Jehan Numa Retreat would give you the glimpse of natural beauty

On the outskirts of Bhopal city, The Jehan Numa Retreat is the latest offering from the Jehan Numa Hotels. The Retreat is also the gateway to the last post of a nature trail in Bhopal. Prepare yourself for that journey at this spectacular spot where animals gather at the nearby waterhole, and flights of whistling teals fly across a setting sun as you are pampered and pulled into the inviting natural beauty of the central state of India.

About Jehanuma Palace Retreat

A surprising luxury is camouflaged by the native simplicity of a tree-lined estate, and the subtle elegance of Jehan Numa’s nawabi tradition is riddle in fine details and caring service. An intimate collection of cottages are uniquely designed with sloping walls and roofs, borrowing details of tribal and rural art on mud-coloured walls and courtyards. Exquisite colonial and ethnic decor combine with local craft and warm colours of Indian dyes and stone. this place would give you the glimpse of tribal world with the combination of lavishing lifestyle.

Dining in the open garden

Dining is a delightful experience at the Hotel Jehan Numa Palace. The culinary art here is a thing to remember throughout your life. The hotel restaurants and bars offer a range of traditional and contemporary cuisines. From Indian recipes to Italian snacks the guests get every thing at the four specialized restaurants and two bars situated within the hotel premises.

Spa

The spacious spa and wellness centre, has indoor therapy rooms for an expert range of massages, amongst other rejuvenating treatments and facilities.The focus is on the natural and the organic, a harmonious reconnection of the body, mind and soul with the luxurious gifts of nature. The tranquil silence is broken only by birdsong and animal sounds as guests unwind and replenish themselves under a wide Bhopal sky.

Aura of Jehanuma Retreat Palace

A lush golfing green in a far corner beckons the meditative golfer. The Spa offers a premium experience with a holistic blend of therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments. The kitchen serves scrumptious and delicious dishes using many of the organic vegetables and ingredients grown at the Retreat.

Address

Address: Near Van Vihar, Dr. Salim Ali Road, Prempura, Bhopal,

Madhya Pradesh

Noor-us-Sabah Palace one of the best heritage hotel in Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh has some opulent palace hotels that were once lived in by royalty. However, unfortunately, they are often pricey and staying there may be out of reach of the average traveler. You don’t have to miss out on the experience altogether though. There are some affordable heritage hotels in Bhopal that have great ambiance and that is Noor-us-Sabah Palace

Noor-us-Sabah Palace

The Noor-us-Sabah Palace was built by Nawab Sir Hamidullah Khan, ruler of Bhopal from 1926 to the accession, for his elder daughter Abida Sultana. Literally the Light of Dawn Palace, Noor-us-Sabah sits in sprawling gardens high on a hill overlooking Upper Lake – views can be enjoyed from the balconies, room windows and the lawns. You may spot classic cars in the portico.

Architecture

Enter through the reception hall which has Italian marble floors, chandeliers and princely relics like a silver polished palanquin. Noor-us-Sabah Palace have immaculate lawns and gardens, has been sympathetically converted into a heritage hotel in keeping with its original European classical and British colonial architecture. You can try Bhopali food specialties in its restaurant. Staying in one of these two heritage hotels is one of the attractions of Bhopal.

Delicious Food

One can also go for a dine out with their partner or friend or can do candle dinner with his or her partner. The Dining experience is “food for the soul” and is personalized by the well traveled Chefs. The multi-cuisine have been evolved to satisfy the most demanding of palates.

Address and Email

Address: V.I.P. Road, Koh-E-Fiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Email: reservations@nusp.in

Halali reservoir would bolster you in appeasing your mind

The Halali reservoir is a reservoir in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is built on the Halali River and lies 40 km away from the state capital Bhopal. The Halali River is a tributary of the Betwa River. It was formerly known as Thal River later on it was christened as halali river.

Famous fish

The major fish species found in the reservoir include catla, rohu, mrigal, wallago attu, mystus and chitala. if you are non-vegetarian then visit at this place. MP tourism resort which is situated in halali dam would give you the best low-calorie fish dish bursting with flavor.

History of Halali

In the 18th century, Dost Mohammad Khan’s forces killed a rival Rajput force near Jagdishpur (later renamed to Islamnagar) on the bank of the river. The river was renamed to “Halali river” (the river of slaughter), because it appeared red with the blood of the victims. Another name for the river is Banganga.

About the Halali Dam

M.P tourism resort is located near this pristine lake. The catchment area of this area is around 699 sq km. The colossal dam is quite popular among locals of Bhopal as an excellent spot for picnic and boat rides. Apart from this, the reservoir is home to aquatic life.

M.P tourism resort

Also known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project, the Halali Dam reservoir was commissioned in 1973. Many people come and visit at this place from far distances. As this place allure many people. One can spend a day or night with their cronies and partner in the beautiful M.P tourism resort. Lush green garden, lake side view from the window of your room, delicious and scrumptious food would attract you more and more to come here again.

Address and Timings

Address: Halali Reservoir (Raisen district)

Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh

Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Raisen fort under the hegemony of various rulers

A person who has interest in historical monuments must visit raisen fort. Raisen Fort is an assortment of the reign of Hindu, Rajput and Muslim rulers. it’s a historical mansion placed atop a hill captivating a vast water reservoir, palaces and a few temples within the fort. The 800-year-old fort has nine gateways, fortifications, domes and the remains of several buildings from the early medieval period. It’s now a dwelling to gazillion number of bats.

About the Fort

Raisen fort is also a shrine of a Muslim saint Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. There is a say that the shrine can fulfil the desires of the pilgrims. Until the 16th century, the fort was under the hegemony of the Rajputs and other Hindu rulers. Although the nawabs of Bhopal initially captured the fort, it is presently under the custody of ASI.

Architecture of Raisen Fort

The magnificent fort stands on an outlier of a rock which has a massive stone wall pierced with nine gateways. it looks mesmerizing It drowns in a wilderness and a thick undergrowth of lush green grasses and wild long grass. Adorned with a large courtyard and a beautiful pool in the middle. This gives the additional beauty to this fort.

History of Raisen Fort

Raisen fort was under the control of Hindu rulers including Rajputs till 16th century. In 1543, the fort was captured by Sher Shah Suri and later by Nawab of Bhopal in 1760. Raisen fort was then under the control of princely state of Bhopal till Indian Independence (1947).

Origin of the Raisen Fort

The origin of the Raisen fort dates back to the 1200 AD. With four palaces (Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal & Hawa Mahal) within its boundaries, the mighty fort also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The doors of the temple open every year on the occasion of Shivratri. Many people gather here to take blessings of the lord shiva.

Raisen Dargah
The most visited place in Raisen is the Shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba who was a well known Muslim saint.The shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, is one of the most popular shrines of the Raisen region. Many devotees come here to seek the blessings of the well known Muslim saint, Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. There is a belief that the wishes of the devotees will be fulfilled with the blessings of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba.

Address and Timings

Address: Raisen fort near Umar masjid, Madhya pradesh

India

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

The giant Taj-ul-Masjid resembles the fine art of Mughals period in Bhopal

City of lakes i.e., Bhopal is often called the city of mosques due to the presence of a number of historical mosques and monuments within its turf. Jama Masjid of Bhopal is officially known as Taj-ul-Masjid. One such mosque, located in the realm of Bhopal not less important is the Taj-ul-Masjid. The beautiful Taj-ul-Masjid is an important historical landmark of the Muslims in Bhopal. The architectural design of the Taj-ul-Masjid gives us the glimpse of the Muslim reign in Bhopal.

History of Taj-Ul- Masjid

The construction of the Mosque was initiated during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1844–1860 and 1868–1901) of Bhopal (Wife of Baqi Mohammad Khan) and continued to be built by her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum, till her lifetime. The mosque was not completed due to lack of funds, and after a long lay-off after the War of 1857, construction was restart in 1971 by great efforts of Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari and Maulana Sayed Hashmat Ali Sahab of Bhopal.

This year construction has been completed

The construction was completed by 1985 and the entrance (eastern) gate was renovated grandly using ancient motifs from circa 1250 Syrian mosques by the contribution of the Emir of Kuwait to commemorate the memory of his departed wife.

Art and Architecture of Taj-ul-Masjid

The Mosque has a pink facade topped by two 18-storey high octagonal minarets with marble domes. The Mosque also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars and marble flooring resembling Mughal architecture the likes of Jama Masjid in Delhi and the huge Badshahi Mosque of Lahore.

Courtyard of Taj-ul-Masjid

It has a courtyard with a large tank in the center. It has a double-storied gateway with four recessed archways and nine cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with eleven recessed arches and has fine screens of trellis work. The massive pillars in the hall hold 27 ceilings through squinted arches of which 16 ceilings are decorated with ornate petaled designs.

Madarsa inside Taj-ul-Masjid

Inside the mosque Madarsa conduct to teach children. Gazillion number of students come to take the blessings of the Allah and to gain knowledge about the world. It creates very positive aura and solace the mind and soul of the students.

Address and Timings

Address: NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: 6 am to 7pm

Get close to the nature by visiting the mesmerizing Hathaikheda reservoir of Bhopal

This dam is built in front of Technocrats Institute of Technology College, Bhopal. Hathaikheda dam is very famous among youngsters specially college students. Well this is not appreciable but sometimes college students bunk their classes and visit the dam with their best cronies. Ample amount of burden and pressure on the head of students makes them starkly exhausted. Students usually come here and relax themselves by seeing the mesmerizing beauty of hathaikheda reservoir.

About Hathaikheda dam

Hathaikheda is being developed as a tourist spot. Tourists will be provided facility of boating and cafeteria at the dam. Adequate arrangements of light and road are being made so that tourists can reach the reservoir easily. Hathaikheda dam constructed in year 1964 has been used for irrigation purposes. The reservoir holds water throughout the year.

How to reach

It takes 12 minutes to travel from Bhopal to Hathaikheda Dam. Approximate driving distance between Bhopal and Hathaikheda Dam is 10 kms or 6.2 miles or 5.4 nautical miles. Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.

Address and Timings

Address: Hathaikheda Dam, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Timings: 6.00 Am to 8.00 Pm

Peer gate road of Bhopal would show you the mystic powers of Sant Kamali

Bhopal city is the amalgam of scenic beauty and old historic places. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city Bhojpal which is founded by Raja Bhoj. The present city was planned and established by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed (1707 -1740). His descendants build Bhopal into a mesmerizing place.

Rulers of the place

The city of Bhopal has witnessed many changes since it was found by the Afghan soldier Dost Mohammed in the year 1708 for the Gond queen, Kamlapati. Kamlapati palace is also one of the famous palace in Bhopal. The power then went transferred to the Afghans and their descendants. The old city still gives you the glimpse of past glory of the rulers, among them succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. The city has been through many phases, turbulent as well as disastrous.

Sant Kamali Maharaj at Hanuman Mandir

There was a Sant by name Kamali also christened as Kamaldas during the reign of Begum Shahjahan. The Sant was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. He was living under a peepal tree in the then garden maintained by Begum Shahjahan.

Jagratha

Many people use to visit him to have dharshan of the Sant and take his blessings. Every day there use to be a bhajan in the praise of Lord Ram and Hanuman and on finishing of the bhajan the Sant use to blow the conch for long. For many days jagrathra use to performed ie, bhajan throughout the night and will come to an end only in the dawn.

Encounter of Sant Kamali

Begum Shahjahan took objection to the blowing of the couch especially during the wee hours. She ordered his soldiers to find out as to who is responsible for this. The soldiers reported back stating that Sant Kamali is performing bhajan and he is blowing the couch. The Begum ordered that the playing of conch will be treated as offence. When the message was carried by the soldiers to the Sant, in reply Sant told them that he would neither stop the bhajan or playing of conch till his death. Begum ordered killing of the Sant to the soldiers for his disobedience of the royal order.

Orphic powers of the Sant Kamali

The soldiers when went to execute the Sant, they got astonished as found the Sant was lying dead under the peepal tree. The matter was reported to the Begum Shahjahan. But the next day early morning again the couch was played. Begum was annoyed and asked the soldiers to find out whether the Sant is really dead. She asked the commandant to behead the Sant and take apart the hands and legs. When went to the peepal tree to execute the royal orders, the commandant found that the Sant Maharaj cut into peaces and laying there. The commandant went back to the Begum and reported the matter.

Begum visited the place

Again next day Begum heard the sound of the couch. Stunned Begum went personally to see as to what is happening in her garden. She could hear the couch blowing but could see the couch but not the Sant Kamali. She realised that the Sant is genuine and apologised for her act. Sant Kamali Maharaj appeared from nowhere and told her that he will be performing his duty till the Lord calls him.

Begum Khurishia

During the reign of Begum Khurishia Sant Kamali was donated eight acares of land for construction of the temple. It all begun when the Begum lost her loved necklace, even after long search in the Mahal there was no trace of it anywhere. On a quick thought she approached Sant Kamali Maharaj to help her trace her necklace. When she went to him for the same, even without uttering of a word by her Sant told her as to why she came upto this place when she should have recovered the necklace wrapped in a red cloth in her under bed. She ordered her trusted commandant to recheck and verify the bedroom. The commandant came back with the necklace wrapped in the red cloth and told Begum the he found it under the bed tucked between layers.

Temple built by Begum Khurishia

Impressed, Begum Khurishia donated eight acres of land and asked her force to help construction of the temple as desired by the Sant Kamali Maharaj. Because of the Sant Kamali and the temple built by him for Lord Hanuman this entire area had come known as Hanumanganj. This kshethra is so sacred one fells blessed to have visited the site where Sant had performed pooja and nama sangeerthan to the Lord Hanuman.

About the temple

The temple had been built where Sant Kamali Maharaj had worshiped Lord Hanuman. The temple is south facing and all the murthis are facing south. The temple is a scenic beauty, housing three ardh shila and one is around nine feet height, the other is around three feet height, and third is around two feet height.

Statue of Sant Kamali

Even today you can see the Lord Hanuman worshiped by the Sant Kamali which is about two feet height under the peepal tree. There is a large statue installed for the Sant Kamali near by. You can see the conch blown by the Sant Kamil there.

Address and Timings

Address: Kamali Mandir Rd, Ghora Nakkas, Peer Gate Area,

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001

Timings: 6.00 am to 8.00 pm

A long drive here, will tell you why it is one the busiest road of the city

Rightly said, that if once you visit here you definitely like to come again for a drive on this road. Almost on a daily basis people and visitors throng VIP Road that snakes its way along the Upper Lake for few kilometers. People take selfies along this route with a magnificent view of the vast Upper Lake in the background. Especially in the evenings, a large number of people visit VIP road to spend time on the breezy periphery of the Upper Lake.The road takes you in a ride with long talks and a enjoyable journey throughout.

The viewers view

When entering the road on the right side you could see gohar Mahal, a popular tea shop ahead of it that is named ITH by walking the stairs you could reach there. When you move ahead on the road is statue of Raja Bhoj, The 32-feet tall statue of Raja Bhoj was installed in Upper Lake on a ‘burj’ (bastion) of Fatehgarh Fort. The statue weighing seven tonne was built at a cost of Rs 27 lakh by sculptor Prabhat Rai using gunmetal and bell metal. Then on this road to right is selfie point and to moving a bit ahead to the left you also find a dargah here, this road will finally end to Lal ghati road.

Attractions

The remains of the Fatehgarh Fort, the stature of Raja Bhoj, The selfie point, Dargah. There are soo many paintings and works at the side of road.Here fitness freaks are also attracted, for their morning or evening walk, jog or cycling in between the beautiful breeze and along with the view of water along their side.

Hotels

There are two main hotels at the side of the road, which while traveling you could see. One is Imperial Sabre and the second but the most famous, which attracts bollywood also towards it which was build by then nawab handled by MP tourism non other than Noor – us-sabah.

More about the lake

Considered one of the largest man-made lakes in India, Upper Lake, spread over around 35 sq km, is a major source of drinking water for Bhopal and is often referred to as its lifeline. According to the historians, the lake was created by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River by Raja Bhoj during his tenure as a king of Malwa (1005–1055 AD) to secure the eastern frontier of his kingdom.

How to reach here

One could take straight road from the polytechnic square towards the city.

Shaukat Mahal would truly give you the glimpse of the reign of begums in Bhopal

Located in the vicinity of the ‘Gohar Mahal’ is the 180 years old architectural marvel of Bhopal, ‘Shaukat Mahal’. These two royal buildings are situated at the entrance to the Chowk area in the heart of the walled city. This place would give you the glimpse of Mughal era in bhopal.

History

Built in 19th century during the reign of Sikander Begum, daughter of Gohar Begum, the mahal is famous for its distinctive design that showcases a unique blend of Indo-Islamic and European styles of architecture. In a city that was primarily dominated by Mughal styled monuments and buildings, the ‘Shaukat Mahal’ at that time came as a fresh breeze of air, breaking the monotony of the typical architecture and design concepts.

Image result for shaukat mahal and sadar manzil address

Art and Architecture

Conceived and designed by a French architect who perfectly combined Post-Renaissance and medieval Gothic styles with an effortless ease in its construction, no wonder, the palace in those times, became a cynosure for art & architecture patrons.

Material

The aesthetical appeal of the palace, complete with heavy use of white alabaster and featuring a series of intricate triangular shaped arches on its ceiling, was further enhanced by exquisite exteriors adorned with delicate floral patterns providing it an eco-friendly appearance. Even after two centuries, the grandeur and splendour of this historical monument remains unmatched in the city.

Famous among Tourist

Tourists visiting the site are sure to be left completely awe-struck with its enchanting beauty and artistic appeal. When visiting ‘Shaukat Mahal’, do take a trip to the flamboyant red brick building ‘Sadar Manzil’ that surrounds the palace.

Sadar Manzil

The bright red of ‘Sadar Manzil’ perfectly complements the milky white construction of ‘Shaukat Mahal’ and the lush gardens here further add that touch of greenery to the postcard perfect setting of these two beautiful buildings.

Events

Many a times, special qawwali programmes are also organized in the gardens during evenings. The backdrop of beautifully lit ‘Shaukat Mahal’ provides that magical feel to the whole atmosphere. If you get a chance, do attend this musical performance and soak your souls in the Nawabi spirits of Bhopal.

Visit chhota talab of Bhopal, You will see the new version of Bhopal

The Lower Lake or Chhota Talaab is a lake in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state of India. Along with the Upper Lake, it forms the Bhoj Wetland.The Lower Lake or Chhota Talaab is a lake in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state of India. Along with the Upper Lake, it forms the Bhoj Wetland. Most of the crowd of Bhopal usually go at their weekend on upper lake. the reason behind not everyone aware of this second beautiful lake of Bhopal. Yeah that’s true Chhota Talaab is one of the luscious and alluring lake of Bhopal. The beauty and pleasant breeze would solace your mind and soul.

History

The lake was built by creating in 1794 to beautify the city. The construction was commissioned by Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan Bahadur. A number of earlier wells were merged in this lake.The bridge that separates the Lower Lake and the Upper Lake is called “Pul Pukhta” or Lower Lake bridge. The lower lake has also been mentioned as “Pukhta-Pul Talao” in literature.

Location

The Lower Lake is located to the east of the Upper Lake. An earthen dam separates the two lakes. The two lakes are built in a terraced manner, the lowest level of the Upper Lake is just below the highest level of the Lower Lake.

More about Chota Talab of Bhopal

The Lower Lake has an area (water spread) of 1.29 , and its catchment area is 9.6 km². The lake receives subsurface seepage from the Upper Lake. In the 1850s, the maximum and minimum depths of the lake were 11.7 m and 6.16 m respectively. As of 2011, the maximum depth was 10.7m.

Drains into the Patra rivulet

The Lower Lake does not have any fresh water source; it receives seepage water from the Upper Lake and drainage from 28 sewage-filled nallahs. It drains into the Patra rivulet, which joins Halali River, a small tributary of the Betwa River.

Park and Garden

An exotic and lush green garden would definitely fascinate you to come at this place. One can go by stairs at the top of the fort and can feel the pleasant air with the debonair sunset. I can vouch this beautiful place would dazzle you starkly.

Sports Activities

Kayaking, boating, boat racing all this activity are available here. One can see some people practicing over here. Every year people participate in many sports activities. Boating is available for public too.

View Points

Adjacent Park and Garden
Half part of the Fort
Famous Durga temple of Bhopal near the shore of the lake
View of Rani Kamlapati palace
Sunset Point
Historic Place