At a glance Bhopal is on the Malwa Plateau. But the Vindhya Range towards the south lends the city its hilly feel. About the city Jaded with the concrete jungles which hound your every waking moment Want an escape into a world which promises a picturesque setting around two magnificent lakes and gently rolling hills Take the first train or the flight out and head straight for Madhya Pradesh's capital city Bhopal, which truly epitomizes all this and more. Situated on gently rolling hills, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh is truly modern, yet has managed to retain its quaint old worldly charm. It, truly carries itself with grace and is constantly surprising its visitorsa place where bustling markets and lush green gardens beckons you to forget your worries and enjoy the warm smiles and the simple life of Bhopal. Truly, a tourist's delight with its old mosques, palaces, lakes and gardens, Bhopal has managed to retain a clean, green look which is sadly not evident in most metropolitan cities in India Bharat Bhawan of Bhopal,Bhopal, Bhopal Travel, Bhopal Hotels, Bhopal Tourism, Places to see in Bhopal, Visit Bhopal, Places to stay in Bhopal A trip around the walled city of Bhopal reminds you of the glamour of the lives led by the Nawabs and Begums at yore. The mosques and the temples evoke the archaeological curiosity of onlookers. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. The Moti Masjid, built by Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D., is similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid, and has two dark red minarets crowned by golden spikes. The Taj-ul Masjid is a huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets. The Shaukat Mahal, situated in the heart of the walled city, is built in an European style rather than the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. Nearby is the Sadar Manzil, what used to be the hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal. Besides, the Upper and Lower Lakes, and the adjoining zoo called Van Vihar, are well worth a visit while on a trip to this city of lakes. Bhopal offers some excellent spots for daylong excursions. The paintings in the Bhimbetka caves belonging to the Neolithic age depict the life of the prehistoric cave dwellers. Sanchi presents Buddhist works of art dating back to the third century B.C. A trip to Pachmarhi located in the Satpura Hills is a fascinating experience. Bhojpur's claim to fame is the ancient Bhojeshwar Temple, also known also as the, Somnath of the East, The Udaygiri Caves, cut into the side at a sandstone hill, date back from A.D. 320 to 606. A three-day Ijtima (religious congregation) is held in the precincts of the Taj-ul-Masjid annually. It draws scores at Muslim pilgrims from all parts of India. Entertainment A culturally vibrant city, Bhopal is a delight for theatre lovers as Bharat Bhavan, Museum of Man and Ravindra Bhavan, between them organise theatre fests all through the year. Bharat Bhavan also organises music and dance recitals. The city is also famous for its melas, or fairs. Bhopal Haat, Gauhar Mahal, Bittan Market Ground and Dusshera Maidan are the main venues Nightlife Steeped in Indian culture, Bhopal's nightlife is restricted to all-night concerts and poetry readings. Pubbing and partying are yet to catch on. However, there is Jhankar discotheque at Hotel Amer Palace in MP Nagar (Ph: 2721102) Kidding around Regional Science Centre Located on the pretty Shamla Hills, this centre houses about 300 games and exhibits that make complicated science theories child's play. There's a planetarium too. Timings are 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, all days except Mondays. Regional Museum of Natural HistorySituated near Shahpura Lake, the museum is an apt example of learning can be fun. The museum is open all days 10 am to 6 pm except Mondays. Jaltarang Developed on a picturesque site near Upper Lake, this museum showcases marine life. It is open 10 am to 6 pm except on Mondays.Kanha Fun City: On Hoshangabad Road stands Bhopal's one and only theme park. There are a host rides, including several water ones. How to reach Road: Regular bus services connect the city with Indore (186 km), Mandu (285 km), Ujjain (188 km), Khajuraho (383 km), Pachmarhi (195 km), Gwalior (423 km), Sanchi (46 km), Jabalpur (295 km) and Shivpuri (311 km). Rail: Bhopal is on the Delhi-Chennai line. The city's two railway stations flag off trains to all the metros, as well as to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Nagpur, and major towns and cities within the state. Air: Bhopal has regular flights to and from Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai Getting Around: One can reach any part of the city within half an hour thanks to an efficient public transport system. The cheapest means of travelling are the Italian Tempos (bhat) in Old Bhopal and mini-buses in the new city. Autorickshaws are more comfortable and the fares are reasonable, with a little haggling. Cabs are also available in plenty. Distances 11 km from Islamnagar 62 km from Delawadi 46 km from Bhimbetka Caves 28 km from Bhojpur 46 km from Sanchi Best Seasons The weather in Bhopal during the summers (April to June) is quite hot, but the winters (November to February) are cool and pleasant. It experiences south-western monsoon rains during July-September. Though Bhopal can be visited throughout the year, it is advisable to avoid it during the summer season. Cotton clothing is ideal throughout the year in Bhopal. Thanks to its nawabi culture, the city welcomes guests round the year. However, it is advisable to plan your trip between October and March and avoid the summer months when the mercury soars over 40 C. Places in and around Drive up to Mahavirgiri, the highest point in Bhopal, to get a panoramic view of the city. Become a true-blue Bhopali and spend an evening by the lake side. you will know why the residents love their city so much. Forget etiquette and tuck into the chola bhatura at Manohar Dairy. Hmmm Nirvana! Chowk Bazaar is famous for itra or traditional Indian perfume. Every purse must have one.