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BHOPAL
The capital
of Madhya Pradesh and literally, the centre of India. It is a fascinating
amalgam of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated
on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal founded by Raja Bhoja. The founder
of the existing city was, however an Afghan soldier of fortune, Dost Mohammed
(1708-1740).
Fleeing
from Delhi in the chaotic period the followed Aurangzeb's
death, Dost Mohammed encountered the beautiful Gond Queen
Kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort. A
charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus
barge that would drift across the lake on moonlit nights. The
two lakes of Bhopal still dominated the city, and are indeed its
nucleus; along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify
to the growth of a city.
Bhopal
today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its
teeming marketplaces and fine old mosques and palaces still
bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them
the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to
1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant,
exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined
modern edifices.
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Indian Airlines connects
Bhopal with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior and Indore. The airport is 15 km
from the city centre.
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The railway station is about 3 km
from downtown. Bhopal is best connected by train on the Delhi mainline and is a
major rail communication centre. Most important trains pass though Bhopal. Shatabdi Express,
running on the Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi-Bhopal route is the fastest link
for the tourist coming from Delhi, Agra and Gwalior.
It is connected with Bangalore,
Trivandrum, Chennai, Amritsar and Secunderabad.
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Bhopal
is connected good roads to Indore, Mandu, Ujjain, Khajuraho, Gwalior,
Sanchi and Jabalpur.
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Some
important road distances from Bhopal
| INDORE |
188 km |
MANDU |
285 km |
| UJJAIN |
186 km |
KHAJURAHO |
387
km
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| GWALIOR
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443 km |
SANCHI
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46 km |
| JABALPUR
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310 km |
PACHMARCHI |
197 km
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Taj-ul-Masjid,
It is reputed to be the largest mosque in India. the
construction of this towering edifice was begun by Shah Jehan
Begum (1868-1901), and was completed after her death.
Jama
Masjid,
It is a beautiful mosque built by Kudsia Begum in 1837.
Moti
Masjid,
Yet another mosque which is architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama
Masjid and was built by Sikandar Jehan, daughter of Kudsia
Begum.
Shaukat
Mahal,
Situated at the entrance to the Chowk area of the walled city,
it skillfully mixes design elements.
Sadar
Manzil,
An elegant building, it was the hall of public audience of the
former rulers of Bhopal.
Bharat
Bhawan,
One of the unique institutions and centre for the performing and
visual arts. Roopankar is the museum of fine arts at
Bhopal Bhawan.
The
Chowk,
Situated in the heart of the old city, it is lined with mosques,
havelis, shops and alleys.
Upper
& Lower Lakes,
There is a boat club which offers facilities for sailing,
paddling and motor-boat rides.
Shamla
& Idgah Hills,
The twin hills provide a panoramic view of Bhopal, especially in
the evening when the tranquil waters of the lake mirror
the city lights.
Islamnagar,
(11 km) It was the palace of the afghan rulers and was built by
Dost Mohammed Khan. A marvel of the synthesis of Hindu and
Islamic architecture, the palace has columns decorated with
floral motifs, Other attractions here include the Hamam of
Chaman Mahal and Rani Mahal - a double-storeyed structure.
Sanchi,
(45 km) Sanchi is known for its Buddhist stupas, monasteries,
temples and pillars which were built between 3rd century BC
and12th Century AD.
Vidisha,
(10 km) Vidisha was a bustling city under the Sunga, Naga,
Satvahana and Gupta dynasties. Other attractions here include
the ruins of a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishanu and the
Heliodorus Pillar - also known as Khamba Baba - which is a free
standing column with inscriptions which prove that it was a
Garuda Pillar, raised by Heliodorus, a Greek.
Udaigiri
Caves,
(13 km) Udaigiri is famous for its rock-cut cave sanctuaries,
which are carved into a sand-stone hill.
Ghyasur,
(41 km) it has monuments dating from 9- 10th century.
Bhojpur,
(28 km) the place got its name from the legendary Parmar king of
Dhar - Raja Bhoj. It is renowned for a temple devoted to Shiva -
Bhojeshwar Temple.
Udaypur,
(90 km) the Neelkantheshwara Temple is a fine example of the
Parmara architecture.
Bhimbetka,
(40 km) here are 700 rock shelters belonging to the
neolithic age. The highlight here are the paintings on the walls
of the caves which depict the life of the pre-historic
cave-dwellers.
NATIONAL
DRAMA FESTIVAL
(September)
A seven-day event, it is held from September 14 onwards,. Features plays in
Hindi performed by troupes who come from all over the country.
BHARAT
BHAWAN SUMMER FESTIVAL
Held
every year at Bharat Bhawan, the epicentre of cultural events,
it features performances by drama troupes, famous classical
musicians, exhibition of paintings by eminent artists a poetry
recitals by Indian poets.
The
main shopping area is the Chowk in the heart of
the old city. The shops sock traditional Bhopali handicrafts,
silver jewellery, fashioned bead-work, embroidered and sequinned
velvet purses. The New Market area offers clothes, readymades,
books and other modern amenities.
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HERITAGE |
FIRST
CLASS |
STANDARD |
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Noor-Us-Sabah |
The
Residency |
Lake
View Ashok |
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Jehan
Numa Palace |
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- WelcomHeritage
For
further information and reservation please contact
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