Bhopal, has a very interesting historical legend attached to it. This is is the only city in the country which was ruled entirely by women for a long duration of hundred years. It got its name from the great king Raja Bhoj, who is accredited to be the founder of this city. The lakes that surround the beautiful city were built by raja Bhoj by building a dam encompassing it. Originally called as Bhojpal, it was shortened to its present name much later in history. The present city of Bhopal was domiciled by the Afghan adventurer, Dost Mohammad Khan, who ruled over the city for practically for thirty years. Bhopal survived a barbaric Marathas onslaught. Sometimes also referred as the city of begums, who ruled for a period of hundred years and finally a peaceful treat resulted in the suzerainty of the bridle of Bhopal into the hands of the British. This city which was once a sleepy and comely town on the banks of a lake surrounded by atmosphere that gave a chance for requiescence to its people. Today, it is an antipode of the old.

The most exquisite attractions in Bhopal are its mosques. Due to the rule of Muslims in the city, it is needless to connote that these are definitely the paragon of the chef d’oeuvre. The adjudication of being the prime mosque will without any ambiguity slip toward the Taj – ul – Masajid, which is the largest mosque of not only Bhopal bu of Asia. You must see the qibla (place of worship) inside the mosque that has 11 concaved intricately carved arches. This mosque was built by the Nawab Shahjehan begum and has a grand entrance that is decorated with 4 sunken archways and 9 baronial cuspidal multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. There is also a huge water tank placed in the center of the mosque. You must visit this mosque during one of the three Ijtima congregation that is held annually and draws a lot of gathering. Some of the other highlights of the mosque are the 18 storey high octagonal minars, onion-shaped marble domes and the ethereal screens of latticework in the prayer hall.

Moti Masjid is another important mosque one should visit. Also known as the pearl mosque, this was built by Sikander Jahan Begum. This mosque in red sandstone is kindred to the the Jama Masjid in Delhi. This mosque is smaller in size and has two dark-red minarets crowned by golden spikes. Try to find the various traces of history that is rudiment in the bricks of the mosque. Easily accessible it is an example of the mainstream style of Islamic architecture.

One more mosque that you should definitely visit is the Jama Masjid. Khudsiya begum in the year 1837 had built this mosque that has golden stilettos on its crown. You should notice the much acclaimed interiors and archaeological features of the mosque. There is a small pond inside and is the best place to enjoy peace and calmness.

Enjoy the royal grandeur by vising the various haveli and palaces that were earlier the home of the begums of Bhopal. Sharing hostility with the typical Muslim architecture, the Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil in Bhopal are an example of the European style of architecture and are located at the entrance of the Chowk area of the capital. Designed by a Frenchman from a descendant of an offshoot of the Bourbon Kings of France, this palace was the result of the amalgamation of the oriental and occidental architectural styles. These two mahals are in juxtaposition and create a very charming effect. The Sadar Mahal served the purpose of being an audience hall in earlier times. Reminiscent of the Renaissance and Gothic essence, you must visit this idiosyncratic piece of architecture that will remain in your memories, for a very long time.
Behind the Moti Mahal on the banks of the upper lake, is the Gouhar Mahal, was built in the year 1820 by the Kudsia begum. Hence, it is sometimes, also referred as the Gouhar begum. An example of the Hindu and Muslim architectural patterns, this palace is a must visit.

There are more museums in Bhopal, than there are monuments. Can be rightly called as the museum city of Madhya Pradesh. When you are in Bhopal do not forget to sneak into the museums that are renowned for their historic treasures. Start your visit from the Birla Museum, is the most popular one and displays the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh. Here resides the tools from the palaeolithic and neolithic age along with the stone sculptures that have travelled the vast distance of 12 centuries. Terracotta and old coins are the other attraction of the museum.

The State Archaeological Museum is another place where you can see the history with your own eyes. This museum houses a rich accumulation of sculptures and paintings. A colossal statue of Buddha and other Hindu gods and goddesses also find their place here. Open from 10 to 5 everyday except Monday, this museum is a store house of tribal handicrafts and historic bronze images. You must see the he fine sculpture of the Khajuraho amorous couple.

Want to know about the Indian art forms, come to the Bharat Bhavan, the museum that is wholly and solely dedicated to arts of India. Comprising four sections there are four halls that are devoted to four major arts. There is the Rang mahal for theater movements. You should see the house for classical music that is known as Vagarth. There are more than 7,000 books here and also has a special collection on poetry. There is also an open air auditorium inside the premises. The hall for Indian art and sculpture is called as the Roopankar, where you will find amazing collections of tribal and art folk. Do not miss visiting Anhad, the library of Classical and Folk Music and Ashram which is the residence for the guest artists.

Visit the national museum of mankind, better known as the Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya that is located on the Shamala hills. The location of this museum on the site of pre historic ground itself makes it an inevitable junction. The major highlights of this museum is that it is only museum worldwide to have numerous pre historic painted rock shelters. This museum is in possession of a well stocked library, audio-visual compendium, cybernated documentations and a wide collection of anthropological specimens, which are among the best collections worldwide

Best Time to visit : October to March.

Getting There :

Air - Has it own Airport 12 Kms From the Old City. Well Connected with Regular Flights.

Rail - Bhopal has a Rail Junction Well Connected with Various Parts of India.

Road - Buses run at regular intervals From Other Cities and Towns of Madhya Pradesh.