Considered to be one of the greenest, cleanest cities with serene spots and lakes, Bhopal has recently moved a few spots higher on travellers’ lists of preferred destinations. In recent years, people have started travelling to Madhya Pradesh and particularly to the capital city of the state. The city of Bhopal is not just blessed with flora and fauna, it also is steeped with firm roots in the history of the country; a lot of travellers fancy its intriguing past.
So, what are the best tourist places to visit in Bhopal?
The city of Bhopal is a true gem – it is a paradise for the historians, archeological patrons, and curious explorers. So, if you are planning to visit Bhopal, then here are the best places you can head out to: -
Rock shelters of Bhimbetka
Rock shelters of Bhimbetka are one of the most visited tourist places in Bhopal. This place is a UNESCO world heritage site with a series of caves one after the other. This spot is about 45 kilometers from Bhopal. The best time for you to visit here will be between the months of September to February.
Location: Bhojpur Raisen, Madhya Pradesh 464990
Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Charges: For Indians, it is charged 10 INR, whereas for foreigners, it is 100 INR. You need to also give a parking charge of 20 INR for personal vehicles and 100 INR for a minibus.
Upper Lake
The Upper Lake is famously known as ‘Bara Talab’ and is also one of the best places to visit in Bhopal for couples. From enjoying the serenity of the place to clicking some gorgeous pictures, one can also take out some time for the boating activity that travellers love to do here. The upper lake was made in the 11th Century and since then it is the largest manmade lake in the entire country.
Location: Near CM House, Bhopal
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Charges: There is no entry fee as such but if you are looking for a boating ride then the prices vary from 30 INR to 60 INR per head.
Van Vihar National Park
The Van Vihar National Park sprawls across an area of 445 hectares and is one of the most famous places in Bhopal for sightseeing. The National Park can be spotted just adjacent to the Upper Lake and is a haven for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. While enjoying your time here, you will get the vibe that this place is a perfect mélange of a Zoo and a National Park. One can spot a lot of wild animals in the park starting from panthers, lions, leopards, bears, chital, sambars, and gharials. If you are looking for options in things to do in Bhopal, just take a safari here.
Location: Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar, Shymala Hills, Bhopal
Timings: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm (The Park is closed only on Friday)
Charges: 200 INR for parking and 40 INR as camera charges
State Archaeological Museum Bhopal
If you are more inclined towards history, art, and culture, then you must visit the State Archeological Museum in Bhopal. This museum is situated in proximity to the National Museum of Mankind and is one of the best tourist places in Bhopal. This place serves as the perfect location for those who are looking for some rare artefacts as well as paintings of history. If we had to say it in a nutshell, the State Archeological Museum showcases the legacy and heritage of the entire state.
Location: Shyamla Hills Rd, NITTTR Campus, Shymala Hills, Bhopal
Timings: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (It is closed on every Monday)
Charges: The entry fee for Indian people is 10 INR, and for foreigners, it is 100 INR. For a still camera, you will have to pay 50 INR and for a video camera, it is 200 INR.
Raisen Fort
Comfortably sitting on the top of a hill, the Raisen Fort is about 23 km from Bhopal, near Sanchi. The fort was built in 1200 AD and since then it has served as a power spot to many dynasties of the region. Be it Nawabs, Mughals or Rajputs of the state, everybody had their share of reign in the fort. The ancient fort attracts a lot of travellers throughout the year and this has made it one of the most visited tourist places in Bhopal. Yet again, this place serves as a perfect spot for history lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts. For those who wish to trek, the trails leading to the fort will keep you engaged.
Location: Near Sanchi
Timings: Anytime
Charges: free of cost
Shaukat Mahal
Shaukat Mahal is one of the finest architectural wonders in the city of lakes. Being a popular historical landmark in the city, it always features in Bhopal Tourism’s promotional campaigns. This monument stands as the perfect amalgamation of European styles and patterns with the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. In fact, its vintage facade reflects the Rococo architectural influence. No wonder it is one of the most spellbinding tourist attractions in Bhopal. A lot of travellers visit here every year and they all are astonished by the beauty of the place.
Location: Sultania Rd, Nakkar Khana, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal,
Timings: 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Charges: Free of cost
Bhopal is a place that can surprise the most seasoned of travelers with the gems it houses. Look for a Bhopal tour package that covers the best places that you can visit in the city, and get going!
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