Bhopal
- Bhopal-The city of Lakes
Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal is known as the Lake city (or City of Lakes) as its landscape is dotted with a number of natural lakes. Bhopal is also one of the greenest cities of India.
Historically, Bhopal was capital of the Bhopal state.
History
Bhopal is said to have been founded by the Parmar King Bhoj (1000–1055), who had his capital at Dhar. The city was originally known as Bhojpal named after Bhoj and the dam (‘pal’) that he is said to have constructed to form the lakes surrounding Bhopal. The fortunes of Bhopal rose and fell with that of its reigning dynasty.
Several monuments still stand in the city as reminders of this glorious period in its history. A municipality was constituted in 1907.
Though India achieved Independence in August 1947, the ruler of Bhopal acceded to India only on 1 May 1949. According to the States Reorganization Act of 1956, Bhopal state was integrated into the state of Madhya Pradesh, and Bhopal was declared as its capital.
Bhopal is located in the central part of India, and is just north of the upper limit of the Vindhya mountain ranges. Located on the Malva plateau, it is higher than the north Indian plains and the land rises towards the Vindhya Range to the south. The city has uneven elevation and has small hills within its boundaries. The major hills in Bhopal comprise of Idgah hills and Shyamala hills in the northern region and Arera hills in the central region.
It has two very beautiful big lakes, collectively known as the Bhoj Wetland. These lakes are the Upper Lake (built by King Bhoj) and the Lower Lake. Locally these are known as the Bada Talab and Chota Talab respectively. The Upper Lake drains into the Kolar River. The Van Vihar National Park is a national park situated beside the Upper Lake.
A leopard in Van Vihar, Bhopal
The national park also has a museum in its premises. Kheoni Wild Life Sanctuary is situated 125 km from Bhopal.
CLIMATE
Bhopal has a humid-subtropical climate, with mild, dry winters, a hot summer and a humid monsoon season.
Transportation
Roads
Today Bhopal Roads are considered best in the entire state of Madhya Pradesh, all roads in and around Bhopal are four lanes, six lanes and eight lanes. Bhopal has for a long time been a railroad and highway transportation hub. Bhopal has disabled people friendly city bus services (BCLL) which is always under GPS navigation, for faster and comfortable journey. Metro taxi and auto-rickshaws are another major means of transport. In some routes in the older city and the new city as well, the new Tata Magics are running successfully .Bhopal is also implementing a “Bus Rapid Transit System”, projected to become functional in the year 2009.
Apart from the long distance services, there are many services to nearby places within the state. The bus services are operated from 9 major bus stands in the city:
- ISBT Terminal
- Naadra Bus Stand, Old City
- Jawahar Chowk Stand
- Halalpura Bus Stand
- Bharat Talkies Stand
- Jyaneshwari Bus Stand, South
- Piplani Bus Stand, East
- Ayodhya Nagari BusStand
- ISBT Bus Stand, Masturbate Nagar
National Highway 12 passes through Bhopal which connects it to Jabalpur in the East and Jaipur in the West. National Highway 86 connects Bhopal to Sagar in the East to Indore in the West. There are number of daily buses to Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Pachmarhi, Vidisha, and as well to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Allahabad. An interstate bus terminus is near the Habibganj station. There are also a number of Metro Buses running in the city.
Railways
Bhopal railway station
- Bhopal Junction Railway Station is a major railway station and junction. It is connected by rail to all parts of the country being on the main North-South line of the country. More than 150 daily trains have stoppages in Bhopal. It is also close to the main East-West junction, Itarsi.
Bhopal has five other railway stations within the city, namely:
- Habibganj Railway Station is the most developed and major station of Bhopal having lots of modern amenities and also holds the distinction of being the first ISO 9000:2001 certified railway station in India. Other stations includes:-
- Misrod
- Mandideep
- Sukhsewanagar
- Bairagarh
- Nishatpura
Bhopal Express: Shaan – E – Bhopal, with its headquarter at Habibganj station, is also the first train in India to obtain an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.
Bhopal Shatabdi is the fastest train in India. It was the first Shatabdi introduced in India.
Airport
The Raja Bhoj Airport is located near the satellite suburb Bairagarh and has flights to most major cities in India. There are three routes ways to reach the airport: (1) Via Bairagarh, (2) Via Panchvati, (3) Via Mahavir Tekri(also known as Manuabhaan Ki Tekri).
Culture
Shairis and poetry recitals are popular in Bhopal. Bhopal is famous for its culture of parda and zarda. Parda is a curtain, which was used to veil the women of the house from outsiders,zarda is a kind of tobacco product which is quite famous with Bhopalis. The official language of Bhopal City is Hindi, and Hindi-Urdu with a peculiar Bhopali accent is spoken in western and eastern parts of the city.
Bhopal has an extensive culture of paan eating, topped with variety of seasonings, the most common being chuna, kattha andsupari(nut).
Diwali is celebrated with equal pomp and glory as Eid. Eid is special to the city as all the Hindus take time out to visit their Muslim friends and greet them and get treated with delicacies, the specialty of the day being sweet sewaiya. Bhopali culture is such that both Hindus and Muslims visit each other on their respective festivals to greet and exchange sweets. During Ganesh puja and Durga Puja (Navratras), idols of Ganesh and Durga are established in jhankis throughout the city. People throng to offer prayers to their deities. At the end of Navratras, on the day of Vijayadashami (or Dussehra), huge effigies of Ravan are burnt in different parts of the city. Some of them are organized by the local administration and stand as tall as 60 feet (18 m).
Bharat Bhawan, a big centre for theatre, music, arts and other cultural activities.
Bharat Bhavan is the main cultural centre of the city and of the most important cultural centers of India. It has an art gallery, an open-air amphitheatre facing the Upper Lake, two other theatres and a tribal museum. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Humans) showcases the various hutments that tribals of across India use for shelter. Popular holiday spots near Bhopal include:
- Bhojpur (famous for a Shiva temple which is India’s biggest Shivling built by Raja Bhoj. and Jain shrines)
- Sanchi (notable for ancient Buddhist Stupas built by Ashoka),
- Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (a World Heritage Site of archaeological interest).
- Islamnagar was the palace of Bhopal’s Afghan rulers and was built by Dost Mohammed Khan. Formal gardens surround the palace and the pavilion.
- Delawadi, a picturesque picnic spot
Those into archeology can venture about forty kilometers from Bhopal to Bhimbetka, which has one of the largest collections of pre-historic paintings and rocks, some of which date back more than 10,000 years. Shiva temple in Bhojpur holds great religious value and is famous for a massive Shiva lingam. Anglers can head about 10 kilometers from the city to Hathaikheda, which is a popular fishing zone. Or, you can travel fifty kilometers to the city of Sanchi, a site famous for Buddhist monuments and temples dating back several centuries.
Bhopal has many mosques including Taj-ul-Masajid (one of the largest mosques in Asia[32]), Dhai Seedi ki Masjid (one of the smallest mosques in Asia[33]), Jama Masjid (built by Qudsia Begum in 1837) and Moti Masjid (built by Sikander Begum in 1860). Some of the major historical buildings in Bhopal include Shaukat Mahal (a mixture of Indo-Islamic and European styles of architecture).
Gohar Mahal (built by Qudsia Begum, fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture), Sadar Manzil (used by the Begums for public audience, now used as the head office of the Municipal Corporation) and Purana Kila (part of the 300-year-old fort of Queen Kamalapati, situated in the Kamala Nehru Park). Lakshmi Narayan Temple (or Birla Mandir), situated to the south of Lower Lake, is a temple devoted to Vishnu and his mythological consort Laxmi. An annual fare is held on Kartik Purnima at Manua Bhan Ki Tekri (Mahavir Giri), a Jain pilgrimage center located around seven kilometres away from Bhopal.
The Udaygiri Caves, located near the town of Vidisha, are cut into the side at a sandstone hill; date back from A.D. 320 to 606. An inscription in one of these caves states that it was carved out during the reign of Chandragupta II (A.D. 382-401). A three-day Iztima-Muslim dhaarmik sammelan or Muslim religious assembly (religious congregation) used to be held in the precincts of the Taj-ul-Masjid annually. It draws scores at Muslim pilgrims from all parts of India. It has now been shifted outside the city limits. Every year in January/February, the villages of the Manav Sangrahalaya hosts the potters’ workshops, folk music and dance, and open-air plays. It showcases the tribals of the region who demonstrate their skills in painting, weaving, and the fashioning of bell metal into works of art.
Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh. This city was established by Parmara King Bhoj in 11th century but Afghan soldier Dost Mohammad turned it into a beautiful city. Bhopal was ruled by the Afghans, Mughals and Rajputs. During the reign of each ruler the city has seen various changes.
It is a very beautiful city filled with gardens, lakes, beautiful historical mosques and temples. Bhopal is known as a City of Lakes. Bhopal has two lakes: upper lake and lower lakes. The upper lake and lower lake is also known as Bhoj wet lands. The upper lake occupies 32.29 km2 is an ideal place for yachting, boat riding and sailing.
The present day Bhopal has a population of 1.7 million. Hindus and Muslims consists the majority. Bhopal is divided into two parts: old town and new town. The old town is occupied mostly by the Muslims. Major languages include: Hindi, Urdu, English, and Marathi.
Among major tourist spots there are Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, Islam Nagar, Samasgarh, Manua Bhan Ki Tekri etc.
Bhopal has also a good number of educational institutions. Barkatullah University, Bhoj University, Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Makhan Lal Chaturvedi University of Journalism, and National Law Institute University (NLIU) etc.
Tourist Attractions in Bhopal
Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The city is an important tourist destination and you can easily spend a wonderful holiday in the historically important city. The city is well equipped and welcomes all the tourists to come and explore the land of history and culture.
Bhopal is not a city with modernization but it carries all the historical and the mythological evidence that make the land full of heritage and tradition.
Bhopal is not the land where you will find the civilization restricted to one sect but you will definitely spot the other religious sects and the old monuments that will give you the detailed significance of the city. The city was founded by Raja Bhoja in 11th century and that made the city to grow and flourish in the by gone days. You can locate the evidence from the ruins that still illustrates the story of the glorious pasts.
Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
Introduction
Also known as the National Museum of Man, the Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is located in the Shamla hills of upper front. This is a museum where you will find the entire heritage that India has experienced in her long journey through time. The place is ideal to locate the diversities that can only be seen in this museum. The anthropological museum is also referred to as the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya.
Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
This one of a kind museum was set up in 1974 and sprawls over an area of more than 195 acres. In addition to exhibiting the nation’s rich heritage, the museum also showcases a large collection of Tribal and folk arts from all over India. But what makes this museum extra special is the fact that it is the sole museum in the world displaying a rich collection of painted prehistoric rock shelters.
The museum remains open to public on all days except for Mondays and gazetted holidays. A trip to the city of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is indeed incomplete without an excursion to the Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya.
Bharat Bhavan Bhopal
Introduction
“This art centre is located on a particularly beautiful site – a gently sloping plateau overlooking the Upper Lake and the historic city of Bhopal across the water” —- Charles Correa, the architect of the Bhavan.
Bhopal the city of the history, culture and heritage and that can be witnessed in all the buildings and monuments and mansions. Bharat Bhavan is the place where you can cultivate literature and arts of India. This is the place where poetries find their rhymes, the paintings find there colors and sculpture find their shape.
Bharat Bhavan
Bharat Bhavan has several units where you can choose your own likings and therefore can easily indulge yourself in this various activities of culture and literature. There are units named Roopankar, Rangmandal, Vagrath, Anhad and Ashram.
Roopankar
This is the house inspires and collects fine arts. There are various collections that will surely impress you and you can witness the rich art of India right from the old days.
Rangmandal
This house inspires the rich theatrical culture and this house can be regarded as the birth place of various well-known theatres.
Vagrath
the house is only reserved for Indian poetries and the house has 7000 books of Indian poetries. Anhad-the classical and folk music are the main attraction of this place and thus various artists come and perform and that will make you to get the true tune of India.
Ashram
Ashram is the guest houses that are allotted for the guest artists.
Taj-ul-Masjid
Introduction
Bhopal the city of religion, culture and history, the place is not only a seat of Hindu religion and culture but you can also find the wonderful mosques that show the diversities of the religion and culture. Taj-ul-Masjid with its wonderful structure gives the visitors to visit this holy place irrespective of any caste and creed.
Taj-ul-Masjid
The pink portico with two white domes shows the holiness that resides in every stone of the mosque. The mosque is named as Taj-ul-Masjid which means ‘The Crown of Mosque’. The mosque was not completed in one stretch due to change of various ruling classes. But the work was resumed in the year 1971 and this white colored mosque will give you the scope to enjoy the purity that resides in every stone and at every corner of the mosque. The quiet and tranquil ambience is perfect place to bow down and pray.
The mosque is located at the centre of the city and is well connected with all modes of transport. You can avail the local bus and autos that will take you to the destined place at a cheap rate.
Moti Masjid Tour
Introduction
Moti Masjid is one of the important and old mosques in Bhopal land of tradition, history and heritage. The mosque was built in 1860 by Sikandar Jehan Begum. The mosque bears various historical evidences and therefore significances and the importance lies in every stone of the mosque.
Moti Masjid
The mosque was built by the daughter of Qudisiya Begum,Sikamdar Begum. She was not at all like conventional Muslim girls and so she used to dress like a man and that mad her distinct from any the then Muslim woman. The mosque in red sand stone stands as an example of typical Islamic art and architecture; there is a marble façade with huge towers on both the side. The mosque is an important landmark which is well networked by all modes of transport that are cheap and easily available.
Saukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil
Introduction
Saukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil is a historical architecture in the heart of the city. The architecture shows its unique construction which is very much different from the typical Islamic architecture. The architecture is different from other Islamic architecture
Saukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil
Saukat Mahal is the example of Renaissance and gothic essence. The old style with various stone works creates a wonderful ambience. The beautiful white building with intricate stone work gives the detailed culture of the Islam and there effect in Indian society. Sadar Manzil was the spacious hall and was used for the public audiences. This house was one of the famous houses where the public were entertained and were given the chance to enjoy various shows that the ruling class used to organize.
Laxmi Narayan Temple in Bhopal
Introduction
Laxmi Narayan Temple is located near Arera hills, Bhopal. The temple is the house of Hindu God and Goddess Narayana and Laxmi respectively. The temple in white marble illustrates the purity and divinity that resides at every corner of the pious place.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
The temple was built by Birla, one of the leading industrial groups. The temple mainly the house of Narayan and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The temple remains open for the tourists irrespective of caste and creed. Apart from Laxmi- Narayan there are other idols too like there are Shiva with his wife Parvati.
The architecture and the construction show the age old Indian sculpture. The entrance welcomes the entire tourist with huge arch and that shows the broadness that sets in at the entrance.
Upper and Lower Lakes
introduction
Upper Lake is divided by a bridge and that creates two sections named upper and lower section. This lake is the ideal place for various water sports like sailing, paddle boats and motor boats. In the midst of the well planned city and the lake is located where you can enjoy all sorts of water sports.
Upper and Lower Lakes
Upper lake is the main lake which is becoming polluted because of the human development. The lake is ideal place to enjoy the evening and can avail the peddle boat motor boat and shikaras.
The Lower Lake is too facing the same problem of upper lake as this lake is also polluted by the waste and sewerage of the human civilization.
The bridge is the wonderful place from where the view if the lake is impressive and notable.
Bhopal Airport has regular flights to Mumbai, Indore, Delhi Gwalior, Guwahati, Goa, and Lucknow. By rail this city is connected to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Thiruvananthpuram. The city is also well connected by road.
| ABOUT BHOPAL AIRPORT | ||
| Bhopal is connected by regular Alliance Air flights to Mumbai, Indore, Delhi and Gwalior. Sahara Airlines connect Bhopal with Delhi, Guwahati, Goa, Indore and Lucknow. Airport is 15 km from the city center.
Bhopal is 741 km from Delhi, 789 km from Mumbai, and about 200 kms from Indore |
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