bhopal Archives - Ghoomophiro

48 Hrs in the Capital City Bhopal

Often regarded as the city of lakes, Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India. It was founded in the 11^th century by the King Bhoja who ruled the city from the then capital Dhar. The capital city was named after the King Bhoja and a damn, which in Bhopal is referred to as Pal. Bhopal is one of the greenest cities in India and hosts a string of attractions of historical significance.

How to Reach

Being the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is well connected to other major cities in India. If traveling via Delhi, Bhopal Express from Nizamuddin is a good and economical option.

Places to Visit

Sanchi

The Sanchi Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest and the most wonderful structures of ancient India, constructed under the support of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Located at about 46 km north-east of Bhopal, the Sanchi Stupa edifices the Buddhist architecture and sculpture beginning from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

The carvings on the four archways at the Great Stupa of Sanchi present an overwhelming sight of Brahmi script inscriptions and carvings. These carvings are a perfect confluence of life events from Lord Buddha’s life and the Jataka Tales.

Bhimbteka

At 46 km away from Bhopal, you can find the which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves date back to the period from the Upper Paleolithic to the Medieval and are evidence to the rich lives of prehistoric humans, their clothes and adornments were worn, art and music, weapons used and animal life. The cave walls rich with paintings reveal interesting details about the everyday lives and lifestyle of the early man. They are regarded as the most exceptional specimens of prehistoric paintings discovered in India.

Lakes
The Bhojtal, also known as the Upper Lake is the largest in Bhopal and among India’s oldest man-made lakes, which is said to have been built by the Parmarah around the 11th century AD. The Upper Lake and the Lower Lake are separated by an over-bridge and the Lower Lake is situated in the old part of the city. This lake is a prime sightseeing attraction of Bhopal.

Birla Museum

The museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the capital city was launched in the year 1971. It is famous for its collection of artefacts and other remnants of historical significance.

Gohar Mahal

Gohar is right behind the famous Shaukat Mahal in Bhopal. It is situated on the edge of the famous Upper Lake. This beautiful Mahal was made in the memory of Gohar Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal.

Museum of Mankind

The museum has been dedicated to the tribal communities of the country. The museum covers an area of two hundred acres and showcases collections from the pre-historic era.

Bharat Bhavan

Bharat Bhavan is the center of visual arts right in the heart of Bhopal city. It is one of the most visited places in the capital city. Bharat Bhavan has a large collection of visual, performing, and vocal arts.

Sadar Manzil

Bhopal is the center of architectural wonders of India and Sadar Manzil is one such architecture that is also historically significant. It is situated next to Royal Enclaves that once served as the courtroom for the rulers of the capital city.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one the most visited places in Bhopal city. It is situated on the top of Arera Hills. This temple is also known as the famous Birla Mandir. As the name suggests, this temple has been dedicated to the Goddess of wealth—Laxmi.

Things to Do

Boating

Bhopal is the city of lakes and the best way to explore its lakes is by taking a boat ride. A boat ride lets you enjoy the real beauty of the capital city.

Shopping

Apart from sightseeing, there are loads of things that you can shop in Bhopal. You can go shopping and splurge on silver jewelry, hand embroidered clothes, chanderi, and Maheshwari Sarees.

Restaurants and Food

Bhopal is not only famous for its architectural heritage but also for its delicious food. Some of the best places to eat in Bhopal are:Greek Food Beyond La Kuchina and Za-aiqa. You can enjoy the best Mughlai and Peshawari cuisine here.

Places to Stay

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Hence, it has a variety of hotels, guest houses, resorts, and lodges for people from all walks of life. You can get any accommodation of choice depending on your requirements and budget. Some of the best options to stay are Kinara, 10 Downing Street, The Kasbah, MoMo Café, La Kuchina, Greek Food and Beyond, Neelam Chat and Restaurant and Café Craft.Split by a pair of lakes, Bhopal enamours you in its own way and vie. The old ancient structures, prehistoric paintings, and the oldest man-made lakes bring your trip to life.

Forsyth Lodge- Experiential Lodge to get lost in Satpura Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Forsyth Lodge, is a 2 hrs drive from Bhopal airport. It is just 10 min away from Madhai gate of Satpura tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Accommodation: There are 12 luxury cottages overlooking 44acres of land. Each cottage is well spacious, well maintained with best of fixtures. Rooms are comforting; with few of them have machan terraces. As you enter the room, you are welcomed by a beautiful message that talks about wilderness. Interiors are very artistic and remind you “welcome to jungle”. Their walls are made from packed straw, mud and cow dung (as is the local building style) and painted with wild animals and flowers, giving them a whimsical touch. Cottages have private balconies, wherein you can sip your morning coffee, read your favorite book overlooking the great jungle. Air conditioning, Fan, Mosquito net, Extra beds Terrace Bathrobes, Toiletries , Hairdryer etc are available. The highlight of the cottages are their Eco-friendliness. Every small thing kept there is well thought. Everything here is recycled, even the fixtures in washroom are such that, water can be recycled. Basic amenities like swimming pool, spa is available.

Meals: Meals (included in the room rate) are served in various locations around the lodge. Under trees, by the pool, on sofa’d torchlit terraces or in dining rooms. There are Western and Indian offerings at each meal with detailed menu laid out.
Breakfast was equally delicious and plentiful: fruit and fresh-pressed pomegranate juice, followed by eggs cooked to order, grilled tomato, bacon, mushroom ragout and multigrain toast. Out on an early safari? Then it’s a packed breakfast in the middle of the tiger reserve for you.
Afternoon tea, with its fresh-baked cookies and cakes, is nice, but it’s dinner when Forsyth pulls out all the stops: cocktails and nibbles around a roaring bonfire, followed by dinner under the stars, either on a terrace in the main lodge or out in the bush with oil lamps hung from the trees (the bar was set up on a bullock cart!). You start with a soup and then move on to succulent meat curries and fragrant vegetarian dishes served with Indian bread.
#theForsythExperience – Yes, this is what one would call #theForsythExperience, when you are greeted by wonderful hosts Rishi and his team, who work reluctantly to ensure the best experience for each guest, by their constant efforts. It seems these guys are on a mission to bring you close to wildlife. There are multiple activities, which team involves you in. The itinerary planned is power packed, and the day starts with the wake-up call at 6 AM, to go for a walk inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve. These jungle walks are accompanied by great naturalists David Raju and Surya, who let you discover the vast array of species inside the jungle. The highlight of this walk is spotted dears and breakfast in the midst of the jungle. Other excursions being organized by lodge includes Canoeing, wherein you can watch birds involved in soaking in sunlight, as you paddle the canoe nearest to them and watch the sunrise in beautiful Deneva river. One can also enjoy Jeep safari and enjoy the drive with sloth bears, spotted deer, gaurs, bisons and other wild animals in their natural surroundings. I was lucky to get hold of the mother bear with her two cubs in action. The place is a paradise for the bird watcher. Evenings are made beautiful with bonfires and bullock cart dinner experience, where you can enjoy your dinner under the sky in amazingly romantic ambiance. This dinner is usually followed by star gazing, where you are taken to the stories of greeks and Romans. 2 days are little short to complete the experience as there is a lot more to explore with eminent naturalists. Btw, not to miss is the handsome dog there, who is just adorable. It is indeed a recommended place, if you are looking for a getaway away from the city with limited access to the network, and want to get lost in the wilderness. It is the place, from where you would surely not like to come back. It is indeed bewitching and at times gives you the feeling that whole property belongs to you.

P.S-> During Monsoons, Lodge is closed for renovations.
Thank you Forsyth Lodge for the amazing experience. You can reach out to them at Facebook,Instagram,twitter.