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Brief -
  
 
Bhopal has a multifaceted profile. The bustling city balances crowded streets, market places, huge old mosques, and the palaces of the former begums, with the city traffic, placid lakes and landscaped gardens with aplomb. Two large lakes dominate Bhopal, with the city flourishing in the periphery, each with individualistic features. The serene natural beauty offsets the hustle and bustle of the markets and chowks, while wide avenues, landscaped gardens and contemporary structures, jostle for space, against the pristine skyline. In the suburbs, the big city ceases to exist and the typical rural India emerges, with shades of rusticity and simplicity. The exotic excursions from Bhopal, enhance the charm of the otherwise minimalist destination. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
  
     
 
History -
 
 
The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal was built on the site, of the 11th century city of Bhojapal. The legendary Raja Bhoj, who is credited with having constructed the lakes, around which the city is built, founded it. The present city, was laid out by the Afghan chief Dost Mohammed Khan, who was in charge of Bhopal, during Aurangzeb's reign, but took advantage of the confusion following Aurangzeb's death in 1707, to carve out his own small kingdom.
  
     
 
Culture -
  
 
Though the city, has its share of pubs, movie theatres and discos, the usual choices are the cultural offerings and folk evenings. A rich and varied cultural heritage, gives shape to appealing forms of folklore and folk art. The laid-back attitude, that seems to surround the city, has been integrated into its essence and now, is an intrinsic part of its lifestyle and culture. The cultural scenario is well developed with various tribal influences, which yield a rich and varied folklore.
  
     
 
Climate & Geographical Location -
  
 
The monsoon dominates the climate here. While summer is hot and dry, winter is cool and sunny. However, summers can be exhausting, with soaring temperatures. The city is situated in the north-western part of Madhya Pradesh, close to the MP-Rajasthan border. It is 46 km from Sanchi, 186 km from Indore and 195 km from Pachmarhi.
  
     
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Bhopal is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the Bhopal airport is 6 km from the city and has daily flights to Mumbai, Indore, Delhi and Gwalior. By rail, the railway station is in old Bhopal ,on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route. However, it is slightly inconvenient for people ,staying in New Bhopal. It is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Jalgaon, Bangalore, Chennai, Agra, Jhansi, Gwalior and Ujjain. By road, Bhopal is connected by good motorable roads ,to the major towns and cities of the country. Buses connect to Sanchi (46 km), Indore (186 km), Ujjain (188 km), Pachmarhi (195 km) and Jabalpur (295 km) on a daily basis. Additionally there are deluxe buses connecting Bhopal to most major cities. The Bus Stand is near the railway station in Old Bhopal.
  
     
 
: T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :
  
     
 
Taj-ul-Masjid -
  
 
Shah Jehan's Begum, Bhopals eighth queen, started building this marvellous mosque in 1868-1901. However, it was completed years after her death in 1971. It is reputed to be the largest mosque in India, in a delicate rose colour with a massive dome and minarets. It is also to be noted, that Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque.
  
     
 
Islamnagar -
  
 
On the Bhopal-Berasia Road, the hilltop palace built by Dost Mohammed in the 18th century, is an amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Located 11 km from the city, it is easily accessible and the picturesque setting is perfect for an excursion.
  
     
 
Sanchi -
  
 
A Buddhist centre, 26 km northeast of Bhopal. The site has no direct link with the Buddha, but was the brainchild of Emperor Ashoka, who built the stupas, in the 3rd century BC. Subsequent additions were made over the centuries, shaping it, to emerge as one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in India. Close to Sanchi, there are many interesting options for bicycle excursions.
  
     
 
Bhimbetka -
  
 
Comparable to the Aboriginal cave paintings of Australia, the caves 45 km away are a must-see. The rock art is mainly in red and white pigments and remains almost perfectly preserved till date. The whisper of the teak and sal forests, transport you back in time, to an age where life existed as early as 12,000 years ago! 15 of the caves are accessible and are linked by a concrete path. The Zoo Rock Shelter is one of the more popular ones, with a nice collection of animal paintings.
  
     
 
Bhojpur -
  
 
The founder of Bhopal, Raja Bhoja built a third lake 28 km southeast of the city. The lake was held in check, by huge earthen dams, that comprised of stones set without mortar! Hohshang Sha (ruler of Mandu), destroyed the lake. However, the partially completed Bhojeshwar Temple, that used to face the lake remains and is worth a visit.
  
     
Others -
     
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - Near the Lower Lake, the museum has 6th-10th century artifacts, including sculptures, prehistoric exhibits, statues of Lakshmi and Vishnu and copies of paintings, of those in the Bagh caves of Mandu.
 
 
 
BHARAT BHAVAN - A Centre for performing and visual arts, renowned architect Charles Correa, designed the Bharat Bhavan. The simplicity of the design, merges harmoniously with the landscaped gardens, creating the perfect visual.
  
     
 
LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE & BIRLA MUSEUM - It is also known as the Birla Temple, with Vishnu and his consort, as the temple deities. The Museum, adjacent to the shrine, is quaint with an amazing collection of sculptures, belonging to the Paramana period. The favourite subjects being Shiva and Vishnu.
  
     
 
TRIBAL HABITAT - Located on Shamla Hills, it is an open-air exhibition of different types of tribal dwellings. The actual size houses, have architecturally perfect exteriors and intricate interiors.
  
     
 
UPPER AND LOWER LAKES - Raja Bhoja, laid out both the lakes, at the time of construction of the city. A bridge separates them and life revolves around them. There are facilities for boating at the Upper Lake. The Wind & Waves Restaurant, which overlooks the lake, is a great place to sit and relax and to admire the beauty of the lake.