General Information / History
Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.

Sightseeing

Laxmi Narayan Temple
Also known as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Near the Temple is located a museum that houses a collection of sculptures from the districts at Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in of Madhya Pradesh. The stone sculptures here are mainly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts and incarnations.

Shaukat Mahal
In the heart of the walled city in Bhopal, at the entrance to the Chowk area, lies the Shaukat Mahal. The building evokes archaeological interest as it is built in an European style, thereby setting it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area.

Taj – ul - Masjid
The Taj-ul Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. The construction of this mosque was started by Shah Jahan Begum during her reign (1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D.), but it was never completed in her lifetime. It was only with the intervention of the Government of India in 1971 that the construction of the mosque was completed. Today, this huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets is used as a madarsa (religious school). A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws scores of people from all over the country.

Moti Masjid
Built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D., the Moti Masjid is similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid. The mosque is smaller in size than the Jama Masjid, and has two dark red minarets crowned by golden spikes.

Upper and Lower Lakes
The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge. M. P. Tourism's Boat Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for exciting trips by sail, paddle and motor boats.

Gohar Mahal
Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture

Excursion: Islamnagar, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka Caves, Neori, Ashapuri, Chiklod, Hathaikheda, Samardha and Sanchi.