Interesting places in Bhopal:

Upper Lake बड़ा तालाब		AHATTA RUSTUM KHAN
Van Vihar National Park		Arera Hills
Syamla Hills		a
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology		Union Carbide Plant
Union Carbide factory		Idgah Hills
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrhalaya - DBASE SOFTWARE (TRAINING-EDUCATION-DEVELOPMENT)		Boat Club
BOAT (YARD) CLUB BHOPAL MARK BY GUDDU		Kaliasot Canal : Kaliasot Nahar
Tulsi Nagar, 1250,bhopal		CHINAR PARK
Alkapuri - Saket & Shakti Nagar		CHHOTA TALAB : The Lower Lake - DBASE SOFTWARE (TRAINING-EDUCATION-DEVELOPMENT)
10 no BUS STOP - Arera Colony		INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL MUSEUM MARK BY GUDDU
BHARAT BHAVAN		Manua Bhan ki Tekri
Manbhawan Tekari (By Akhtar Ahmad)		Narela Shankri Bhopal
KOLAR

Bhopal pronunciation (help�info) (Hindi: ����, Urdu: b+�w+p+a+l+, IPA: ) is a city in central India. It is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Bhopal District and Bhopal Division. Historically, Bhopal was also the name of a Muslim princely state in central India (See Bhopal princely state).

Bhopal is a city rich in heritage and history. Its an amalgam of the old and the new, the rich and the poor, the wide roads of New Bhopal and the narrow "gullies" of Old Bhopal and a mix of planned development on one side with urban sprawl on the other.

There are various old mosques in Bhopal that will give you a glimpse into the Mughal architecture, some of it from before the British raj and the people of Bhopal, particularly the mix of the Muslim and the Hindu population will also give you a glimpse of what makes India tick with so many different religions, different cultures living together.

Some of the old mosques that are worth visiting are Taj-ul-Masajid (largest mosque in the country), Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid and Idgah.

Its a must to visit the Old city market (chowk bazaar) and walk around the narrow lanes to see how the old city functions and also to get some great bargains on the special arts of Bhopal like the bead work and the hand embroidery that Bhopal is known for.

On the modern side, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has made significant efforts to make Bhopal an important seat for the arts. Bharat Bhawan is an example of this and it is a center for performing arts with many nationally renowned artists showcasing their art through this institute. The institute boasts of art galleries, an outdoor theater, and a library rich with history of Indian poetry and arts.

Another impressive museum worth visiting is the "Museum of Man" again created by the government of Madhya Pradesh to showcase how the tribals of the state live in their natural form, what they cultivate, what kind of tools they make and utilize in their daily lives etc. It has been created sprawled on a small hill and gives breath taking views of the city.

Finally, no mention of what to see in Bhopal can be completed without talking about the two lakes that are the center of attraction for Bhopal.

Upper Lake is a beautiful water body created during the time of King Bhoj. The story goes that the water of Upper Lake cured Raja Bhoj of a skin disease which otherwise remained untreated. Today, you can rent boats, indulge in other water sports related activities and enjoy the splendor of this lake.

The Lower Lake on the other hand was created during the Mughal empire. This lake is separated from the Upper Lake by an over-bridge.

Along the Upper Lake and surrounding hills, the Forest department of Madhya Pradesh has created the biggest animal conservation area in the middle of a city. You can catch tigers, leopards, bears, different types of water animals, birds, deers etc. as you drive around "Van Vihar"

Location is derived from the great work of WikiMapia
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Top photos chosen by u all:

Plum-headed parakeet
Made by Vinod Sohanlal
A widespread resident in India. Size: 36 cm. Males are generally green, deep red head. Lower cheeks and collar are black. Blue-green band on neck. Green-blue underwing, dark red patch on upper wing. Blue tail tipped with white, yellow side feathers. Orange-yellow upper beak, brown-black lower. Pale yellow eyes. Green-grey legs. Females have a dull blue head, yellow collar, no red wing patch. Upper beak pale yellow, lower grey. Call: Shrill in flight, quieter notes when perching. Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. In Sri Lanka, is common along the foothills in open woodland. In India, is common near cultivated land and in parks and towns. Not as common in Nepal. Habits: Large flocks may gather to feed on grain crops but usually in small groups. Roost at dusk in a large flock in trees or bamboo. Very noisy until nightfall. Flight is swift. Food: In the wild: Seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms and leaf buds. Damage orchards and rice crops. Breeding: India, December to April. Sri Lanka, February to May and again August to September. Nest: Excavate a hole in a tree or enlarge the holes of other birds. Nest together in the same tree or trees close by. Eggs: 4-6. Rounded. Incubated by the female for 24 days. Chicks: Leave the nest 6 weeks after hatching. After the first moult juveniles have plumage similar to the female. Males have full adult plumage in their third year.


Taj ul masjid - Bhopal
Made by Arjun Valsaraj
Taj-ul-Masjid claims to be the largest mosque in India, so does the Jami Masjid in Delhi. I have been to both and can't say for sure which one's bigger. Taj-ul-Masjid means Crown among mosques. The construction of the mosque was initiated during the reign(1868-1901) of Sultan Shah Jahan Begum, one of the progressive rulers of Bhopal. Crystal slabs were prepared as floor tiles in England at cost of Rs. 700,000. The slabs were never used as they would have reflected images of the worshippers (Reproduction of human images is prohibited in Islam). The mosque wasn't completed for many years due to lack of funds. Construction resumed in 1971. The mosque is used as a Madarassa during the day. Contrary to popular belief, madarassas are NOT places where students are taught extremist beliefs. Apart from the Quran, students are taught Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. I was the first tourist who visited the mosque that morning. Though I didn't get to interact much with the people there, I was never stopped from taking pictures or made to feel unwelcome. In this picture young boys are memorising the Quran. They rock backwards and forwards as they recite verses from the Quran.


Benazir palace, Bhopal
Made by Vinod Sohanlal
Benazir palace was constructed in year 1877 as a summer rest-house for Bhopal's ruler, Shahjahan Begum. Historians claim that the then viceroy Lord Chemsford stayed at the palace during his visit to the city. Located at Motia Lake the palace is a perfect blend of European and Mughal architecture. Beautiful fountains reflect the feel of Moughal art. Nets were installed at window panes to allow the breeze to enter. The fine construction and art itself make it unique. Mahatma Gandhi issued his call to join the freedom movement from the very ground of the palace in year 1929, He also halted for a night at the palace. An exquisite Hamam (bath) was built in the basement of palace and still looks glorious with leaves and flowers carved into the walls of the Hamam.


Little Green Bee-eater, eating bee
Made by Rahul N
Visiting to Van-Vihaar is something I never miss when I am in Bhopal. Its a lovely place with lots and lots to see, full of birds, Animals and Trees. The road going by the side of the Bhopal lake with the jungle on the other side is just amazing. I observed this one for a long time. It was sitting on a branch, use to suddenly come into action and catch a bee in thin air and again go back sit on the same branch enjoying the feast. every time it couldnt get the bee, it faced towards us, but when it was able to catch one, it faced away and after eating it completely it again use to turn towards the camera to spot another bee. here is the wikipedia page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bee-eater


Idyllic Morning - A Humble Tribute
Made by abhishek727.
Taken in Bhopal, on a cold morning. There was fog and the sun was just rising. The blurred structure on the left background is the VIP road. The dark structure in the water (apart from the boat) is what remains of an old city wall. Bhopal was the victim of the worst industrial disaster - which killed thousands and rendered thousands others sick with chronic, lifelong disabilities. I humbly dedicate this work to them. Any and all comments are welcome - especially those with some suggestions. . This photo finds place in Valeur (page 108-109) . The e-magazine can be read @ www.pmm-international.com/mag/valeur_mag/valeur3/Default....


Laughing Buddha
Made by Vinod Sohanlal
Budai (Chinese) or Budai Luohan, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is an interpretation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the predicted Buddha to succeed Gautama Buddha in the future. He has become incorporated into Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto culture and is based on an eccentric Chinese Chán monk who lived in the time of the Liang Dynasty. His image graces many temples, restaurants, and amulets. Budai has become a deity of contentment and abundance, when adopted by Religious Taoists. In Japan, Hotei persists in folklore as one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin). He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the Happy Buddha -Wikipedia


Keen eyes
Made by Rahul N
Ever since I bought a telephoto lens, I have been longing to capture a king fisher. I finally got this shot, although not a very satisfying one, but I still cant help uploading it :D This one is an early morning shot of the king trying to find his breakfast. Although I absolutely love Birds, Somehow Kingfisher is one bird that Impresses me more than many other birds. I guess this is same with many people. The way it hunts is just amazing. I have seen the common kingfisher hunting and its quite a sight. Seeing a Pied kingfisher hunt is even more fascinating (wish Ill get to see that sometime) Hope Ill get a better shot of the King some day.


Colours on Sepia....
Made by dr nilesh marmat
Common Kingfisher/River Kingfisher/Eurasian Kingfisher....ws one of the common inhabitant of the place where I had been staying last weekend @Bhopal..weather was rainy with low lighting condition..while I ws busy clicking some random shots near the guest-house@Chuna Bhatti ashore Shahpura Lake..this beautiful kingfisher came & perched on a palm-tree & he posed....posed...& posed!!! I ws missing a good dslr..but somehow managed to shoot under low light with my powershot....& came with these results...reproduced with canon's software & picnik!!!


Taj-ul-Masajid
Made by Baok
Taj-ul-Masajid is a mosque situated in Bhopal, India. It is one of the largest mosques in Asia. The mosque is also used as a madrasah (Islamic school) during the day. Taj-ul-Masajid literally means The Crown of Mosques. The construction of the mosque was started by Sultan Shah Jahan, Begum of Bhopal (1868-1901). However, the mosque was not completed due to lack of money, and after a long lay-off, construction was resumed in 1971. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj-ul-Masajid


The Hanuman Langur
Made by Rahul N
I found out that these langurs are called Hanuman Langurs. and for that they are widely respected and worshipped at some places. early in the morning when the sun is just above the trees, mild and cozy, This one is a mother with her baby Basking after a good night sleep. The weather is just starting being cold. its early days of winters. and there is no fun like basking in the winter sun :). here is the wikipedia page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_langur


Hunting @ Bhimbethka, Bhopal
Made by Prshant ॐ Bhrdwaj
This is probably a hunting scene during the middle stone age. Notice that there is a man on a horse which is decorated more than the rest. That is the leader of the herd. Also similar paitings in white color can be seen if you look closely. This Rock painting is supposed to be from the Mesolithic period or what is more commonly known as the Middle Stone age. Also see.... 2009 in Pictures on Chai Ki Dukaan


Food and Photography: Double Fun
Made by Raveesh Vyas
Being back at home after seven months feels simply amazing. About the pic: I realised yesterday that combining two separate interests can be even more interesting. I was about to devour that poor parantha when I noticed my plate looked quite colourful and thought it might make a good subject. No artificial colours added.:) Well, except for the ketchup in the centre of the plate. This image marks the beginning of a new Food set. :)


Rise and Shine
Made by abhishek727.
Taken with my Sony Ericsson K530i. It has a 2MP inbuilt camera and is responsible for some of my cherished photos and memories. Like this one I took on a morning and I remember I had an exam the next day and so I was awake early and well, early bird gets the worm..... Do let me know how you liked it. No editing has been done except for using the rotate tool in flickr. I was checking my sent emails and discovered it.


hold on... we are coming guys
Made by Rahul N
PLEASE COMMENT WITHOUT ANY GIFS, IMAGES OR AWARDS. THANKS FOR EVERY COMMENT This is one of the best pics I have seens in a long time. and I hate to say it but I can claim no credit for it. My sister clicked it. I have just put my signature :D :D if I could fav my own pics, this will be the first one. I had to delete the old version of it. after a lot of thinking, I felt this version to be better


Mount ET Erupts!!:o
Made by Ujjawal™
As the dawn breaks, Bairagarh station has seen a helluva smoky morning as two Alcos of ET seen in the picture erupted one after the other, first the WDM-2 # 16737 notched up while entering the pF#1 with 11472 Jabalpur-Indore Express and just few seconds after this WDM-3A # 18777 with 19606 Ajmer-Kolkata Saare Jahan Se Accha Express also notched up furiously as it gets the green


In shadow
Made by Rambling Eye
I visited the derelict site where Union Carbide India Limited once stood. On 2-3 Dec1984, 26000T of Methyl IsoCyanate Gas leakage scarred mankind with a tragedy of possibly unprecedented proportions and scale. We participated in the symposium that was all about remembering it equally as the story of survival and not just tragedy.


BHEL Jhansi WAG-7
Made by Ujjawal™
Cow seems to be unaware of the monster WAG-7 approaching toward it, seen here is BHEL, Jhansi manufactured JHS WAG-7 # 24525 entering the Nishatpura Freight Yard from Ujjain side with a nice looking sky-blue container rake in tow, on the other track there is one more BHEL JHS WAG-7 present here!! :-))


Green Bush Club @ night
Made by Raveesh Vyas
The same club shot at night. I had gone home for Diwali and the whole place was quite well decorated with lights. Wish there were a brighter and more uniform decoration on the buildings but everyone here decorates their place to their own taste. So there is a lot of customization and non-uniformity.


Tribute to Ms Shela Masood
Made by anandamoy
As she sat behind the wheels of her car to drive o an Anna Hazare protest meet on 16.08.2011, this wildlife activist, who had filed at least 40 RTI applications involving forest and police officers, was fatally shot by yet unidentified assassins outside her home in Bhopal.


Red Attack!!
Made by Ujjawal™
RTM WDM-3A # 18730R reverses itself towards pf#1 of HBJ to attach with the rake of HBJ-INDB Intercity Express meanwhile 6 hours late running 11058 ASR-DR Express arrives behind a handsome looking GZB WAP-4 # 22614 which was recently POHed at Kancharapara Workshop,West Bengal