Breathtaking Bhopal – City of Lakes
Bhopal - (3 Nights / 04 Days)
Overview
Bhopal lies between a pair of lakes, and has two starkly contrasting cityscapes. In the north is the old city with a fascinating area of mosques, serpentine alleys, chowks, milling crowds, exotic ‘Havelis’ and crowded bazaars while in the south lies the New Bhopal that is modern, with its wide roads, upmarket shopping complexes, plush hotels and restaurants. Both sides of Bhopal enthrall travelers in their own way and reach the child within us all. Visit not only UNESCO Heritage Sites but also experience grandiose palaces, lifestyles, architecture, royal gardens, forts, museums, lakes, eateries, caves and seeing nature at its best while visiting scenic locations.
Take a trip to Bhopal and experience the breathtaking ‘City of Lakes’ in India.
Tour Highlights
Bhopal
- Visit Moti Masjid, built by Sikander Jehan Begum, represents the rich history of the Bhopal Begums, Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil, two royal buildings that combine Indi-Saracenic and Rococo architectural styles, Gohar Mahal, constructed by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, orientation of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, Upper Lake known as ‘Bhojtal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, the oldest man-made lake, Lower Lake also known as ‘Chhota Talaab’, Kamala Park the royal garden, Boat Club with an option to indulge in water sports activities, Birla Mandir, a grandiose temple built by the Birla Group and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, Tribal Museum, the Museum of Living Aspects of Tribal Life
- Excursion to Sanchi, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Udaygiri Caves, the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India
- Excursion to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bhojpur Temple that has one of the largest Shivalingas in India and Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, a Jain temple from the 11th century
Tour Map
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Bhopal. Guided City Tour of Bhopal - Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Gohar Mahal, Upper Lake, Kamala Park, Boat Club, orientation of Jama Masjid
Check-in to hotel, welcome drink, freshen up and proceed for Guided City Tour of Bhopal
Begin with Moti Masjid, popularly also known as ‘Pearl Mosque’, it represents the rich history of the Bhopal Begums in India. The mosque was built by Sikander Jehan Begum who abolished slavery and setup the trend of the progressive woman in the city. Also visit the nearby Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil, two royal buildings at the entrance of the Chowk area. Shaukat Mahal was designed by a Frenchman and combines Indi-Saracenic and Rococo architectural styles. Sadar Manzil or Hall of Public Audience was used by the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal for their interactions with the public.
Next, proceed to visit Gohar Mahal, one of the most beautiful structures of Bhopal constructed in 1820 by the first woman ruler of Bhopal. Then drive to Upper Lake, one of the most fascinating tourist places in Bhopal. Also known as ‘Bhojtal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, it is the oldest man-made lake and is the primary source of irrigation and potable water to the residents of the city. The scenic Kamala Park lies in the same vicinity and the royal garden is an attractive tourist attraction and hub for adventure enthusiasts. The Boat Club on the eastern side of the lake offers you to indulge in optional activities like parasailing, kayaking, canoeing and rafting, enjoy the ambience of the club, a photogenic sunset, aquarium or cruise the lake in a paddle, row or speed boat.
While returning to the hotel, we will view the largest mosque in India and one of the largest in Asia,the Jama Masjid also known as Taj-ul-Masjid.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 2
Birla Mandir, Sanchi Stupa, Udaygiri Caves, Tribal Museum
After breakfast proceed to visit the awe-inspiring Birla Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple spread over 7.5 acres and adorned with well-maintained lawns and gardens, fountains and sculptures with panoramic views of the city. The grandiose temple was built by the Birla Group and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. We will also witness 12th century collections at the Birla Museum.
Next, drive to Sanchi, a UNESCO Heritage Site approx. 49km from Bhopal, to see one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in India. Next, visit Udaygiri Caves, approx. 10 km from Sanchi also known as Vishnu Padagiri, ‘the feet of Vishnu’. These caves are 20 rock-cut caves from the 5th century with some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India.
On returning back to Bhopal we will experience the vibrant colors of Madhya Pradesh at the Museum of Living Aspects of Tribal Life –Tribal Museum.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 3
Bhojpur Temple, Digambar Jain AtishayKshetra, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Lower Lake
After early breakfast drive for an excursion to Bhojpur visiting Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An archeological treasure, Bhimbetka has around 243 rock shelters with cave paintings that date back 30,000 years. The paintings have a striking resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park, Australia and the cave paintings of Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert and the Upper Paleolithic cave paintings in France.
You will see the Auditorium Rock Shelter that is a cup-like depression at the end of the shelter believed to be around 100,000 years old, the Zoo Rock that is the most densely painted rock shelter and has paintings from the Mesolithic period to the Medieval Age and the Boar Rock that is the last among the few rock shelters open for tourists that has a painting of a boar with horns, much larger than the humans around it.
Enroute visit Bhojpur Temple that houses one of the largest Shivalingas in India and Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, a Jain temple from the 11th century.
On our return to Bhopal time permitting, we will drive to Lower Lake also known as ‘Chhota Talaab’ and enjoy the ethereal beauty, tranquil and peaceful setting of the Lake.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 4
Departure from Bhopal
After breakfast, check-out from hotel.
Proceed to onward journey and return home with pleasant memories and blessings.
Information
Inclusions
- 3-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Bhopal.
- Sanitized AC Sedan or vehicle of your choice with experienced Driver.
- Sightseeing and excursion
Bhopal
- Guided City Tour of Bhopal including visit to Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Gohar Mahal, orientation of Jama Masjid. Visit Upper Lake, Kamala Park and Boat Club.
- Visit Birla Mandir and Tribal Museum.
- Excursion to Sanchi Stupa and Udaygiri Caves
- Excursion to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and visit to Bhojpur Temple, Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra.
Exclusions
- Optional activities
- At Boat Club, Bhopal
- Parasailing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Rafting
- Lake cruise in a paddle, row or speed boat.
- aquarium
- At Boat Club, Bhopal
- Any other services or meals which are not mentioned in the above “Inclusions” section.
- All personal expenses nature such as tips, laundry, telephone calls, room service, additional bottled water and additional service orders.
- Airfares and train ticket charges.
- Medical Insurance.
- Any extra expense such as route change, date change, accommodation facilities, private transportation costs that maybe incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour.
- Any extra cost due to illness, accident, hospitalization, or any personal emergency.
- Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ section.
- 5% GST will be applicable on all charges.
Guidelines
Travel Tips
Documents – International tourists must carry Passports with valid visas, NRIs must carry passports and valid OCI/PIO cards, Indian nationals must carry ID proofs (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driver’s License)
Travel Accessories – Camera, power banks, travel adapters, flashlight, portable speakers, binoculars, locks for luggage, luggage tags, language guide, travel pillow, sleeping masks, ear plugs, travel diaries, sun glasses/ sun shades/ caps, sunscreen/body lotion, Vicks
Clothing – Comfortable clothes for yoga, meditation, socks, umbrella, raincoat, walking/trekking shoes/floaters/flip-flops, light cotton wear, light jacket (windcheater/fleece), warm woollens/thermal wear (for cold months)/shawl, gloves
Health & Medicine–First Aid, hand sanitizers, hand wipes, personal medicine with doctor’s prescription (mandatory), doctor’s reports on any ailment/condition, reusable water bottle/energy drinks
Guidelines –
Nearest Airport Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO)
Nearest Railway Station Bhopal Junction (BPL)
Please adhere to government guidelines and health advisory on COVID-19
Date & Price
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Payment & Cancellation
Payment Policy
- Booking Amount (non-refundable) – 10% of the total tour cost
- 30 days – 15 days prior to departure – 50% of the total tour cost
- 14 days prior to departure – 100% of the total tour cost
*During peak seasons (X-Mas, New Year and special events) full payment is required to be made at the time of booking itself
Any TWO promotional offers cannot be clubbed together
Kindly note that the Child Policy is applicable for children between 2 – 11 years of age only. Children above 11 years of age will be considered as full adults. Infant Policy is applicable for infants less than 2 years of age.
Mode of Payment:
All clients can make payment using any of the following methods:
- Credit Card Payment (American Express / Visa / Master Card / Discover / Diners Club)
- Debit Card Payment (by Master / Visa / Maestro)
- Direct payment/transfer into Company’s Bank account
- UPI transfer by GooglePay, PayTM, PayPal, AmazonPay, PhonePe
Note:
- Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) will be borne by the traveler
Cancellation Policy
Initial booking amount is non-refundable.
- 30 days prior to departure – Initial booking amount
- 29 days – 15 days prior to departure – 50% of the total tour cost
- 14 days prior to departure – 100% of the total tour cost
Note: –
- After commencement of tour- cancellation charges as per Cancellation Policy
- This consolidated Cancellation Policy of the tour package has been drafted taking into account the various service providers and hoteliers. It may be noted that the consolidated Cancellation Policy is for the tour package which is independent of the individual cancellation policies of the hotels, transportation, sightseeing and attractions.
*For any ancillary or additional services, payment and cancellation policy of the additional service will be applicable independent of the holiday package.
**Please note that booking for peak seasons (X-Mas, New Year and special events) where full payment has been made at the time of booking is non-refundable.