BHOPAL

 

 Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh is a serene place with calm and quiet ambience which allures the tourists with its ancient mosques, museums and rich historic culture. Besides having grand historic background this picturesque city is endowed with majestic hills, appealing serene, glorious monuments, geological sites, bewitching cascades and vast cover of dense jungles. Having many distinctions this pulsating city is a perfect amalgamation of the old and the new. 

  

  Earlier called Bhojapal, the city was established by Raja Bhoj in the 11th Century. The old city of Bhopal attracts the tourist with its crowded market places and the remnants of the  spectacular  palaces and the holy mosques speaks of the great kingdoms, their victories,  defeats and most importantly their love towards art and architecture. The city rose to the  heights of glory under the rule of the courageous Begums, who had total command over the city in the 18th Century. The new city accommodated with all modern and luxurious amenities looks spectacular with green parks, well-planned gardens and spacious tar roads. The two man-made lakes form the core of the city and look stunning on moonlit nights. 

 

 Bhopal is alive with the tribal cultural and ancient practices. The city with rich cultural heritage is loved for its vast collection of antique cave paintings. 

 

 Bhopal, a heavenly city with clean boundary is ready to enchant the visitors with its sacred spots, glittering lakes, ancient palaces and thick forests. 

                                               PLACES TO VISIT

Jama Masjid : It is the stunning glory of the city which was constructed by Kudsia Begum in 1837.

Taj-ul-Masjid : Accredited with the popularity of being one of the biggest mosques in Asia, this masjid is an impressive facade with 2 floored alleyway, majestic prayer hall and a big water tank in the middle. Mimber is constructed from black basalt. People flock the mosque during the Ijtima meet, which is a 3 day programme held once in a year. This mosque was constructed by Nawab Shahjehan Begum. 

Shaukat Mahal : This stunning Mahal constructed by a French designer is a beautiful blend of French-Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. 

Gohar Mahal : This beautiful palace located by the side of the lake looks splendid with its fantastic combo of Mughal and Hindu styles. This palace was constructed in the year 1820 by Gohar Begum.

Bharat Bhavan : It is a cultural hub of the city. The place consist of art gallery, theatre workshops, auditorium, collection of poems, folk music etc.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (A Post Colonial Museum) : This museum is one of its kind which showcases pre-historic paintings, life of the tribals, collection of rare and unique articles. Library, audio-visuals and detailed record of the tribes is also collected. This museum is located on the Shamla hills and covers an area of about 200 acres. 

Van Vihar : This is a national park which is spread over an area of about 445 hectares and is located at close distances to the upper lake. This place will be greatly loved by the kids. The visitors can witness a good collection of the plant-eating and preying species. 

Chowk : The bustling place in the city centre consist of mosques, jewellery shops, handicraft shops etc.

Upper and Lower Lakes : Called as the city of Lakes, Bhopal houses spectacular glittering beauties. The upper lake is famed as one of the oldest man-made lakes of India. The lakes are separated by a bridge. Boating can be enjoyed in paddle, sail and motor boats in the upper lake.

By Air : Bhopal the capital city of Madhya Pradesh connects the major cities of Delhi, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Indore and Mumbai with regular flights.

By Road : Indore(186 km), Khajuraho (383 km), Pachmarhi(195 km), Sanchi(46 km), Jabalpur(295 km), Mandu(285 km), Ujjain(188 km), Gwalior(423 km) and Shivpuri(311 km) are well connected by road to Bhopal.

By Rail : Bhopal being a major transport hub connects to major Indian cities by a good number of trains.