Bhopal

The city is named after the founder, Paramar king Bhoja (reign 1010-1055) and in earlier times, was the centre of the Dravadian culture.

The presence of a number of natural and artificial lakes in and around the city is the reason why Bhopal is also known as “The City of Lakes”. Two large lakes effectively split the city in two: towards the North there is the old city, a fascinating area of mosques, chowks (markets), havelis and bazaars. South of the two lakes is the new Bhopal, modern, with wide roads, upmarket shopping complexes, and modern hotels and restaurants.

Within a short drive are the two UNESCO world heritage sites of Sanchi and Bhimbetka. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is an Indian historical icon dating back to the 3rd Century BC. At Bhimbetka you will find India’s best examples of prehistoric cave paintings.

Highlights

Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka, just 46 Km from Bhopal, is where India’s richest collection of prehistoric cave paintings was discovered in 1957. There are over 600 rock shelters with paintings dating back to the early stone age.

Sanchi

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The great Stupa at Sanchi, built by emperor Ashoka, is an Indian cultural icon, and, appropriatly, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the most famous of a number of stupas, monisteries, temples and pillers built on this hill dating from 3rd Centry BC to 12th century AD. Sanchi is just a short (46 Km) drive from Bhopal.

Taj-Ul-Masajid mosque

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Taj-Ul-Masajid mosque is the most imposing monument in Bhopal, begun in 1878 by Sultan Jehan Begum but left unfinished until 1971 due to funding issues. This is one of the largest mosques in India and is truly impressive. It also houses a madrassa (islamic religious school) and the main building was filled with the hustle and bustle of small children when we visited.

Hotels

Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.

Jehan Numa Palace

Jehan Numa Retreat

Tours

Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.