Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division in Madhya Pradesh, India with our comprehensive tour guide.


Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division, located in the Plains region of Madhya Pradesh in India, offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. This comprehensive tour guide will help you explore the division, and plan your trip better.

Introduction to Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division (BNP) is a relatively new division in Madhya Pradesh, formed in 2020. The division comprises eight districts - Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Dewas, Shajapur, Agar Malwa and Narsinghpur. It is home to several ancient historical sites and natural attractions that offer an unforgettable experience to its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

BNP boasts the finest examples of ancient Indian architectural wonder. A few must-visit locations:

  • Sanchi Stupa: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex with numerous stupas, monasteries, and temples. It is famous for its historical importance and artistry.
  • Bhimbetka Cave Paintings: Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bhimbetka cave paintings are among the oldest cave paintings in the world, dating back to the Stone Age. The caves offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of prehistoric humans.
  • Bhojpur Temple: The temple is an exemplar of the Nagara-style architecture, built-in the 11th century CE by the legendary king Bhoja. It houses the largest Shiva Lingam in India, made out of a single rock.

Natural Attractions of Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

BNP is not only famous for its rich history but also for its scenic beauty.

  • Kerwa Dam: Kerwa Dam, a man-made lake with lush green landscapes, is the perfect spot for birdwatching, water activities or nature walks.
  • Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary: A stunning nature reserve, located on the outskirts of Indore, is a hub for nature enthusiasts. It offers a chance to spot some rare mammals and bird species.
  • Pachmarhi: This serene hill station, located in Hoshangabad district, offers an amazing view of nature with its stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys. One can enjoy trekking, camping or nature walking here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

The rocky terrain of the division offers a unique experience for all adventure seekers.

  • Raisen Fort Trek: The Raisen fort trek is a perfect trek for all ages of trekkers. The trek offers a stunning view of the city from the top.
  • Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: The reserve offers a chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region, as well as trek through its picturesque trails.
  • Hanuwantiya Island: The island is a hub for water sports enthusiasts and offers activities like jet-skiing, parasailing and ziplining.

Best Things to Do in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Activities and Tours

From heritage walks to food trails, BNP offers a plethora of activities to its visitors.

  • Heritage Walk in Bhopal: A walk-through Bhopal’s rich history, this walk offers a chance to explore the city’s ancient monuments, temples and forts.
  • Food Trail in Indore: Indore, known as the food capital of India, offers a variety of street foods, which are a must-try when visiting the city.
  • Boat Tour of Hanuwantiya Island: The lake city of Hanuwantiya offers a unique experience of exploring the islands through boating.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

A week in BNP can offer a cultural and natural extravaganza.

Day 1 Explore the historical places of Bhopal
Day 2 Trek to Raisen Fort
Day 3 Visit Sanchi Stupa and Udayagiri Caves
Day 4 Visit Pachmarhi and explore the Biosphere Reserve
Day 5 Take a boat tour of Hanuwantiya Island
Day 6 Explore the famous street foods of Indore
Day 7 Visit Bhimbetka Cave Paintings and Bhojpur Temple

Food and Drink Scene of Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poha-Jalebi: A must-have breakfast dish in Indore, poha-jalebi is a delicious combination of flattened rice and sweet jalebis.
  • Dal Bafla: A popular dish in Madhya Pradesh, dal bafla is a filling meal of dough-balls cooked in ghee, served with dal and chutney.
  • Bhutte ki Kees: A street food delicacy of Indore, bhutte ki kees is a grated corn snack with ginger, green chillies, and coriander.

Local Beverages

  • Lassi: A popular drink in BNP, lassi is a perfect summer drink made of curd and various flavors.
  • Jaljeera: A refreshing drink of mint and spices, jaljeera is perfect for hot summer days.
  • Sharbat: A sweet syrup made of rose petals, sandalwood, and other flavors, sharbat is a perfect drink to beat the heat.

Where to Stay in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

BNP offers a wide range of affordable to luxurious accommodations to its visitors. Some of the best options to stay at:

  • Jehan Numa Palace Hotel: A heritage hotel in Bhopal with its own enchanting story and an unforgettable experience of luxury and hospitality.
  • Windflower Resort and Spa: A trendy and luxurious resort located near Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.
  • Lake View Ashok: A deluxe hotel located near Bhopal’s Upper Lake, offering a stunning view and premium facilities.

What to Buy in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

BNP offers several unique souvenirs like handicrafts, sculptures, and textiles, among other things.

  • Maheshwari and Chanderi Silks: BNP is famous for its exquisite silk sarees and dress material, available in the markets of Indore and Ujjain.
  • Handicrafts: BNP is famous for its wooden handicrafts, including puppets, furniture, and toys. One can get authentic handicrafts from the Ujjain market.
  • Zari work: Bhopal is famous for its zari work sarees and cloth material.

Local Culture and Customs of Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

BNP portrays an amalgamation of various cultures and traditions, including Hindu and Muslim traditions. Madhya Pradesh has a unique tradition of tribal culture and art, which is apparent in the region’s handicrafts and tribal festivals.

Best Time to Visit Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

The best time to visit BNP is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon and summer season has ended.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Carry sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes while visiting the natural attractions.
  • Bargain with vendors in the markets.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes while visiting religious places and historical monuments.
  • Try to take photographs of locals without their permission.
  • Litter or damage the natural attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

BNP is a safe place to visit, but one must take the necessary precautions while traveling, like avoiding traveling alone at night, especially in remote areas.

Health in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

It is recommended to carry necessary medications and have travel insurance to be on the safer side.

Getting to Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest airport to BNP, with well-connected flights from major cities in India.

Bus Stations Near Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

The cities in BNP are well-connected by road, with several government and private buses plying regularly.

Other Options

One can also travel to BNP via train, with railway stations located in Bhopal, Indore and other major cities.

How to Get Around in Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division

The best way to get around BNP is through taxi services, which are readily available in most of the cities.

Where to Go Next from Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you plan to extend your trip, BNP’s neighboring regions also offer some unique experiences.

  • Khajuraho: Famous for its ancient temples and erotic sculptures, Khajuraho is a perfect combination of art and history.
  • Mandu: Famous for its ruins of the fort built by the Sultan of Malwa, Mandu offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
  • Omkareshwar: A pilgrim site, Omkareshwar is a religious town on the banks of the Narmada river.

Conclusion

Bhopal-Narmadapuram Division is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and adventurous activities. With our comprehensive tour guide, you can plan your trip to BNP and explore this region’s hidden gems.



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