Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - Travel information
There is much to offer when it comes to tourist attractions in and around Bhopal. Here's a list of few prime attractions which are worth paying a visit when one travels to Bhopal
Tourist Attractions in and around Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Here's a list of various tourist attractions in and around this city:
Upper Lake: Upper Lake or also popularly known as Bhoj Tal is one of the prime tourist attractions. This city is known as the Lake City due to the presence of these lakes which add color to the city. Upper Lake or Bhojtal is located on the west Central side of the City. Upper Lake is the largest ever created an artificial lake in whole Asia. This lake was built by Raja Bhoj and serves as the main source of drinkable water to the city. Upper Lake forms an important part of the Bhoj Wetland which is located in the city. The Upper Lake is home to varied flora and fauna including various species of avifauna and migratory birds, which visit this lake every year. Few of these species include White Stork, Blacknecked Stork, Spoonbill and Indian Sarus Crane.
Van Vihar National Park: Van Vihar National Park is a zoological park located on the fringe of Upper Lake. The Van Vihar National Park is situated on the foot of the Shyamla Hill and offers immense beauty by completing a beautiful landscape with the Upper Lake on its periphery. The Van Vihar National Park has many animals kept in their natural habitats. This includes various carnivores like Tigers, panther, hyena, lion; herbivores like sambhar, blackbuck, deer and many more. There are wetlands inside the national park which are home to crocodiles and alligators. Other than that, the Van Vihar National Park is also home to vary Avifauna which includes large number of birds that frequent the park during various seasons.
Also See: Panna Tiger Reserve - Travel Information
Lower Lake: The Lower Lake is another artificial lake which is enclosed by human settlements from all sides. The Lower Lake too forms a major part of the Bhoj Wetland. Measures have been taken by the government of Madhya Pradesh to establish these lakes as popular tourist attractions by introducing yacht clubs, motorboats, paddle boats and several other entertainment facilities.
Shaukat Mahal: Shaukat Mahal is an architectural grandeur located near the entrance of the Chowk area. This palace is a fine example of architectural beauty been designed by a Frenchman. Other than the Shaukat Mahal, one more architectural wonder that rests beside is the Sardar Manzil. The design and construction of these two buildings are far more different to the other Islamic architecture. The Sardar Manzil was used as a Hall for Public Audience during the ancient era and is made out of red bricks flanked by beautiful gardens. The Shaukat Mahal, on the other hand is a white building with beautiful intricately designed triangular arches on its roof.
Taj-ul-Masajid: Taj-ul-Masajid is an ancient mosque. Taj-ul-Masjid also happens to be one of the largest mosques in Asia. This mosque was built by Nawab Shajehan, Begum of Bhopal. The mosque is one of its kinds, with pink facade topped with two 18 storey towers. Each tower has octagonal minarets with marble domes. There is a big courtyard with large tank in the center. The double storeyed gateways give a grand feel. The construction of this mosque is a fine example of Moghul Architecture and a must visit place.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya: A unique museum, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghalaya ia a must visit place spread over an area of 200 acres on the Shyamla Hills. This museum is located on a pre-historic site and has various pre-historic painted rock shelters. The museum also displays curated miniature presentation of Indian Folk ways through various eco-specific habitations and tribal practices.
Pachmarhi Hill Station: Pachmarhi Hill Station is one of the popular hill stations in India, located 200 km from this place. Pachmarhi Hill Station is a finest example of serenity and encompassing beauty. The beauty of Pachmarhi lies in its beautiful water falls and lush green meadows which cover the Satpura range. Pachmarhi Hill Station also offers adventure sport options and other sightseeing options.
Other than the above mentioned tourist places, one can also visit the Bhadbadha Dam which is a eleven gate dam that is built towards the west side of the Upper Lake, Dhai Seedi Ki Masjid which is located right in front of the Taj-ul-Masjid, Bharat Bhawan, Gohar Mahal and the famous Laxmi Narayan Temple of Bhopal.Shopping
The city offers the tourists a unique shopping experience. With so much to offer, this city is one fo the best and unique shopping destinations for tourists. The city is known for its handcrafts, artifacts, souvenirs and various collections especially art works from the local handicrafts. Other than exclusive zari work dresses, hand bags and dress materials, city is also known for the Chanderi Saris and other fabrics like Tussar and silk. There are two main shopping centers where tourist can shop for hours. These shopping centers include the The Chowk area where one can also do some street style shopping from local vendors and the state developed Mrignayani Emporium, where one can buy excellent artifacts. Other than these two areas, one can also try shopping at TT Nagar, Pir Gate and the other handloom emporiums which are located in almost every street in the market area.
Things to buy: Handicrafts, Chanderi Saris, Silk dress materials, fabrics, sherwanis, purses, batua(small string purses with excellent designs, which go well with Indian Traditional dresses as well as casuals)
Best time to visit
This city enjoys humid and sub tropical climate which makes its summers very hot and winters very cold. Summers are hot and humid which helps the temperature to rise to more than 40 degrees. The scorching heat of summer discourages tourists from visiting the city. Hence summers are not the best time to travel to this place. Monsoons too observe heavy rainfall with frequent storms and flooding. Winter is the only season which is cold yet pleasant. Monsoons start as early as in November. But one can plan to visit the city from October which is a post-monsoon time and ideal for visiting the city. Hence the best time to visit is from October to March.
Best time to visit: October to March
Nice article and beautiful photographs, I also like to mention here I found regional science center, Fish equarium , Manuabhan ki tekri, Bhojpur, Kankali devi temple, Salkanpur devi temple, are also good places to visit in and near Bhopal.