Bhopal has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, history, culture, fun and frolic. Covered in the midst of many tourist hot spots are some unexplored destinations that the great city has to offer. Though unexplored and less talked about some of these destinations deserve to be in the must visit list of travelers. So, below are some unexplored destinations from this city of wonders.
Islam Nagar village
Mughal general Dost Mohammad Khan had founded Bhopal state from this very place. Islam Nagar was once the capital of Bhopal and though the magnificence of this place is not what it used to be in the past years, the palaces and other buildings here are remembrances of Hindu-Islamic architectural fusion. Built of red sandstone, there is a Charbagh in the centre of Islam Nagar and it has pillared rooms with open courtyards. A Hammam is situated towards north and a Sheesh Mahal greets you at the entrance. This remarkable village is located 11 km from Bhopal on the road to Berasia.
Bhopal’s Lakshmann Jhula
The suspension bridge is part of an entertainment complex known as Sair Sapata, which is frequented by people for nature trail as well as family time. The bridge and Sair Sapata stands on the banks of the Upper Lake at Sewaniya Guar, Prempura. The Suspension Bridge is built on the lines of the well-known Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. The total length of the bridge is 183.20 m and its breadth is 3.6 m. Bhopal’s Lakshmann Jhula is the first pedestrian bridge in India that has been made using RCC Deck slabs.
- Address: Van Vihar Road, Prempura
- Timings: 11 AM to 10 PM on all days, except on Tuesdays when it opens at 5 PM.
- Entry Fees for Sair Sapata: Rs 30 per adult and Rs 20 per child (5-12 years)
Birla Museum
If you are a history enthusiast, you must visit this museum when in Bhopal. The Birla Museum offers an informative and interesting glimpse into the state’s history. One can witness the rich culture and heritage of Bhopal and some significant monuments here. You will see manuscripts and paintings, stone sculptures, terracotta and a lot more in this museum that belong to the primitive period. One can also find tools from Paleolithic and Neolithic period on display. Bhimbetka rock shelter’s scale model is placed at the museum and has some ancient murals to take you back in time. Stone sculptures dating from 7th to 13th century from various archaeological sites have been kept here.
- Address: Vallabh Bhavan
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on all days except Mondays and government holidays when it remains closed.
Bhopal’s Taj Mahal
This magnificent monument has a great similarity with its well known counterpart in Agra. While the Taj Mahal in Agra was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his begum Mumtaz Mahal, Bhopal’s Taj Mahal was constructed as a place of residence for Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, who was a great art lover. This mahal took about 13 years to complete and after its completion, a three-year long celebration was carried out, known as Jashn-e-Taj Mahal. A sum of Rs 30 lakh was spent on making this marvel.
- Address: 157, Shamala Hills (besides the famous Taj-Ul-Masjid)
Listed places are bound to take you on a time travel through glorious past of Bhopal.
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