Bhimbetka Caves
In the foothills of the Vindhya mountains, Bhimbetka caves are excellent
rock shelter situated about 45km from Bhopal city. The area is covered with
forest and above the forest cover there are five cluster of caves, which
were earlier used as shelters for centuries by aboriginals settlements. The
caves are fascinating archaeological relics who walls are painted dating
from the Mesolithic period onwards. The villages around the caves and the
lifetyle of the villagers reflects the same as depicted on these ancient
caves. These caves are recognized as World Heritage Site.
Sanchi
Sanchi is a hilly enclave, located about 68km from Bhopal. It is a popular
Buddhist site and amazingly the site is preserved since the 3rd century BC.
This serene environ was first discovered by Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka's wife
was hailed from Vidisha, a place 10km away. A passion for Buddhism of Ashoka
drew closer to the place and he established many Buddhist monasteries and
stupas. The patronage from Vidisha's rich businessmen helped Sanchi to grew
to a thriving township in 12th century. As the Hinduism gradually overtook
Buddhism, the site decayed and was forgotten. In 19th century, British
rediscovered its treasures, leading to immense damage at the hands of
amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters before a proper restoration took
place between 1881 and 1919.
Islamnagar
The fortified city is located 11km north of Bhopal, was the first capital
of Bhopal state. It was founded by Rajput king Jagdishpur before Dost
Mohammad Khan occupied and renamed it in the early 18th century. Islamnagar
is a small town but a major tourist attraction because of the beautiful
palace made up of Bhopal's Afghan rulers built by Dost Mohammad Khan. The
massive palace is surrounded by beautiful garden and a pavilion, a fine
amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic decorative art. The pillars are richly
decorated with floral motifs. Other attractions including the hamam of the
Chaman mahal and double -storeyed Rani Mahal.
Bhojpur
Bhojpur is famous for the magnificent 11th century Lord Shiva temple also
known as 'Bhojeshwar Mandir'. The place is 28km from Bhopal and it was named
after Raja Bhoj. Around the temple there is lake that was constructed by the
legendary Parmar king of Dhar. The Shiva lingam of the temple is the largest
in India, carved out of a single rock placed on a sandstone platform. The
temple is simple and made according to medieval Hindu architecture. a simple
square with a richly carved dome supported by four pillars guarded by two
ornamental figures at the entrance. There is a simple Jain shrine nearby
which has a 6m high black statue of a Thirthankara and two smaller ones.
