handlooms, handicrafts, and other unique souvenirs at reasonable prices. Not to forget that Bhopal is particularly famous for its zardozi embroidery, which makes for exquisite garments and accessories.
Here are the top places to visit in Bhopal that you can consider visiting with our Bhopal local sightseeing tour packages the next time you wish to have the best time of your life.
1. Upper Lake
Upper Lake is the first tourist attraction that tops everyone’s list who visit Bhopal, be it for a short or long duration. Also referred to as Bada Talab, the Upper Lake is among the most significant man-made lakes in the country that is known for its serene waters and picturesque surroundings.
It's the natural beauty of the lake that captivates both visitors and locals alike. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and an abundance of flora and fauna, the Upper Lake offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. The shimmering waters of the lake reflect the clear blue skies above, creating a mesmerizing sight that is a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Boating on Upper Lake is a popular activity, allowing you to explore the vast expanse of the lake while enjoying the cool breeze and scenic views. Different types of boats including paddle boats, rowing boats, and motorboats, are available for hire, providing options for everyone's preference. The experience of gliding over the calm waters with the gentle ripples creating patterns on the surface is truly rejuvenating.
2. Van Vihar National Park
The second sightseeing place to see on your Bhopal tour is the Van Vihar National Park. It’s a renowned wildlife reserve that provides a unique opportunity for residents and tourists to experience the beauty of nature and witness a diverse range of wildlife up close.
One of the notable features of Van Vihar is its concept of a "hybrid park." Unlike traditional national parks, Van Vihar National Park does not have a complete boundary separating the animals from their natural habitats. Instead, it offers a unique blend of a national park and a zoological park, allowing the wildlife to roam freely within a controlled environment. This hybrid approach ensures the well-being and conservation of the animals while also providing visitors with a chance to observe them in a near-natural setting.
The park is home to a diverse range of animal species including herbivores, carnivores, and avian fauna. Visitors can spot majestic tigers, graceful lions, elusive leopards, agile cheetahs, and other big cats roaming within their enclosures. Additionally, herbivorous species such as elephants, deer, bison, and various primates can be observed grazing or playing in open spaces.
3. Shaukat Mahal
Pay a visit to the Shaukat Mahal to see an architectural gem that exudes a unique charm and historical significance. Built during the late 19th century, the Shaukat Mahal stands as a magnificent testament to the fusion of Indo-Islamic and European architectural styles.
It was commissioned by Sultan Shah Jahan Begum, the ruler of Bhopal, and designed by a French architect named Claude Martin. The palace reflects the eclectic tastes of its patron and the architectural influences prevalent during that era.
Step inside its premises and you’ll notice a distinctive façade, which combines elements of both Gothic and Mughal styles. The palace stands tall with its grand arches, intricate carvings, and ornate balconies. It houses a museum that displays a collection of artifacts, artworks, and memorabilia from the reign of the Nawabs of Bhopal. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of the region.
Over the years, the Shaukat Mahal has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its grandeur and historical importance. The palace stands as a proud testament to Bhopal's rich cultural heritage, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.
4. Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Lastly, if you wish to be spiritually enlightened in Bhopal with our Bhopal local sightseeing tour packages, you can take some time out for Lakshmi Narayan Temple as well.
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Temple is a renowned Hindu temple that was constructed by the Birla Family in the late 20th century. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the deities associated with wealth, prosperity, and well-being in Hindu mythology.
The temple's architecture is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary styles. It features a combination of white marble and pink sandstone, which gives the temple a striking visual appeal. The intricate carvings, ornate domes, and sculptural details showcase the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, intricately carved out of white marble. The idols are beautifully adorned with elaborate jewelry and garments, creating a captivating sight for worshippers and devotees.
Apart from the main shrine, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex features several smaller temples dedicated to various deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati. These temples provide devotees with a serene space for prayer and meditation.
Overall, the city of Bhopal has a lot more to offer to its visitors. Depending on your mood and holiday style, you can spend 1 day, 2 days, or a complete week to make the most of your trip. Some of the other tourist attractions that are worth your time are Bharat Bhavan, Archaeological Museum, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Birla Museum, Gohar Mahal, Lower Lake, Bhimbetka Caves, and Udayagiri Caves.
Plan a guided tour with our Bhopal local sightseeing tour packages to enjoy the best of the local sightseeing exploration. We at Bhopal Tourism present a varied range of Bhopal tour packages to cater to everyone’s holiday needs. Our main motto is to deliver you a wholesome experience and we do everything in our capacity to turn your ordinary trip into a memorable one. You can also go ahead with our all-inclusive packages to enjoy your Bhopal tour at pocket-friendly prices. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with us.
How to Reach Bhopal?
Fly to Raja Bhoj International Airport to access the city at your ease. It is only 13 km away and receives frequent flights from the metro cities of India as well as overseas destinations. Outside the airport, you have the option of booking a private cab from the list of top car rental companies in Bhopal to commute further within the city.
Traveling by train is considered another convenient way to get down to Bhopal. Although there are numerous railheads in the city that connect Bhopal to the rest of the country, Bhopal Junction is the one that is frequented by people of all age groups.
Lastly, Bhopal also maintains a great road transport system for your ease. Depending on your overall holiday budget, you can opt to sit in either a normal or a deluxe coach to cover the required distance without any hassle. Alternatively, choose to self-drive if you’re coming from neighboring areas. The choice is yours!
