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What to see in Madhya Pradesh
 
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The city is also the gateway to the 3rd century Buddist Sanchi and neolithic caves of Bhimbetka. Bhopal today presents a multi faceted profile the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled over Bhopal from 1819 - 1926.

How to reach:
Bhopal has an airport and is connected to Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai. It is also a major railway junction and is well connected with all the major cities of India. There are regular bus services connecting Bhopal to Indore(186 kms), Mandu(285 kms), Ujjain(188 kms), Khajuraho(383 kms), Panchmarhi(195 kms), Gwalior(423 kms), Sanchi(46 kms), Jabalpur(295 kms) and Shivpuri(311 kms).

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Places to see

Taj-ul-Masjid
It is said to be the largest mosque in the country. An annual three-day Ijtima congregation is held here. It was started by Shah Jehan Begum in 1868 but was completed only after 1971. The main hall and the courtyard form the striking features of the beautiful structure.

Jama Masjid
Located in the centre of the Chowk Bazar, this is a beautiful mosque with gold spikes on the top of the minarets. It took 24 years to complete this imposing structure. Built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum.

Moti Masjid
The architecture of this mosque is similar to that of the Jama Masjid of Delhi. It was built in 1860 by the Sikandar Jehan Begum.

Chowk
The chowk, with its old mosque and havelis, is the place to go looking for traditional Bhopali crafts, silver jewellery, beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet purse and cushions.

Islamnagar
It is 11 kms away from the city of Bhopal. Islamnagar was built by Dost Mohammad and was the palace of Bhopal's Afghan rulers.

Others
Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil, Bharat Bhawan, Tribal Habitat, an exhibition of the various tribal cultures in India, Government Archaeological Museum, Van Vihar, a safari park located on a hill near the upper lake, the lower lake and the fish-shaped aquarium are other places worth seeing.
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Excursions

Bhimbetka
Bhimbetka lies 46 Kms. South of Bhopal. Travel to the pre historic era surpassing the vindhya ranges into the rocky dense forests to have a view of the Neolithic age. There are over 500 caves here having paintings depicting the life of the pre historic cave dwellers. The daily activities of the cave man have been very naturally depicted on the walls and remain intact even today. Be it scenes of hunting, animals, dancing etc.


Bhojpur
Located over 30 kms from Bhopal is Bhojpur. Bhojpur is well known for the Bhojpur temple. The legendary king Raja Bhoj who built this temple in dedicated to lord shiva is said to be over 1000 years old. There is also the biggest Shiva lingam carved out of a single stone rising to a height of 17.8 ft. This temple is still not finished but it gives a indepth analysis of the 12th and 13 th century temple design.

Samasgarh
22 kms away from Bhopal. Here there are many idols of the Jain Thirthankaras.


Manua Bhan Ki Tekri
7 kms from Bhopal. It is loacted on the top of a hill and is a Jain temple  On the Simha Gate of the temple is an old manuscript carved on the stone, the language in which it has been written is still to be deciphered

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Bhopal Cuisine

The most exquisite food of Bhopal is the meat delicacies like Spicy achar gost, Keemas. kababs, Rogan josh and Kormas. If you are a vegetarian try the traditional bafla or wheat cake which is dunked in ghee with daal, accompanied by soft laddoos. The intoxicating local liquor mahua (made from flowers of Mahua tree) is also much sought after. Buttermilk and the Sugarcane juice are two of favorite drinks in Bhopal. And last but not the least The Bhopali Paan at the end of your meal is a good digestive agent.

Bhopal has its own version of Mughalai food which is found plenty in the chowk area at extremely moderate rates. Amongst the dining pleasures of Bhopal are the special treats served at the Jahan Numa Palace hotel. For the special taste of Bhopal try Chicken Bhopali rizala that comes with a rich cashew nut gravy. The delectable deserts include Phirni - a milk and rice pudding with pistachio garnishing or Jehan Numa Sundae.
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Fairs and Festivals in Bhopal

Ijtima
Ijtima means a religious congregation and is held for 3 days and followed by a fair. The Tablighi Ijtima at Bhopal is considered amongst the biggest of Islamic congregations in the world.

Manav Sangrahalaya Fair
The national tribal museum of Bhopal holds a colourful tribal festival in the Museum of Man. Held in January and February Tribal artists and artisans from all over the country showcase their skills at the event.

National Drama Festival
A 7 day event it is held in Sept 17th onwards. Features plays in Hindi performed by troupes who come from all over the country.

Bharat Bhawan Summer Festival
Held every year at Bharat Bhavan the epicentre of cultural events it features performances by drama troupes, famous classical musicians, exhibition of paintings by eminent artisans and poetry recitals by Indian poets.

Bhopal Mahotsav
Organised by M.P tourism in collobration by M.P State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. in February at Gohar Mahal it features an food festival, crafts mela and cultural perfermances by tribal artists.
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh and literally the centre of India was founded by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century and was called Bhojapal. There are two lakes in the city of Bhopal which tell the romantic tale of the founder of the modern city of Bhopal, Dost Mohammed and the beautiful Gond queen Kamalapati.

Today, Bhopal is a prosperous city with many industries and has also managed to retain the old world charm with its old city, the local markets and many mosques. The city was one of the promienent princely states in India and imposing monuments speak of its history. It is a fairly laid back city and therein lies its charm. The lakes follow you everywhere, the air is clear and the traffic uncluttered. The city has been expanding industrially in recent years, Mandideep and Govindpura on the outskirts are the two industrial townships which house units of several important corporates.

Bhopal
Climate check
Madhya Pradesh is not called the heart of India only because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainisim and Islam. Innumerable monuments exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state. The National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and many others you can spot the tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deers and antelopes.