Attractions in Bhopal

Taj-ul-Masjid - One of the largest mosques in India, the construction of this mosque was started by Shah Jahan Begum during her reign (1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D.), but it was never completed in her lifetime. It was only with the intervention of the Government of India in 1971 that the construction of the mosque was completed. Today, this huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets is used as a madarsa (religious school). A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws scores of people from all over the country.

Moti Masjid - Built by Kudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D., the Moti Masjid is similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid. The mosque is smaller in size than the Jama Masjid, and has two dark red minarets crowned by golden spikes.

Shakat Mahal and Sadar Manzil - In the centre of the city, at the entrance to the Chowk area, lies the Shaukat Mahal. The building reminds one of archaeological interest as it is built in a European style, thereby setting it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. Close to the Shaukat Mahal lies the elegant Sadar Manzil, which used to be the hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.

Gohar Mahal - Gohar Mahal also known as Gohar Begum is situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake. This palace, built in 1820 by Kudsia Begum is an architectural gem. The Mahal is a splendid blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

Bharat Bhawan - Established in 1982, Bharat Bhawan, a center for the creative and performing arts is one of the exceptional national institutes in India. Designed by the well-known architect Charles Correa and located in the Shamla hills on the banks of a lake, it is regarded as one of the main centres for the preservation of traditional folk art. The center houses a museum of the arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre, indoor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music.

Tribal Habitat Museum of Man - An open-air display of tribal house types located at Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya on Shamla Hills, the Tribal Habitat is a presentation of actual-size dwellings typical of modern tribal cultures in various states of India. The exhibition gives a complete insight into the architectural features of the tribal houses with elaborately displayed interiors. There are craft and pottery demonstrations in the exhibition.

Laxmi Narayan Temple - Also known as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Near the Temple is located a museum that has a collection of sculptures from the districts at Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in of Madhya Pradesh. The stone sculptures here are mainly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts and incarnations. Chowk - Situated in the heart of the old city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques and havelis, reminders of a bygone era. The shops in its

Upper and Lower Lakes - Covering an area of about 6 square kilometers, the Upper Lake is separated from the Lower Lake by an overbridge. You can hire motorboats for exciting trips on the Upper Lake. Adjacent to the Lake is the zoo called Van Vihar, where you can have a look at the tigers, leopards, lions, and bears, among other animals. Near the Lower Lake, you can visit an aquarium. This fish-shaped aquarium is home to a number of fascinating species of fish.