Bhopal

The Bhimbetka Rock Shelter houses the earliest forms of rock art in India, with enigmatic cave paintings dating back to 30,000 years. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, these caves are cited in the Mahabharata – the name Bhimbetka translating to ‘the sitting place of Bhima’. The Bhimbetka Caves are a spectacular journey to the prehistoric era, providing a rare window into the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum displays an enriching and extraordinary plethora of artefacts depicting the living aspects of tribal life. The gallery is filled with vibrant exhibits that paint a vivid picture of the indigenous knowledge systems, art forms, aesthetics and spiritual customs. Take a deep dive into the culture of the many local tribes and gain a new perspective on tribal philosophy.

It is almost unbelievable that once upon a time, the Van Vihar National Park used to be a depleted forest zone. Today, the tranquil beauty of this park, lush landscapes and biodiversity, enchant wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. The wildly roaming cheetals and blackbucks, the tigers and lions confined to their enclosures, and migratory birds swooping past the lake all make for spectacular sights to behold.  

Taj Ul Masjid, translating to ‘Crown among Mosques’, is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest mosques in the world. A testament to the Mughal craftsmanship, this mosque spans across an area of 23,912 sq ft, with interlinked ceilings and towering minarets. Its broad pink facade, marble flooring and wide courtyards make Taj Ul Masjid an architectural marvel to witness.

The Great Emperor Ashoka built hemispherical structures, called Stupas, as a penance for his violent past and on his reformed mission to preserve the Buddhist philosophy. The stupas protect the many Buddhist relics documenting the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. The tranquil atmosphere, the intricately carved gateways and the folklore of the ruling dynasties have made this awe-inspiring structure a World Heritage Site.

One of the ‘Know Your Army’ museums, this institution chronicles the heroic feats and triumphs of our courageous soldiers at the borders. Located in the Dronachal Complex in Bhopal Military Station, the museum provides a fascinating insight into their ethos and has an impressive collection of arms and ammunition used by the Indian Armed Forces.  

Located in the south of the river Narmada, Satpura Tiger Reserve is the first biosphere reserve declared in Madhya Pradesh. Other than protected tigers, this park is also the home to several endangered species, including Indian Giant Squirrel, the Eurasian Otter and more. Seasoned bird watchers can regale in sighting over 300 species of birds. Trekking, canoeing, boat ride and elephant ride make this tour worthwhile.