Bhopal is a town which is known for its rich heritage and vibrant history. It is home to various majestic mosques which showcase classic Mughal architecture. Some of these popular mosques are the Taj-Ul-Masjid, Shah Jahan Begum, and Moti Masjid.
Other than mosques, Bhopal will also grab your attention through its breathtakingly stunning havelis and museums along with Nawabi cuisine that is an absolute pleasure for foodies. Bhopal is also the cultural hub with many art performing centres around. Furthermore, the city is also a reminiscence of a disastrous tragedy in the chemical plant of Union Carbide that took away multiple lives.
Talking about the rich and vibrant culture of Bhopal, here are five of the most stunning places in Bhopal that will enchant you:
Upper Lake
A stunning man-made lake constructed in the 11th century, the Upper Lake was created by Raja Bhoj to treat skin diseases which were otherwise incurable. The lake is an impressive spot with a beautiful royal garden known as Kamla Park situated close by. This beautiful vast water body was named after King Bhoj who made the lake across Kolans River back in the 11th-century. Initially, the king built this gigantic lake to cure himself of his skin disease. There exists a pillar on one corner of the lake which holds the statue of Raja Bhoj. The Upper Lake is parted from the lower lake by an overbridge known as Pul Pukhta.
Van Vihar
Back in 1983, Van Vihar was given the title of National Park. Famous as a National Park, it works as a Zoological Space following the rules and guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. All the animals in this park are kept close to their natural habitats. Furthermore, the place is so beautiful that it is considered a paradise for the nature lovers who breathe the mystical nature, as well as the wildlife enthusiasts who cherish watching panthers, leopards, cheetah, neelgai, etc.
Moti Masjid
The Moti Masjid is one of the many mosques situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Moti Masjid mosque is considered an important landmark despite the fact that it is relatively smaller in size as compared to the other historical and exquisite monuments that stand magnificently in the 'city of mosques'. This popular historic landmark was constructed in the year 1860 by Sikander Jehan Begum of Bhopal, daughter of Qudusiya Begum. Sikander Begum was an eccentric woman who eliminated slavery and set up the trend of the liberal woman in Bhopal. Also known as the Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid is located in the heart of the Bhopal and signifies the rich history of the Bhopal Begums all over India.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
The national museum of Anthropology is magnificently located on the Shamla Hills, the upper lakefront of the city. The museum presents the combined story of the evolution and culture of mankind. The highlight of this tourist attraction is the fact that it has painted rock shelters with its post-colonial repertoire of tribal, folk, art and culture. Apart from that, the museum also houses an extensive collection of ethnographic specimens, computerised documentaries, and audiovisual archives.
Jama Masjid
Built during the period of Quidisiya Begum, Jama Masjid is a revered shrine and a famous tourist spot in the city of Bhopal. Officially known as Taj-ul-Masajid, the meaning of the mosque translates to "Crown Among Mosques". The magnificent architecture of Jama Masjid consists of classic Islamic architecture with its stunning shrine and two tall minarets. It is the biggest mosque in India and is considered among the largest in Asia as well.
People who can’t wait to explore these mesmerising spots should start planning a trip to Bhopal. You can start by booking your Mumbai to Bhopal flight tickets. Don’t wait anymore and see for yourself what the hype in Bhopal is all about!