Bhopal, an interestingly old-yet modern city that sits in the heart of the nation, is one destination to head to for a memorable holiday. Divided in starkly two different parts Bhopal is the capital the flamboyant state of India, Madhya Pradesh. Originally called Bhoj-pal with reference to Raja Bhoj who was the founder of the city, it was an important part of his kingdom. It was next significant city to Ujjain, which was the seat of his kingdom.
Arriving at this interesting place is an easy affair, it is because there exists excellent roads, trains, and flights connectivity to the city that connect it to all major cities in the nation. There are a couple of daily Delhi to Bhopal flights, and several flights from Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore etc.
Bhopal is a major hub and exchange railway station for the Western and Central Railways in India. It has two major railway stations, one in old Bhopal and the other in new Bhopal. The good thing is there are a couple of goodhotels near Bhopal railway stationthat not just have the convenience of their close proximity but also offer a content stay to the guests.
For a tourist, Bhopal is simply a city that is replete of a plethora of rewarding opportunities. Split by a pair of lakes, the city is divided into parts, namely the Old City and the new City. It is right to say that these two are in complete opposite of each other. The Old City is at the north and is Muslim dominated. This part of the city in true terms is a glance back to the time that is several decades old. Muslim women in black niqabs are seen in common here, who are also the reminders of the female Islamic rulers who built-up the city in the 19th Century. The old narrow gullies, aged mosques, beautiful masjids, and several other monuments are evenly sprinkled in the old part of the city, which are the finest exhibits that the Mughals left. An interesting fact to know about the city, 40 percent of the population in the city are Muslim, making Bhopal among the cities in the nation having highest concentration of Muslims.
On contrary to this, the New City at the south of the two lakes, is the representation of modern India. It is better planned, clean, and is replete of modern infrastructures. A net of wider roads that are filled with plush vehicles, shopping complexes, state of art multiplexes, upmarket hotels, clubs, restaurants, libraries, museums, and cosmopolitan clubs etc. complete the modern part of the city. A couple of places in the city that are simply not to be missed include: Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Mahadev Pani, Kaliyasot Dam, Shahpura, Kolar Dam, Bharat Bhavan, State Museum, Manav Sangralay Tribal Museum, Bhimbetka, Manuabhan Takeri, Birla Mandir, Taj-ul-Masajid, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid, chowk bazaar, and Museum of Man.
Talking about the accommodations in Bhopal, it is one of the things about the city that is sure satisfactory. There exist hotels of all types and budgets. Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Hotel Ivy Suites, The Bhopal Grande, Hotel Surendra Vilas, and Hotel Amer Palace etc. are some of the top-rated hotels in the city. Besides, those who are flying to the city, there exist a handful of excellent hotels near Bhopal Airportmaking it convenient for them and also offering a content stay.
Martin Wynn
