Bhopal

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a city of historical, economical and as well as political importance. The monuments of the city still reflect the aristocratic lifestyle of its rulers, which one can feel on the tour packages to Bhopal. Dost Mohammed, an Afghan soldier, was the founder of the existing city. It is said that on his journey back, from Delhi after the death of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, he met with queen Kamalapati. She took his aid after the death of her consort. A legend states how the queen would drift in a lotus barge on a full moon day across the lake. At present there are two lakes in the city, which are divided by an over bridge, adding further beauty and glory to this city of Begums who ruled the city for more than a century.

The Lakes: The larger Upper Lake covers six square km and a bridge separates it from the cross the other way there's a footbridge which brings you out right on the Hamidia Rd corner. You can rent boats to go out on the lakes which are very pictuesque when they reflect lights fror houses around the lake at night.

Gohar Mahal: Situated on the banks of the Upper Lake, Gohar Mahal was built in 1820 by Qudsia Begum. It is a great blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

Shaukat Mahal: Shaukat Mahal is a French curiosity amidst a sea of overwhelmingly Islamic architecturein theChowk area. Located in the heart of the walled city, Shaukat Mahal was designed by a Frenchman, and its post-Renaissance and Gothic styles are clearly evident.

Rupankar: Bharat Bhawan, Shamla Hills They exhibit contemporary urban, folk and aboriginal art. They hold ceramic and litho workshops and have facilities for stone craft and metal casting.

State Archaeological Museum, Banganga Marg: They have artefacts, sculptures, and coins from different parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Shamla Hills: Have a look at the dwellings typical of contemporary tribal cultures from various states of India. The museum showcases their architecture, crafts and pottery.

Taj-ul-Masjid: Commenced by Shah Jahan Begum, but never really completed, the Taj-ul-Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It's built around a vast courtyard with a large tank in the middle, it has an imposing gateway and a well-designed prayer hall. It has a huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets and three white domes over the main building.

Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid was built in 1837 by Qudsia Begum and is surrounded by the bazaar. This handsome mosque is crowned with has very squat, short minarets.