Bhopal is a historical city where several rulers have exercised their control at various points of time. No wonder the city is basking in the glory of its several pieces of architectural wonder. There plenty of places around the city which are nothing but beautiful testimony of ancient history.
Bhimbetka is located on the slope of mountain amidst beautiful nature. It is shaded by shal and teak wood. The Bhimbetka caves have prehistoric significance. Archeological evidences of the oldest human civilization in India were found in more than 700 caves. These caves were built in 3 stages cutting rocks step by step. Excavation work between 1971-77 unearthed one of the most important prehistoric cave findings of the world in Bhimbetka. The caves of upper tier are not only large but also decorated by beautiful paintings.
About 46 kms from Bhopal, Sanchi is visited by a large number of tourists to see chaityas, stupas and monasteries. The main attraction of Sanchi is its Brihat Stupaor Stupa No.1. The height is 16.4m and the diameter is 36.5m almost like a circle. The construction was initiated by Ashoka and completed in the 3-2 century BC by his descendants.
On Mahadeo or Satpura mountain range is situated clean and green Panchmarhi Hill covered by sylvan forest. Between the two mountain ranges shaded by deep green forest, the calm and quiet, sombre and tranquil ambience of Panchmarhi is simply overwhelming.Innumerable streams here flow at a soft note. The place is famous for its pre-historic caves.
Bhojpur is about 28km southeast of the city. Tourists visiting the lake city should visit Bhojeswar Shiva Temple. The temple dates back to 11th century and it is a fine piece of temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is often called the ‘Somnath of the East’.It is built of red sandstone, with a huge linga image of Shiva, carved out from a single rock. Entrance of the temple and the sculpture of the corbelled dome is unique.
