Bhopal Tour Packages

1. About Bhopal
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Bhopal
4. Bhopal At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Bhopal
6. Best Time To Visit Bhopal
7. Best Getaways From Bhopal
8. Top Things To Do In Bhopal
9. Shopping In Bhopal
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Foods To Try Out In Bhopal
12. Art And Culture In Bhopal

The city of Bhopal was once a part of the princely state of Bhopal. Founded by an Afghan ruler and adventurer named Dost Moḥammad Khan in 1723, it was the second-largest Muslim principality during British rule in the country. Bhopal had a cordial bond with the British during its conflict with the Marathas and signed a crucial treaty with the British as the Pindari War broke out in 1817. The Bhopal Agency was established in 1818, and it included the princely states of Bhopal, Narsinghgarh, Rajgarh, and others. In 1903, Bhopal was established as a modern municipality. Even after India’s independence in 1947, Bhopal continued to remain a semi-autonomous princely state. Its administration was officially transferred to the government of India in June 1949. Bhopal merged with the state of Madhya Pradesh in 1956 and ended up replacing Nagpur as the capital of the state.

• Bhopal became the capital of Madhya Pradesh in 1956.
• The city of Bhopal is located in the Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Upper Lake in Bhopal is also known as Bhojtal, and the Lower Lake is also known as Chhota Talab.
• The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
• The Birla Museum was established by the Birla family in 1971.
• The Taj-ul- Masjid is one of the biggest mosques in India and has the capacity to hold 1,75,000 worshippers.
• The Sanchi Stupa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
• The Gohar Mahal in Bhopal was constructed in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, who was the first female ruler of Bhopal.

• Avoid drinking tap water. Instead, carry bottled water wherever you go as it will also help you stay hydrated, particularly during the hot summer months.
• The main airport in Bhopal is the Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO).
• Don’t consume street food from stalls with unsanitary conditions.
• Autorickshaws and buses are some of the most convenient modes of public transport in Bhopal. Ola and Uber are popular and easily accessible in the city as well.
• Avoid roaming around alone at night, especially in the remote regions and the forest zones.
• Don’t carry huge amounts of cash when you head out. Instead, keep your cash and other valuables safe in the locker of your hotel room.
• The remote regions may not have too many ATMs, and the smaller stores may not always accept credit or debit cards or online payments. Therefore, carry cash accordingly.

The following are the best reasons to grab GT Holidays’ thrilling Bhopal tour packages:

Getting the opportunity to enjoy the cuisine of Bhopal is surely one of the best reasons to book our Bhopal tour packages. Having a mix of Mughal influences and Marwari culinary traditions, there is something for every foodie in Bhopal. On one hand, you will come across non-vegetarian delights such as paya soup, seekh kebabs, and Bhopali gosht korma, and on the other hand are vegetarian classics like poha and palak puri. Dessert lovers must try out the imarti and barfi rasmalai in Bhopal.

The natural attractions of the city are reason enough to book our Bhopal tour packages. Breathe in the serenity of the lakes like Upper Lake and Lower Lake, witness the magnificence of the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sanchi Stupa. If you’re a lover of wildlife, you must pay a visit to the Van Vihar National Park, which is nestled along the Upper Lake.

The culture of Bhopal displays itself in multiple ways, such as through its cuisine, arts and crafts, and so on. Various tribes reside in the region, thereby adding to its diversity. The rich cultural heritage of the city is also evident in the many festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, including the Lokrang Festival, Bhavan Summer Festival, and Ram Navami. Explore the handicrafts of Bhopal with our Bhopal tour packages as you go shopping for interesting souvenirs like handwoven bags, chanderi sarees, wooden items, and unique fabrics.

Did you think that exploring Bhopal just involves witnessing its natural beauty and visiting its historical landmarks? Well, Bhopal is so much more than that. It also provides tourists with the opportunity to indulge in several thrilling outdoor adventures, which is something you can do with our Bhopal tour packages. The various adventures to choose from in Bhopal are ropeway rides, kayaking, boating, ziplining, trekking, and rock climbing.

Bhopal is known to have a humid subtropical climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in the city brings about so we can accordingly decide when to book GT Holidays’ Bhopal tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range to expect in Bhopal is between 24 degrees Celsius and 47 degrees Celsius. Due to the high temperature, not many people visit the city during this time. If you do plan your trip with our Bhopal tour packages for the summer months, then do remember to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and light, comfortable clothes.

The range of temperature to expect in Bhopal during the monsoon season is between 20 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season in Bhopal brings about problems such as drainage issues and flooded roads. Some of the things to carry during your trip for the monsoon months are umbrellas, raincoats, waterproof footwear, insect repellents, and waterproof bags. One of the festivals to witness in the city with our Bhopal tour packages at this time is the Baadal Raag Festival.

As Bhopal embraces the winter season, the temperature range oscillates between 11 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. It can also drop to 6 or 8 degrees Celsius on certain days. The ambience becomes misty and chilly, and this is usually considered the best period to visit Bhopal. Some of the festivals you could experience in Bhopal with our Bhopal tour packages during the winter season are the Lokrang Festival and Bhopal Utsav Mela.

Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh and also its most populous city. It has been voted the cleanest city in India eight times in a row as of now, and is also recognised as one of the fastest-growing smart cities in the country. The name of the city is derived from the Indreshwar Temple in Indore, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Indore was declared the first ‘water plus’ city of India, thereby adding to its existing accolades. The city is home to numerous alluring attractions you can experience with GT Holidays’ Bhopal tour packages, such as the Annapurna Temple, Rajwada Palace, Kanch Mandir, Lal Bagh Palace, Patalpani Waterfall, and Kamla Nehru Zoo.

Ujjain is known as the ‘city of temples’ because of the many pilgrimage sites and sacred temples it is home to. It’s also one of the four locations of the popular Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions and millions of people each time it’s held. An interesting fact to note down is that the ancient Indian prime meridian, known as Madhya Rekha, passed through Ujjain, which is why the city has been given the title of the ‘Greenwich of India’. Pay a visit to the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is where you can witness the sacred Bhasma aarti, wherein holy ash is offered to the presiding deity, signifying the transience of life and the ultimate truth of death. Other spots to visit in Ujjain with our Bhopal tour packages include the Kal Bhairav Temple, ISKCON Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Kaliadeh Palace, and Ram Ghat.

Pachmarhi is known to be the only hill station in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Situated at an elevation of about 1,067 metres above sea level, it’s nestled in the Satpura Range of Narmadapuram District. It has been given the title of ‘Satpura ki Rani’ or the ‘Queen of Satpura’. Pachmarhi was declared a conservation area in 1999, and UNESCO gave it the designation of a biosphere reserve in 2009. As you explore Pachmarhi with our Bhopal tour packages, make sure to visit the Bee Falls, Pandav Caves, Jata Shankar Caves, and Handi Khoh.

Jabalpur is a city in Madhya Pradesh, situated north of the Narmada River. It is also known as the ‘Sanskar Nagari’ or ‘City of Culture’ due to the amalgamation of cultures and traditions present in the city in the form of historical landmarks, educational institutions, and so on. Various dynasties have ruled Jabalpur over the centuries, such as the Marathas, the Gonds, and the British. The presence of these dynasties and rulers has accordingly influenced several aspects of Jabalpur’s culture, such as its cuisine and architecture. Some of the many wonderful tourist attractions to explore in the city with our Bhopal tour packages include the Madan Mahal Fort, Rani Durgavati Museum, Dhuandhar Falls, and Marble Rocks.

Booking our Bhopal tour packages means getting to visit its numerous interesting tourist attractions and participate in its several outdoor adventures. Some of those attractions and adventures are listed below:

Bhopal is known as the ‘City of Lakes’, and two of the most famous lakes in the city are the Upper Lake and Lower Lake. The Upper Lake, which is also known as Bhojtal, was built by the Paramara Raja Bhoj when he served as the king of Malwa. There are various watersports you can try out at this lake, including boating, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and parasailing. The Lower Lake, which is also known as Chhota Talab, was built in 1794. It was commissioned by Chote Khan, who was a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan Bahadur.

The Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal is situated along the Upper Lake and is a combination of a national park and a zoological park. Spread over an area of 445 hectares, the area is home to animals such as lions, tigers, hyenas, panthers, sloth bears, and jackals. The Van Vihar National Park also performs the role of a rescue and rehabilitation centre, providing shelter for injured, orphaned, and rescued animals. Fitness enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers will particularly enjoy this location due to its scenic views, lush greenery, walking trails, and cycling paths.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are situated approximately 45 km south-east of Bhopal, in the foothills of the Vindhya Range. These five clusters of natural rock shelters are made up of seven hills and more than 750 rock shelters that are spread over an area of 10 km. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The complex was discovered in 1957 and is renowned for being one of the greatest collections of prehistoric art in India. Legend has it that the name ‘Bhimbetka’ is a reference to the Mahabharata, indicating the sitting place of Bhima during the exile of the Pandavas in the forest.

The Birla Museum in Bhopal is located within the peaceful Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex. It was established by the Birla family in 1971. The museum was created to showcase and preserve the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country, such as artefacts dating from ancient civilisations. This includes manuscripts, sculptures, and tools. When you visit this museum with our Bhopal tour packages, you will come across objects such as terracotta artefacts, sculptures, coins, and manuscripts whose roots belong to the 2nd century.

The Taj-ul- Masjid in Bhopal is one of the biggest mosques in India, with the capacity to hold 1,75,000 worshippers. The name of the mosque translates to the ‘Crown of Mosques’, which holds true due to its marvellous architecture, grandness, and eternal beauty. The construction of the mosque was started by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum around 1870, and after her death, the construction was carried on by her daughter, Sultan Jahan Begum. Some of the striking features of the Taj-ul- Masjid include its pink façade and the two towering minarets standing 18 storeys tall. The grand domes, carved arches, and huge courtyard reflect the Mughal-inspired style of architecture.

The Sanchi Stupa is a group of Buddhist monuments and is one of the oldest stone structures in the country. Situated on a hilltop, approximately 46 km from Bhopal, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. The Buddhist complex is made up of monasteries, temples, and stupas. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was commissioned to be built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The ornate doorways of the Sanchi Stupa are embellished with stories of Lord Buddha’s life and teachings from the Buddhist Jataka tales.

The Gohar Mahal in Bhopal, which is also known as Gauhar Mahal, is situated on the banks of the serene Upper Lake. It was constructed in 1820 by the first female ruler of Bhopal, Qudsia Begum, who was also known as Gohar Begum. Located right behind the popular Shaukat Mahal, the structure has a delightful blend of Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture.

The Tribal Museum in Bhopal proudly displays the rich tribal heritage of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The museum sheds light on the lives of the seven major tribes of the state, namely Gond, Bharia, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Kol, and Sahariya. As you explore the museum, you will come across full-sized models of tribal homes made of bamboo, mud, and grass, along with vibrant displays of tribal festivals and rituals.

• Boating, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and parasailing at the Upper Lake
• Ziplining over Kerwa Lake
• Ropeway ride from Manuabhan Tekri
• Rock climbing in Pachmarhi
• Trekking in Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary

When you go shopping in the city with our Bhopal tour packages, here are the best things to buy and the markets to explore:

• Sarees and fabrics: Bhopal is known for its delicate and stunning chanderi sarees. Chanderi sarees are known to be a mix of luxurious and lightweight. Fabrics, too, are coveted souvenirs in the city. Some of the different kinds to explore are zari, zardozi, and khadi. The items to buy under this category include dupattas, shawls, and tablecloths.
• Jute and cotton bags: If eco-friendly and sustainable bags are what you’re looking for, then Bhopal is the place to explore. Handwoven and featuring delicate and intricate patterns, these bags are both practical and fashionable.
• Handicrafts: The traditional handicrafts of Bhopal are a pride of the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. These handicrafts serve as perfect souvenirs that can be gifted to your loved ones. The ones to pick from include wooden objects, stone carvings, and handwoven fabrics.

• New Market: For sarees, jewellery, handicrafts.
• Chowk Bazaar: For jewellery, sarees, bags, handicrafts.
• Habibganj Market: For clothes, accessories, bags.
• Bittan Market: For shoes, bags, accessories, handicrafts.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Bhopal. However, remember to negotiate politely till you arrive at a price that suits both parties.
• While the bigger shops and markets accept UPI payments and debit and credit cards, it’s better to carry cash while shopping in the remote regions and at the smaller stores.
• When you buy handicrafts from Bhopal, remember to purchase from the government emporia and certified shops.

• Dress modestly whenever you visit a religious or spiritual site. Ideally, it’s better to keep your head, shoulders, and knees covered. Stay away from wearing sleeveless tops and shorts.
• Always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Don’t pluck flowers or disturb the vegetation or natural setting in any manner.
• While visiting a national park or any place that contains wildlife, make sure to stay quiet, not disturb the animals, and observe the creatures from afar.
• Always remove your shoes before going inside a temple or any other spiritual spot.
• If you choose to go on a wildlife safari, remember not to make loud noises, stay within your jeep, and don’t feed the animals.
• Remember to ask for permission before clicking someone’s photograph, especially that of a woman.
• Make sure to always keep the surroundings clean and never litter. If there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• Use recyclable items whenever possible.
• Don’t stray away from the designated trails.
• Respect the local culture and traditions, and don’t get into arguments or discussions regarding the politics of the region.
• Certain areas require tourists and visitors to obtain permission before taking photographs, which could include the historical monuments, military areas, and sensitive regions.
• While the tribal communities are known to be warm and welcoming, remember to always respect their cultural integrity and privacy.

The cuisine of Bhopal displays the influence of Mughal cuisine in Madhya Pradesh. You will also come across Marwari culinary influences in the city’s food. Let’s recommend some of the tastiest dishes to try out in Bhopal during your holiday with our Bhopal tour packages:

A trip to Bhopal is incomplete without trying one of its most iconic food combos, which is poha jalebi. You may have had these two items separately, but have you ever had them together for breakfast? Well, you can try it out during your trip with our Bhopal tour packages. The poha is made using flattened rice, and is garnished with sev, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a bit of lemon. At times, unique elements such as pomegranate and tomatoes are added to the mix as well. The savoury and tangy taste of the poha perfectly complements the sweet and crispy flavour of the hot jalebis.

Chai is a ubiquitous beverage in India, but Sulemani chai is a special kind of tea in Bhopal that you absolutely must try out. This chai has a distinct blend of sweetness and saltiness. The robust flavour of this black tea is balanced out by mixing lemon and other spices. Having a sip of this tea is enough to keep you energised all day long.

Paya soup is a dish that’s commonly made during festivals, gatherings, and special occasions in Bhopal. The term ‘paya’ translates to ‘leg’, and it’s usually cooked using lamb. Having a thick, rich, and gelatinous texture, the lamb is slowly boiled in a broth all day long. Various spices are added to create this mildly oily soup.

The seekh kebabs found in Bhopal are a testament to the Mughal influence on the cuisine of Madhya Pradesh. These flavourful and succulent skewers are created using minced meat, which could be chicken or mutton. The mixture needed to make these kebabs also includes onions, herbs, and a blend of spices. After being shaped into skewers, they are either cooked or grilled over an open flame. The resulting dish is smoky kebabs that melt in your mouth. They are often served along with onions, chutneys, and rumali rotis or naans.

The lovers of non-veg food will be in for a treat with the delectable Bhopali gosht korma. It’s yet another example of the Mughal influence on the state’s cuisine. Associated with the princes and maharajas back in the day, this dish is particularly a favourite during parties, gatherings, and special occasions. It consists of mutton or goat meat that is slow-cooked till it turns tender. The rich and creamy gravy is made using onions, yoghurt, cream, and various spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. It can be consumed both with rice and naan.

Imarti is among the famous and beloved sweet dishes in Bhopal. Resembling jalebis in its shape, an imarti has a distinct orangish red hue, with the flavour being sweeter than that of jalebis. Some of the ingredients that go into making these juicy imartis are urad dal, ghee, sugar, corn flour, cardamom, and saffron.

Palak puri is not only a popular breakfast food in Bhopal, but it’s also a fine example of how vegetables can be used in an interesting manner in a dish. Serving the right amount of nutrition and deliciousness, it’s made of a whole wheat flour dough. Spinach or palak is chopped finely and mixed into the dough, which also contains carom seeds and cumin. It’s then deep-fried till it puffs up and turns crispy and golden brown. Palak puris can be served alongside pickles, yoghurt, and potato curry.

The culture of Bhopal shines brightly through the numerous vibrant festivals that take place in the city throughout the year. There is the Lokrang Festival, which is organised by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy. Held every year in January, the festival features various kinds of music, folk dances, tribal dances, and performing arts. The aim of the festival is to preserve the culture of Madhya Pradesh and promote unity. Some of the other festivals you can experience in the city with our Bhopal tour packages are the Bharat Bhavan Summer Festival, Ram Navami, and Dhrupad Samaroh.

The handicrafts of Bhopal are yet another way of displaying the city’s rich cultural heritage, most of which are available as souvenirs for tourists to explore. This includes its handloom sarees, such as the chanderi sarees. The textiles of Bhopal, too, are noteworthy, such as khadi, zari, and zardozi. Other handicrafts in the city include stone carvings, wooden crafts, and handwoven bags.