Set amidst gentle hills and sprawling lakes, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a city where history, architecture, nature, and multicultural life blend in quiet harmony. Known as the City of Lakes, Bhopal boasts a unique duality — its old city is filled with winding alleys, Mughal-era mosques, and bustling bazaars, while its new city features modern planning, greenery, and academic institutions.
Much like Udaipur in the west, Bhopal’s charm lies in its lakeside settings, but its cultural identity is shaped by centuries of Hindu-Muslim coexistence and a remarkable legacy of women rulers — the Begums of Bhopal.
Upper and Lower Lakes – The Twin Jewels
The heart of Bhopal is undoubtedly its two lakes — Bhojtal (Upper Lake) and Lower Lake. Bhojtal, built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj, is one of India’s oldest manmade water reservoirs. These water bodies not only provide the city with water but serve as its lungs, tourist hubs, and spiritual spaces.
Boat rides, lakeside gardens, the scenic VIP Road, and the Kamla Park promenade make the lakes a central part of Bhopal’s daily life. Much like Shillong and its mountain views, Bhopal’s lakes define its scenic rhythm.
The Legacy of the Begums
Few Indian cities can boast of being ruled by women for over a century. Between 1819 and 1926, Bhopal was governed by a line of progressive Begums who championed women’s education, Islamic architecture, and urban development. They built iconic landmarks like:
- Taj-ul-Masajid – One of the largest mosques in Asia
- Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil – European-Mughal architectural fusions
- Moti Masjid – A pearl-white mosque inspired by Delhi’s Jama Masjid
This period transformed Bhopal into a beacon of Islamic learning, comparable to cities like Varanasi in terms of spiritual depth.
Old City vs. New City – A Contrast in Harmony
While Old Bhopal preserves its Nawabi essence with heritage buildings and crowded marketplaces like Chowk Bazaar, New Bhopal reflects a post-independence urban vision. Institutions like Bharat Bhavan, a multidisciplinary cultural center, and MP Tribal Museum show how the city embraces tradition and modernity side by side.
Culture, Craft, and Cuisine
Bhopal’s food is a beautiful blend of Mughlai richness and Madhya Pradesh earthiness. Must-try dishes include:
- Biryani and Paya Soup in the old city
- Bhutte ka Kees and Poha Jalebi for breakfast
- Bhopali Gosht Korma and Roghan Josh
Shopping in Bhopal includes browsing for Zardozi embroidery, Chanderi silk, and local handicrafts — much like what travelers enjoy in Murshidabad or Mysuru.
Historical and Scientific Attractions
Bhopal is also a city of museums and scientific curiosity:
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) – An open-air anthropological museum showcasing tribal life
- Bharat Bhavan – For contemporary arts, poetry, and theatre
- Regional Science Centre – A family-friendly attraction for interactive learning
Green City with a Painful Past
Despite its beauty, Bhopal carries the memory of the 1984 gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. The resilience of the city and its people since then has shaped public discourse on environmental safety and human rights.
Today, Bhopal is also among India’s greenest cities with initiatives in solar energy, e-transport, and wetland conservation. Much like Gangtok, Bhopal is emerging as a model for sustainable urban planning.
Bhopal is a city of gentle lakes, domes that pierce the sky, street food that warms the heart, and communities that have lived in harmony for centuries. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to understand the soft power of coexistence, elegance, and depth.
