Bhopal truly and totally took me by surprise!
Today, when all Indian cities are bursting to seams with people swarming like bees, struggling to fight the snarls of traffic whilst ignoring the filth in every nook and corner, Bhopal, for me, emerged as an exception!
It was my first visit to Bhopal (September 2018) and my mind was a clean slate with no expectations or prejudices. We landed at night hence couldn't make out much of the place besides that it was unusually quiet. Nevertheless, when our car rached the famous lake in the heart of the town, the huge writing, illuminated with red light, 'Welcome to the city of Lakes' on the upper side of the lake, spoke amounts about the city.
Since it was a work visit, next two days were busy. We had to travel to some villages in the nearby areas - about two hours drive away from Bhopal. However, while going through the busiest areas of the city to our work destination, I realised a few things - the city is clean and the traffic is much less as compared to any other city in India. I didn't see anyone honking unnecessarily or speeding rashly even during the rush hour. No one seemed to be in a hurry to reach somewhere. It was not a noisy city from any point of view.
(The lake seemed to have a calming impact on its people).
Fortunately, on the last day, our work finished early. Relieved that everything had gone as per the plan, our minds were relaxed but our bodies ached and were crying for caffeine some to get rejuvenated. The urge was too strong after our hectic schedule of two days. We located a Cafe Coffee Day close to our hotel. The location couldn't have been better - at a hilly area, overlooking the lake, peaceful and surreal. The only drawback was the cheap film music, playing loud at the lake by the government run tourist centre at the lakeside, down below, which was a sure earsore for us.
The lakeside was buzzing with activities - sailing boats, motor boats etc, a number of vendors were selling a variety of foods. It was heartening to see youngsters around. The view at the lake side confirmed that Bhopal people, especially youngsters, do not hang out in 'malls' but go out to chill in the open and get some fresh air - another contrast from other big cities where air-conditioned shopping arcades are the most preferred hanging out place. Obviously, because the cities generally lack such outdoor leisure places.
The driver who was with us during our stay became a sort of our guide. He shared stories of Bhopal - major portion of which belonged to Pataudi family - ancestors of Saif Ali Khan Pataudi, once upon a time. The family distributed chunks of land to people who needed them. Pataudis still have a hotel and a bungalow which they still visit.
Another feature of Bhopal is World's First Broad Gauge Rail Coach Restaurant. Unfortunately, we couldn't dine there because it has its particular timing, which clashed with our work schedule, but I managed to peep into the coach and get some photos.
The accommodation was like icing on the cake
We were lucky to have gotten one of the best accommodations - Ivy Suites for our three-nights stay. Run by a friendly couple in their ancestral house, the place is a hotel cum a home stay. Surrounded with a lot of greenery, the place has aesthetic and heritage beauty of a boutique hotel, but the comfort of a home.
It's an ideal location if you are a creative person and want to spend a few days creating something - poem, prose, fiction, sketch, painting, photography or any other such creative activity. Famous cine star of yesteryears, Deetpi Naval stayed in this hotel to write her book. The team of Hindi movie Sanju, stayed here and so have many other known personalities.
The hotel doesn't have a restaurant but a big dining table where most of the guests dine together. The Sharma couple (the owners) - great conversationalist and extremely hospitable, also joins the guests. (Don't be surprised if they offer you a drink as well). This provides the guests a chance to mingle with others.
Alas! It was a short trip and that too work related, so I couldn't have enough of it. However, the beauty of the city and the accommodation compelled me to make a promise to myself to visit Bhopal again - this time a pure pleasure visit - to explore the city's natural beauty!
Check the photos to get a feel of the reality...
Today, when all Indian cities are bursting to seams with people swarming like bees, struggling to fight the snarls of traffic whilst ignoring the filth in every nook and corner, Bhopal, for me, emerged as an exception!
It was my first visit to Bhopal (September 2018) and my mind was a clean slate with no expectations or prejudices. We landed at night hence couldn't make out much of the place besides that it was unusually quiet. Nevertheless, when our car rached the famous lake in the heart of the town, the huge writing, illuminated with red light, 'Welcome to the city of Lakes' on the upper side of the lake, spoke amounts about the city.
Since it was a work visit, next two days were busy. We had to travel to some villages in the nearby areas - about two hours drive away from Bhopal. However, while going through the busiest areas of the city to our work destination, I realised a few things - the city is clean and the traffic is much less as compared to any other city in India. I didn't see anyone honking unnecessarily or speeding rashly even during the rush hour. No one seemed to be in a hurry to reach somewhere. It was not a noisy city from any point of view.
(The lake seemed to have a calming impact on its people).
Fortunately, on the last day, our work finished early. Relieved that everything had gone as per the plan, our minds were relaxed but our bodies ached and were crying for caffeine some to get rejuvenated. The urge was too strong after our hectic schedule of two days. We located a Cafe Coffee Day close to our hotel. The location couldn't have been better - at a hilly area, overlooking the lake, peaceful and surreal. The only drawback was the cheap film music, playing loud at the lake by the government run tourist centre at the lakeside, down below, which was a sure earsore for us.
The lakeside was buzzing with activities - sailing boats, motor boats etc, a number of vendors were selling a variety of foods. It was heartening to see youngsters around. The view at the lake side confirmed that Bhopal people, especially youngsters, do not hang out in 'malls' but go out to chill in the open and get some fresh air - another contrast from other big cities where air-conditioned shopping arcades are the most preferred hanging out place. Obviously, because the cities generally lack such outdoor leisure places.
The driver who was with us during our stay became a sort of our guide. He shared stories of Bhopal - major portion of which belonged to Pataudi family - ancestors of Saif Ali Khan Pataudi, once upon a time. The family distributed chunks of land to people who needed them. Pataudis still have a hotel and a bungalow which they still visit.
Another feature of Bhopal is World's First Broad Gauge Rail Coach Restaurant. Unfortunately, we couldn't dine there because it has its particular timing, which clashed with our work schedule, but I managed to peep into the coach and get some photos.
The accommodation was like icing on the cake
We were lucky to have gotten one of the best accommodations - Ivy Suites for our three-nights stay. Run by a friendly couple in their ancestral house, the place is a hotel cum a home stay. Surrounded with a lot of greenery, the place has aesthetic and heritage beauty of a boutique hotel, but the comfort of a home.
It's an ideal location if you are a creative person and want to spend a few days creating something - poem, prose, fiction, sketch, painting, photography or any other such creative activity. Famous cine star of yesteryears, Deetpi Naval stayed in this hotel to write her book. The team of Hindi movie Sanju, stayed here and so have many other known personalities.
The hotel doesn't have a restaurant but a big dining table where most of the guests dine together. The Sharma couple (the owners) - great conversationalist and extremely hospitable, also joins the guests. (Don't be surprised if they offer you a drink as well). This provides the guests a chance to mingle with others.
Alas! It was a short trip and that too work related, so I couldn't have enough of it. However, the beauty of the city and the accommodation compelled me to make a promise to myself to visit Bhopal again - this time a pure pleasure visit - to explore the city's natural beauty!
Check the photos to get a feel of the reality...
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| view from the lake facing room in Ivy Suites |
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| Good to see youngsters chilling in fresh air |
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| Raja Bhoj stand tall in his city |
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| Traffic on a normal day |
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| The activities at the lake side |
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| View from CCD |
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| World's first broad gauge rail coach restaurant |
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| The seating arrangement is also at the platform |
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| leisure area at Ivy Suites |
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