If history, culture and ancient art gives you interest then visit State Archaeological Museum

If history, culture and ancient art is what that interests you, the ‘State Archaeological Museum is a place just for your kinds in Bhopal. Inaugurated in November 2005, this museum is one of the most significant museums in the city showcasing the rich cultural heritage and legacy of Madhya Pradesh in the form of rare ancient paintings, sculptures and other objects of historical and archaeological significance.

Viewers view

As you enter the museum, walk into the age of pre-historic men and get to see some of the most well-preserved fossils from their times, marvel on an excellent collection of paintings copied and brought from the famous ‘Bagh Caves’ near Mandu, get awe-struck with a colossal statue of Lord Buddha on display or admire the art and craftsmanship of sculptors of olden times who brought to life, the sensual romance of ‘Khajuraho’.

Ambiance

Truly a paradise for art lovers and archaeology buffs, the ‘State Archaeological Museum’ definitely needs to be on your itineraries while travelling to Bhopal. And needless to say, it’s a great place for kids too, giving them an insight into a rich past of Central India.

Attraction

A collection of magnificently carved sculptures of Goddess Lakshmi and Hindu Trinity Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, are sure to spellbind you with their magical charm. Numerous bronze statues of Jain Tirthankaras excavated from the site of ‘Dhar’ in Madhya Pradesh are also exhibited at the museum and attract lots of admiration from the onlookers. Other artefacts of much historical significance displayed at the museum include collection of ancient coins, musical instruments, handicrafts from various tribal villages of Madhya Pradesh (most noteworthy are which from the ancient tribes of Bastar) and costumes, jewelry & miniatures belonging to erstwhile kings of the Malwa region.

The categories

The categorized art and artifacts in the State Museum are displayed in its seventeen galleries and some among the galleries includes : The State Museum consists of seventeen galleries, which includes Numismatics Gallery with a huge collection of coins; The Bagh gallery displaying the paintings of various schools and copies of paintings from the Bagh Caves near Mandu; Musical Instruments Gallery that preserve some of the rare musical instruments; Fossils gallery housing a large collection of fossil remains from the pre-historic sites; Royal Art Gallery exhibiting the artifacts from the personal collection of the Nawabs of Bhopal and other objects of arts and crafts, figurines, tribal handicrafts etc.

Address and Timings

Address: Shyamla Hills Rd, NITTTR Campus, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462002, India

Timings :10 am – 5.30 pm ( closed on Mondays)

Entry fee:

Rs 10 for Indians

Rs 100 for Foreigners

Rs 50 for Still Camera

Rs 200 for Video Camera

Lakshmi Narayan (Birla Mandir) Temple Bhopal

Lakshmi Narayan (Birla Mandir) is a manifestation of Vishnu in the Hindu religion. It is usually referring to Vishnu, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort, Lakshmi, in his abode, Vaikuntha. Lakshmi is depicted as standing next to a dark-skinned Vishnu, who is holding a conch, mace, lotus and the Sudarshana Chakra. Another depiction of Lakshminarayan portrays Lakshmi in the service of Narayan, who is reclining on the cosmic serpent Sesha, floating in the Ocean of Milk.

Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir (Birla Temple) refers to different Hindu temples or Mandirs built by the Birla family, in different cities. All these temples are magnificently built, some of them in white marble or in sandstone. The temples are generally located in a prominent location, carefully designed to accommodate a large number of visitors.

Birla Mandir(Lakshmi NarayanTemple)

Birla Mandir also known as Lakshmi NarayanTemple is situated at the highest point of Bhopal, atop area Hills dedicated to goddess Lakshmi. Birla Mandir not only provides a spiritual experience but also a panoramic view of the breath taking picturesque city of Bhopal. It is a place where one can have an overview of the entire Bhopal city. Apart from Lakshmi and her husband Vishnu, this temple also houses a beautiful shrine of Lord Shiva, with his wife Parvathi.

Ambiance

The serene atmosphere of this magnificient shrine gives spiritual solace to the devotees. The temple has a museum attached to it where there is a rich collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The collection dates back to the 12th century era of the Paramaras when art and culture flourished in the state.

Entrance

The sandy-yellowish temple has an old-worldly charm about it, with a huge turret on one side of the building. You enter the temple through a magnificent archway, and the sprawling lawns that surround the complex lend it a picturesque appeal.

Street Vendors

After visiting a shrine when you come out of the temple delicious street food is waiting for you. Yes you will get various types of scrumptious snacks or food which would give peace to your mind and stomach.

Address and Timings

Address: Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: Morning 6.30 Am to 11.30 Am

Evening 4 pm to 9 Pm

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

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

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

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.

Gohar Mahal ( Bhopal )

Bhopal is a place of peace and harmony .It has a past to which we can sit and listen too. With gazillion amount of historical places which are situated over here we will tell you about one of the famous mahal that is “ GOHAR MAHAL.” Gohar Mahal is a part of Bhopal’s rich legacy ,it is a fine example of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. let’s know more about it.

History of Gohar Mahal

Qudisiya Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal has built it in 1820. This place is a reflection of the golden past of Begums and Nawabs. It is situated alongside the serene Lake which adds the beauty to it. Gohar Mahal is a fine example of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The Mahal is a marvel with jharokhas that look into the courtyard and has been carefully restored and preserved.

Ambiance

It has a airy hall which overlooks the glimmering lake while the remains of ancient paintings and the wonderful woodwork mirror the architectural wonder of the palace. This place resemble the culture of old rajah and maharajah’s time or the mughal times when begums use to rule in this turf.

Fair ( Antique Jewelry Collections)

If you are a person who likes to try different things whether it may be in home decor , clothes jewelries that too antique definitely this place is a must visit for you it has been restored to its old glory. This venue would now be completely dedicated to the artisans of Madhya Pradesh.

Handicraft Items

A hand loom and handicraft training center will be opened, which would display the history of handicrafts, hand looms and apparels in Madhya Pradesh, besides showcasing their manufacturing process and other aspects. One can visit here and can purchased the handicraft items which definitely you will cherish in your whole life.