1. Van Vihar, Bhopal
Van Vihar is a zoological space and national park in Bhopal that runs according to Central Zoo Authority regulations. It is situated close to Shymala Hills and the Upper Lake in Bhopal. This place is a refuge for those who enjoy the outdoors because the animals are preserved as close to their native habitats as possible. Animals such as panthers, cheetahs, lions, kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and certain migratory species can be spotted, along with a wide range of birds. When there is a greater potential of spotting a white tiger, July through September is the ideal time to visit this location. This protected area, which covers a sizable 4.45 square kilometers, guarantees total security for animals from poaching and other illegal activities.
Animals in the national park are divided into two groups: herbivores and carnivores. Carnivores are housed in contained spaces, while herbivores are free to wander. Strict protection is in place on the site to preserve its wildlife and flora. Taking a safari ride enhances your enjoyment of Van Vihar National Park. Additionally, the upper lake that borders this park adds to its splendor. When the birds begin their migration in the winter, it becomes even more picturesque. The park’s network of roads allows people to access it, making sightseeing within it quite simple.
2. Lower Lake
Bhopal, often called the “City of Lakes,” is a wonderful example of how to combine modern design elements with traditional building styles. Upper Lake and Lower Lake are its two most exquisite lakes. Chhota Talab is another name for the Lower Lake. The Lower Lake Bridge, also known as Pul Pukhta, is an overpass that divides the two lakes. The lake was constructed in 1794 as a tribute to the city’s splendor. Under Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan Bahadur, the construction was carried out.
Particularly Lower Lake is serene, lovely, and calm; it is surrounded by magnificent hills. Because the Lower Lake lacks a freshwater supply, seepage from the Upper Lake occurs. It constitutes the Bhoj Wetland, together with Upper Lake. Despite their peaceful appearance, the lakes are contaminated by sewage. The government is acting to address the lake’s pollution issue.
3. DB City Mall
The most well-known location in Bhopal for shoppers is DB City Mall. It has also served as a venue for numerous Bhopal promotional events. It is the main cause of the entry of numerous global brands. Fun Cinemas now runs a six-screen multiplex there.
It features a grocery store, a gaming area, and shops carrying well-known brands. As its tagline reads, “Celebrate Life,” it provides fantastic deals to make sure clients enjoy their purchasing experience. It takes up 13 lac square feet of space. It features 135 retail establishments, five restaurants, a food court, a 15,000 square foot family entertainment area, and seven anchor retailers. In Central India, it is the biggest retail hub.
4. Raisen Fort
The massive ancient structure known as Raisen Fort is perched atop a hill and features a sizable water reservoir, palaces, and a few temples. The 800-year-old fort, which is situated in Bhopal, features nine gates, ramparts, domes, and the ruins of various early medieval structures. These days, hundreds of bats call it home.
Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, a Muslim saint, has a shrine at Raisen Fort as well. It is thought that the shrine has the power to grant pilgrims’ wishes. The Rajputs and other Hindu kings ruled over the fort until the sixteenth century. The fort was originally taken by the nawabs of Bhopal, but it is currently in ASI’s possession. Perched on a large rock outcrop, the majestic fort is surrounded by a massive stone wall punctured by nine entrances. It drowns in the thick foliage of wild grass and flora in a wilderness. The Raisen fort, which is adorned with a spacious courtyard and a stunning pool in the center, was built around 1200 AD. Within the walls of the powerful fort are four palaces, Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal, and Hawa Mahal. There is also a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Every year on the festival of Shivratri, the temple opens its doors. On different days, pilgrims who come to the temple tie a piece of cloth on the grill gate in hopes that their desires will be granted. Numerous rock shelters in Raisen Fort have murals on them made by the cave inhabitants.
5. Rani Kamlapati Palace
The Rani Kamlapati Palace honors Bhopal’s illustrious history. In the center of Kamla Park stands the historic palace that served as Rani Kamlapati’s home. Nawal Shah, a warlord from the Hindu Gond Tribe, was married to Queen Kamlapati. The Gond tribe inhabited Bhopal, and they were the owners of the palace that overlooked the Upper and Lower Lakes. Over the imposing dam wall that divided the two lakes, Raja Bhoj constructed the palace. The 18th-century secular architecture of Rani Kamlapati Palace is composed of Lakhauri bricks and features cusped arches above twisted pillars. In keeping with the Queen’s name, the merlons are designed like water lotuses.
The palace’s history states that in 1723, Queen Kamlapati jumped into the lake to end her life. The ruins of the Fatehgarh Fort, constructed by Sardar Dost, who seized control of the palace shortly after the queen’s death, face west of the palace. This monument is a labyrinth of pillars and lengthy steps that lead to balconies overlooking the lake and the garden, each with a leaping arch. The office for the Archaeological Survey of India, who are currently in charge of maintaining it, is a noteworthy example of living heritage.
6. People’s Mall Water Park
As the name implies, People’s Mall Water Park is a water park located on the People’s Mall grounds in Bhopal. In addition to a spotless water park featuring multiple slides, the mall features an entertainment park featuring life-size recreations of globally renowned landmarks.
7. Tribal Museum, Bhopal
The extensive exhibits in the Tribal Museum weave a complex tapestry of tribal art and culture. It presents several facets of the tribes of Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The captivating creative displays raise knowledge of tribal rituals, customs, forms of worship, and other related topics.
On June 6, 2013, former President Pranab Mukherjee opened the museum of tribal heritage. It was made and dedicated to Madhya Pradesh’s indigenous people. The lifestyles of seven prominent Madhya Pradeshi tribes—the Bheel, Gond, Korku, Baiga, Sahariya, Bhariya, and Kol—are exhibited in the expansive exhibition. The 7-acre Tribal Museum is home to a café, a small boutique featuring artifacts, and an auditorium. It is distinct from other museums across the nation due to the manner the exhibits are arranged.
The artworks convey the stories of tribes well, despite their difficulty in deciphering. Occasionally, the museum hosts events that are centered around various cultural genres, including talk shows, vocal plays, poetry, movies, and dance. The Madhya Pradesh government commissioned this unique storehouse of traditional artwork and aesthetics, home to over 30% of the state’s tribal population.
8. Halali Dam & Reservoir
Built on the Halali River in Raisen, the Halali Dam is a lakeside reservoir. Halali, a branch of the Betwa river, is a natural lake 47 kilometers from Bhopal to Sanchi. It was formerly known as the Thal River. This project has a catchment area of about 699 square kilometers. Many Bhopal residents consider the enormous dam to be a great place for boat trips and picnics. Aside from these, aquatic species like catla, mrigal, mystus, rohu, and chitala may be found in the reservoir.
The Halali Dam reservoir, also called the Samrat Ashok Sagar Project, was put into service in 1973. The name of the river, Halali, has a long history. According to the villagers, on the bank of the tributary at Jagdishpur, Dost Muhamad Khan, the ruler of the Nawab, destroyed a competing Rajput troop. As a result, the river was named Halali, or the river of slaughter, because it looked red from the blood of the victims.
9. New Market
New Market is one of the busiest locations in the city and is centrally located downtown Bhopal. With so many different types of shops, it is like heaven on earth for all those who are shopaholics. This market is ideal for exploration because it has a vegetable market next to a sizable mosque and temple. Once visitors are worn out from shopping, they may indulge in some treats at Hakeem, a fantastic hotel that serves authentic Mughlai cuisine. With all the booksellers, clothes stores, kitchenware stores, and vegetable shops surrounding it, the market’s vibe is definitely worth experiencing.
The clothing, accessories, and footwear on the market are well-known. One of the most significant business districts in the city, it is located three kilometers from the city center on the southern side of the upper and lower lakes. One of the most intriguing locations for a shopping binge is this location. The best thing about the New Market is that its stores sell goods at affordable costs without going beyond a customer’s budget. If you are considering a vacation to Bhopal, it is unquestionably worthwhile to visit.
The national museum of anthropology, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, is beautifully located on Bhopal’s upper lakeshore, the Shamla Hills. The museum tells the complete tale of human evolution and culture. The unique feature of this museum is its collection of tribal folklore, art, and culture preserved in painted rock shelters—a post-colonial repertoire that no other museum has. In addition, the museum has computerized films, a large collection of anthropological specimens, and audiovisual archives.
The museum, which occupies 200 acres, aims to showcase the cultural richness and customs of Indian tribal people. The tribals developed the anthropological area, which has a prehistoric feel to it, to highlight the ancient way of life and mythological path.