Places To Visit In Bhopal Sightseeing

Located at about 46 km from Bhopal, Bhimbetka the World Heritage site, highlights the rich history of Bhopal. Bhimbetka caves were discovered accidentally during 1957-58 by Dr. Vishnu Wakankar, an archaeologist. It is a real treasure as the rock paintings in the caves are over 15000 years of age. They depict the lifestyle of the man belonging to the historic age. The paintings on the walls and the ceilings of the caves are exceptional pieces of artwork.

National Museum of Mankind was established in the year 1985. The 200 acre museum is situated on Shyamala Hills. The well designed anthropological museum gives an insight into the revolution of mankind. It is also known as the Tribal Habitat Museum. It is very interesting to learn about various tribal cultures that are prevalent across the country.

Upper Lake, existing from the 11th century, is considered the biggest lake in the state. The water of the lake is believed to have curative powers and helps to cure skin conditions. The lake located at the heart of the city. The man made lake has a small island at the center. The boat club offers you the facility to cruise on rowing boats, paddle boats and speed boats.

Van Vihar National Park is home to a wide range of birds and animals. Some of the wild animals found here include tiger, lion, leopard, sambar and chital. The park is home to over 200 species of birds. With Upper Lake on one side and Shyamala Hills on the other, the forest is almost a perfect home to these wild animals. You can either walk or hire cycles to explore the park.

The temple does not fail to inspire you with its exquisite carvings. The Shiva Linga constructed here is the tallest in the world. Carved out of a single rock the massive Shiva Linga is awe-inspiring with its height at 18 feet and circumference being 7.5 feet. The temple is located on the banks of Betwa River.

Taj-ul-Masajid ranks amongst the largest mosques in the continent of Asia as it covers a sprawling 23312 square feet of land. The minarets are 206 feet tall. The construction was begun by Sultan Shah Jahan, Bopal’s Begum but owing to want of funds, it was not completed during her reign.

Birla Museum has a wonderful collection of manuscripts, paintings and sculptures belonging to the period from 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. Primitive tools used in Paleolithic and Neolithic age are on exhibit here. The stone sculptures belonging to the period between 7th and 13th centuries are also on display.

Gohar Mahal owns the pride of being built by the first ever woman ruler in Bhopal. Gohar Begum, the first woman ruler built it in the year 1820. Located on Upper Lake banks, the palace displays a combination of Mughal and Hindu architecture.

Raisen the ancient fort was constructed during the 6th century. The fort is situated on top of a hill and it houses palaces, temples and lakes and ponds. It once had an impressive 84 numbers of lakes and ponds but over the years the number has reduced to 15. Shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba in this fort is most frequented.