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Bhopal food, sight-seeing and shopping options
• Quick Getaways Where to Eat ShoppingTips for you:- Bhopal's must-buys are the exquisite, gossamer-thin Chanderi(cotton/silk mix, so sheer that Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb insisted that his daughter wear 7 layers of it) and Maheshwari saris, colourful beadwork bags, and sequinned cushions and purses. A must buy are Tussar and other forms of raw silk that are famous in the Bhopal market. The city has three main shopping areas: Chowk (old city), New Market and Bittan Market. The old city market extending over Peergate, Ibrahimpura, Nadim Road and Sarafa is ideal if you have time to explore and can choose from piles of wholesale stock. New Market and Bittan Market are better organised, with neat rows of shops. Most big brands have their showrooms here too. Apart from these, you can pick up handicrafts and handlooms from the ongoing fairs and exhibitions. A safe bet for handicrafts and handlooms is Mrignayani, the state emporium (on Hamidia Road, Near Railway Station and opposite Brijwasi Sweet Shop, New Market). For Chanderis and Maheshwaris, visit Radhika sarees (10 Arera Colony) and Malvika (opposite Saify Shoes, New Market). • To See & Do Drive up to Mahavirgiri, the highest point in Bhopal, to get a panoramic view of the city. Become a true-blue Bhopali and spend an evening by the lake side. You'll know why the residents love their city so much. Forget etiquette and tuck into the chola bhatura at Manohar Dairy. Hmmm Nirvana! Chowk Bazaar is famous for itra or traditional Indian perfume. Every purse must have one. Catch a workhop or lecture or anything at the Bharat Bhavan, and you'll come out wiser. Get to know your past better by visiting the Bhimbetka Caves. • Historical:- Gauhar Mahal A wonderful blend of Hindu and Mughal architectures, this palace stands on the bank of the Upper Lake on VIP Road. Shaukat Mahal In a sea of Islamic buildings stands this very French and very Gothic palace. It is said to have been designed by a Frenchman belonging to the royal Bourbon dynasty. Sadar Manzil Near the Shaukat Mahal lies the elegant Sadar Manzil that used to be the hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal. • Museums:- Bharat Bhavan This mecca for the art lovers is a centre for performing and visual arts. Designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, it has a museum, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre, indoor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal rooms, and libraries. It is open 2 pm to 8 pm every day except Mondays. Government Archeological Museum Located in the picturesque Shamla Hills, the museum has a collection of coins, sculptures and paintings. It is open 10 am to 6 pm except on Mondays (Tel: 2553307, 2553432). Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind) This is a unique and innovative attempt to showcase the life of tribals from all over India. Almost 200 acres of land has been transformed into tribal villages, highlighting their architecture, crafts and pottery. The tribals themselves are said to have designed the museum display. The museum is open every day expect on Mondays and national holidays, from 10 am to 6 pm. • Lakes and Parks:- Upper Lake, Lower Lake and Shahpura Lake These beautiful lakes have rightfully given Bhopal its epithet the City of Lakes. Upper Lake is certainly where the action is. MP Tourism offers sailing and boating facilities here, at very nominal rates. The lake has a walkway, an aquarium, and a dargah, or memorial, to Shah Ali Shah. Van Vihar This safari park is on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake. Animal watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species, and it makes a great picnic spot. The best time to visit is around 4 pm when animals come out for food. The park is closed on Tuesdays. • Religious Places:- This imposing mosque built by Sikander Jehan in 1860 is architecturally similar to Delhi's Jama Masjid. Though much smaller than the one in Delhi, the mosque has two dark-red minarets crowned by golden spikes. Taj-ul-Masjid This towering edifice begun by Shah Jehan Begum is the largest mosque in the country. After her death in 1926, lack of funds prevented the completion of the masjid; construction was resumed only in 1971. Its most striking features are the impressive prayer hall with inter-arched roof, broad face and a spacious courtyard. The three-day Ijtima or religious congregation held here annually draws people from all over the world. Mahavirgiri The highest point of the city has a recently-built temple. You can use the ropeway to reach it, or drive up. • Festivals:- Located in the heartland, the city is home to people from all religions. Hence all festivals are celebrated with great fervour. Be it, Diwali, Holi or Rangpanchmi, Id-Ul-Fitr, Christmas, Guru Nanak Jayanti or for that matter Pongal. The city is famous worldwide for its three-day long congregation Ijitma held annually.
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