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Places to Visit in Bhopal

One of the most famous places in Bhopal, the Upper Lake, locally referred to as ‘Bhojtaal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, is the oldest man-made lake in India. Dating back to the 11th century, the lake is believed to have been built by Raja Bhoj.

The lake is overlooked by a grand royal garden called Kamla Park, which is another tourist magnet, tempting tourists into its serene folds every year. The ambience and setting of the two places are too remarkable to be ignored, and warrants a top spot in your Bhopal tour itinerary, without any doubt.

Timings: The lake can be visited from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visitors.

Location: Upper Lake, Near CM House, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Upper Lake is seated at a distance of 10.5 km from the  Bhopal Bus Stand.

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Sitting in close proximity to Upper Lake, the Van Vihar National Park is one of the unmissable tourist places in Bhopal. Serving as the lungs of the city, the park is under strict observation and protection. It is also home to a wide array of wildlife like Blackbuck, Cheetal, Sambar, Blue Bull, Porcupine, Wild Boar, and Hyena, besides exotic floral species.

Also ideal for short day treks, the place is apt for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Vast expanses of dense greenery and the quiet beauty of the place render it mandatory for tourists to visit it.

Timings: The park remains open for visitors from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM throughout the week, except for Tuesday.

Entry Fee: The entry fee per head is INR 15 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners.

Location: Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance From Bhopal Bus Stand: The national park sits at a distance of around 10 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

One of the most interesting mosques in the country, Moti Masjid was built in 1862 by the most progressive and free-thinking woman of her time, Sikander Jahan Begum. Crafted with beautiful, pure white marble, the architecture of the mosque holds a striking resemblance to the historic Jama Masjid in Delhi.

The dazzling white facade of the monument has earned it the name ‘Pearl Mosque’, which has a grand courtyard that opens a window to some of the most amazing views of the city. A perfect retreat for history lovers, as well as the curious, Moti Masjid, is indispensable on your Bhopal tour.

Timings: The place remains open visitors from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The monument charges no entry fees for a visit.

Location: Moti Masjid, Hawa Mahal Rd, Chowki Talaiya, Peer Gate, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The mosque is located at around 3 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

A magnificent set of twenty sculpted caves that date back to the early 5th century CE, the Udayagiri Caves hold within their walls some of the most ancient icon drawings and carvings. The inscriptions inside the caves associate their relation with the reign of the Gupta monarchy.

A significant historic monument, the caves are managed under the observation of the Archaeological Survey of India. The drawings carved depict stories of Vishnu, Lakshmi,  Shiva, and Parvati.

Timings: The caves are open for exploration and visit from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The caves carry an entry fee of INR 15 per Indian and INR 200 per Foreigner.

Location: The place sits near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The caves are situated at a distance of 56 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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One of the most unbeatable places to visit in Bhopal, and possibly in entire India, the magnificence of the Sanchi Stupa remains unmatched till date. Believed to have originated in the 3rd century BCE, the building was built it the reign of the great emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty and is one of the most remarkable Buddhist monuments in the country.

The Mauryan king undertook the task of redistributing the mortal remains of Lord Buddha all across the face of the country in order to spread the reach of Buddhism. The gigantic dome of the Stupa contains a central vault where the relics of Lord Buddha have been placed.

Timings: The site remains open for visiting from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners.

Location: Sanchi, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The stupa is seated at a distance of 47 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

A beautiful anomaly of the Asian and Western architectural art amidst the predominance of Islamic architecture in Bhopal, Shaukat Mahal is one of the most frequented tourist places in Bhopal.

Gracing the entrance of the famous Chowk area, the building, erected in Sikander Begum's reign, also exhibits a unique blend of Post Renaissance and Gothic styles, along with intricate carvings which adorn its glorious face.

Shaukat Mahal is towered by the grand Sadar Manzil, which is believed to have served as the hall of public audience, back in the era of kings.

Timings: The palace is open to visitors for 24 hours every day.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visitors.

Location: Shaukat Mahal, Sultania Rd, Nakkar Khana, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The place is located at a distance of nearly 3 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Situated at around 45 km south of Bhopal, the monumental Bhimbetka Caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that the caves date as back as over 30,000 years! They are home to magnificent rock shelters, along with some of the most exquisite prehistoric cave paintings in Asia.

The place exudes strong aesthetic vibes, owing to the beautifully sculpted rock formations within the caves, which are fenced by dense, verdant vegetation and woods. One of the most exotic places to visit in Bhopal, the Bhimbetka Caves are truly one of their kinds, which by themselves constitute a timeless piece of art.

Timings: The caves are open to visitors throughout the week from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

Entry Fee: The entry fees for Indian is INR 10 per person for Indian and INR 100 per person for Foreigners.

Location: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Bhojpur Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The caves sit at a distance of 46 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Set atop the striking Arera Hills, the famous Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built as a tribute to the Hindu Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and her consort Lord Vishnu. Besides the beautiful idols of Lakshmi and Vishnu, the temple also houses a reclining idol of Lord Shiva with his wife Goddess Parvati.

The Birla Museum attached to the temple exhibits marvellous sculptures dating back to the 12th century! The temple, besides being a religious abode, offers outstanding views of the Old Bhopal city.

Timings: The temple remains open for worship from 06:30 AM to 07:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The temple, being a famous religious shrine, charges no entry fee for worship.

Location: Lakshmi Narayana Temple Bhopal Address: Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The temple sits at a distance of 5 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

The lower lake frequently referred to as “Chhota Talab”, is separated from the Upper Lake by a bridge known as Pul Pukhta or the Lower Lake Bridge. Akin to its equally famous counterpart Upper Lake, the Lower Lake also dates back to the 11th century and has fallen under the rule of countless kings.

The two lakes are collectively referred to as the Bhoj Wetland, now Ramsar Site, which is the major source of potable water for the city! The lake is bathed in an aura of blissful quiet and tranquillity, making it perfect for nature lovers and tourists alike it is one of the most picturesque places in Bhopal.

Timings: The lake is open to visitors from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The lake charges no entry fees.

Location: Lower Lake, Jahangirabad, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Lower Lake is located around 5 km away from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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One of the most mesmerizing places to visit in Bhopal, the famous Birla Museum is a part of the magnificent Birla Mandir Complex which also harbors a sacred shrine of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and a Laxmi-Narayan Temple.

Housed in the Arera Hills, the grand museum towers over the tranquil Lower Lake, and affords you a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Bhopal unfolding before your eyes!

Timings: The museum is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day except Mondays and national holidays.

Entry Fee: The entry fee for visitors is INR 5 per person for Indians, and INR 50 per person for Foreigners

Location: Birla Museum, Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The museum sits at a distance of around 5 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Taj-Ul-Masjid, literally translating to the ‘Crown of Mosques’, is quite easily one of the grandest and most beautiful mosques in Madhya Pradesh. The external facade of the mosque is a soothing pink colour and is powered by two white coloured domes that complete the awe-inspiring structure.

The mosque features a colossal courtyard, adorned with marble flooring, and fine carvings on the pillars. No wonder it is one of the most famous places in Bhopal.

Timings: The mosque is open from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM, however, on Fridays, non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee, being a place of religious worship.

Location: Taj-Ul-Masjid, NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The mosque is located at a distance of 3 km from the Bhopal Bus Stand.

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Another stunning heritage built by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, the Bhojpur Temple is a religious tribute to the Hindu God Shiva, nestled in the rustic village of Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh. The construction of the temple is incomplete, and the reasons for abandonment of construction aren’t clear yet.

Harboring a 7.5 feet high lingam (idol of Lord Shiva), the temple tempts a herd of tourists and pilgrims into its glorious sanctum every year. The majestic remains of the ancient Shiva temple and the cyclopean dam make this an important archaeological site, and a real treat for history buffs and patrons of religion.

One can also find the complete architectural plans of the temple, inscribed on the surrounding rocks.

Timings: The temple is open to pilgrims for worship from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The temple, being a religious shrine, has no entree fees.

Location: Bhojpur Temple, Bhojpur Rd, Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Bhojpur Temple is seated at a distance of 24 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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Perched on the banks of the serene Upper Lake in Bhopal, Gohar Mahal is undoubtedly one of the most historically beautiful places to visit in Bhopal. Built-in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, who was one the first free-thinking women of the country and the first female ruler of Bhopal, the palace is ornamented with intricate interior carvings and beautiful decorations on the exterior. 

The palace also serves as an exemplary site of the Indo-Islamic architectural style. The great hall chaperones the idyllic lake, while the interiors of the hall host numerous ancient paintings and intricate woodwork and art.

Timings: The site remains open for visitors from 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The palace charges no entry fee to visitors.

Location: Gohar Mahal, VIP Road, Nakkar Khana, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Located at a distance of 6 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Located at a short distance of 23 km from Bhopal, the beautiful Raisen Fort sits atop a verdant hill, surrounded by a few temples, and houses numerous wells and a huge reservoir in its folds. Said to be over 800 years old, the fort shelters a temple and a mosque, besides numerous domes out of which only 2 have been spared by the sands of time.

Famous as the shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, a renowned Muslim saint, the fort is a stronghold of people’s beliefs. The fort has witnessed the reign of several rulers since its installation in the 13th century. Ideal for patrons of history, culture, and religion, Raisen Fort should not be missed.

Timings: The monument is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The entry to Raisen Fort is free of cost to visitors.

Location: Raisen Fort, Raisen, NH 86, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The fort is located at 45 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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One of the most famous places in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum is extremely well planned, and the works displayed have their roots in the tribal culture. It is advised to collect a brochure at the entrance in order to learn a few basics of the tribal life, which makes it easier to decipher the paintings.

The campus is carefully segregated into 6 galleries, each of which is dedicated to the tribal culture, life, art, and mythology. If you’re a history buff or a mythology enthusiast, this place is one that you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on.

Timings: The museum is open to visitors every day from 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Entry Fee: The museum entry fees are charged at INR 10 per person for Indians and INR 100 per person for Foreigners.

Location: Shyamala Hills Road, Near State Museum, Shamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The place sits at a distance of 7 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, otherwise known as the National Museum of Mankind, is seated atop the Shamla Hills, along with the Upper Lake in Bhopal. The anthropological museum presents a beautiful illustration of the evolution of mankind, with reference to India. 

It also displays a variety of prehistoric rock shelters, which is something few other museums in India can boast about. Installed as a tribute to the tribal communities and folks of the state, the museum also has a well-stocked library, along with remarkable audio-visual archives.

Timings: The museum is open to visitors from 11:00 AM to 06:30 PM from March to August and from 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM from September to February. The museum is closed on every Mondays, and National Holidays.

Entry Fee: The entry fee for visitors above 12 years of age is INR 50 per head.

Location: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Lower Lake View, Near Boat Club, Shamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The museum is located at a distance of 7 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Built in 1722, the palace takes the name of Queen Kamlapati, the widow of Nizam Shah Gond, and forms part of the Gond Fort. Perched along the banks of Upper Lake in Bhopal, the palace is a clear reflection of the Mughal and the modern architectural styles fused into a graceful art that adorns the face of the building.

The site has earned the title of “Monument of National Importance” by the Archaeological Survey of India, making it one of the most magnetic tourist places in Bhopal.

Timings: The palace is open to visitors from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The palace charges no entry fee to visitors.

Location: Rani Kamlapati Palace, Kamla Park Rd, Professors Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The palace is seated at a distance of 3 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Seated along the embankments of the Upper Lake, Sair Sapata is a major entertainment zone and tourist attraction in Bhopal. The complex hosts' various stimulating activities like bike racing, car dashing, boating, forest hiking, and more.

It also showcases a beguiling musical fountain, children’s play area, a suspension bridge, and a toy train. Sair Sapata promises unmatched fun and entertainment for all, regardless of age. You can also spend some alone time here with your loved one as it is among the beautiful places to visit in Bhopal for couples.

Timings: The place remains open to visitors from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The entry fee charged is INR 20 per adult and INR 10 per child.

Location: Sair Sapata, Bhadbhada Road, Prempura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The place is located approximately 8.2 km away from the Bhopal Bus Stand.

Founded in February 1982 by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the building is a junction point for display and encouragement of modern art, contemporary thought, expression, and innovation.

Fostering a huge art gallery, an amphitheater, an auditorium, a tribal museum, and libraries of Indian poetry and folk music, the building is flanked by the lovely Upper Lake, and its terrace offers beguiling views. Housing a number of courtyards and offices, Bharat Bhawan is a visual treat for patrons of arts and humanities all around.

Timings: The place is open for a visit from 02:00 PM to 08:00 PM from February to October, and from 01:00 PM to 07:00 PM from November to January. Also, on Mondays and national holidays, Bharat Bhawan remains close.

Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 10 per person.

Location: Bharat Bhawan, J. Swaminathan Marg, Shamla Hills, Near Upper Lake, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The site is located at a distance of 5 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

Well famed as the best amusement and water park in Bhopal, Kanha Fun City has numerous different venues that can be used for wedding receptions, theme parties, school picnics, and corporate parties. Both, water park and the amusement park have their own charm, and the fun-filled entertainment it offers remains unequalled by any other park. 

It is one of the most famous places to visit in Bhopal, and should definitely grace your Bhopal itinerary!

Timings: The theme park is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The entry fees for adult and children is INR 300 per person.

Location: Kanha Fun City, Hoshangabad Road, Ratanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462026

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The fun park sits at a distance of about 19 km from the Bhopal Bus Stand.

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One of the best religious places to visit in Bhopal, the Salkanpur Temple is a sacred shrine of the Hindu Goddess Durga, in the form of Maa Durga Beejasan, another reincarnation of the revered deity. The temple features over 1000 stairs and is accessible via a well-established ropeway as well.

The major events that are celebrated here are the two Navratris that grace every year, as the shrine is devoted to the nine forms of the Devi Durga.

Timings: The temple timings are 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM every day of the year.

Entry Fee: Being a religious place, there is no entry charge for visitors.

Location: In the Sehore district, near Hoshangabad.

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The temple is situated at a distance of about 80 km from the Bhopal Bus Stand.

Another one of the most famous places to visit in Bhopal, the brick-red edifice of Sadar Manzil used to serve as the Hall of Public Audience in the ancient era. Housed in the astounding monument of Shaukat Mahal, the building is well-famed for its extraordinary blend of architectural styles and historic beauty.

The terrace was said to be accessible only by the then royal families, as such was the grandeur of the place. A colossal fountain graces the main courtyard of the building, besides fine carvings that adorn its interiors. The building is a must-see on your Bhopal tour, come whatever may.

Timings: The site is open 24 hours for visitors.

Entry Fee: The place charges no entry fee from visitors.

Location: Sadar Manzil, Nakkar Khana, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The place sits at a distance of 3 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

One of the most famous weekends haunts in Bhopal, the reservoir is built on the river Halali, and guarantees a unique experience, whether you choose to go boating, or just to have a small picnic! The vast 699 sq. km of space makes for a mind-numbingly beautiful view.

The place is also home to various marine life like Mrigal, Rohu, Chitala, and Mystus. It is believed that the King Mohammed Khan Nawad had slaughtered the enemy forces near the banks of the river, which is what has earned it the name ‘Halali’ River.

Timings: The dam is open for visitors from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visiting Halali Dam.

Location: Halali Dam, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Halali Dam sits at a distance of 44 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

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Located around 13 km away from the city of Bhopal, Islamnagar Fort rests in the beautiful, quaint village of Islamnagar on the Bhopal-Berasia Road. The village has endured Afghan rule, and the grandeur of that is mirrored in the architecture, and structure of the buildings.

The fort was built as a means of defense against enemy attacks, but now can be found in ruins which are enough to make you contemplate about all the stories and lives that the fort has witnessed. One of the more shaded tourist places in Bhopal, Islamnagar Fort is a splendid sight to behold.

Timings: The fort is open to visitors from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visitors.

Location: Islamnagar Fort, Berasia Road, Islamnagar, Madhya Pradesh

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: The fort is located at a distance of 15 km from Bhopal Bus Stand.

One of the latest additions to the range of interesting places to visit in Bhopal, Shaurya Smarak is essentially a war memorial inaugurated in the year 2016. Developed as a public park, sprawling across an area of 12 acres in Arera Hills region of the city, Shaurya Smarak houses an underground museum that has galleries dedicated to war heroes. 

The park features a number of sculptures and installation that evoke a sense of patriotism, remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. The most notable feature of the park is a 62-feet tall sculpture depicting Indian Army.

Timings: The park is open to visitors from 12 PM to 7 PM every day.

Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 10 per person.

Location: Arera Hills, M P Nagar, Bhopal

Distance from Bhopal Bus Stand: Shaurya Smarak is seated at a distance of 5.7 km from the  Bhopal Bus Stand.