Bhopal - Capital City of Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal is the capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh, which is the largest state in India. Bhopal is also referred to as the City of Lakes because of the two beautiful lakes that are situated in the center of the city. Apart from its natural beauty, Bhopal is also famous for its mosques. The Taj-ul-Masjid in Bhopal is the largest mosque of India. Bhopal is also known, sadly, for the largest industrial disaster or the Gas Tragedy, which struck it in 1984.

LOCATION OF BHOPAL
Bhopal is located in the northwestern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the central region of India. It lies along the slopes of a sandstone ridge, which is a part of the Malwa plateau. There are two man-made lakes at the center of Bhopal city. The weather in Bhopal during summers (April-June) is quite hot, but winters (November-February) are cool and pleasant. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. It is 744 km south of Delhi and 779 Km northwest of Mumbai (Bombay).

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHOPAL
Though Bhopal can be visited throughout the year, it is advisable to avoid the summer season.

HISTORY OF BHOPAL
The history of Bhopal dates back to the 11th century AD, when it was built by the legendary King Bhoja. The region witnessed a power struggle between local rulers and the Mughals, with the latter taking over. The decline of the Mughal Empire with the death of Aurangzeb (AD 1707) led to political turmoil in this region. The small princely state of Bhopal and the present-day city was founded by an Afghan soldier Dost Mohammad in 1723. It was the second largest Muslim state during the rise of British power in India. It aligned itself with the British, in their fight against the Marathas, in 1817. At the time of India's independence in 1947, Bhopal remained a separate state, until 1949, when it acceded to India.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN BHOPAL
Bhopal beckons a significant amount of tourists from all parts of the world and those who visit this city once will always crave to visit this town again and again. A tour to Bhopal will cover many things apart from the imposing architectural marvels and magnificent lakes. Bhopal is home to various venerated temples and mosques that were built in the days of yore. You must make sure that you have ample time in hand in order to explore the various tourist attractions in Bhopal. Some of the attractions worth visiting are as follows:

Laxmi Narayan Temple: Laxmi Narayan Temple is also known as the Birla Mandir and is located to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Close to the temple is a museum that is the repository of sculptures from the districts of Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh. There are stone sculptures mostly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts and incarnations.

Moti Masjid: The magnificent Moti Masjid was built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan in the year 1860 A.D. and is identical in style to the Jama Masjid of Delhi. The two dark red minarets covered by golden spikes add to the grandeur of this beautiful masjid.


Taj-ul Masjid: Taj-ul Masjid flaunts being one of the largest in India and occupies an important place among the various places of tourist interest in Bhopal. The erection of this mosque was started by Shah Jahan Begum that took place during her reign from 1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D., but it was never accomplished in her lifetime. Construction of the mosque was completed in the year 1971 by the efforts of the Government of India. These days, this huge pink mosque featuring two stupendous white-domed minarets is used as a school for religious teachings. The religious ceremony called Ijtima is held here each and every year that attracts numerous tourists from all parts of India.

Shaukat Mahal: Shaukat Mahal is another draw for the archaeologists and is located at the entrance of the Chowk gate. This startling building is built in the European style, thereby distinguishing it apart from the predominantly conventional Islamic architecture of the region. Sadar Manzil: You just cannot afford to miss out the stately hall of public audience of the earlier rulers of Bhopal.

Upper and Lower Lakes: Sprawling over an area of about 6 square kilometers, the Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an over bridge. Make your visit to this place even more exciting by going on a boat trip in the lake. Nearby to the Lake is the zoo which is called Van Vihar and has in store a lot of wild animals such as the tigers, leopards, lions, and bears, among other animals. Near the Lower Lake, you can visit an aquarium. This fish-shaped aquarium houses a number of enthralling species of fish.

PLACES AROUND BHOPAL
Bhimbetka Caves: The invaluable Indian treasures, in the form of Bhimbetka Caves, are surrounded by the craggy terrains of the Vindhya mountainous ranges. Located 46 km south of Bhopal, these Neolithic caves preserve prehistoric paintings and murals that are almost 12,000 years old. These ancient cave paintings vividly portray the lives and everyday activities of primitive cave dwellers and also exhibit their narrative skills. More than 200 caves form a part of this cave-sanctuary and enchant many visitors with their prehistoric significance.

Sanchi: Sanchi is perched on a secluded hill, 46 km from Bhopal. Its clusters of stupas, chaityas and monasteries make it one of the most significant visitations of tourists from all corner of the globe. These stupas, constructed within 3rd century BC and 12th century AD, bequeath the place with a lot of historical and religious importance. On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists congregate here to celebrate the triple anniversary of Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana.

Pachmarhi: Snuggled atop the Satpura Hills at 1,067 meters, the hill station of Pachmarhi is located about 195 km from Bhopal. Its serene backcloth, with emerald forest glades, jamun groves, cascading waterfalls, deep ravines and coppices of sal and bamboo, make it an ideal sanctuary for communing with the beauty of nature. The cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills that house ancient rock paintings increase its popularity amongst tourists. A mountain ride to Pachmarhi is must, while you go for recreational trips around Bhopal.

Udaigiri: 13 km from Sanchi and 5 km from Videsha is Udaigiri, famous for its rock-cut cave sanctuaries. There are many Hindu and Jain caves that run in succession here and impart the place its charm. You can find delicately carved images of Lord Vishnu here. It is believed that Buddhist monks used these caves as their abodes in 2 B.C. Built mainly during the reign of Chandragupta II, a visit to these ancient caverns, along with the Gupta temple perched on the summit of this hill, will help you understand the aesthetic dimensions of Gupta art and architecture.

Bhojpur: Bhojpur lies 28 km southeast of Bhopal and merits a visit. A brilliant example of Hindu temple architecture, the ancient 'Bhojeshwar Temple' was constructed in the later part of the 11th century and heightens the popularity of the place. A venerated shrine, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is referred to as the 'Somnath of the East'. It enshrines a massive 'lingam', about 2.3 m high and 5.3 m in circumference. This time-defying monument stands in an incomplete state, but poses an inspiring sight, with its titanic pillars and unfinished dome.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF BHOPAL
A three-day Ijtima (religious congregation) is held in the precincts of the Taj-ul-Masjid of Bhopal annually. It draws many Muslim pilgrims from all parts of India.

HOW TO REACH BHOPAL
By Air: The airport in Bhopal is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from the Old City and the Indian Airlines operates daily flights to the major metropolises of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Indore and also operates four weekly flights to Gwalior.

By Rail: Bhopal lies on the Delhi-Chennai route and is one of the most important railway stations of central India. Among the express trains, Shatabdi express connects Bhopal with the capital city, Delhi. The various other destinations to which Bhopal is well connected are Mumbai, Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, and Ujjain.

By Road: The transportation access in Bhopal is also quite convenient by the road transport since it is well-linked with the various other destinations of India through the smooth and excellent roadways. Some of the destinations that are easily reachable from Bhopal by road transport are Sanchi, Indore, Ujjain, Panchmari and Jabalpur, and Khajuraho are easily accessible from Bhopal.