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Location
State: Madhya Pradesh
Location: Bhopal
Climate: Summers 24°-
48° C. Winters 9°-36 °C.
Altitude: Bhopal
is
situated
at
an
altitude
of
about
523m.
Coordinates: 23.15
N 77.25
E
Language: Bhopal
has
a multilingual,
cosmopolitan
character.
People
speak
and
understand
both
Hindi
and
English.
Punjabi
and
Local
languages
are
also
spoken
and
understood
in
and
around
Bhopal.
Clothing:Required
Light woolen
in summer
and heavy
woollens
in winter.
Best
time
to visit: October
to
March.
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| History
Bhopal, as we
know it today, was founded
by the Afghan adventurer,
Dost Mohammad Khan who
ruled over the city from
1708-40 a.d. He fled
Delhi after the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb, died
in 1707. Later, Dost
Mohammad met and fell
for Queen Kamalapati,
and ultimately extended
his sway over the entire
region. Bhopal survived
a fearsome Maratha onslaught
in the late 18th century,
and finally signed a
treaty with the British
in 1818, to secure peace.
Bhopal
is a city that is unique
in the sense
that powerful Begums
ruled over it for over
a century (1818-1926).
In fact, John Lord
who chronicled princely
India labeled Shah
Jahan Begum as the “First
Lady of India.”
Modern Bhopal presents
a dual personality,
a mixture of the old
and the new. In the
heart of the old city
lies the Chowk, lined
with old mosques and
havelis (mansions)
which are reminders
of a bygone era. The
most prominent of these
mosques are the Taj-ul-Masjid,
one of the largest
mosques in the country,
the Jama Masjid and
the Moti Masjid. The
architecture of the
city is an amalgam
of both Islamic and
Hindu styles, with
the odd European-style
monument thrown in
as well. The Shaukat
Mahal combines both
Gothic and post-Renaissance
styles to produce a
charming effect. In
sharp contrast to this
is the new city with
its well-laid out verdant
parks and gardens,
broad avenues and modern
offices. In short,
Bhopal has the ability
to accommodate change,
and yet remain the
same.
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| What to see
Places
to see in Bhopal
The Lakes
The Upper and Lower Lakes, or Bada and Chotta talabs are collectively referred
to as the Bhoj Wetland. An overbridge separates the two water bodies. These lakes
were created by bunds constructed over the Kolas River in the 11th century. Around
the Bada Talab lies the Van Vihar National Park. Visitors enjoy boating (paddle
boats and motor boats are both available at the boathouse). The lakes have become
a big draw for birding enthusiasts. They attract a fair amount of bird life and
have been designated a Ramsar Site in November 2002. More than 20,000 birds have
been recorded here annually. Recent times have seen the return of the white stork,
black-necked stork, bar-headed goose and spoonbill amongst others. With the conservation
programme in place the lakes have also started attracting sarus cranes in large
numbers.
During the festival season the lakes are of religious significance and the immersion
of the gods is done here amongst ritual prayers. The tomb of Shah Ali Shah Raahamtullah
is located on Takia Island in Upper Lake and is a pilgrimage point.
The Mosques
The Taj-ul-Masjid mosque a pink-wash stone structure is said to be the largest
mosque in Asia and is Bhopal's most majestic monument. Commissioned by Begum
Sultan Jehan in 1878, it was only completed a century later. In the central courtyard
devotees wash in the sacred tank before entering the vast pillared prayer hall.
The Dhai Seedhi Masjid, built by Dost Mohammad in 1716 is believed to be Bhopal's
oldest masjid. The Jama Masjid with its gilded finials was commissioned by Qudsia
Begum in 1837. By the Lower lake is the Moti Masjid gifted to the city by Sikandar
Jehan in 1860.
Bharat Bhawan
Bhopal has always enjoyed a lively cultural heritage. Set up in 1982 this complex
is an important cultural centre in India and has showcased some of the finest
talents of India's tribal and folk culture. Visitors can enjoy the interesting
displays of pottery, paintings, wood work and metal craft. Most evenings the
bhawan is also a venue for stage performances.
Nearby Destinations:
Maheshwar
Pench
Sunderbans
Pachmarhi
Ujjain
Indore
Omkareshwar
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| Art and Crafts
Bhopal is
also the house of
art and culture in
Madhya Pradesh, and
the Bharat Bhavan
which sits atop the
Shamla Hills, is
a prime example of
that. Designed by
Charles Correa, the
museum houses an
art gallery, a repertoire
company and libraries
of poetry, classical
and folk music. and
since Madhya Pradesh
has a large concentration
of adivasis (tribals),
a visitor at the
Tribal Habitat in
Bhopal gets a feel
of village life in
the state.
However, the most interesting facets of the district are the spectacular cave
paintings at Bhimbetka, a short distance away from the city of Bhopal. Etched
in rock, some of the work is more than 30,000 years old, while the more recent
ones belong to the medieval period. The cave paintings are valuable, not just
for their artistic merit but also because they constitute a treasure trove of
information on the pre-historic age.
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Dining Out
The best way to enjoy your dining
out the restaurants or picnic places
are the great place to relax and chat. There’s
an extensive range of beers on tap and wines
and spirits to satisfy any taste. A casual
and friendly environment with prompt service
and plenty of bar stools and lounge style
seating. The perfect place to unwind. Cheers!many
resorts ,resturents or picnic places in Madhya
where you can enjoy your dinner.
Many places are famous its Indian and Western
cuisine,some for authentic Punjabi and Gujarati
food. You can also get decent Indian food
here.If you would like to go out for cheaper
meals , you should try to organize your own
night out with the same people, arranged
around a more modest budget.An open glade
by the banks of the rivers you makes a good
holiday destination. Clean white sand separates
the lush green grass from the stoneMany places
are ideal for a taste of adventure and for
spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour.
Enjoy your Restaurant - Relax, smile, laugh,
smile some more- eat, drink, eat some more,
and make some new friends. Start a contest
of wits or just stare dreamily into the air.
Be happy if you feel happy, loving if you
feel loving, friendly if you feel friendly.
It is your visit and we will do all we can
to make it pleasant for youThe restaurant
is an awfully convenient idea For dining
out. We hope that you all will go for it.
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| Wildlife
Andhra Pradesh is bestowed with rich
variety of wildlife and natural beauty. There
are lush coastal belt, moist deciduous Eastern
Ghats, dry deciduous forests of the Nallamalais
and the mangrove belt at Coringa, a perfect
environ for your wildlife holiday trip in
the wildlife parks of Andhra Pradesh. The
thick vegetation provides home to varied
wildlife of Andhra Pradesh, which can be
seen at many sanctuaries here. Some of the
animals found in the sanctuaries of Andhra
Pradesh are, Tiger, Panther, Wild Boar, Jackal
Muntjack, Fox, Gaur, Wild Dog, Spotted Deer,
Sloth Bear, apart from a variety of water
birds and reptiles. Besides, a lot of reptiles
like the salt-water crocodile, fishing cats
and others are also found in the sanctuaries.
The Srisailam Sanctuary, situated at Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the most successful
Tiger reserves in India. Just nearby this reserve is the large reservoir of the
Nagarjunasagar Dam on the river Krishna.
Nellapattu Sanctuary and Pulicat Lake
This bird Sanctuary is located in Nelapattu village. It is located on the East
Coast about 20-km north of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in the Nellore district.
With a total area of 404-kms the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest
pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. Near this sanctuary is the Pulicat Lake,
the second largest salt water lake in India. On a holidaya trip one can also
sight the migratory birds which are another source of attraction at Pulicat lake
in Andhra Pradesh.
Alisagar Deer Park
The Alisagar Deer Park is located in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh. It
was built by the Nizam in the year 1931. This park has beautiful hillocks and
lovely flower gardens. Apart from this, there is also a lake, surrounded by scenic
beauty.
Coringa Sanctury
The Coringa sanctuary is situated around 20 Kms from Kakinada and 70 Kms from
Rajahmundry. This sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and owns a heavy growth
of Mangrove plantation. The highlight of the sanctuary is that it is situated
on the backwaters of the sea. One can spot estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles,
fishing cats, otters and large variety of birds here.
Manjira Bird Sanctuary
The Manjira Bird Sanctuary, located near Sangareddy in Medak district, spreads
over an area of 20 sq.km. This wildlife sanctuary is snuggled between Manjeera
and Singur barrages. The Manjira Wildlife sanctuary is formed by nine small islands,
where one can find a number of animals, migratory birds and reptiles like Marsh
Crocodiles and Muggers. The sanctuary is located 50 Km from Hyderabad and is
well connected by road.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
The Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 90 km. from Warangal
and 250 km. from Hyderabad. Here one can find forests that includes southern
tropical dry deciduous type of teak and its associates like Thiruman, Maddi,
Bamboo etc. This sanctuary is also rich in wildlife including, several endangered
animals like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope, Chinkara, and Black Buck
etc.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary
The Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary is situated between Kurnool and Prakasam districts.
It is sprawled over an area of 1194 sq.km at a distance of 30 Km. from Nandyal.
Mixed deciduous forests is found here along with a diverse fauna that includes,
Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Hyena, Jungle cat, Langur, Bonnet monkey,
large variety antelopes, deer and reptiles.
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
The kawal wildlife sanctuary is situated at Jannaramin in andhra Pradesh. It
was set up in the year 1965. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 893 sq.km
with dry deciduous teak forest, bamboo and other kinds of vegetation.
Indira Gandhi Zoological park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park situated at Visakhapatnam in andhra Pradesh
covers an area of 625 acres. The flora and fauna found here is quite varied in
nature.
Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Palamaner in andhra Pradesh. It
is 50 Km away from Chittoor and 120 Km from Bangalore by road. With an area of
358-sq-kms it displays a wide variety of animals along with different types of
trees.
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at Kinnerasani in the state of
Andhra Pradesh. This wildlife sanctuary lies on the right bank of the Godavari
River. It is also a part of the Dandakaranya forests in Khammam district.
Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary
The Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary at Kolleru has the largest fresh water lake in
Asia. It is 65 Km away from Vijaywada. The Kolleru lake attracts many nature
lovers.
Mrigavani National Park
The Mrigavani National Park at Chilkur is spread over an area of 700 acres and
is located at a distance of 25 km. from Hyderabad. Here also you can enjoy watching
nature at its best.
Nehru Zoological Park
The Nehru Zoological park at Hyderabad is sprawled over a lush green area of
300 acres. This Park is a must visit for nature lovers, who are interested to
see the best of nature.
Other Wildlife sanctuaries and parks in Andhra Pradesh are, the Rollapadu bird
sanctuary, the Pakhal wildlife sanctuary, Papikonda sanctuary, Pocharam sanctuary,
Paranahita wildlife sanctuary and the Rajeev Gandhi wildlife sanctuary, which
can also visited while on your holiday vacations in Andhra Pradesh.
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Nightlife
Madhya Pradesh is
a captivating region
of the Indian Himalayas.
It is often referred
to as the "Magical
Showcase of Nature's
Splendor" ideal
for the travelers to
travel, enjoy and relax.
Abundant green grassland
and wide valleys set
against imposing snow-clad
mountains; crystal
clear lakes, flowing
rivers and spurting
streams; fruit laden
groves and soft terraces
of corn and tea are
characteristics of
Madhya Pradesh. It
is the ultimate travel
destination of India.
It's the kind of place where tourists come for long weekends of lobster cracking
and wine drinking, wading into the gentle waters of Gardiners Bay to wash off
the metro-madness of the five days prior, and spending money hand over fist for
the privilege of it. Deb worked in a resort of sorts, which included single-family
luxury condos for rent or sale, and a set-back, semi-swanky restaurant with a
million-dollar view of the bay and front doors that, for reasons that baffle
me still, remained unlocked at all times. All of this regulating and refining
has lead to the production of some pretty fine stuff-nothing like the rotgut.
Madhya may pose no threat
to Mumbai as the nightlife capital of India,
but still Madhyais doesn't find a reason
not to bang their heads with the pulsating
music of their choice after pouring in a
couple of their favourite beverages down
the neck. Madhya's licensing laws are being
relaxed to encourage a culture of drinking
beer in bars rather than rocking down whisky
at home. Chilled martinis served along with
a plate of mouth-watering kebabs make for
a grand or rather Mughal startup. Step inside
the exquisite Mediterranean restaurant of
Madhya and you'll be greeted by a serene
cozy feeling that needs more adjective than
there is space here for. Whether it's the
handplastered interiors of the restaurant,
the enchanting aroma, the burnt wood furnishings,
handsome craftsmenship, lounge music or the
inspired beverages and cuisine, everything
here makes for a perfect nightout.
Madhya has generally little nightlife, although in major states a few Western-style
shows, clubs and discos are being developed. In most places the main attraction
will be cultural shows featuring performances of Madhyai dance and music. Almost
every large town will have a cinema, some of which will show films in English.
Music and dancing are an important part of life, combining with many other influences
to produce a rich variety of film art.
Clubs and Bars:
Pubs, bars, and discos are always full, from the night till day, up to 6am. Also
you can see all different types of people, but the majority are Indians, thus
this not make much of a difference, unless you have a fight with one of them,
but the atmosphere is always friendly and wonderful. Every day they have different
dress codes just to make it livelier. The best days to go to a pub, disco, or
a bar are Valentines Day or New Year’s Day.
Fire and Ice:
The best days to visit are the weekends when the crowds converge to the floor
and the place is jam packed. People who prefer to dance in smaller crowds may
visit during weekdays (Wednesday & Thursday) when the college-going kids
prefer visiting. Stags (single men or men in groups) are not permitted. The bouncers
are tough and unyielding.
Bar & Kitchen:
The Mediterranean-influenced restaurant and bar is just what the doctor ordered.
The food is light and delicious, the DJ spins soothing sounds and decor is pure
Ibiza, complete with a comfy, cushioned chill-out area tucked away in the back.
Dress well to get past the style police on the door.
Casinos:
A casino is a facility that accommodates certain types of gambling activities.
Casinos are often placed near or combined with Hotels, restaurants.There are
no casinos as gambling is illegal in Madhya.
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Travel Tips
The following information applies to all visitors entering India through other
international airports, as on date there is no international airport in Madhya
Pradesh. This comprehensive information aims to make your stay enjoyable and
comfortable. In case of any further information or assistance get in touch with
the Govt. of India or the Madhya Pradesh Tourist Offices throughout. Travellers
should check any information they use to make decisions and rely on their own
enquiries. They should seek detailed advice and opinions from travel agents,
airlines, insurers and diplomatic missions. Do obtain necessary documents, study
regulations, observe medical guidelines and refer to other sources."
Documents:
All foreign tourists wishing to visit the country must carry a valid visa and
national passport for India. Disembarkment and embarkation cards duly filled
in should be presented at the immigration counter on arrival and departure respectively.
Indian visa are available from Indian Consulates around the world, on a payment
of a visa free. The cost of visa is US $40 for upto 6 month, US $65 for upto
1 year, US $ 180 for more than one year and upto five years. Applications for
multiple and single entry visas are accepted.
For assistance with any immigration problem, contact the Assistant Commissioner
of Police at the Airport Immigration Office. Tourist visas are available for
a maximum period of 180 days. An extention beyond 180 days is allowed only in
exceptional cases. The Foreigners Regional Registration office (FRO) in any of
these cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Amritsar can be contacted.
In State capitals and district headquarters the application can be submitted
to any of the Police Commissioner's Office or Superitendent of Police's Office.
Money And Foreign exchange:
Indian currency is not permitted to be brought in or taken out of the country
without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India. Unlimited amount of foreign
currency or traveller cheques are allowed into the country. But if the value
of foreign currency notes exceeds US $ 2500 and the aggregate value of the foreign
exchange including currency notes exceeds US $ 10,000 or its equivalent it must
be declared at customs. You can exchange your money at airport, where a 24 hour
facility is available through banks and approved money charges. All major international
credit cards are widely accepted in India. Indian rupees are available in denominations
of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
Coins are available in the denominations of 5, 2, 1 (Rupee) and 50 and 25 paise.
Opening hours for banks are usually 1000 to 1400 on week days and 1000 to 1200
on Saturdays with Sundays being a holiday. International banks like HSBC, Citibank,
Standard Chartered, BNP, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank, ABN Amro and others
can be found in major metros and tourist cities. Well known accepted credit cards
are Diners, Master, Visa and American Express. Some of the larger nationalised
banks include the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank
of Baroda (BOB), Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and Central Bank of India and
other leading banks like UTI, ICICI, HDFC and IDBI. ATMs are also widely available.
Thomas Cook, American Express and some prominent multinational banks can make
instant money transfer to their offices in India.
Traveller's Cheque (TC):
The TC's are mostly accepted but have to be encashed because they are generally
not accepted to be used directly for payment. Most of the banks, Hotels (only
resident) encash TC's. In case of traveling widely to remote areas it is better
buying Indian bank as these are more widely accepted.
Custom Regulations:
There are two clearance channels. The green channel for passengers carrying non
dutiable items and the red channel for the passengers with dutiable goods. Items
are allowed free of duty include personal effects like clothing excluding merchandise
for commercial purposes, gifts valuing Rs. 4000for tourists foreign origin and
Rs. 12000 for tourists of Indian origin. Small items like cigarettes, cigars,
tobacco, and alcoholic beverages are allowed duty free within the regulation
limits of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm tobacco and 1 litre each of wine
and spirits. For any grievances regarding Customs contact the Assistant Collector
of Customs in the Customs wing that is open 24 hrs. at the international airport,
Delhi. 011- 25652970
Income Tax Clearance:
If your stay exceeds 180 days in India, one is required to furnish a tax clearance
certificate to leave the country. The foreign section of the Income- Tax department
at the international airport issues these certificates.
Foreign Travel Tax:
The tax for international travel from Indian airports is levied @ Rs.150 for
the travel to neighbouring countries and Rs. 500 for travel to all other countries.
Export Regulations:
The export of all forms of wild animals including their parts and products is
prohibited. The export of all wild plants, seeds or parts is banned. Tourists
are also advised to acquaint themselves with the provisions of convention on
the international trade of endangered species of wild fauna and flora. For further
information contact the Regional Deputy Director, Northern Region, The Department
of Wild Life Prevention, Annexe No. 6, Bikaner House, New Delhi. 011-23384556.
Export of Antiques:
Antiques include sculpture, paintings or other works of art and craftsmanship,
illustrations of science, art, crafts, and religion of bygone eras and of historical
interest which have been in existence for not less than 100 years. Also art treasures
of artistic and aesthetic value can not be exported out of India. For inspection
of art objects refer to the Director General, Archaeological Survey of India,
Janpath, New Delhi-1. 011- 23019446
Healthcare:
The vaccinations recommended are Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Encephalitis,
Hepatitis before traveling to India. However, a few careful precautions can protect
you even if you don't take the inoculations. Protect yourself against mosquito
bites and take prophylactic drugs. Drink plenty of water, use salt on food and
avoid extreme exertion in warm climate. The case of insect byte should immediately
be treated with a local antiseptic or antibiotic cream. Aerosol spray on clothes
deters insects. To avoid intestinal upsets insist on clean food, boiled or mineral
water. Carry chlorine tablets to purify water then in doubt. For inoculation
against communicable diseases contact the Vaccination and Inoculation Centre,
Domestic Airport, New Delhi. Ph. 011- 25665348 or International Inoculation Centre,
Mandir Marg, New Delhi, Ph: 011-23361675. Doctors, Pharmacies or Chemists are
available in every little town and remote Place. Most of the Hotels have doctors
on Call
General Information:
What to take:
Light and heavy woolens are useful during the winter season in Madhya Pradesh.
Between December and February it can be real cold during the evening and night
so many woolen are a must. Prompt and very economical laundry service is available
at almost every place of stay, so clothing should best be kept to a bare minimum.
Make sure you have photocopies of all essential documents and your international
driving licence. The health kit should include special rehydration powder, antidiarrhoeal
and antimalarial tablets, some antiinfective cream or lotion and a first aid
box.
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Emergency Info
Tourist Office
Hotels
of Madhya
Pradesh
email: booking@hotlsofmp.com
Police
and Emergency:
In
emergency
dial
Police-100,Fire-101
and Ambulance-102.
In case
of items
stolen
contact
the duty
officer
at the
nearest
police
station.
Incase
of loss,
theft
or related
problem
encountered
while
traveling
in train,
report
to train
attendant
or the
ticket
examiner
and to
the railway
police
force
at the
next
railway
station.
Safety:
Beware of tricksters while making a purchase
through credit cards.
Driving Regulations:
A valid international driving license is
necessary for driving a car or motorbike.
In India we drive on the left of the road
and overtake on the right.
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