Bhopal Darshan - City Sightseeing Tour of Bhopal Madhya Pradesh

Set atop the striking Arera Hills, the famous Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built as a tribute to the Hindu Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and her consort Lord Vishnu. Besides the beautiful idols of Lakshmi and Vishnu, the temple also houses a reclining idol of Lord Shiva with his wife Goddess Parvati. The Birla Museum attached to the temple exhibits marvellous sculptures dating back to the 12th century! The temple, besides being a religious abode, offers outstanding views of the Old Bhopal city.

Sitting in close proximity to Upper Lake, the Van Vihar National Park is one of the unmissable tourist places in Bhopal. Serving as the lungs of the city, the park is under strict observation and protection. It is also home to a wide array of wildlife like Blackbuck, Cheetal, Sambar, Blue Bull, Porcupine, Wild Boar, and Hyena, besides exotic floral species. Also ideal for short day treks, the place is apt for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Vast expanses of dense greenery and the quiet beauty of the place render it mandatory for tourists to visit it.

One of the most famous places in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum is extremely well planned, and the works displayed have their roots in the tribal culture. It is advised to collect a brochure at the entrance in order to learn a few basics of the tribal life, which makes it easier to decipher the paintings. The campus is carefully segregated into 6 galleries, each of which is dedicated to the tribal culture, life, art, and mythology. If you’re a history buff or a mythology enthusiast, this place is one that you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on.

Established in 1909 AD as the Edward Museum by the rulers of Bhopal state, the museum has undergone several transformations over the years. In 2005, it was inaugurated in its current form in a newly constructed building, now considered one of the prominent tourist attractions in the region.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, otherwise known as the National Museum of Mankind, is seated atop the Shymla Hills, along with the Upper Lake in Bhopal. The anthropological museum presents a beautiful illustration of the evolution of mankind, with reference to India. It also displays a variety of prehistoric rock shelters, which is something few other museums in India can boast about. Installed as a tribute to the tribal communities and folks of the state, the museum also has a well-stocked library, along with remarkable audio-visual archives.

One of the most interesting mosques in the country, Moti Masjid was built in 1862 by the most progressive and free-thinking woman of her time, Sikander Jahan Begum. Crafted with beautiful, pure white marble, the architecture of the mosque holds a striking resemblance to the historic Jama Masjid in Delhi. The dazzling white facade of the monument has earned it the name ‘Pearl Mosque’, which has a grand courtyard that opens a window to some of the most amazing views of the city. A perfect retreat for history lovers, as well as the curious, Moti Masjid, is indispensable on your Bhopal tour.

The lower lake frequently referred to as “Chhota Talab”, is separated from the Upper Lake by a bridge known as Pul Pukhta or the Lower Lake Bridge. A kin to its equally famous counterpart Upper Lake, the Lower Lake also dates back to the 11th century and has fallen under the rule of countless kings. The two lakes are collectively referred to as the Bhoj Wetland, now Ramsar Site, which is the major source of potable water for the city! The lake is bathed in an aura of blissful quiet and tranquillity, making it perfect for nature lovers and tourists alike it is one of the most picturesque places in Bhopal with Arch Bridge adding feathers.

Taj-Ul-Masjid, literally translating to the ‘Crown of Mosques’, is quite easily one of the grandest and most beautiful mosques in Madhya Pradesh. The external facade of the mosque is a soothing pink colour and is powered by two white coloured domes that complete the awe-inspiring structure. The mosque features a colossal courtyard, adorned with marble flooring, and fine carvings on the pillars. No wonder it is one of the most famous places in Bhopal.

Perched on the banks of the serene Upper Lake in Bhopal, Gohar Mahal is undoubtedly one of the most historically beautiful places to visit in Bhopal. Built-in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, who was one the first free-thinking women of the country and the first female ruler of Bhopal, the palace is ornamented with intricate interior carvings and beautiful decorations on the exterior. The palace also serves as an exemplary site of the Indo-Islamic architectural style. The great hall chaperones the idyllic lake, while the interiors of the hall host numerous ancient paintings and intricate woodwork and art.

Built in 1722, the palace takes the name of Queen Kamlapati, the widow of Nizam Shah Gond, and forms part of the Gond Fort. Perched along the banks of Upper Lake in Bhopal, the palace is a clear reflection of the Mughal and the modern architectural styles fused into a graceful art that adorns the face of the building. The site has earned the title of “Monument of National Importance” by the Archaeological Survey of India, making it one of the most magnetic tourist places in Bhopal.

One of the most famous places in Bhopal, the Upper Lake, locally referred to as ‘Bhojtaal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, is the oldest man-made lake in India. Dating back to the 11th century, the lake is believed to have been built by Raja Bhoj. The lake is overlooked by a grand royal garden called Kamla Park, which is another tourist magnet, tempting tourists into its serene folds every year. The ambience and setting of the two places are too remarkable to be ignored, and warrants a top spot in your Bhopal tour itinerary, without any doubt.

Seated along the embankments of the Upper Lake, Sair Sapata is a major entertainment zone and tourist attraction in Bhopal. The complex hosts' various stimulating activities like bike racing, car dashing, boating, forest hiking, and more. It also showcases a beguiling musical fountain, children’s play area, a suspension bridge, and a toy train. Sair Sapata promises unmatched fun and entertainment for all, regardless of age. You can also spend some alone time here with your loved one as it is among the beautiful places to visit in Bhopal for couples.

Founded in February 1982 by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the building is a junction point for display and encouragement of modern art, contemporary thought, expression, and innovation. Fostering a huge art gallery, an amphitheater, an auditorium, a tribal museum, and libraries of Indian poetry and folk music, the building is flanked by the lovely Upper Lake, and its terrace offers beguiling views. Housing a number of courtyards and offices, Bharat Bhawan is a visual treat for patrons of arts and humanities all around.

One of the latest additions to the range of interesting places to visit in Bhopal, Shaurya Smarak is essentially a war memorial inaugurated in the year 2016. Developed as a public park, sprawling across an area of 12 acres in Arera Hills region of the city, Shaurya Smarak houses an underground museum that has galleries dedicated to war heroes. The park features a number of sculptures and installation that evoke a sense of patriotism, remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. The most notable feature of the park is a 62-feet tall sculpture depicting the Indian Army.

This is actually an open area in front of the Moti Mahal. The Moti mahal was built by Kudesia Begum who ruled between 1819-1837. A large gateway connected this palace to the Shaukat Mahal . The open area in front , now called Iqbal Maidan was used for ceremonial parades and other important royal functions.

Sadar Manzil, now a 5 Star Heritage Hotel is a masterpiece where history reverberates through grand arches and timeless corridors. This regal sanctuary offers an intimate escape steeped in tradition, and serenity. Once the epicentre of royal power and visionary reforms under the pioneering Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, Sadar Manzil now stands as a living monument to Bhopal’s regal past, reimagined for today’s discerning guests.

VIP Road is one of the most beautiful roads in the central region of India. This road has its own prominence, the beauty, the picturesque views, and the lavishing surroundings. VIP Road connects the whole city and is considered as the lifeline of Bhopal. This road is a perfect example of how city life adjoins nature. The road is situated on the lap of the great Bhojpal Lake and showcases the immense beauty of the flora. At night, you can relish the beautiful reflections of lights falling on the water body and making the lake the most beautiful spot of the city. One can enjoy the beauteous view of sunset and sunrise. On full moon nights, the lake looks breathtakingly awesome. People cannot take their eyes off of the view.

The Fish Aquarium (Machli Ghar) in Bhopal is a small but enjoyable place for families and children to visit. While some reviewers mentioned the smaller size compared to the old aquarium, they appreciated the variety of fish species available, including interesting ones like carp, piranha, and swordtail fish. The ticket price is only Rs 5, making it an affordable outing.

Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal, a Central Region Centre of National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change, Government of India is a non-formal environmental education centre aimed to create conservation awareness among the public through the galleries and by various in- house and outreach educational activities.

The foundation stone for Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal was laid down by Shri Kamal Nath then Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Govt. of India; on 08th May, 1993. This museum was inaugurated by Prof. Saifuddin Soz, then Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Govt. of India on 29th September, 1997 to the public.