India /Madhya Pradesh /Bhopal /Bhopal

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a popular historical destination. The city is a perfect mix of scenic beauty, monumental heritage and plethora of activities. Erstwhile home to the powerful Nawabs and Begums, the city also houses one of the largest mosques in India, the Taj-ul-Masjid. Boasting of having communal harmony, the city has many Hindu temples and mosques that invite pilgrims from all over the world. Some of the main monumental attractions in Bhopal are Shaukat Mahal, Jama Masjid, Gohar Mahal and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangharalaya. The upper and lower lakes in the city are a good picnicking spot. Historically inclined tourists should visit the Government Archaeological Museum that houses a unique collection of sculptures. The best time to visit the city of Bhopal is during the months of September to March when the climate is pleasant. The city is an important commercial and tourist center and is connected with every part of the country via air, rails and roads. Best season to visit Bhopal is from October to March. April and May

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 462001

STD Code: 755

Info Website: bhopal.nic.in

Best Time to Visit:  November to February.

HistoryEdit

Bhopal, the capital city of madhya pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th – century city, Bhojapal, founded by raja Bhoja. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely iaid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and steamlined moden edifices.The lay out of the existing city was done by Afghan soldier Dost Mohamammad (AD 1708-1740). Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb’s death,dost Mohammad met the gond queen kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort.A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in alotus barge that,on moonlit nights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of bhopal still dominate the city, and are indded its nucleus.

Places to VisitAdd

Bhopal Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Bhopal Airport, also known as Raja Bhoj Airport, is 15 km away from the heart of the city. Taxi Cab will charge about Rs 150, one way. Bhopal airport is connected to Mumbai, Indore, Gwalior and Delhi. International flights to Gulf cities like Sharjah and Dubai are operated from Bhopal.

By Train : Bhopal Railway Station is a major railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge. It has connection trains to all major cities in India. Daily Shatabdi expresses shuttle between Bhopal and Delhi.

By BUS : Lots of bus facilities, public and private, are available in Bhopal. All cities in the state are connected to Bhopal by bus services. Overnight deluxe buses from Delhi, Gwalior and Jabalpur are available to Bhopal. Deluxe buses charge Rs. 3-4 per km.

By Taxi :Tourist taxis, mostly at airport, railway stations or through hotels and travel agencies is available in Bhopal. You can also hire a car from MP Tourism board. Bhopal has a large number of auto-rickshaws (rates negotiable) more commonly used and available everywhere in the city.Bhopal is also well connected to the major metros in India through many national highways.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Budget – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel Amar Vilas Bhopal ; 183 zone 1,MP Nagar,Bhopal 462011 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Elevators,Laundry,Parking,Wheel chair access

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Sonali Regency ; 3-Hamidia Road Near Radha Cinema Bhopal – 462011 ; Ph – 0755 274 0990 ; Facilities – Air conditioning,Laundry

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

• Hotel Amer Palace ; 209, MP Nagar Zone-I, Maharana Pratap Nagar Bhopal – 462011 ; Ph – 0755 427 2110 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Elevators,Laundry,Parking,Wheel chair access

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• The Residency Hotel Bhopal ; The Residency 208, Maharana Pratap Nagar, Zone-I, Bhopal-462011;Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Conference facilities,Elevators,Laundry,Parking,Non-smoking rooms.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• The Residency ;  208, Zone-I, Maharana Pratap Nagar,Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh,462011,Ram Gopal Maheshwari Marg,Zone-I,Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh 462023;M –  0755 255 6001;Food Serve :  N.A

• Hotel Shikha ;  8, Azad Market, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, MP 462001;M –  0755 253 0314;Food Serve :  N.A

• Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant ; 131/4, Zone-II,Near Pragati Petrol Pump,M P Nagar, M P Nagar, Zone-II,Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal,MP 462011 ‎ ; M – 0755 427 1900 ‎;Food Serve :  N.A

 

Must Eat FoodAdd

• Greek Food and Beyond –  DB Mall ; DB Mall, Bhopal, Bhopal, India ; Ph/M –  N.A ; Cost –  Cost ; Famous for – bhuna korma,fabulous nalli nihari ,nargisi kofta,aloo-sabzi-dal-anda.
• chicken Biryani –  Jameel Hotel ; Jameel Hotel in old Bhopal . ; Ph/M –  N.A ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – N.A
• BHOPALI GOSHT KORMA –  Hotel Gazala ; Chatori Gali in Ibrahimpura in old Bhopal. ; Ph/M –  9893191733 ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – N.A

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

• Tourism Boat Club ; Lake Drive Rd, Bhopal.; Cost –Tourism Boat Club offers motorboat rides (per person Rs. 40, five minutes, minimum three people), pedal boats (per boat Rs. 30, 30 minutes) and kayaking (per kayak Rs. 30, 30 minutes).; Visiting Time –  9am – winter/9am-summer ; Closed Time :  6.30pm -winter/7.30pm – summer
• Lake Princess ; Lake Drive Rd, Bhopal. ; Cost – upper deck/AC lower deck Rs75/100 ; Visiting Time –  N.A ; Closed Time :  6.30pm

Must ShopAdd

 

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

• Flame ; Hotel Palash Residency, 1st Floor, New Market, TT Nagar, Bhopal- 462003 ; Ph/M: (0755) 2553006, (0755) 2553066 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
• After Dark ; Hotel Sarthak, 37, New Market, Malviya Nagar, Bhopal- 462003 ; Ph/M: (0755) 4023200 , 9826822142, 9826822142 ; Cost:  ; ; Food Serve : N.A
• Ripples ; Hotel Lake View Ashok, Shamla Hills, Bhopal- 462013 ; Ph/M: (0755) 2661976, (0755) 2660090-95 ; Cost:  ; ; Food Serve : N.A

SpaAdd

• Zivaya Spa ; C/O, Ashok Lake View Hotel, Near Doordarshan Kendra, Ministry Of Soul, Shamla Hills, Bhopal – 462013 ; Ph/M: 7389933187 (0755) 4003615 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : Body Massage Centres, Massage Centres For Men, Beauty Spas
• Naturals Family Salon & Spa ; C/O Db City Mall 2nd Floor S-10, M P Nagar, Arera Hills, Bhopal – 462011 ; Ph/M: (0755) 6644102, 6644104, 6644103 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : Body Massage Centres, Massage Centres For Men, Beauty Spas

FestivalAdd

Ijtima ; Venue:  Bhopal ; Period :  N.A ; Details:  Ijtima, a major festival of Muslim is popularly celebrated in Bhopal. This festival is held every year and stretches for three days Muslim pilgrims come from various regions of India assemble in Bhopal on this auspicious festival. Even non-Muslims gather during the auspicious occasion. Large fair is also held during the three days of festival.
Lokrang ; Venue:  Bhopal ; Period :  N.A ; Details:  This traditional festival of Lake City is celebrated on the pious day of the Republic Day. This festival stretches for five days and pulls the crowd like magnet. Tribal and folk programs, cultural activities and performing arts make it a colorful festival. The festival gives out the traditional flavour of Madhya Pradesh.

Safety / WarningEdit

Avoid touts!””””””

• Do not touch the artifacts on display
• Do not touch the artifacts displayed in crystal gallery
• Keep your tone low while exploring the temple
• Double-check all hotel and restaurant bills for errors.
• Don’t leave cash and valuables in your hotel room. Use room safes where available.
• Keep daily cash in separate pockets.

Helpline
Edit

• Police Control Room ;+(91)-100, 4234100 2555922, 4236300 2443700, 2677434
• Urgent Fire Safety Devices;Address: 354 Durgesh Vihar, J K RoadIndustrial Area, Govindpura, Bhopal- 462023 ; Phone: 0755-4284530

ItineraryEdit

Day 1:
10:00 am – Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
1:00 pm – Rock Shelters ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – Archaeological Museum ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
7:00 pm – Upper Lake ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
Day 2:
10:00 am – National Museum of Mankind ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Van Vihar National Park ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – Lower Lake ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
7:00 pm – National Museum of Mankind ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 3:
10:00 am – Taj-ul-Masajid ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
1:00 pm – Lakshmi Narayan Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – New Inn ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
7:00 pm – Bhopal-On-Wheels;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs

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