9 Incredible Things to Do in Bhopal While You’re There

Don’t Miss These 9 Must-See Bhopal Attractions
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, offers a wide variety of exciting activities and breathtaking natural scenery for your next vacation. Across this city, you’ll find 9 must-see attractions, including beautiful lakes, historic sites, and vibrant bazaars.

Experience the Awe-Inspiring View of Upper Lake
Spectating the picturesque Upper Lake, with its lush hills and architectural marvels lined up along the lakeside promenade, is an essential part of any visit to Bhopal. The 31-square-kilometer artificial lake, which dates back to the 11th century, is still the primary water source for the city today. Join MP Tourism for a leisurely outdoor boat tour and take in the sights of the surrounding area.

famous Paramara Dynasty ruler Bhoj had it constructed. The lake is more than 31 square kilometers in size. Its main attractions are its scenic surroundings, water activities, and the neighboring toy train trip.
Timings: Available for trolling at all times and boating from 11 am to 5 pm.
Stunning reflections of crimson sunsets and foggy morning waves make for breathtaking lake life wallpapers, perfect for capturing memories.

View the Majesty of the Taj-ul Masjid
A famous city beacon, the Taj-ul Masjid took over a century to complete due to financing disruptions and is today considered one of the biggest mosques in India. The mosque’s twin tall minarets, pink façade, and marble domes adorned with golden spikes captivate tourists as they step into the courtyard, which is bordered by lakes on each side. Also, the prayer hall has such beautiful inscriptions that you may lose track of time gazing at them.

Sultan Shah Jehan Begum, Nawab of Bhopal, was the patron who oversaw its construction.
most notable feature is the breathtaking building design that combines Hindu, Mughal, and Persian influences.
Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm
No entrance fee required.
Get the delicate floral themes, plant shoots, and sacred Quranic words captured in your photographs.

Explore a UNESCO World Wonder Site and Learn About Rock Art
The UNESCO-recognized ancient rock shelters of Bhimbetka, nestled in verdant woodlands, are around 45 km northwest of Bhopal city. More than 700 red sandstone caverns dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period (around 30,000 years ago) contain priceless artwork depicting humans, animals, and scenes from daily life. Licensed tour guides will lead you through this unique archeological wonder while explaining fascinating details about the cave artwork.

Evidence of early human existence in India is shown in artifacts.
It stretches across the hill ranges of Vindhyan and Satpura, where sandstone formations are located.
Look at this: Portraits of zoomorphs, images from family dances
Fees for entry: 75 rupees for Indians and 550 rupees for foreigners
Peering into the cracks and fissures of Bhimbetka will transport you to a bygone era, where you may uncover the secrets of rock art that have been concealed for generations.

Visit Van Vihar National Park for a Wilderness Safari
For those who appreciate nature and wildlife, a thrilling open jeep ride inside Van Vihar National Park is a must. The park is home to unique migratory birds, including sambhar, leopards, and tigers, among other inhabitants. Even though it’s in the middle of Bhopal city, the park’s setting engulfs you in verdant trees and peace beside the watering holes where predators lurk! It’s a unique adventure location where people of all ages may get up close and personal with our priceless wildlife.

Animals found in the wild include jackals, blue bulls, spotted deer, and panthers.
Siberian and Himalayan bird species are the main attraction.
Reservations are required for safaris, which begin at Rs. 200 per person.
Berasia Road, close to Kamla Park, witnesses vanishing animal trails, identifies rare bird songs, and captures many joyful nature images.

Visit Bharat Bhawan and Feel the Creative Energy There
The vast Bharat Bhawan complex, created by the architect Charles Correa, is more than just a cultural center; it is a tribute to the rich and varied performing arts of India, including dance, literature, theater, and music. Take a creative break by visiting museums that house folk art, open-air amphitheatres, galleries that provide workshops, or even just sit back and listen to a classical music performance or practice. The Rashtriya Dalit Prerana Sthal hall is a permanent landmark that you should not miss.

Launch year for multi-arts complex: 1982
Where: Close to Upper Lake
Charges for activities are additional to the free admission.
Key tasks at hand: Get souvenirs made by hand
Creativity pulses through Bharat Bhawan, so immerse yourself in the young, creative zeal.

Chota Talab Pedal Boating 6.
Chota Talab, or “little lake,” was created on Upper Lake lines by Nawab Haydar Mohammed Khan in the 18th century, drawing inspiration from his trips in Europe. It’s a great place to go if you want to enjoy nature without being too close to the city. You may spend hours pedaling or kayaking across pristine rivers surrounded by verdant flora. Outdoor vendors also provide hot kulhad chai and garam pakoras.

Constructed in: 1794, when Bhopal was under Afghan control
Standout features: peaceful surroundings for water sports
Placing: Close to the historic district
Mornings are ideal for strolls.
Sip Irani tea and take the perfect photo by the lake for all your Instagram followers to see.

Explore the State Museum’s Diverse Collections
The enormous collection of Madhya Pradesh’s State Museum exquisitely captures the region’s rich historical and cultural legacy, which spans many dynasties and centuries. Glance at galleries showcasing priceless relics from the Gurjara Pratihara and Parmara periods, as well as 5th-century ceramics, musical instruments, and neolithic artifacts.

Admission to the museum is free
Spread out across large lawns
Archeology, Art, and Natural History will be covered in sections.
The area is close to Hamidia Road and the Shyamla Hills.
Visiting the State Museum will enlighten you as you trace its unique history and wow you with its spectacular displays.

8. Gohar Mahal’s Intricate Architecture Is Stunning
Gohar Mahal, an architectural marvel that exquisitely fuses Hindu and Mughal traditions, is located behind Moti Masjid. A picture-perfect exploration awaits you in the Mahal’s double-story courtyard, which was constructed by Qudsia Begum in the 1820s and has carved balconies, projection windows, flowering flowers, and fountains. Look up at the ceilings, too; they’re painted in a golden gloss.

Key point: Stunning visuals combining styles
Constructed by: Gauhar Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal
Admission: Rs. 10 (including the cost of the sound and light show separately).
Locate: Gohar Mahal is part of Bhopal’s city fort complex. Its distinctive blend of historical and cultural elements makes it beautiful from any aspect.

At Chowk Bazaar, You Can Find Rustic Delights
Chowk Bazaar, located near Roshanpura square, is one of Bhopal’s oldest and busiest market areas, and no visit to the city is complete without perusing its wares. Adorned with vivid Chanderi saris, bead jewellery, batik print Kurtas, and traditional footwear juttas, the small meandering lanes provide a glimpse into the past. The chaat, poha, and jalebis sold by street vendors evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Our Specialty: Lac bangles, batik patterns, and Chanderi weaves
Stop by Faiz Mahal for some authentic Nawabi food.
Ideal Times: First thing in the morning and late at night, Abdul Gani Chauraha neighborhood, Bhopal city
For the ideal Instagram video, record yourself digging into some tasty felafels while taking in all the bustling sights, smells, and smiles.

We hope that this virtual tour of Bhopal has inspired you to plan a vacation that is really authentic by including elements of nature, history, animals, and delicious cuisine.