Bhopal and Panchmarhi Family Friendly 5-Day Itinerary
Thursday, September 28, 2023: Arrival in Bhopal
Welcome to Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh! Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and freshen up. In the morning, visit the beautiful Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride while soaking in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the historic beauty of the 17th-century Gohar Mahal, known for its architectural grandeur. As the evening sets in, head to the bustling Chowk Bazaar, a vibrant market offering traditional handicrafts, jewellery, and street food.
Upper Lake: Boat ride - Estimated Cost: ₹200 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Gohar Mahal: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹50 per person, Time Spent: 1 hour
Chowk Bazaar: Shopping and street food - Estimated Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Chokolade, a cozy cafe known for its delicious assortment of chocolates and baked goods. A meal here costs around Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Manohar Dairy and Restaurant, a popular eatery offering a wide range of vegetarian delicacies. Enjoy their thali meal, consisting of various curries, rice, bread, and dessert, for an average cost of Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Bhopali cuisine at Arya Bhawan. This restaurant specializes in traditional Bhopali dishes like Biryani, Kebabs, and Dal Bafla. A meal here costs around Rs. 400 per person.
Friday, September 29, 2023: Bhopal Sightseeing
Start your day by visiting the majestic and iconic Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. Explore its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance. In the afternoon, head to the State Museum of Madhya Pradesh, where you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Van Vihar National Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Taj-ul-Masajid: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹10 per person, Time Spent: 1 hour
State Museum of Madhya Pradesh: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹20 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Van Vihar National Park: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹20 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chappan Dukan, a popular street food destination in Bhopal. Indulge in delicious local delicacies like poha, jalebi, and samosas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Under the Mango Tree, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Manohar Dairy & Restaurant, a family-friendly eatery famous for its vegetarian thali and ice creams. Experience the authentic flavors of India at an average cost of 250 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Bhopal to Panchmarhi
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed towards Panchmarhi, a beautiful hill station located in the Satpura Range. Enjoy the scenic drive and arrive in Panchmarhi by early afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and relax. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local markets and enjoying the pleasant weather of this charming town.
Travel from Bhopal to Panchmarhi: Estimated Cost: ₹1,500 (by taxi), Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Panchmarhi is Cafe Coffee Day, offering a variety of hot and cold beverages along with delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Mangaldeep Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Hilltop Restaurant and enjoy a wide range of dishes including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Panchmarhi Exploration
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Jata Shankar Cave, a natural cave temple believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Explore its unique rock formations and serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Bee Falls, a captivating waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. As the evening approaches, visit the Sunset Point to witness a spectacular view of the sun setting over the hills.
Jata Shankar Cave: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹20 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Bee Falls: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹20 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Sunset Point: Free entry, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Chokolade, a charming cafe known for its delicious bakery items and mouthwatering breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Savor a delightful lunch at Arya Bhavan, a vegetarian restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine. Enjoy their thali meals and delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 250 per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Under the Mango Tree, a rooftop restaurant offering a panoramic view of Panchmarhi. Their menu features a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Monday, October 2, 2023: Departure from Panchmarhi
On your last day, visit the beautiful Pandav Caves, a group of five ancient rock-cut caves with mythological significance. Explore the intricate carvings and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, check out from your hotel and depart from Panchmarhi, taking with you unforgettable memories of this enchanting hill station.
Pandav Caves: Entrance fee - Estimated Cost: ₹15 per person, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Aangan - Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Aangan, known for its wide variety of Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Pallavi - For lunch, head to Pallavi, a popular restaurant offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Try their thali meals and enjoy the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Under the Mango Tree - Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Under the Mango Tree, a charming rooftop restaurant offering a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Bhopal, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Tribal Museum, which showcases the diverse tribal culture of Madhya Pradesh. It's an excellent place to learn about the indigenous communities and their way of life. In Panchmarhi, take a detour to Dhoopgarh, the highest point in the Satpura Range, to witness a mesmerizing sunrise or sunset. The panoramic views from this vantage point are truly breathtaking and worth the visit.
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