Bhopal is the capital city of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty. A tour of Bhopal offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historical monuments and museums to enjoying the scenic beauty of its lakes and parks. Here’s an overview of what you can expect on a Bhopal tour:
Best Places To Visit In Bhopal
1. Upper Lake, Bhopal
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is frequently referred to as the “city of lakes” because it is home to numerous lakes. The most important lake in Bhopal is the Upper Lake, also called the Bhojtal. The lake, which is located to the west of Bhopal, is the oldest man-made lake in the nation. Locals also refer to it as Bada Talab. The lake is the city’s main source of drinkable water, providing about 30 million gallons of water daily.
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About Upper Lake :
Best Time To Visit | October to March |
Timing | Everyday Open 24 hours |
Entry Fees For Upper Lake :
- Rs/- 100 per person for Cruise boat (Ride of 45 mins)
- Rs/- 240 per person for Motor Boat
- Rs/- 80 per person for Paddle Boat
2. Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal
Van Vihar, a National Park and Zoological Space in Bhopal, runs in accordance with the Central Zoo Authority’s rules. It is situated in Bhopal, close to Shymala Hills, right next to the Upper Lake. It is a paradise for those who appreciate nature because the animals are kept here as closely as possible to their natural surroundings. Numerous creatures, such as leopards, cheetahs, neelgai, and panthers, as well as birds like kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and some migratory species, can be spotted. The best months to travel here are July through September, when the likelihood of spotting a white tiger is greatest.
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About Van Vihar National Park :
Best Time To Visit | Anytime During Year |
Location | Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar, Shymala Hills, Bhopal |
Entry Fees For Van Vihar National Park
- Entry fee for Indians: INR Rs/- 15
- Entry fee for Foreigners: INRRs/- 200
- Entry fee for Children: Free entry fee for school & college children and senior citizens.
- Camera Fee: INRRs/ 40
- Video Camera Fee: INR 300
Timing at Van Vihar National Park
Everyday Open
- From 6:30 am – 6:30 pm (1st Aug to 30th Oct & 16th Feb to 15th Apr)
- 6:30 am – 6:00 pm (1st Nov to 15th Feb)
- 6:00 am – 7:00 pm (16th Apr to 31st July)
3. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal
The national museum of anthropology, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, is magnificently positioned on the Shamla Hills, Bhopal’s upper lakefront. The museum tells the complete narrative of human civilization and evolution. The unique painted rock shelters that this museum has, along with its post-colonial collection of tribal folk art and culture, make it stand out among museums. The museum also offers the added benefits of housing audiovisual archives, a sizable collection of ethnographic artifacts, and computer-generated movies.
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About Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya :
Best Time To Visit | winter season |
Location | Lake View Road, next to RCE campus, Shymala Hills, Bhopal |
Timing | Everyday Open From 10 am–6:30 pm |
Entry Fees for Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
- Rs 30/person & free for children.
- Fees for foreigners is Rs 200/person.
4. Bhimbetka, Bhopal
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life in India and evidence of the Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times.
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About Bhimbetka :
Best Time To Visit | October and April |
Location | Bhojpur Raisen, Bhopal |
Timing | Everyday Open From 7:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Entry Fees for Bhimbetka
Rs/– 25 per person for Indians
Rs/- 500 per person for Foreign tourists
Rs/-100 for 2 wheelers
Rs/- 300 for Cars
5. Gohar Mahal, Bhopal
One of Bhopal’s most stunning buildings was built in 1820 by Gohar Begum, the first woman to control the city. The Hindu and Mughal architectural styles were expertly incorporated into the construction of the palace. Over the years, Gohar Mahal has lost part of its initial allure, but is currently undergoing restoration that will restore its grandeur.
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About Gohar Mahal :
Best Time To Visit | October and March. |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | VIP Rd, Nakkar Khana, Peer Gate Area , Bhopal. |
Timing | Everyday Open From 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
6. Birla Museum, Bhopal
The Birla Museum contains relics from Madhya Pradesh’s illustrious prehistoric age that are flawlessly preserved. The museum houses tools used by Paleolithic and Neolithic humans, stone sculptures from the seventh to the thirteenth centuries BC, texts, and terracotta artifacts from the second century BC.
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About Birla Museum :
Best Time To Visit | October to February. |
Location | Arera Hills, Bhopal |
Birla Museum Bhopal Entry Fee & Timing
Rs/- 5 per person for Indians
Rs/- 50 per person for Foreigners
Everyday Open From
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday
Closed / Holiday
7. Jama Masjid, Bhopal
The Jama Masjid in Bhopal, which was built during the reign of Quidisiya Begum, is a revered mosque and a well-liked tourist attraction. Its formal name, Taj-ul-Masajid, means “Crown Among Mosques” in Arabic. With its lovely shrine and two tall minarets, Jama Masjid’s outstanding architecture is an example of traditional Islamic architecture. It is both the biggest mosque in the nation and among the biggest on the continent.
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About Jama Masjid :
Best Time To Visit | October and March |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | Loha Bazar, Bhopal |
Timing | Everyday Open From 6:30 am – 7:00 pm |
8. Archeological Museum, Bhopal
The archeological museum features sculptures created by artisans from all around Madhya Pradesh and offers a rich window into this region’s vibrant culture. It is a location for artistic indulgence and has, among other works of art, statues of Lakshmi, Buddha, and representations of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
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About Archeological Museum :
Best Time To Visit | August To Feb |
Location | Shyamla Hills Rd, NITTTR Campus, Shymala Hills, Bhopal |
Archeological Museum, Bhopal Entry Fee & Timing
- Rs 10 for Indians
- Rs 100 for Foreigners
Everyday Open From
10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Monday
Closed / Holiday
9. Raisen Fort, Bhopal
The impressive historical structure known as Raisen Fort is perched on a hill and contains a sizable water reservoir as well as palaces and a few temples. The 800-year-old fort, which is situated in the city of Bhopal, contains nine gateways, defenses, domes, and the ruins of various early medieval structures. Now hundreds of bats live there.
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About Raisen Fort :
Best Time To Visit | March around the time of Shivratri |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | National Highway 86 Raisen |
Timing | Everyday Open From 10:00 am–5:00 pm |
10. Rani Kamlapati Palace, Bhopal
The Rani Kamlapati Palace serves as a monument to Bhopal’s illustrious past. Located in the center of Kamla Park, Rani Kamlapati’s house is a historic palace. Nawal Shah, a warlord from the Hindu Gond Tribe, was the husband of Queen Kamlapati. The Gond tribes, who possessed the palace with a view of the Upper Lake and Lower Lake, controlled Bhopal. Raja Bhoj constructed the palace on top of the sizable dam wall that stands between the two lakes. The 18th-century secular Rani Kamlapati Palace is made of Lakhauri bricks and features cusped arches above twisted pillars. The merlons are designed to resemble water lotuses in homage to the Queen.
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About Rani Kamlapati Palace :
Best Time To Visit | During All year |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | Kamla Park Rd, Professors Colony, Bhopal. |
Timing | Everyday Open From 10 am to 5 Pm |
Trip Plan for Places To Visit In Bhopal
Here’s an overview of what you can expect on a Bhopal tour:
Day 1: Explore Bhopal’s Heritage
- Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to Taj-ul-Masajid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. Explore its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
- Afternoon:
- Head to Bharat Bhavan, an artistic and cultural complex. Spend some time at the art gallery and museum.
- Have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Evening:
- Visit Upper Lake for a leisurely boat ride or a walk along the lakeside promenade.
- Dinner at a lakeside restaurant for a scenic view.
Day 2: Historical Sites and Culture
- Morning:
- Visit the Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient Buddhist monuments and learn about their history.
- Afternoon:
- Head to the Bhopal State Museum to discover the region’s history and culture through its artifacts and exhibits.
- Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch at a local restaurant.
- Evening:
- Explore the Old City markets like Chowk Bazaar for shopping traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles.
- Enjoy street food at Chhappan Dukan, known for its local snacks.
Day 3: Nature and Adventure
- Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to Van Vihar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary within the city. Explore the park and observe the diverse fauna.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Lower Lake and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water. You can take a boat ride or relax at the lakeside.
- Evening:
- Head to Gauhar Mahal, a historic palace showcasing Mughal architecture.
- Try local cuisine at a Bhopali restaurant for dinner.