Bhopal is one of the oldest human inhabitation places in India and possibly in the world. At present it is the capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh. In the state of Madhya Pradesh there is no dearth of places to see. They are mostly historical or natural wonders. The city is elevated and lies in the northern limit of the Vindhyas on the Malwa plateau. It is called the City of Lakes as it has a number of lakes. Bhopal is not a city where you go searching for modernity. But it is a city where you lose yourself in the ancient culture and beauty of India. If you want to go for a picnic in Bhopal or a bit outside the city there are endless number of options. Here are a few examples:
Upper and Lower Lakes: Locally known as the Bada Talaab, the Upper Lake of Bhopal is the oldest man-made lake in India. It covers an area of 36.1 sq km. Raja Bhoj, who is popularly known to be the founder of Bhopal, was cured of a skin disease by the water of the place and hence built a huge dam over the Kolans River to create the Upper Lake. The Upper Lake functions as a portable water source for the dwellers of Bhopal. The Upper Lake has human settlement on the east and west banks. The eastern side is an urban catchment while the western side is rural. The Upper Lake area is a favourite picnic spot and is the hub for water activities like sailing, motor boating and paddle boating. Kamala Park, a beautiful park lies in the vicinity of the lake.The Lower Lake is situated right beside the Upper Lake and is surrounded by the hills and the Kamala Park. It is known as the Chota Talaab to the locals and is surrounded by human settlements on all sides. It was created by the Mughals. The two lakes are separated by an over-bridge. Like on the Upper Lake, there is also boating facilities on the Lower Lake.
Van Vihar Safari Park: The Van Vihar Safari Park is actually a zoo of a very different kind. The park that covers an area of 445 hectares has carnivorous and herbivorous animals as well as reptiles and birds of a number of species. But instead of being kept in a zoo, they are allowed to move freely within the premises of the zoo and are kept in near natural condition that favours their existence. The zoo was given the title of a national park by the central government in 1983. At the Van Vihar Safari Park you can see animals like Panthers, White Tigers, Neelgai, Sambar, Cheetal, Hyena, Leopard, Tiger etc. These animals are not captured from other places but are chosen to stay here if they are orphaned or suffering in other closed zoos. Among the birds you can see mainly a large variety of migratory birds besides Peacocks, Bulbuls, Kala Teetar, Bhura Teetar etc.
Sair Sapata: This is a place in Bhopal that has been created entirely for people to have fun and enjoy themselves. Basically Sair Sapata is a suspended bridge on the Prempura Ghat. It has a children’s toy train, glass viewpoint, musical fountain, food zone, bar, children’s play area, boat club, pathways and various other things that the whole family can enjoy together.
Fish Aquarium: As the name suggests, it is a fish aquarium but it is nowhere near the simple aquarium that you keep at home. It is a fish shaped building that consists of various aquariums and 66 different species of fish. It is situated near the Raj Bhavan in Bhopal and covers an area of 1 hectare. The double storied building has an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion consists of 40 glass aquariums which contain colorful and ornamental fishes like the Paradise Blue, Golden Shark and many others. The fishes in the 26 lower portion aquariums are fresh water fishes from lakes, ponds and rivers. The fishes include Katla, Rohu, Mrigal and others.
Kerwa Dam: Located 15 kms away from the city of Bhopal off Kotra Sultanabad, the Kerwa Dam is a beautiful picnic spot. The place looks more beautiful if visited in the rainy season as at that is the time when the water level is at the highest. The place maintains a natural wilderness in spite of being located so close to the city. An eco-tourism site has been started at the Kerwa Dam by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department. The eco tourism site covers 1 km of walking area that is filled with trees and flowers.Jhiri: 18 km from Bhopal, Jhiri is a small village on the Kolar dam. It is a beautiful picnic spot perfect for adventure lovers. In the Jhiri village one can see exclusive Bheel tribe houses. But eateries and rest houses are not available at Jhiri. So picnickers have to arrange for their own food and other activities.Purtala: Purtala is located 100 kms away from Bhopal on the Bhopal Nagpur Expressway. It is an untouched tourist spot known for its bio diversity and the wildlife. Long walks are enjoyable at Purtala. There is also an island close to Purtala that can be reached by a 30 minute motorboat ride.