Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, situated around two artificial lakes amidst picturesque settings is also known as the city of lakes. Bhopal was built on the site of an 11th century city, 'Bhojapal', founded by the legendary king, Raja Bhoja. The existing city was developed by Dost Mohammed (1708-1740) one of Emperor Aurangazeb's Afghan governors. His progeny, including efficient women rulers ruled Bhopal until 1947 when the state finally joined the Indian Union. The old city with its crowded market places, fine old mosques and palaces intermingles with the new city with the broad avenues, high rise offices and exquisitely laid out parks and gardens. The city is famous for silver jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet.

Laxmi Narayan Temple :
Also known as the Birla Mandir, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Near the temple is located a museum that houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The stone sculptures are mainly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts and incarnations.

Taj-Ul Masjid :
Taj-ul Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. The construction of this mosque was started by Shah Jahan Begum during her reign (1868–1901) but it was never completed in her lifetime. It was only with the intervention of the government of India in 1971 that the construction of the mosque was completed. Today, this huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets is used as a madarsa (religious school). A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws a lot of people from all over the country.

Shaukat Mahal:
In the heart of the walled city, at the entrance to the Chowk area lies Shaukat Mahal. The building evokes archaeological interest as it is set in different European styles thereby setting it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area.
Upper And Lower Lakes :
Covering an area of about 6 sq. km, the Upper lake is separated from the Lower Lake by an over bridge. You can hire motorboats for exciting trips on the Upper Lake. Adjacent to the Lake is the zoo called Van Vihar, where you can have a look at the tiger, leopard, lion and bear among other animals. Near the Lower Lake, you can visit an aquarium. The fish-shaped aquarium houses a number of fascinating species of fish.

Moti Masjid :
Built by Qudsia Begum/’s daughter Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860, the Moti Masjid is similar in style to Delhi/’s Jama Masjid. The mosque is smaller in size and has two dark red minarets crowned by golden spikes.