12 Things to Do in Bhopal: From Dawn at Lakes to Dusk at Bazaars

Bhopal has this effortless way of pulling you in. If this city were an edible dish, its recipe would be something like this – a generous amount of old-world charm, a dash of modern buzz, and a whole lot of character sprinkled on top. It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming from the moment you arrive. No matter what you are looking for, a breezy getaway or a deep dive into ancient culture, Bhopal keeps the surprises coming.

Let’s unwrap the 12 coolest things to do in this gorgeous city!

12 Interesting Things to Do in Bhopal

People often say that there’s never a dull moment in Bhopal. We agree! Here are some of the things to do in the city of lakes to get the complete vacation experience.

1 – Sunrise Kayaking at Upper Lake

There’s no better way to start your day than gliding through the still waters of Bhopal’s Upper Lake. The cool breeze, gentle ripples, and flocks of birds skimming the water create a surreal atmosphere that will surely bring a smile to your face. Don’t worry if you are a beginner at kayaking. There will be experts to guide you through this mini adventure.

2 – Culinary Walk Through Old Bhopal’s Streets

Once you step into the aromatic lanes of the old city, you’ll understand why this food tour is one of the best things to do in Bhopal. You’ll get to taste sizzling kebabs, creamy falooda, and melt-in-the-mouth jalebis. Don’t forget to grab a cup at the famous Suleiman’s chai!

3 – Discover Tribal Heritage at the State Museum

This museum is the best place to get a crash course on India’s vibrant tribal history. From intricate Gond art to rare tribal artifacts, every gallery is a window into indigenous cultures that still thrive today. The interactive exhibits and vivid storytelling make this more than just a museum visit, a perfect place to be if you are travelling with children.

4 – Night Safari Experience at Van Vihar National Park

You can drive (with an expert guide) through the Van Vihar National Park under the moonlight as leopards, jackals, and deer roam their territory. The night safari is an adrenaline rush like no other. Just imagine the experience of seeing headlights sweeping across glowing eyes, the chorus of nocturnal calls, and the thrill of spotting creatures you’d never see in daylight. Brilliant, isn’t it?

5 – Traditional Shopping at Chowk Bazaar

Chowk Bazaar is a labyrinth! You get in, it’s hard to make up your mind to get out. The different alleys have diverse shops that sell bangles, zardozi fabrics, handcrafted jewellery, aromatic perfumes/ittars, and Batik prints. This is the best place to get that much-needed retail therapy.

6 – Temple Visits: Bhojeshwar and Birla Mandir

In the Bhojeshwar temple, the towering Shiva lingam feels almost surreal in the soft light. Seek blessings from the Almighty here and head towards the Birla Mandir. Also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, this temple is on a hilltop. You’ll get to see stunning views of the city skyline from here.

7 – Interactive Learning at the Regional Science Centre

This science centre is the best place to visit if you are looking for an activity that keeps both adults and kids busy. From illusion rooms that mess with your senses to hands-on experiments that spark curiosity, the Regional Science Centre is a playground for the brain. The time here slips by so fast, you won’t even realise it!

8 – Guided Heritage Walk by the Lakeside

Walking by the Upper and Lower Lakes with a guide feels like flipping through Bhopal’s history in real time. You’ll hear stories of Nawabi rulers, spot centuries-old ghats, and see life unfold around the water. You can see the fisherman in action at dawn, and enjoy the peaceful sunrise in the backdrop.

9 – Café Hopping in New Market

New Market is where Bhopal’s café culture thrives. You can go to a cosy set-up serving pour-over coffee or grab some cakes from quirky dessert stops. Hopping between cafés here is a relaxed way to spend an evening. It’s perfect for lazy conversations, reading a book, or simply relishing a good cup of coffee.

10 – Adventure and Recreation at Sair Sapata

If guided walks are not your vibe and you’re craving action, Sair Sapata delivers. Ride the rope bridge, try a zipline, or just bike along the pathways that hug the lake. There’s a playful energy here that makes it great for families, groups of friends, or even a solo day out with a good playlist.

11 – Photography Sessions at Taj-ul-Masajid and Moti Masjid

The Taj-ul-Masajid, one of Asia’s largest mosques, is a dream for wide-angle shots with its pink façade and sprawling marble courtyards. Over at Moti Masjid, the crisp white domes and symmetrical arches make perfect minimalist frames. Go early for soft light, empty courtyards, and that golden-hour magic that will make your Instagram followers double-tap without hesitation.

12 – Handicraft Shopping at Mrignayani Emporium

If you want to purchase state-certified products, the best thing to do in Bhopal is shop at Mrignayani Emporium. You can find delicate zardozi embroidery, Dhokra metal art, handwoven Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, and soft batik dupattas here. The prices are reasonable, and you don’t need to bargain much to get the ideal deals.

How to Plan Your Trip to Bhopal?

Are you looking for the best travel packages that will make your Bhopal trip more memorable, minus the hassle of planning? IndianHoliday is here for you!

These are some of the best tour packages to Bhopal –

• Mesmerising Madhya Pradesh tour

• Madhya Pradesh Heritage Tour

• Splendour of Madhya Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh Classical Tour

• Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour

• Bhopal-Ujjain Tour

• Bhopal-Sanchi Tour

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