3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Bhopal in June 2023

1. Day 1: Van Vihar National Park
   20 minutes (5.7 km) from Bhopal Junction Railway Station

   Begin your day with a visit to Van Vihar National Park. This lush green park is home to various species of animals and birds. You can take a safari ride to explore the park and spot animals like tigers, lions, bears, and deer. After the safari ride, you can have lunch in the park's canteen. In the afternoon, you can take a boat ride in the park's lake and enjoy the serene environment. In the evening, you can attend the light and sound show that depicts the history of Bhopal.

2. Day 2: Upper Lake and Bhimbetka Caves
   35 minutes (13 km) from Van Vihar National Park

   Start your day by visiting the Upper Lake, which is the largest artificial lake in Asia. You can take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and the surrounding hills. After the boat ride, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants near the lake. In the afternoon, you can visit the Bhimbetka Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves have prehistoric paintings that are thousands of years old. You can explore the caves and marvel at the ancient art. In the evening, you can return to the Upper Lake for a beautiful sunset.

3. Day 3: Taj-ul-Masjid and Shaukat Mahal
   25 minutes (7.8 km) from Bhimbetka Caves

   On your last day, start with a visit to Taj-ul-Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque has a grand architecture with marble domes and minarets. You can take a guided tour of the mosque and learn about its history and significance. After the mosque, you can have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. In the afternoon, you can visit the Shaukat Mahal, which is a blend of European and Islamic architecture. The palace has beautiful carvings and a unique design. You can explore the palace and the nearby market for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, you can return to your hotel for some rest.

Recommendations:

If you have time, you can consider visiting the Birla Museum, which has a vast collection of sculptures and paintings. You can also take a side trip to Sanchi, which has ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries. To maximize your fun, you can try some local street food like Poha, Jalebi, and Biryani. Finally, make sure to take a stroll in the old city market for some traditional shopping.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Van Vihar National Park (4-5 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Upper Lake and Bhimbetka Caves (5-6 hours, INR 200 per person for boat ride, INR 40 per person for cave entry)
• Taj-ul-Masjid and Shaukat Mahal (3-4 hours, INR 20 per person for mosque entry, INR 50 per person for palace entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 560 per person