Holiday in Bhopal

About Bhopal

Bhopal, the capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is known as the city of lakes: The Upper and Lower Lakes in the heart of the city together form one of the largest artificial lake systems in Asia. The city combines Islamic architecture, Mughal history, and modern development — and is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sanchi. The Sanchi Stupa, located 46 km northeast of Bhopal, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the world. The Great Stupa No. 1 was built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka and expanded over the centuries. The four intricately carved toranas (stone gates) depicting scenes from Buddha's life are among the masterpieces of Indian sculpture. The old town of Bhopal around Chowk Bazaar is a labyrinth of narrow streets with mosques, havelis, and bazaars. The Taj-ul-Masajid (Crown of Mosques) is one of the largest mosques in India, featuring impressive pink sandstone facades and white domes. The Tribal Museum is one of the best ethnographic museums in India: Life-sized dioramas showcase the lives of the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh with authentic huts, artworks, and artifacts — an impressive museum that goes far beyond the usual display format. The Bhimbetka rock paintings, located 45 km to the south, are another UNESCO World Heritage site: Over 500 rock shelters with prehistoric paintings that are up to 30,000 years old — some of the oldest known traces of human civilization on the Indian subcontinent.