Bhopal, the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh, has grown around a large lake, the ornamental newer part of the city being roughly opposite the labyrinthine lanes of the old town. Craft – notably velvet handbags studded with stones, and lacy silverwork – is practised in narrow alleyways that lead off from domed mosques in the old city. Bharat Bhavan is a showcase of Indian art, folk traditions, sculpture and a centre for the performing arts as well.

Bhimbetka, a few hours drive from Bhopal, is the site for spectacular cave paintings.
Udaygiri, another excursion from Bhopal, has notable cave sculptures of religious themes.

Sanchi is an unmatched repository of Bddhist art and architecture. Located on a secluded hill crowned by a group of stupas and gateways, it occupies a unique position in the history of Buddhism. Its stupas, chaityas, temples, monasteries and gateways are embellished by the most delicate carvings that depict various incidents in the Buddha’s life as well as important teachings. Good guide services, an essential part of sightseeing in Sanchi, are available here.

A 90 km drive from Indore takes one across a narrow gorge, after the horizon widens abruptly, to reveal the deserted city of Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler for his Hindu queen, Mandu’s air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its palaces, temple and mosque which lie scattered over the 75 km of Mandu’s fortified area. Most interesting of all is the imaginative use that has been made of the surroundings. Thus Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace is actually built in a pond on which it appears to float, and Hindola Mahal or Swing Palace gives every appearance of living up to its name.


Places of interest

Taj-ul-Masjid (3 km) ,

Juma Masjid (5.5 km)  

Moti Masjid (4.5 km)

Shaukat Mahal (4 km)

Bharat Bhawan and Roopankar , Shamla and Idgah Hills , chowk,

Upper and Lower Lake (5.5 km)

Gandhi Bhavan, Van Vihar.

Museums:
Birla Museum 0900 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Mondays.
 
Central museum 1030 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Sundays.

State museum 1000 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Mondays.

Tribal Research & Development Institute 1030 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Sundays & Second Saturdays.


Excursions:

Bhimbetka (40 km) ,

Bhojpur (28 km) ,

Chiklod (45 km) ,

Dhelwadi (62 km)

 Islamnagar (11 km)

Neori (6 km) ,

Raisen (47 km)

Sanchi (46 km) , 

Vidisha (56 kms)

Ginnorgarh Fort (61 km)

How to get there
Air:
Indian Airlines connect Bhopal with Bombay, Delhi, Gwalior, Indore & Raipur

Rail:
Bhopal on the main line is connected by rail to major cities in India.

Road:
Good motorable roads connect Bhopal to Bombay-789 km, Aurangabad-588 km, Ahmedabad-571 km, Agra-523 km, Delhi-728 km, Gwalior-422 km, Indore-187 km, Ujjain-189 km, Sanchi-46 km, Khajuraho-387 km, Mandu-290 km, Pachmarhi-210 km etc.

Bus Services:
Regular bus services connect Bhopal with Sanchi, Indore, Ujjain, Mandu and Pachmarhi.