Van Vihar National Park for natural wildlife lovers

Van vihar is a national park located adjacent to the upper lake of Bhopal. Although it is declared as national park but one’s you visit there you will find it as a zoological park. Those who love natural wildlife for them this place would be the best to see various creatures of wildlife. Apart from this tandem bicycle are also available here, one can do photography and more.

About the park

Van Vihar National Park is a national park in central India. It is located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Declared a national park in 1979, it covers an area of about 4.45 km2. Although it has the status of a national park, Van Vihar is developed and managed as a modern zoological park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. The animals are kept in their near natural habitat.

Easy Access

Van Vihar is unique because it allows easy access to the visitors through a road passing through the park, security of animals assured from poachers by building trenches and walls, chain-link fence and by providing natural habitat to the animals.

History

About two decades back, a number of illegal stone quarries were operational in the area and being in the serene and beautiful location on the bank of big lake, many commercial organizations were trying to take hold of this valuable piece of land. Realizing importance of both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of wild fauna, it was decided to provide this area a legal umbrella under the Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972.

Animals

One can see both kind of categories of animals ie, captive and herbivores. The animals, such as the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, wild cats, Indian wolf, Sloth bear, Red fox, Indian jackal, wild dog, mongoose, striped hyena, mugger Crocodile, gharial, and snakes such as the python are kept in captivity and Free ranging animals, such as Cheetal, Sambhar, Blackbuck, Blue bull, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Hare, Rhesus Macaque, Red Monkey, Common Langur, etc. are unique features of Van Vihar.

Address and Timings

Address: Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar,

Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: 6.30 am to 6.45 pm

Entry fee:

1) Individual on Foot / Cycling 20/30 Rs

2) 2 Wheeler (Max 2 persons per Vehicle) 60 Rs

3) Auto Rickshaw (Max 4 persons including driver) 120 Rs

4) Car / Light Vehicles / SUV’s (Max 8 persons including driver) 250 Rs

5) Mini Bus (Max 20 persons, extra will be charged) 1100 Rs

6) Trekking Longer Duration (More than 2 hours on fixed route) per person

7) Movie Making including Still Photography (Per Person / Per Day) 20000 Rs

upto 7 days

8) Commercial Photography / Videography (Per Person / Per Day) 15000 Rs

8 – 15 days

9) Internal Area Safari (min 6 persons) rate per person 50 Rs

Get back to the ancient time by visiting at Birla Museum Bhopal

Bhopal which is aptly referred to as the “City of Lakes”, has a lot of places to explore and to get away with the place with cherished memories. It is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal is a culturally affluent city and is growing in leaps and bounds as a chief tourist destination in Central India. The city can vouch for its unrivalled appeal and houses a lot of museums and galleries of which Birla Museum, Bhopal truly deserves a visit. It has a lot of informative and interesting artifacts belonging to the historic era of Madhya Pradesh and one will get to learn a lot from these places.

The viewers view

The rich culture and heritage and its various aspects get manifested in the Birla Museum in Bhopal which occupies a significant place among the monuments and museums in Bhopal. Stone sculptures, terracotta’s, manuscripts and paintings are displayed in this museum. There are primitive tools and implements that were used during the Paleolithic and Neolithic period which are also on display. A marvelous scale model of the Bhimbetka rock shelter with its ancient murals is surely going to astound the onlookers with its divine appeal.

Ambiance

The museum takes you an era which you would have just seen in books or have heard it. You will really enjoy the museum with a peaceful atmosphere here and getting a vast knowledge of various manuscripts and paintings. And if you are a lover of past happenings then if would really attract you and will leave you with a lot of knowledge.

Attraction

The tourists interested in archaeology can also observe the stone sculptures that date from the 7th to 13th century collected from the various archaeological sites. Coins and manuscripts and Terracotta belonging to 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD are also exhibited here in Birla Museum. The sculptures show Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti. Especially impressive are the Varaha Avatar in the Vishnu Gallery which has good works showing Lord Vishnu and his avatars, the Devi gallery with various goddesses including a superb Chamunda, finely carved voluptuous apsaras and fertility figures, and the Shiva Gallery with some beautifully carved reliefs of Uma-Maheshwar on Mount Kailash.

Street Venders

In front of the Birla temple or museum you will get street stalls. Gazillion number of streets venders are ready to solace your watering mouth by delicious dishes. Various snacks would be available there so after having a round of Birla mandir and museum you can fill your stomach by scrumptious street food.

Address and Timings

Address :Vallabh Bhavan road , Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011, India

Timings :all days of week

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Manuabhan Tekri , the view from the top of city

Manuabhan Tekri is one of the top hillock place in Bhopal. This is one of the most fascinating tourist place in Bhopal to take a panoramic view of the city. Tekri is one of the few places in Bhopal from where you can truly see the spectacular and adventurous side of Bhopal. Manuabhan Tekri is full of adventurous as it not only made for adventurous thing but this place is famous for religious purposes too.

History

Manua Bhan Ki Tekri is also known as Mahavir Giri as this name was given by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and a concerted road was constructed to access the hill with an ease. This hill is having an elevation of 1300 feet above mean sea level. Mantug he was a Scoffer in the court of Emperor Bhoj and his job was to entertain the King by various comedies and acts, indeed he was an artist. Once he got bored with his job and left the court. He veered himself and dedicated to religious and spiritual activities later he was known as Mantugacharya. This hillock is dedicated to him and Manua Bhan is the impaired name of Mantugacharya.

Art and Architecture

During the rule of Qudsiya Begum an excavation work was commissioned where an Idol of Lord Mahavir was discovered which was installed in a Shwetambar Jain temple in Chowk. Now this hillock is a famous tourist spot as one magnificent Jain temple is constructed in purely Rajsthani style, a garden is developed, Ropeway point, children’s play zone, Snacks and coffee shops etc. catering to the beautiful hillock.

Beautiful View Point

Tourists find a beautiful view point as eyes follows the so marvelous and panoramic views just to catch them. A very attractive point where all tourists find beautiful sights of surroundings. There are many famous restaurants like Filfora, Sharma Fast-food, Domino’s Pizza etc and Bhopal’s most beautiful hotel Noor-Us-Saba, Hotel Shagun etc for visitor’s comfort and taste for their appetite. Bhopal Ropeway is the nearest attraction and just on the way Bal Hanuman Mandir, Lord Shiva’s temple, Bijasinidevi temples attracts the visitors and devotee’s other attractions like famous Gufa Mandir, Taj-Ul-Masajid, Tomb of Sirdar Dost Mohammad Khan and Fateh Bibi etc. are the attractions which will surprise the visitors.

Ambiance

Rainy weather would attract people more towards it as one will find clouds moving beneath him in addition the lush green aura surrounded the hill would bolster you in solace your mind and heart.

Temple and Rope Way

Situated atop a hill is the beautiful Manua Bhan Ki Tekri, a famous pilgrimage spot for Jain devotees. Also known as Mahaveer Giri, it is known for its exquisite architecture and panoramic views of the city. The tekri houses the footwear of Jain saint Shri Jindutta Sureshwarji, Maharaj Shri Vijay Suriji and Acharya Manutung, along with an idol of Shri Man Bhadarji. Tickets for adult for rope way would be cost around 50 Rs. It’s all depend on your discretion weather you want to reach at the top by road or through rope way.

Food and Cafe corner

Various eateries points are present over here for tourist. Delicious snacks with mesmerizing view would be icing on the cake. Hot coffee and drizzling rain would enhance your happiness at a higher level.

Address and Timings

Address: Sun City, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timing: 6.30 am to 8 pm

Moti Masjid famous and interesting site to visit in Bhopal

Moti masjid also known as the ‘Pearl Mosque’ because of its sparkling white marbled floor, ‘Moti Masjid’ is yet another famous and interesting site to visit in Bhopal. Built in 1860, under the rule of Sikander Jehan Begum, one of the most liberated women in the history of Bhopal who worked towards progression of the city by building several monuments, roads and bridges, this mosque stands as a testament to her incredible efforts and off-course to the glorious chapter of Bhopal’s history when it was led by women rulers. Remarkably resembling the architectural style of Jama Masjid in Delhi, though relatively small, ‘Moti Masjid’ is still considered an important pilgrimage destination for Muslims and people travel here from far and wide to offer their prayers.

The viewers view

The 19th century old mosque stands impressively tall in bright brick red color flanking the white marbled edifice that is crowned by two small cupolas. On each side of the mosque, stands the two dark red minarets adorned with golden spikes on top. Every day, the call to the faithful followers of Islam is given from the top of these minarets, which are considered as gateway to heaven on earth.

Ambiance

Located just in the heart of the old city, one can easily get to this mosque by hiring an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. And after reaching here the mesmerizing view of the place will leave you with a soul which will definitely reach to peace. And you will really love the place a lot.

Food

The sacred shrine is surrounded with the bustling markets lined up with street vendors selling the local and chatpata flavors of Bhopal so, if you are a foodie combine your visit here with some stroll along the effervescent streets, feasting your taste buds with authentic street flavors of Central India.

Attraction

The Moti Masjid, Bhopal is a relatively smaller sized monument hat was built in the year 1860 by Sikander Jehan. The mosque has two dark red towers with golden spikes. The architecture of the Moti masjid resembles the Jama Masjid in Delhi.And its two white facades attract you the most sparkling like a pearl, that is why it is also called pearl mosque.

Address and Timings

Address: Imami Gate Rd, Peer Gate, Bhopal – 462001

Timings :6 30 am to 7 pm

Chill out with friends at (CCD)Cafe Coffee Day,Bhopal

Cafe Coffee Day (abbreviated as CCD) is an Indian cafe chain owned by Coffee Day Global Limited, a subsidiary of Coffee Day Enterprises Limited. Coffee Day serves 1.8 billion cups of coffee, annually, in six countries. In India cafe coffee day chain has been sprawled all over the country. People love to go to CCD to do meeting, to chill out with friends or to spend some quality time with their partner. Have you ever thought when this cafe has been started? Let’s know about it.

History

Cafe Coffee Day Global Limited Company is a Chikkamagaluru based business which grows coffee in its own estates of 12, 000 acres. It is the largest producer of arabica beans in Asia exporting to various countries including USA, Europe and Japan. Cafe Coffee Day was started as a retail restaurant in 1996. The first CCD outlet was set up on July 11, 1996, at Brigade Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It rapidly expanded across various cities in India adding more stores with more than 1000 cafés open across the nation by 2011.

Coffee Shops

CCD ie cafe coffee day’s branch is available in every nook and corner of Bhopal. But if you are seeking for the combination of beautiful view with brewing coffee than I must say lakeview side ccd is the best place to visit. Summer, winter or monsoon visit at any time this place would help you in changing your mood.

Snacks Bar

Non-veg or veg both types of snacks are available here. Once you will try the snacks of this cafe it would be difficult for you to forget the taste of the delicious snacks. Order veg or non-veg sandwiches or pizza you will love it.

Ambiance

Lake view’s CCD is a little bit costly than any other CCD in Bhopal. But remember one thing only this CCD would give you the opportunity to enjoy a sip of coffee while cherishing the beauty of lake or nature. You can spend here quality time with your friends or partner. They will provide you excellent coffee inside and mesmerizing view from outside.

Restaurant

Here you will get the raw, fresh and strong, coffee. Visit at this place specially on monsoon or winter season. Hot snacks with cold coffee or brewing coffee is quite good combination and don’t forget to taste sizzling chocolate brownie. Without having chocolate brownie your visit would be incomplete.

Image result for cafe coffee day lake view bhopal interior

Address and Timings

Address: Jal Tarang Building, Van Vihar Road, Bhopal – 462002,

Lake Conservation Boat Club, Bada Talab, Next to Chief Minister Bungalow

Timing: 11AM to 11PM

Tribal Museum (Bhopal)

Bhopal has quietly emerged as the museum capital of India. The city is a hub of cultural connections that stretch back millenniums and its diversity is reflected in the museums. But the most exciting in this and the youngest of all is the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, opened in 2013. It is spread over 7 acres of land next to the Archaeological Museum, it is housed in a striking building designed by Revathi Kamath.

The viewers view

The Tribal Museum stands out from all others in the country because of the way its exhibits are put up. It does not conform to the old, sedate style of showing individual artworks as distinct masterpieces, with little contextual information. Instead, it celebrates the ways of life practised by the seven major tribes in the state – the Gond, Bheel, Korku, Baiga, Sahariya, Kol and Bhariya – through their crafts. In a series of riotously colourful galleries whose roofs soar as high as three-storey buildings, the dramatically-lit artefacts project tribal living, aesthetics, and spiritual beliefs. Another couple of galleries showcase the state’s cultural diversity and the works of the tribal of Chhattisgarh. The artworks can hang from trees, can leap at you from walls, or, in one gallery, can be seen from a two-storeyed wooden porch in the middle.

Ambiance

Its an endeavour of creativity and hard work- creates a feeling of awe, a must-see museum in Bhopal. The culture and heritage of the tribes of MP are showcased in the most artistic manner possible. Beautifully done up museum. highly informative as well. one of its kind. It feels really good feel here, as if you have travelled the past and you get to know everything very deeply here. you would not regret coming here if you are fond of museums and you are a history lover then really do visit here.

Attractions

The well-planned campus is divided into 6 galleries depicting Cultural Diversity, Tribal Life, Tribal Art, Tribal Mythology, Tribal of Chhattisgarh and Tribal Games. It also has Art Exhibition Gallery and Open Air Theatre. Gallery 1 shows the cultural diversity of various tribes in Madhya Pradesh and adjoining states. Gallery 2 shows day to day life of tribal, their houses, how they live in them, what all basic methods and tools they use to preserve food grains, to cook, the material used to build houses and decorative art facts. Gallery 3 is all about the art and culture of tribal life. Everything in tribal life revolves around the circle of life i.e. Birth, Marriage and Death. Gallery 4 is dedicated to mythological beliefs of tribes; every tribe and its sub tribes have their own mythological belief and view about the creator and destructor. Gallery 5 is made for guest state and currently exhibits details about tribal of Chhattisgarh. Gallery 6 is for showcasing the various games children of these tribes plays like pitoo, stilt and many other indigenously discovered fun activities that keeps them busy.

Food

Here is a nice big canteen and spacious too. You could snack up yourself here in the canteen with a variety of snacks, beverages and water Is also available here. After a visit in the Tribal museum you can sit here calmly order your food and enjoy it sitting with your friends, family or partner.

Events and plays

In Tribal Museum you can enjoy lots of plays, dramas, events. Here they have auditoriums which you can know how to get booked for your team if you are a participant or else you can come enjoy the shows if you are keen watcher of all these stuffs. So many events like Malwa utsav , Bhagoria Tribal festival ,lokrang smaroh , cultural camp, MP state tourism quiz . So many local plays that are known as Natak or drama are also held here for which you can get the information from visiting this place more.

Address, timings and entry fee

Address: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum Shyamala Hills, Bhopal

Timing: 12 pm to 8 pm, Museum is closed on Mondays

Entry fee: Indian visitors: Rs 10 per person (10 yrs and above)

Foreigner visitors: Rs 100 per person (10 yrs. and above)

For Photography: Rs 50 (Camera without stand/tripod/flash)

Manav sangrahalaya , integrated story of evolution of man

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) or National Museum of Humankind or Museum of Man is an anthropology museum to present an integrated story of the evolution of man and culture with special reference to India. It spreads over an area of about 200 acres on the Shyamla Hills in the city. This museum depicts the story of mankind in time and space.

The visitors view

Here in Manav Sangralay it has open air as well as indoor museum which can be said to have one of the biggest in India! Homes/ huts from each state of India (including the Himalayan , deserts and coastal villages) have been designed, with rooms, kitchens and traditional decorations, which takes your breath away. Even the murals, masks, puppets are so wonderful! Information placards including Braille assist us in our visual journey into little villages of India. The complex is huge and requires one entire day to explore completely.

Ambiance

This is amazing place and must visit for all those who have interest in history and evolution of mankind. The place is very peaceful and it gives you an idea of how the people used to lives in that era and what all stuffs they used in their time.

Attractions

The uniqueness of the Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is heightened by the fact that it is the one of is the only museum worldwide to have numerous pre historic painted rock shelters. This is a post colonial museum of communities, a repertoire of tribal and folk arts. There is a well stocked library, audio-visual archives, computerize documentations and a wide collection of ethnographic specimens, which are among the best collections worldwide.

Food

The canteen which have simple yet tasty thali of rice, puri, dal, sabzi, pickle and salad or simply if you want wafers, cold drinks and water that is easily available here in Manav Sangralay .

Exhibitions and Events

GRMS has a few permanent exhibitions, broadly categorized as a) Open-exhibitions, b) Indoor galleries (Veethi-Sankul and Bhopal Gallery) and c) Periodical/ Temporary exhibitions. It also has other exhibitions categorized as 1. Online exhibitions, 2. Travelling exhibitions, 3. Special exhibitions and 4. Ongoing exhibitions. Some events which are

The programs and activities of the organization are carried out under three sub-schemes namely:

1. Infrastructure Development: (Development of Museum Complex),

2. Education and outreach program

3. Operation salvage

Address and Timings

Address: timings and entry fee

Address: Lower Lake View, Near Boat Club, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: All days of the week except Monday (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Entry fees: Rs 30 per person for adults

Rs 15 per person for children above 12 years

Visit Sair Sapata you will get the complete package of entertainment

Sair Sapata is a complete package of entertainment, fun and tourism. It has been inaugurated on 29 September 2011. Here you can spend your leisure time by doing some adventurous sport activities. Sair Sapata has too many attractive spots which would allure to spend your time here with your family and friends. This place would be the best choice specially for the children at they will get an opportunity to do different types of sport activities plus a huge play ground where they can play n number of games in an open area.

About Sair Sapata

Sair Sapata is a tourism and entertainment complex situated on the banks of the Upper Lake in Bhopal. Developed by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, it is spread over an area of 24.56 acres. Its aim is to promote tourism, the complex has attractions like musical fountain, two acres of children’s play area, toy train and a suspension bridge, among other things.

Suspension Bridge

The cynosure of this area attracts too many tourists to come at this place. Suspension bridge which connects Prempura and Sewania. This bridge is built along the lines of the Lachman Jhula in Haridwar. It is the main attraction of Sair Sapata and is 183.20 m long and 3.6 m wide. The bridge is built of RCC deck slabs and is believed to be the first pedestrian bridge in India to be built this way. Boat rides can be taken in the lake, in small pedal boats. In addition, there are four food kiosks, a restaurant, three viewpoints, etc.

Picnic Destination

The ambiance would give you and your family peace and solacement which would bolster you in rejuvenating yourself. After a long tiring or boredom day one can come here and spend some quality time with his family and children.

Food Zone

Food vendors provide you variety of cuisine. South Indian cuisine, North Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine or Continental cuisine one will get plenty of options here to feed their glutton.

Musical Fountain and an Amazing View

Indeed, if you go at Sair Sapata in the evening you can enjoy an enticing musical fountain which would give you the glimpse of an iconic art of nature. Apart from this while seeing calm and peaceful lake you can also enjoy the natural ravishing beauty of sunset.

Location and Time

Address: Prempura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462044

Timings : 11 AM to 10 PM

A place for drama lovers Bharat Bhavan Bhopal

Bharat bhavan, inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi on 13th February 1982, it is multi art center set up to create an interactive proximity between the verbal, visual and performing arts. Bharat Bhavan provides space for contemporary expression, thought, quest and innovation. It seeks to provide a creative and thought-provoking milieu to those who wish to contribute something new and meaningful, in contemporary scene in the fine arts, literature, theater, cinema, dance and music. Bharat bhavan houses some of the best and most lasting that is being created in our towns, villages and forests.

The visitors view

Charles Correa the architect found here the possibilities of a series of terraced gardens, which would be seen cascading down to the lake. The visitors enter at the highest level and walk down a pedestrian spine, flanked by a pattern of courtyards, to reach the various parts of the complex. Each curve and space define itself. Each of the part of the building is distinct yet flows easily one another, linked by meandering paths. The total effect is one of the surprise and pleasure.

Ambiance

The ambiance is full artistic and peaceful. One can have a beautiful view here of the lake and the sunset is very much appreciable. This place is indulge with mesmerizing galleries and gardens where you can eulogize the beauty of fine modern art and folk art.

Attractions

The complex of Bharat Bhavan includes an art gallery of Indian painting and sculpture, a fine art workshop, an open-air Amphitheatre (Bahirang), a studio theatre (Abhirang), an auditorium (Antarang), a museum tribal and folk art, libraries of Indian poetry, classical music as well as folk music.

Food

Yes of course In Bharat Bhavan is a canteen where you can get snacks, beverages and some or the other thing which can keep your stomach not make noise after a long view of the beautiful artistic place.

Events and plays

In addition to being the hotspot of many cultural activities all year round, Bharat Bhavan is also the venue for a number of illustrious events. World Poetry Festival, International Print Biennial (eight events), Biennial of contemporary Indian Art (five events), Commonwealth Countries’ Theatre workshop, National Drama Festivals, Sarangi Mela, Jaipur Gharana Music Festival, Purusha Dance Festival, National Dance Festivals, Swayam siddha (centered on the creativity of women), Kavi Bharti (trinal of Indian poetry / 4 events), Samvaya (trinal of literary criticism/ 4 events) are some of the events that are organised here over the year.

How to get here

Bharat Bhavan is located near Kilol Park, adjacent to Upper Lake and is easily accessible by all available means of transport.