Bhopal is in Madhya Pradesh and has stunning landscapes and scenic beauty. There are two jyotirlingas present near Bhopal attracting tourists from around the world. There are unseen beauties near Bhopal yet to be explored by travelers.
Bhopal also depicts the rich history and culture of the region. Further, all these places are great weekend places near Bhopal. Bhopal is a true paradise for all historians, archaeologists, and curious travellers. It is a city treasuring history and all the historical sites.
Here are the Top 10 Places to Visit Near Bhopal Within 100 km:
1. Raisen Fort
It is such an enthralling fort raising atop a hill. It has a vast reservoir with a few temples just near the Fort. Moreover, It is an 800-year-old fort having nine gateways, domes, and remains of the early buildings. But now, the Fort is filled with hundreds of boats. The Fort is a shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba.
The origin of the Fort dates back to 1200 AD. It has four palaces, with the Fort also housing a temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is open to visitors on Shivratri. The pilgrims tie a cloth piece on the grill gate of the temple as part of fulfilling their wish.
- Distance from Bhopal City: About 45 km.
- Place Location: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road via Bhopal-Raisen road.
- Trip Duration: Half a day to a full day.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
2. Bijasan Mata Temple
It is a sacred shrine located in Salkanpur. Likewise, the temple is the dedicated incarnation of Goddess Durga named Ma DurgaBeejasan. The inner part of the temple has the goddess dressed in orange. Apart from Durga, there are shrines of Goddess Saraswati and Lakshmi. It is on a hilltop. The temple sees nine auspicious days of the Navratri Mela during Navratri time.
Visitors can reach the temple via ropeway as well to save time. The timings of the temple are 6 am to 6 pm and open on all days of the week.
- Distance from Bhopal City: Approximately 132 km.
- Place Location: Salkanpur, near Rehti village.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; nearest railway station is Hoshangabad.
- Trip Duration: Half a day.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during Navratri.
3. Halali Dam
The Halali Dam is built on the Halali River way back in the 18th century. Besides, the killing of the Rajputs by Dost Mohammad Khan made the river turn ted naming it Halali. You can find many varieties of fish in the reservoir like Catla, Rohu, etc. The scenery is so beautiful, making it excellent for trying out a boat ride on the waters.
Also, the place is brilliant for a day trip away from the crowd of city life. The best time to visit is during the evenings to see the sunset. There are charges for paddle or motor boating.
- Distance from Bhopal City: Around 47 km.
- Place Location: Near Raisen, on Bhopal-Sanchi Road.
- How to Reach: Best reached by road via Bhopal-Sanchi Road.
- Trip Duration: Half a day.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon months (July to October).
4. Udayagiri Caves
Udayagiri Caves are 20 rock-cut caves located in Vidisha from the early 5th century CE. Furthermore, the caves have both Hindu and Jain sculptures from the Gupta period. The Archaeological Survey of India has maintained these caves. The iconography on the walls of the caves draws the attention of so many explorers.
Hindu art depicts the great legends from the Hindu Texts. 9 am to 6 pm is the time of the caves every day. The entry fees are Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for all foreigners. All the 20 caves depict important deities and signify their importance.
- Distance from Bhopal City: About 55 km.
- Place Location: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road or train (nearest station is Vidisha).
- Trip Duration: Half a day to a full day.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
5. The Great Stupa
The Great Stupa is considered to be the oldest stone structure located in Sanchi. The Stupa was built under the reign of Emperor Akbar. Thus, you can find the remains of the two disciplines of Lord Buddha. There is also a cafeteria where travelers can relax and have snacks. Every year, many Buddhist followers come to the Stupa to gain enlightenment.
The Great Stupa is excellent for taking pictures with the landscapes adding to the place. The sunset from the hilltop is so mesmerizing. The best time to visit the Stupa is during winters. Visitors need at least 2 hours to get a complete view of the place. Many visitors come here to relax their minds and souls. Read More: Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal – History, Tickets, Timing, Nearby Attraction
- Distance from Bhopal City: Roughly 47 km.
- Place Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Reach: Road travel or train to Sanchi Railway Station.
- Trip Duration: Half a day to a full day.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
6. Marine Drive, Bhopal
The Marine Drive is a 3 km long stretch providing spectacular views of the city. The roads are stunning, with so many walls’ paintings on the way. The path adjoining the lake opens to the manicured garden making the morning walk so memorable. The boating rides are the specialty of the place. High-speed motorboats, pedal boats, cruise boats, etc., are some must tryouts.
The entire walkway has so many restaurants offering delicious food. The calm lake feels so refreshing during the evenings.
- Distance from Bhopal City: Within the city.
- Place Location: Along the Upper Lake, Bhopal.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by local transport within Bhopal.
- Trip Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, evenings are preferable.
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7. Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1865 along the banks of the Tawa River. Likewise, it spreads over 518 km. It stands together with Panchmarhi Sanctuary, making up for the Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
The sanctuary is open on all days, from 6.30 am to 5 pm. The entry fees are Rs. 400 for Indians and Rs. 1500 for the foreigners. Read Also: Madhya Pradesh Introduced Night Safari in its 3 National Parks
- Distance from Bhopal City: About 140 km.
- Place Location: Hoshangabad District, near Pachmarhi.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; closest railway station is Pipariya.
- Trip Duration: 1-2 days.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June.
8. Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park is the perfect place to explore the uniqueness of the Indian highland ecosystem. Also, it covers some sandstone peaks, which look so majestic. The gorges and terrains are narrow, but they hold spectacular sights for visitors.
Indian Bison, Peafowls, Black Buck, Tigers, Four Horn Antelopes, etc., are some of the fauna found in the national park. Don’t miss out on the wildlife safari when you are at this national park.
- Distance from Bhopal City: Approximately 180 km.
- Place Location: Hoshangabad District, near Pachmarhi.
- How to Reach: Road travel or train to Pipariya, then a short drive.
- Trip Duration: 1-3 days.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June.
Read Also:
- 9 Best Wildlife National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
- India First Hot Air Balloon Wildlife Safari in Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh
9. Islamnagar Fort
The ruins of Islamnagar are yet so famous and popular among tourists even today. The Islamnagar Fort speaks of the glorious past of India.
It was built in 1715 and talked about the time of invasions. It is an offbeat destination near Bhopal for intriguing travelers. The Fort is open from 8 am to 6 pm on all days of the week.
- Distance from Bhopal City: Around 11 km.
- Place Location: Islamnagar, near Bhopal.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Bhopal.
- Trip Duration: Half a day.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
10. Bhimbetka
The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters offer the earliest traces of human life on the Subcontinent. Moreover, the caves have been declared World Heritage Site in 2003. Bhimbetka is home to over 500 caves and rock shelters having many paintings.
Some of the oldest images date back to 30,000 years old. All paintings are made from vegetables that have stood against the test of time. The paintings are deep on the inner walls of the caves.
- Distance from Bhopal City: About 45 km.
- Place Location: Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Reach: Road travel via Bhopal-Hoshangabad Road.
- Trip Duration: Half a day to a full day.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Conclusion
These are some of the widely known places near Bhopal. Plan for a trip to Bhopal soon to join in the exciting ride of visiting all these places!
FAQ Bhopal:
Which hill station is near Bhopal?
Pachmarhi is one of the best hill stations in Hoshangabad, about 194 km from Bhopal.
What are the best picnic spots near Bhopal for a weekend?
Bhimbetka Rock Shelter, Sanchi, Islamnagar Fort:, Madhai, Udayagiri Caves are some famous attractions near Bhopal.
Check more information on Madhya Pradesh:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh in April
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- Madhya Pradesh 6 Popular Hill Stations
- 10 Facts About Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh Food: Top 10 Must-Eat Local Dishes
- 10 Famous Places to Visit in Khajuraho
- Most Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in Madhya Pradesh
