5-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration Itinerary in Bhopal, India

Day 1: Heritage and History

Bhopal, India on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Green Tandoor

Start your day with a traditional breakfast of poha and chai at Green Tandoor, known for its authentic Malwi flavors and open from 7:30am to 11:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Taj-ul-Masajid

Explore one of Asia's largest mosques, famous for its Indo-Islamic architecture and peaceful atmosphere, open for visitors from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Bhopal State Museum

Discover Madhya Pradesh’s heritage through the museum's rich collection of sculptures, paintings, and tribal crafts, open from 10:30am to 5:00pm.
INR10, 1h45m

1:15pm

Lunch at Lazeez Family Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mughlai and North Indian cuisine in this cozy restaurant, open noon to 3:30pm, perfect for a fulfilling mid-day meal.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Half-day trip)

Drive approx 45 minutes to UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock paintings dating back to prehistoric times, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Manohar Dairy and Restaurant

Try local delicacies like kebabs and koftas in a popular eatery known for its flavors and friendly ambiance, open till 11:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Lake and Nature

Bhopal, India on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy simple and affordable South Indian breakfast options like idli and vada with a cup of strong coffee, open from 7:00am to 11:00am.
INR100, 1h0m

9:00am

Van Vihar National Park

Stroll or take a safari through this urban national park on the lakeside showcasing native wildlife, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Upper Lake Boating

Enjoy boating on Bhopal’s serene Upper Lake, with various boating options operating from 9:00am till sunset.
INR150, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Boat Club Restaurant

Dine lakeside with a menu featuring North Indian and Chinese options, open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Bharat Bhavan

Explore an arts complex with amphitheater, art galleries, and a museum for modern and tribal arts, open 10:30am to 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bhopal's 1980s Bar and Kitchen

Experience vibrant nightlife with modern Indian cuisine and cocktails, open from 6:30pm to 11:30pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 3: Temples and Local Markets

Bhopal, India on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Sherzi

Sample fresh pastries and a variety of tea blends in this cozy cafe open 7:00am to 11:00am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Birla Mandir

Visit this iconic white marble Hindu temple featuring intricate carvings and panoramic city views, open from 5:30am to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Shahpura Haveli

Explore a century-old heritage mansion converted into a boutique hotel and museum showcasing royal artifacts.
Free to explore hotel area, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Karim’s Biryani

Feast on delicious Biryani and Mughlai dishes that capture Bhopal’s culinary heritage, open from noon to 3:00pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Chowk Bazaar

Wander through this bustling old market famous for spices, handicrafts, and street food. Shops generally open till 8:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Lower Lake Viewpoint

Relax on the promenade with beautiful sunset views over the Lower Lake, with numerous photo spots.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Zaika-E-Zainab

Enjoy authentic Bhopali and Nawabi cuisine in a traditional ambiance, open till 11:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Excursion and Leisure

Bhopal, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nafees Sweets and Restaurant

Start with a variety of good quality sweets and a light breakfast, open from 7:00am to 11:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Day trip to Sanchi Stupa

Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist complex 46 km from Bhopal, open 9:00am to 5:00pm. Guided tours available to explore ancient stupas and monasteries.
INR40, 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Bhopal and Rest

Relax at your hotel after the full-day excursion, preparing for a light evening meal.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jolly Resto-Lounge

Relax with casual dining offering varied menu options, open till midnight.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 5: Art and Shopping

Bhopal, India on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fab Cafe

Enjoy breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and an inviting menu of sandwiches and desserts, open from 8:00am to 11:00am.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Tribal Museum

Learn about Madhya Pradesh’s tribal communities through exhibits of costumes, artefacts, and lifestyle, open 10:00am to 5:30pm except Mondays.
INR60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Alankar Restaurant

Savor a variety of traditional Indian dishes with a focus on regional recipes, open noon to 3:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping at MP Nagar and DB City Mall

Shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and branded goods in these popular commercial areas, generally open till 9:00pm.
Varies, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Rooftop

End your trip with dinner that includes panoramic views of Bhopal and delicious multi-cuisine options, open till 11:00pm.
INR800, 1h30m