Would like to see the first mosque in Bhopal, then visit Dhai seedhi ki Masjid

Bhopal is not only home to Asia’s largest mosque, but to the oldest and tiniest mosque in the entire world as well! Situated inside the grounds of Hamidia Hospital, opposite to Taj-ul-Masajid, Dhai Seedhi ki Masjid is just four big steps by four big steps in area, making it about 16 sq m. acreage. Built on top of an old fort, this mosque has a watchtower of its own. According to locals, this is the first mosque in Bhopal. This mosque came up as a makeshift mosque while the fort was being built and has continued to remain a place of worship ever since.

The viewers view

Dhai seedhi ki masjid is Been build in only 16 Sq meter and was perched on top of an overgrown stone turret, which formed a corner of an old ruined fortress wall. Hamidiya hospital, it turns out, was built inside the grounds of the 18th century Fatehgarh Fort, so that soldiers deployed as guards could perform their daily prayers. The mosque is plain inside, the two and half steps leading to prayer hall is distinctive and gives the monument its name (2 and half stairs mosque).

Attractions

The mosque building is really old and from the top one could get the view of the city. It’s space from inside is really less made for only few people to pray, as told by the locals it was for the soldiers of that time. There are holes in the turret walls for pistoning guns which was a constant reminder for the danger and it was for the reason so that some could guard and some should pray.

Rani Kamlapati Palace reflect the glorious past of Bhopal.

Rani Kamlapati Palace is the commemoration of the glorious past of Bhopal. The residence of Rani Kamlapati is a historical palace situated at the heart of the Kamla park. Queen Kamlapati was the wife of a Hindu Gond Tribe warlord – Nawal Shah. Bhopal was the territory of Gond tribes who owned the palace overlooking the Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Raja Bhoj built the palace over the massive wall of the dam separating the two lakes. Rani Kamlapati Palace is a secular architecture of the 18th century built of Lakhauri bricks, cusped arches over crumpled pillars. The merlons are shaped as water lotuses honoring the name of the Queen. According to the history of the palace, queen kamlapati committed suicide by jumping into the lake in 1723.

The viewers view

Kamalapati Palace lies on the eastern side of the ancient embankment known as Bhojpal, built by the Parmara King Bhoj (AD 1010-1055) from which the present name Bhopal is derived. The existing structure is a part of the palace which was constructed by Rani Kamlapati, the widow of Nizam Shah, General Chief of Ginnogarh in AD 1722. On the Western side of this palace are the remains of Fatehgarh Fort on the hill which was built by Sardar Dost Mohammad of Bhopal (AD 1708-1726) who laid the foundation of modern Bhopal.

Attraction

Kamlapati palace is an example of contemporary secular architecture of the early eighteenth century and the earliest extant example in the Bhopal Town. This double storied building is constructed of lakhauri bricks having a facade with cusped arches supported on the fluted pillars, merlons having the shape of lotus petals and brackets supporting the Chhajjas.This monument was declared protected by the Government of India in 1989 and since then Archaeological Survey of India remains the custodian.

More about Kamla pati mahal

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced installation of a statue of the Gond queen in 2016, soon after inaugurating the new cable stay bridge. But the problem was finding a likeness of her. Just like Parmar ruler Raja Bhoj, whose statue watches over Upper Lake, no sketch or image of the Gond Queen has ever been found.

Sources say an image of Rani Kamlapati has now been finalized. “A high-level government committee has finalized a statue of the Gond Queen sitting on a throne and overlooking Upper Lake,” said an official, refusing to give any more details.

Food Park Restaurant

After wandering and excursion of this beautiful and mesmerizing palace you can have scrumptious food or snacks in the food park restaurant.

View Points

Smaller lake backside of the palace
Masajid and Dargah
Galleries inside the palace
Statues and photos inside the palace
Kamla park
Food point
Backside park

Are you fond of extra ordinary and delicious street food, then visit this place

Shahpura lake is one of the famous lake in Bhopal. This lake grabs the attention of gazillion number of youngsters of Bhopal. Shapura lake is situated in one of the posh localities of Bhopal. This is also one of the water bodies present in Bhopal and this is a manmade perennial lake and constructed during the period of 1974-1975. The latitude of the lake is 23˚12N and longitude of the lake is 77˚25E.

Ambiance

Adjacent to the Shahpura lake twenty-year-old Guru Govind Singh Park is situated. it’s very popular among the morning walkers. People do come here for cycling, running or for walking purposes.

Rainbow Restaurant

Rainbow restaurant is used as a sign board also to reach at shahpura lake. People celebrate their birthday, do parties with their friends and organize many events at this restaurant. This open restaurant where various types of cuisines are available. It’s all depend on your discretion which cuisine you want to prefer. Delicious food of this restaurant and beautiful aura would definitely fascinate you to visit here again and again.

Shahpura Lake

It has an area of 8.29 km². The source and main use of the lake water is to rain sewage water of residential colony, irrigation recreation and aquaculture also. The storage capacity of the Shahpura Lake is 2.29 m. The maximum depth of the lake is 5.6 m and minimum depth of the lake is 1.5 m.

Street Vendors

Next to shahpura lake series of street foods are available. Trust me this is the best place in Bhopal where you can find the tasty and scrumptious food. Special street foods like momos, steamed momos, tandoori, fried chicken, tandoori chicken, chicken biryani, masala dosa with chatni, special dosa etc. all this food items would fascinate you to come here again.

Crowd

Specially the young generation of Bhopal gather here. As this place is at the middle of Bhopal that’s why number of youngster come here with their cronies and chill out at this place.

Shaurya Smarak , depicting the sacrifice of our soldiers

Shaurya Smarak (शौर्य स्मारक) is a war memorial situated at Bhopal, inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 14 October 2016.Shaurya Smarak is established by government of Madhya Pradesh at Bhopal in the heart area of Arera Hills near M.P. Nagar and Secretariat. It is sprawled over large area of about 12 acres. It is developed as a public park with imaginative and interesting architectural installations depicting sacrifice of the soldier.It has a really big campus in which we can get to know more about our soldiers and it is also a park where one can after visiting can sit and enjoy with their families.

The viewers view

In the park there is a 62-feet high sculpture rising from the ground called Shaurya Stambh depicting Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Army is signified by Granite, The Navy in Grey and the Air Force in White. Around the Shaurya Stambh names of the martyred soldiers have been inscribed on glass boards. Beside the Shaurya Stambh there is Smarak Jyoti which is lit in holographic flame for the honor of the martyrs. Not only this there is a red sculpture kept in the park which when seen from main axis it appears as a ‘Namaskar’ and when looked from another axis it appears as ‘A Drop of Blood’. If we move further in the park there is an underground museum having dedicated galleries and landmark in the memory of war heroes who had shown their gallantry in the various wars with Pakistan and China. It also shows some historical heroes like Maharana Pratap and Tipu Sultan. The galleries portray the original handmade art pieces and portrait of war heroes and display of different arms. Interestingly many displays shows the various ranks and badges for different ranks of Army, Navy and Air force. It is a very good knowledge for a common citizen. Some galleries are also dedicated for award-winning heroes for Paramvir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, etc. with their short descriptions of heroic acts.

Ambiance

Shaurya Smarak, the place nicely depicts various aspects of war and life achievements of a soldier in a museum with huge green park and auditorium and huge memorial monument.Here one can get peace and soul satisfaction after viewing the whole campus that how our soldiers deal with various situations and fight for the country. The park is full of greenery one could visit this place with the family, friends or their partners. The best time would be in the evening so that you can enjoy the view, and the place.

Food

Their is a canteen in the campus, when after a whole check of the place, the Smarak, the belongings and the park if you feel the stomach tickling telling you that it’s time to fill yourself with food, don’t you worry as there is a canteen in the campus. You can get coldrinks, icrecreams and snacks.

Attraction

The models of various warships, submarine, aircraft are also shown as an educational supplement. On outside periphery various display boards show the proud list of martyrs of various wars of Madhya Pradesh origin along with the national heroes. The main attraction of the museum is a gallery which allows visitors to experience the cold of Siachen Glacier and understand the terrains of the Siachen war zones. Apart from this Shaurya Smarak has an amphitheater which is also a attracting part of this place.

Events

One could enjoy the view of the amphitheater here. As when we have IPL or some or the other things depending on what they play there one could enjoy there, it may be match or something related to public interests.

Address and timing

Address :Arera Hills, Opposite Courtyard Marriott, M P Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462016

Timings :12.00PM-7.00PM(closed on Wednesday)

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

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

Want to celeberate monsoon then visit Indian Tea House

We all enjoy the rain, Whenever the mighty clouds pour out the rain, the environment becomes beautiful and all that our heart desires are a hot cup of tea with some pakodas or samosas. This is indeed the best part of monsoon season.

Every state in India has its own way to celebrate monsoon. They have their own delicacies for monsoon which differs according to the culture but one thing which stays common is tea, better known as “chai” in North India, “Chaya” in South India. There are many versions of chai when in various states of India. but what if you get the combination of both i.e. a sip of coffee with beautiful view. yes, true I will tell you the best place to visit this kind of place in Bhopal is Indian tea house.

Ambiance

Ambiance of the tea coffee house is very nice. The cafe provides a proper sitting arrangement at the roof top from where you can take a view of a beautiful lake not only this, imagine a cool breeze, lake view or an historic Gohar mahal on the other side would be like icing on the cake.

Coffee and Beverages

Hot coffee, cold coffee, sandwiches, hot Maggi or pakodas yummy isn’t it. Yes you will get all these snacks over here. Delicious food and snacks with hot coffee would take you up to the cloud nine.

Fast Food Restaurant

In monsoon people are fond of tea and specially during this weather everyone thinks about chai with the combination of pakodas. But if you are seeking more than this. Then visit at Indian tea house where one will get the combo of both cafe and fast food restaurant. One will get the complete package of terrace sitting, open area, perfect and beautiful scenic view, next to Bhopal historic place. Do come here you will love this place.

Address and Timings

Address: Plot No 222, VIP Road, Kohe Fiza, Bhopal Iqbal Maidan,

Behind Gohar Mahal

Timings: 2 pm to 12 am

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.