Tourist places in and around Bhopal
Drive up to Mahavirgiri, the highest point in Bhopal, to get a panoramic view of the city.
Become a true-blue Bhopali and spend an evening by the lake side. you will know why the residents love their city so much.
Forget etiquette and tuck into the chola bhatura at Manohar Dairy. Hmmm Nirvana! Chowk Bazaar is famous for itra or traditional Indian perfume. Every purse must have one.
Open from: 2:00 pm-8:00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses a museum of arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory thratre, indoor and outdoor auditorium, a rehearsal room and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music.
This prestigious multidimensional centre for performing and visual arts was established on 13th Feb. 1982. the building set on the banks of a lake was designed by the famous architect Charles correa and is an excellent illustration of modern architecture. The interesting sites here are – Rupankar, the only museum in the country where contemporary urban, folk and art of aboriginals are kept under one roof; Rangmandal, where country's best stage talent and play writers take pride in performing; vagartha, the centre of Indian poetry; Anhad, the centre for Indian classical and folk music.
Designed by the renowned architect, Charles Correa, it is a unique center for the visual and performing arts. It houses Roopankar, a museum of tribal and folk art, an art gallery, a workshop for fine art, a repertory theatre, library, auditoria and a rehearsal room.
Telephone No: 540353
Timings: 1400 to 2000 hrs (February to October)
1300 - 1900 hrs (November to Janua)
Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Rs.5/-
Open from: 10:00 am-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday
Open from: 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a museum attached to it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhys Pradesh. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm every except Mondays. There are many more museums in Madhya Pradesh.
This beautiful temple on the Arera hills has the Birla Museum attached to it, which houses a collection of sculptures from the Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The Museum is open from 0900 hrs - 1700 hrs, on all days except Mondays.
The majestic mosque is perhaps the largeswt in the country. Its construction was started by shah Jahan Begum, but the work was not completed and was resumed in 1971. The main hall with inter arched roof, broad façade, spacious courtyard and smooth marble floors are noteworthy.
The Jama Masjid of Bhopal has gold spikes that crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. The Moti Masjid is architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid. This imposing mosque was built by Sikander Jahan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860. The Taj-ul-Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal around a courtyard with a large tank in the centre and an imposing double storeyed gateway with four recessed archways and nine imposing cusped multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimbar is made up of black basalt. The structure is enlivened by the limpid expanse of water in the tank outside the northern wall. The monumentality of this structure was much greater originally when it faced the towering bastions of the Fatehgarh Fort. A three-day Ijtima congregation held annually draws people from all over the country.
The beautiful mosque has tall dark minarets crowned by golden spires. It was built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum, the devout wife of the ruler of Bhopal.
The majestic mosque was built by sikhandar Begum in 1860. It is architecturally inspired by the famous Jama Masjid of Delhi.
This magnificent edifice is set at the entrance to the chowk area in the heart of the walled city.
Situated in the heart of the city, Shaukat Mahal was designed by a French Architect. Post-renaissance and gothic styles are combined to charming effect here. Nearby is the elegant Sadar Manzil, Hall of Public Audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.
These two charming lakes are divided by an over bridge and are the most notable features of Bhopal. Tourists enjoy boating at the Lower Lake.
MPSTDC's Yatch Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for paddle, sail and motor boats. The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an over bridge.
Bhimbetka, a natural amphitheatre is surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyas. The discovery of over 700 rock shelters (the largest group in the world) has brought Bhimbetka on the tourist map of the state. The rock shelters belonging to the neo-lithic age are an archaeologist's delight and have paintings depicting the life of the prehistoric cave-dwellers. It has been recently recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
The Safari park is located near Upper Lake amidst scenic surroundings. It has a rich variety of animals and birds.
This Safari park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake with an area of 445 hectares. A variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species can be seen here in natural surroundings.
Timings: 0700 1100 hrs and 1500 to 1730 hrs Closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Rs.5/- for Indians & Rs.100/- for Foreigners
In the heart of the old city, the chowk is lined with old mosques and havelis.
An open-air exhibition of tribal house types located on Shyamla Hills.
Timings: 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs Closed on Mondays and National Holidays
Birla Museum-- Tel: 511503.
Timings: 0900 hrs - 1700 hrs
Closed on Mondays
Govt. Archaeological Museum
Timings: 1000 hrs -1700 hrs
Closed on Mondays
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Regional Science Centre
Timings: 1030 hrs - 1830 hrs
Closed on Mondays
Tribal Arts Museum
Timings: 1000 hrs - 1800 hrs
Closed on Mondays & National Holidays
Close to the Bhojeshwar Temple, there is a Jain shrine containing 2 figures of Parsvanath and a colossal statue of Mahavira, 20 feet high.
Become a true-blue Bhopali and spend an evening by the lake side. you will know why the residents love their city so much.
Forget etiquette and tuck into the chola bhatura at Manohar Dairy. Hmmm Nirvana! Chowk Bazaar is famous for itra or traditional Indian perfume. Every purse must have one.
Bharat Bhavan
This is a multi-art complex showcasing verbal, visual and performing arts. This center houses an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theater, indoor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music. Roopankar is credited with being the only museum housing both urban and tribal art. A fine museum, you would find on display art of aboriginals, a ceramic and litho workshop and options for stone craft and metal casting. Rangmandal is the site for several plays and theatre works and houses indoor and outdoor theatres, namely Antrang and Bahirang, along with a library. The centre of Indian Poetry, Vagarth is a must-visit for all poetry lovers, and houses more than 7,000 books of poetry in 14 Indian languages and recordings and video-cassettes of major poets. Anhad is a Library of Classical and Folk Music and is responsible for arranging several musical concerts featuring prime musicians.Open from: 2:00 pm-8:00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses a museum of arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory thratre, indoor and outdoor auditorium, a rehearsal room and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music.
This prestigious multidimensional centre for performing and visual arts was established on 13th Feb. 1982. the building set on the banks of a lake was designed by the famous architect Charles correa and is an excellent illustration of modern architecture. The interesting sites here are – Rupankar, the only museum in the country where contemporary urban, folk and art of aboriginals are kept under one roof; Rangmandal, where country's best stage talent and play writers take pride in performing; vagartha, the centre of Indian poetry; Anhad, the centre for Indian classical and folk music.
Designed by the renowned architect, Charles Correa, it is a unique center for the visual and performing arts. It houses Roopankar, a museum of tribal and folk art, an art gallery, a workshop for fine art, a repertory theatre, library, auditoria and a rehearsal room.
Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
Located on the Shamla Hills overlooking the Upper Lake, this unique museum is possibly the best place to catch glimpses of earlier community lives. The Tribal Habitat, located within the complex is an open air museum that showcases the lifestyle, culture, art and religion of India's Adivasi tribes. The habitat is home to tribal and contemporary art forms and traditional dance, music and drama. A special feature of this museum is the replica of a fishing village, complete with a striking snake boat from Kerala.Open from: 10:00 am-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Hills is the Laxmi Narayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. Attached to the temple is the Birla Museum that houses a collection of sculptures from the Mandsaur, Shahdol, Sehore and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh. Many of the sculptures found in the museum date back centuries and consist mostly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their consorts and incarnations.Open from: 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a museum attached to it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhys Pradesh. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm every except Mondays. There are many more museums in Madhya Pradesh.
This beautiful temple on the Arera hills has the Birla Museum attached to it, which houses a collection of sculptures from the Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The Museum is open from 0900 hrs - 1700 hrs, on all days except Mondays.
Taj-ul Masajid
This is one of the most impressive and elegant mosques in India. Literally meaning The Crown of Mosques, the main structure is situated in the middle of a courtyard with a large tank. Almost entirely done in pink, two huge white-domed minarets pointing upwards and three white domes over the main structure define it. The mosque also has a huge double storeyed gateway, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars and marble flooring and intricate screen work in the main prayer hall. A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws scores of people from all over the country.The majestic mosque is perhaps the largeswt in the country. Its construction was started by shah Jahan Begum, but the work was not completed and was resumed in 1971. The main hall with inter arched roof, broad façade, spacious courtyard and smooth marble floors are noteworthy.
Jama Masjid
Built in 1837 by Quidsia Begum, its prime features include minarets topped with golden spires rising up. The mosque also sports a line of alabaster arches and an inner sanctum made of marble. It also contains a renovated pond in the courtyard.The Jama Masjid of Bhopal has gold spikes that crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. The Moti Masjid is architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid. This imposing mosque was built by Sikander Jahan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860. The Taj-ul-Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal around a courtyard with a large tank in the centre and an imposing double storeyed gateway with four recessed archways and nine imposing cusped multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimbar is made up of black basalt. The structure is enlivened by the limpid expanse of water in the tank outside the northern wall. The monumentality of this structure was much greater originally when it faced the towering bastions of the Fatehgarh Fort. A three-day Ijtima congregation held annually draws people from all over the country.
The beautiful mosque has tall dark minarets crowned by golden spires. It was built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum, the devout wife of the ruler of Bhopal.
Moti Masjid
Built by Sikander Begum in 1860, the beautiful Moti Masjid is an important historical landmark in Bhopal. The mosque has two dark red towers with golden spikes. The architecture of the Moti Masjid bears a striking resemblance to the famous Jama Masjid in Delhi.The majestic mosque was built by sikhandar Begum in 1860. It is architecturally inspired by the famous Jama Masjid of Delhi.
Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil
These are two architectural wonders of Bhopal, situated at the entrance of the Chowk Area. A beautiful white building that has a series of intricate triangular-shaped arches on its roof, the Shaukat Mahal, has a mix of gothic and post-Renaissance styles. The exterior of the palace is also carved with exquisite floral patterns. Sadar Manzil, the brick-red building earlier served as a Hall of Public Audience during the princely period.This magnificent edifice is set at the entrance to the chowk area in the heart of the walled city.
Situated in the heart of the city, Shaukat Mahal was designed by a French Architect. Post-renaissance and gothic styles are combined to charming effect here. Nearby is the elegant Sadar Manzil, Hall of Public Audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.
Upper and Lower Lakes
These are the main relaxation spots of Bhopal. Covering an area of about 6 sq kilometers, the Upper Lake is separated from the Lower Lake by an over-bridge. Hire motorboats for exciting trips on the Upper Lake. Adjacent to the Lake is the Van Vihar Zoo that is home to a number of wild species including tigers, leopards, lions, and bears, among other animals. Near the Lower Lake, you can visit the Aquarium that houses a wide variety of fish species.These two charming lakes are divided by an over bridge and are the most notable features of Bhopal. Tourists enjoy boating at the Lower Lake.
MPSTDC's Yatch Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for paddle, sail and motor boats. The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an over bridge.
Bhimbetka Caves
A group of almost 600 caves, these are known for the largest collection of prehistoric cave paintings. Of all caves, about 12 are open to public and these showcase paintings of man's evolution through the years. These paintings started with figures of elephants, bears and tigers, and subsequently began depicting daily chores of people, including hunting and dancing. Almost all paintings have been done in shades of red and black.Bhimbetka, a natural amphitheatre is surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyas. The discovery of over 700 rock shelters (the largest group in the world) has brought Bhimbetka on the tourist map of the state. The rock shelters belonging to the neo-lithic age are an archaeologist's delight and have paintings depicting the life of the prehistoric cave-dwellers. It has been recently recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Bhojpur (28 km)
It was founded and named after legendary Parmar king Raja Bhoj (1010-53). The town also known as the ‘Somnath of North India' is famous for its 11th century shiva temple and lake built by Raja Bhoj. The temple enshrines an enormous ‘Shivalingam', carved out of a single rock. Its walls are engraved with numerous shiva images.Islamnagar (11 km)
It lies on the Bhopal - Berasia road is known for the palace built by Dost Mohammed khan. The hammam of chaman Mahal and Rani Mahal are worth visiting.Sanchi
This is one of the most revered spots in Buddhism and is home to a group of stupas, temples and monasteries. The most visited spot is the great dome-shaped Sanchi Stupa, whose panels depict the life and times of Buddha. Built to house the relics of Buddha, this is a UNESCO recognized structure. The Ashokan Pillar is another famous structure here known for its amazing balance. The four lions atop the pillar were once the most recognized features here, though these have been removed and are preserved in the Archaeological Museum. Along with the Ashokan Lions, images of Dhyani Buddha, Yakshi and Nagarjuna are extremely popular here.Gohar Mahal
Situated behind Shaukat mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Gohar Mahal is indeed a magnificent expression of the fusion of the Hindu and Mughal architecture.Van Vihar
This safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake, with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species.The Safari park is located near Upper Lake amidst scenic surroundings. It has a rich variety of animals and birds.
This Safari park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake with an area of 445 hectares. A variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species can be seen here in natural surroundings.
Timings: 0700 1100 hrs and 1500 to 1730 hrs Closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Rs.5/- for Indians & Rs.100/- for Foreigners
Government Archaelogical Museum
A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights from the Bagh Caves near Mandu, and the statues of Lakshmi and Buddha. The museum is closed on Mondays.Regional Science Centre
Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamala Hills, the Regional Science Centre houses abourt 300 participatory exhibits distributed equally in ‘Invention' & ‘Fun Science' galleries, and a ‘Taramandal, (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30am to 6.30pm on all days except Mondays.Chowk
The chowk set in the heart of the old city os lined with old mosque's and haveli's. It is an excellent place for purchasing Bhopali crafts like silver jewellery, velvet purses, embroideries and bead work etc.In the heart of the old city, the chowk is lined with old mosques and havelis.
Tribal Habital
It is an open air exhibition on the scenic shamla Hills. The centre provides an insight into the tribal life in various states of India.An open-air exhibition of tribal house types located on Shyamla Hills.
Timings: 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs Closed on Mondays and National Holidays
Gandhi Bhawan
It houses an exhibition ofr photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and a Gandhi Museum.Neori
An ancient Shiva temple on a hillock.Shamla and Idgah Hills
These hills command some of the best views of Bhopal. High on Shamla hills is the Sophia Masjid.Bhopal MUSEUMS
Excursions
Hathaikhera (10 Km)
An ideal fishing and angling spot.Islamnagar (11 Km)
It was the palace of the Afghan rulers in Bhopal that was built by Dost Mohammed Khan. Formal gardens surround the Palace and Pavilion. Other monuments to see here are the Hamam of the Chaman Mahal and the double storied Rani Mahal.Bhojpur (28 Km)
Founded by the legendary Parmar King, Raja Bhoj, Bhojpur is renowned for the remains of the magnificent Bhojeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam in the sanctum sanctorum rises to a height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet. The temple was never completed, but had it been completed it would have had very few rivals. Even with the ravages of time, it is still one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries.Close to the Bhojeshwar Temple, there is a Jain shrine containing 2 figures of Parsvanath and a colossal statue of Mahavira, 20 feet high.