Bhopal is said to have been founded by the Parmara King Bhoj (1000-1055), who had his capital at Dhar. The city was originally known as Bhojpal named after Bhoj and the dam ('pal') that he is said to have constructed to form the lakes surrounding Bhopal. The fortunes of Bhopal rose and fell with that of its reigning dynasty. As the Parmaras declined in power, the city was ransacked several times and finally faded away into obscurity. city of god.

Upper and Lower Lakes Bhopal : Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a mesmerizing fusion of picturesque beauty, old historic charm and contemporary urban planning. The earlier city Bhojpal was founded by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, but the modern day city was established by an Afghan warrior, Dost Mohammed.

Raja Bhoj created the Upper Lake in Bhopal in the 11th century while the construction of an earthen dam across the Kolans River. One can clearly get the picture of the immaculate planning strategy of the erstwhile rulers that gets manifested through this man -made lake. It is the nucleus of the city and is prominent for its unsurpassed charm and grandeur that still beguiles its visitors. The lake has crystal clear waters and boasts of a tranquil ambience.

Van Vihar Safari Park : Van Vihar Safari Park, Bhopal languidly sprawls across an area of 445 hectares. The park is located on a hill close to the Upper Lake. Van Vihar Safari Park in Bhopal houses a diverse variety of animals of both herbivorous and carnivorous species and a host of colorful birds. Bhopal's Van Vihar Safari Park was ascribed the status of a natural park in 1983. The park provides the perfect ambience where the animals can move about freely. They are not incarcerated and allowed free movement. .

Jama Masjid : The Jama Masjid in Bhopal is no less impressive than the Taj-ul-Masjid, and is the most well-preserved monument with its two massive minarets that can be viewed from a considerable distance. This particular mosque occupies an important place among the various holy places in Bhopal and is visited by a large number of tourists every year.

Though not so huge in size, it was built in the year 1837 by Qudisiya Begum. It has still retained its old charisma that leaves quite an impact on its visitors.

The mosque is an excellent instance of the dexterity of Islamic artisans. It houses three bulbous cupolas, but the main feature of the Jama Masjid is its interior decorations and awesome architectural work. The mosque is ornately adorned with a chain of alabaster-white columned arches that offers a very attractive sight, and the internal sanctum of the mosque is carved out of the marble. The Jama Masjid was extensively renovated and its complex also comprises a lovely small pond. A visit to this lovely tourist site offers complete peace and harmony.

Laxmi Narayan Temple : The Laxmi Narayan Temple has the idols of Goddess Laxmi and Narayana along with a magnificent idol of Shiva with his wife Parvati. There is a Birla Museum attached to the Laxmi Narayan temple which displays a splendid collection of sculptures from the 12th century era of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is of a sandy yellowish color that reflects the old feel inside. On one side of the Laxmi Narayan temple is a huge steeple. The entrance to the Laxmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Temple is through a beautiful archway and is surrounded by lush verdant lawns.

Fairs & Festivals :Bhopali culture is such that both Hindus and Muslims visit each other on their respective festivals to greet and exchange sweets. During Ganesh puja and Durga Puja (Navratras), idols of Ganesh and Durga are established in jhankis throughout the city. People throng to offer prayers to their deities. At the end of Navratras, on the day of Vijayadashmi, or Dusshehra, huge effigies of Ravan are burnt in different parts of the city. Some of them are organized by the local administration and stand as tall as 60 feet (18 m)..