India Travel and Holiday Guide

Overview:

History says that Raja Bhoja founded Bhojapal in the 11th century. What we know as Bhopal though was established by the Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed conspired with Queen Kamalabati to take over the kingdom following the chaos Aurangzeb's death brought.

Bhopal also happens to be the starting point for some amazing destinations. From Bhimbetka where Neolithic man explored his artistic talents to the unfinished temple at Bhojpur whose rocks still carry as proof perhaps, the blueprints to the temple, not to forget the wonders of the beautiful stupas at Sanchi.

Bhopal is as bustling and busy as any other small city. But the feature that gives away its smallness is the laid-back nature of life here which seems to have permeated the city itself. A rich and varied cultural heritage gives shape to appealing forms of folklore and folk art. The two large lakes dominate Bhopal and this part of the earth is fragrant with its own scenery.

Population: About 1,433,875

Climate: Characteristic of central India, Bhopal bakes in the summer with temperatures rising to a maximum of 44°C. Evenings are cooler at 22°C. Winter temperatures range from a maximum of 25°C to a minimum of 4°C.

Main Language(s): Hindi , English

Time Zone: GMT + 05:30

Phone Area Code: 0755

Best Time To Visit: The best times to visit Bhopal would be between the months of October and mid-March.

Airport Distance from City Center: 13 kms

Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Taxi service avail frm the airport RS. 200 per hr

Places To Visit:

Taj-ul-Masjid
Taj-ul-Masjid The wife of Emperor Shah Jahan and Bhopal's eighth queen commissioned the building of this mosque in 1868-1901. Completed only years after her death in 1971, the Taj-ul-Masjid is a beautifully constructed mosque tinted a delicate pink. With its massive domes and minarets, it is also reputed to be the largest mosque in India. Of course, if you are not Muslim, you will not be permitted to enter.

Upper and Lower Lakes
You cannot miss visiting the lakes seeing as they dominate the city of Bhopal. A bridge separates the city and there is much activity concentrated around this area. As a visitor or tourist, use the boating facilities at the Upper Lake. And don't miss the Wind & Waves Restaurant, overlooking the lake.

Bharat Bhavan
Bhopal has a wonderful centre for the performing and visual arts, designed by well-known architect Charles Correa. The building is simplicity personified and yet the landscaped gardens make the setting perfect. In the museum, you will find an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, repertory theatre and rehearsal rooms. They also have an extensive library of Indian poetry and classical arts which you might want to delve into if you have the time.

Archaeological Museum
If the past and its treasures hold your fancy, then make a trip to Bhopal's archaeological museum. Located near the lower lake, this museum boasts of artefacts from the 6th-10th centuries. This includes sculptures, prehistoric exhibits, statues of Lakshmi and Vishnu and copies of paintings of those in the Bagh caves in Mandu.

Tribal Habitat
This is one place you must visit. The unusual national tribal museum is located on Shamla Hills and is a state initiative to showcase the lives and ways of a fraction of India's significant tribal population. Here, you will get a chance to see replicas of tribal homes and glimpse into their customs, culture and religions.

Of all the things that you will be able to learn here, there is the Tribal Habitat, an open-air exhibition of some 25 tribal dwellings in authentic village-like settings. The buildings, from all over India were constructed using authentic building materials by members of the tribes themselves, many of whom continue to maintain the site. There are plans to expand this place with more exhibits as well as information disseminating centres.

Islamnagar
Just 11 kms from the city, on the Bhopal-Berasia Road is the hilltop palace built by Dost Mohammed in the 18th century. An amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic architecture, it is picturesque and makes for a great excursion.

Sanchi
Strangely enough, this Buddhist centre 26 km northeast of Bhopal has no direct link with the Buddha. The brainchild of Emperor Ashoka who built the stupas in the 3rd century BC, Sanchi has emerged as one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in India. The place is beautiful so explore possibilities around here.