Bhopal offers two very different cityscapes, split apart by two lakes in the centre of the city. 

To the north is a Muslim dominated city while to the south of the lakes is a more modern city with wide roads and up market hotels to contrast the mosques and crowded bazaars in the northern sections.

Bhopal the City of Lakes and dual personalities

Bhopal is also known as the City of Lakes due to the two set across the middle, that did a great job of dividing the city into easy to digest snippets.  The old city and the new city are vastly different yet complimentary.  The elder of the two still bears the imprint of its aristocratic past and is situated on the 11^th century foundations of the city of Bhojapal from which it takes its name.

These days the city is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh and is a brilliant place to spend your vacation.  Surrounded by brilliant parks, the stunning lakes, a beautiful pink mosque that is names Taj-Ul Masjid.  Or if you are more inclined a visit to the Birla Museum, the Tagore Memorial and the national archives are all here too.  Bhopal contains the bustle and charm of a medium sized city.

It is said that once you visit this city that you will definitely return. Bhopal is one of the greenest cities in India it has well lit wide streets in the newer modern city, and despite its now booming capital status is has managed to retain the appeal and charm that it did before.

Tourism in Bhopal

The reminders of the opulence of the Nawabs and Begums is not imagined and there are many mosques and temples that one can explore while here in Bhopal.  The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is located to the south on the Arera hills. Temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, Goddess of Love, Wealth and Prosperity, together with her consort Vishnu, who is also known as Narayan, Protector of the Universe. Taj-Ul Masjid is an enormously pink mosque that has two large minarets that it would be hard to miss.  It also holds the record as one of the largest mosques in India.

It is an absolute must to visit the old city and its markets and bazaars during your tour to Bhopal. There is a labyrinth of old narrow lanes here that are begging to be explored on foot.  This is a brilliant outing for photographers looking for excellent shots, or someone looking for something a little different.  It’s a great way to see how the old city functions and pick up some great bargains at the same time.  Bhopal is famous for its bead work and hand embroidery.