Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, gives a vibe of ancientness which is exhibited in its tourist attractions. It shares the title of “City of Lakes,” with six other destinations in India. Apart from the natural scenic spots, there are historical places in Bhopal which are a visual treat to any history buff’s eyes. These architectural marvels will transport you back in time and make you wonder about the sheer perfection of the monument’s design and structure crafted by the artists of the bygone era. So, dive deep into the history of Bhopal by exploring its historical spots on your upcoming trip.
5 Historical Places In Bhopal
If history fascinates you, we have prepared a list of the top historical places in Bhopal that can be visited on your future trip.
1. Gohar Mahal
Situated on the banks of Bhojtal- formerly known as Upper Lake, Gohar Mahal was constructed in 1820. Built by Qudisiya Begum, famously known as Gohar Begum, the first woman ruler of Bhopal, this historical architecture is intricately carved. The architecture of the palace exhibits a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, which will leave a long-lasting impression on the visitors. Maintained by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the palace gives a glimpse into the history of Nawabs and Begums in Bhopal. It was the queen’s final resting place before she passed away. History buffs must include this in their list of must-visit historical places in Bhopal. The place also hosts art exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events from time to time.
Location: VIP Road, Nakkar Khana, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Must Read: 10 Resorts Near Bhopal
2. Taj Mahal Palace
Not to be confused with the Taj Mahal of Agra, the Taj Mahal Palace was built by Sultan Shah Jahan, the Nawab Begum of Bhopal. Earlier named “Raj Mahal,” the palace was the Begum’s abode. It has 120 rooms, a fountain called “Savan Bhadon,” and a sheesh mahal (room of mirrors). The architecture of the palace is an amalgamation of French, Mughal, British, Hindu, and Arabic influences. Today, the place is in ruins, even after the efforts of the State Archaeology Department to renovate a small portion of the palace, which also has depleted now. The rustic vibe of the place is what attracts the tourists, who come here to witness the history and click photographs in the aesthetic backdrop.
Location: Motia Talab Rd, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Bhimbetka Caves)
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is an archaeological site in central India and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The caves are named after the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata’s Pandav Bhima, as Bhimbetka means “Bhim’s seating area.” The first person to discover the caves was archaeologist VS Vaavankar in 1957, who later along with his team searched the region and reported that there were several other prehistoric rock shelters. There are more than 600 caves and all have paintings engraved deep into the inner walls that represent the different ages- Upper, Paleolithic and Medieval Periods. Add these caves to your itinerary as the best historical place in Bhopal to pay a visit to among others.
Location: Bhojpur Raisen, Bhimbetka, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 464990
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indian citizens, ₹100 for foreigners
Suggested Read: 7 Picnic Spots Near Bhopal
4. Udayagiri Caves
Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, Udayagiri Caves are a group of 20 caves, which are believed to be from the Gupta Period, carved out on a hill. The caves are dedicated to Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism. The intricate carvings are an example of fine craftsmanship displayed in the form of cuts of the caves and the statues. The main attraction here is a giant standing figure of Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, that balances a woman (said to be the representation of Bhudevi) on its snout. Its namesake, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located in Odisha. It is one of the best places to visit in Bhopal with friends who share the same interest in history as you.
Location: Udayagiri Road, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh 464001
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indian citizens, ₹300 for foreigners
5. Shaukat Mahal
Built in the 19th century during the reign of Sikander Begum, Shaukat Mahal is one of the must-visit historical monuments in Bhopal. The triangular-shaped arches on the ceiling and exterior with unique patterns are the intricacies to witness, which are an optical treat. The architecture of the Mahal is a blend of European (Neo-Gothic & Post Renaissance) and Indo-Islamic styles, which is what attracts tourists from far-off places. The Mahal is surrounded by Sadar Manzil, which, once upon a time, was used as a Public Awareness Hall during the princely rule. Both spots are ideal for history enthusiasts who want to check off their bucket list and those who love photography can capture the fine architecture through numerous camera angles.
Location: Chowk Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 8 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Further Read: 6 Weekend Getaways From Bhopal
Did the history buff inside you get tempted to visit these historical places in Bhopal? We know the answer is yes! So, what are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity and plan a trip to Bhopal to discover these ancient sites. The fine construction of every monument will leave you mesmerised and take you back to the historic times gone by!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Places In Bhopal
Which monuments to visit in Bhopal?
The historical places in Bhopal include:
1. Gohar Mahal
2. Shaukat Mahal V3. Udayagiri Caves
4. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Bhimbetka Caves) 5. Taj Mahal Palace
Where to shop in Bhopal?
Some of the places you can shop from in Bhopal are:
1. Habibganj Market
2. New Market
3. Sarafa Bazaar
4. Chowk Bazaar
5. Bittan Market
What is the best time to visit Bhopal?
The monsoon season, from July to September, and the winter months, from October to March, are the best seasons to plan a trip to Bhopal. The weather during these seasons is pleasant for sightseeing.
How to reach Bhopal?
If you are boarding a flight, Raja Bhoj International Airport is 15 km from the main city. If you are travelling by train, Bhopal Junction Railway Station is approximately 17 km away from the main city. Whereas, if you are travelling from any other city in Madhya Pradesh, regular bus services and taxis to Bhopal are available.
What is the famous sweet in Bhopal?
Among all the sweets in Bhopal, Mava Jalebi tops the list. The main ingredients include mawa (khoya), kesar, and arrowroot (a starch extracted from rootstock).
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