Overview
About Bhopal
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is often called the City of Lakes. Its Upper Lake, or Bada Talab, is said to have been created by the Paramara king Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, and together with the Lower Lake it gives the city a breezy, open feel that is rare among Indian state capitals. Hills, parks and lakeside promenades run through the middle of town.
The city's character was shaped by the Begums of Bhopal, a line of women rulers who governed the princely state for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They left behind mosques, palaces and gardens, including the vast Taj-ul-Masajid, and a refined culture of poetry, cuisine and craft that still lingers in the old city around Chowk Bazaar.
Bhopal is also an excellent base for some of central India's most important heritage. The Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and the prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are each within about an hour's drive, as is the unfinished Shiva temple at Bhojpur. Add the city's outstanding museums, and Bhopal easily fills two or three days.
- Lakes
- Taj-ul-Masajid
- Tribal Museum
- Sanchi Stupa
- Bhimbetka rock shelters
- Zardozi and batua crafts
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Bhopal
Lakes & Parks
Upper Lake (Bada Talab)
The city's largest lake, ideal for boat rides and evening walks along the Boat Club and VIP Road promenades, with sunset views across the water.
Van Vihar National Park
A park on the edge of the Upper Lake where rescued and resident animals live in near-natural enclosures. Early-morning drives and walks are pleasant.
Monuments
Taj-ul-Masajid
One of the largest mosques in India, with pink sandstone walls, white domes and a large courtyard with a tank.
Gohar Mahal and Shaukat Mahal
Palaces of the Bhopal Begums near the Upper Lake, showing a blend of Mughal, Hindu and European architectural styles.
Museums
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum
An imaginative museum where tribal artists have recreated homes, rituals and stories of the state's communities. It is widely regarded as one of the best museums in the country.
Bharat Bhavan
A multi-arts centre on the slopes above the Upper Lake, with galleries, an open-air theatre and a library.
State Museum
Galleries of sculpture, coins, paintings and royal collections that give a good overview of Madhya Pradesh's history.
Nearby Excursions
Sanchi
About 45 km away, Sanchi's Great Stupa, first built under Emperor Ashoka, is surrounded by superbly carved gateways depicting Buddhist stories.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
A cluster of natural rock shelters about 45 km south of the city, with prehistoric paintings of animals, hunts and dances.
Bhojpur Temple
An unfinished 11th-century Shiva temple, about 28 km away, housing one of the largest stone lingams in India.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Bhopal
- 1
Take a boat ride on the Upper Lake
Go out in a pedal boat, motorboat or sailing boat from the Boat Club in the late afternoon.
- 2
Spend a day at Sanchi and Udayagiri
Combine the stupas of Sanchi with the Gupta-era rock-cut caves at Udayagiri near Vidisha for a full heritage day.
- 3
Explore Chowk Bazaar
The old-city market is the place for zardozi work, beaded batuas, silver jewellery and street snacks.
- 4
Visit Bhimbetka and Bhojpur together
These two sites lie in the same direction from the city and make an easy half-day or full-day outing.
- 5
Catch a performance at Bharat Bhavan
Check the programme for theatre, music and art events at this lively cultural centre.
- 6
Try Bhopali food in the old city
Head to the lanes around Chowk and Ibrahimpura for kebabs, korma and sulemani chai.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Bhopal
The best time to visit Bhopal is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
24°C to 42°C
Hot and dry, with May and early June the harshest. Visit outdoor sites like Sanchi and Bhimbetka early in the morning.
Monsoon
July to September
22°C to 32°C
Good rainfall fills the lakes and turns the surrounding hills green. Bhimbetka and Bhojpur look especially beautiful at this time.
Winter
October to March
10°C to 28°C
The most pleasant season for sightseeing and day trips, with sunny days and cool nights.
Getting there
How to Reach Bhopal
By Air
Raja Bhoj Airport, about 15 km from the city centre, has direct domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other cities.
By Rail
Bhopal Junction is on the main Delhi–Chennai and Delhi–Mumbai routes, with frequent fast trains including the Shatabdi from Delhi. Rani Kamlapati station, formerly Habibganj, is also a major stop.
By Road
Bhopal is about 195 km from Indore and well connected by highways to Jabalpur, Gwalior and Nagpur. State and private buses run to most cities in the region.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Bhopal
Bhopali gosht korma
A rich mutton curry slow-cooked with spices, a legacy of the nawabi kitchens.
Poha-jalebi
Light, flattened-rice poha topped with sev and served with hot jalebi, the classic breakfast of Madhya Pradesh.
Kebabs and biryani
Seekh kebabs, shami kebabs and fragrant biryani sold in the old-city lanes.
Sulemani chai
A tea brewed with salt, spice and sometimes milk, often enjoyed late into the evening.
Bhopali paan
The city takes great pride in its paan, rolled with a variety of fillings.
What to Buy in Bhopal
- Zardozi embroidery
- Beaded batuas (potli bags)
- Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees at state emporiums
- Tribal art and crafts
Travel Tips for Bhopal
- Check the weekly closing days of museums such as the Tribal Museum before you plan your itinerary.
- Dress modestly when visiting Taj-ul-Masajid and avoid prayer times.
- Hire a taxi for a full day to cover Sanchi or Bhimbetka with nearby sites.
- Carry water and sun protection for the open sites outside the city.
FAQs
Bhopal Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Bhopal?
October to March is the best time to visit Bhopal, when the weather is cool for exploring the city and nearby sites. The monsoon is also lovely, with full lakes and green hills.
How many days are enough for Bhopal?
Two to three days are enough to see the lakes, mosques, museums and old city, along with day trips to Sanchi, Bhimbetka and Bhojpur.
What is Bhopal famous for?
Bhopal is famous for its lakes, the Taj-ul-Masajid, the legacy of the Begums, the Tribal Museum, and as the base for Sanchi and Bhimbetka.
Why is Bhopal called the City of Lakes?
Bhopal has several natural and artificial lakes, including the large Upper Lake and the Lower Lake, which shape the layout and feel of the city.
How far is Sanchi from Bhopal?
Sanchi is about 45 km from Bhopal, roughly an hour by road, and is easy to visit as a half-day trip.
Which places can be visited near Bhopal?
Popular nearby sites include Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, Udayagiri Caves near Vidisha and Raisen Fort.