Which is the Upper Lake of Bhopal?

The Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal, is one of the two major lakes in Bhopal. It is located to the west of the city and is a prominent tourist attraction.

Is Upper Lake Bhopal man-made or natural?

Upper Lake or Bhojtal in Bhopal is a man-made lake. It was created in the 11th century by King Bhoj by damming the Kolans River.

Which is the oldest lake in Bhopal?

The Upper Lake is the oldest lake in Bhopal. The two major lakes–Upper Lake and Lower Lake were constructed at the same time but Upper Lake was constructed first.

Upper Lake - Bhopal | Timings, Activities & Nearby Places

About Upper Lake Bhopal

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is popular because of the several lakes it has. Well, it has a lot! The biggest and most famous one is Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal.

Bhojtal in Bhopal is the oldest man-made lake in India and is located on the west side of the city. The locals also call it Bada Talab. This lake is really important because it provides around 30 million gallons of drinking water to the people living in Bhopal.

Who Built Upper Lake in Bhopal

This huge lake is named after King Bhoj, who constructed this in the 11th century by damming the Kolans River. According to history, King Bhoj, who ruled Malwa from 1005 to 1055, built the lake to cure a stubborn skin disease of him. The local tale goes like this: King Bhoj tried every medicine available, but nothing worked. Then, a saint advised him to create a tank by combining water from 365 streams and bathing in it.

Following this, King Bhoj ordered his engineers to find a spot to build this giant tank. They found a location near the Betwa River, about 32 km from Bhopal, but it only had 356 streams. Then, they discovered some hidden streams, completing the count to 365. Thus, Bhojtal was constructed.

Activities to Enjoy at Upper Lake

1. Boat Adventures

You can rent a boat and glide across the waters, enjoying the stunning landscapes and refreshing breeze. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, boating here is a must.

2. Water Sports

Upper Lake in Bhopal isn’t just for serious stuff. It’s also the place to be for some splashy fun. On the eastern side of the lake, there’s a boat club that’s all about water sports. You can try parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. Water sports lovers can enjoy an exhilarating day here.

Suggested Read: A Guide For Your Trip To Mandu MP

3. Sunset Views and Photography

The lake’s beauty reaches new heights during sunset. If possible, plan your visit during the evening to witness the breathtaking sunset views at Upper Lake. It’s a paradise for photographers, capturing the beauty of nature at its finest. As the sun sets, you can click some amazing shadow pictures and reflection pictures.

4. Jogging in the Morning

Jogging and good morning walks are really common here. Jogging around Upper Lake in Bhopal offers a refreshing fitness experience with stunning water views and fresh air. The lakeside trails are perfect for a morning or evening walk, you’ll always find many locals and tourists here, doing some stretching or exercising.

Upper Lake Bhojtal Timings

It is an open Lake, so you can visit any time of the day. However, the best time to visit Upper Lake would be during golden hours—sunset or sunrise. But, it’s always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special events that might affect the timings.

How to Reach Upper Lake(Bhojtal)

By Air

The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, located about 10 km from Upper Lake. You can hire a taxi or use app-based cab services to reach the lake.

By Train

Bhopal Junction is the nearest railway station, approximately 6 km from Upper Lake. From the station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to the lake.

By Bus

Bhopal has a well-connected bus network with services from various parts of the city. You can take a local bus to reach the lake.

By Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws are a convenient and affordable way to reach Upper Lake from anywhere in Bhopal. They are readily available throughout the city.

Places To Visit Near Upper Lake

1. Van Vihar National Park and Zoo

Just 15 km away, Van Vihar National Park is one of the must-visit attractions when visiting Upper Lake. this park’s border touches the lake, so from here, on one side you can enjoy the wildlife and on the other hand the scenic beauty of the lake.

2. Gauhar Mahal

About 9 km from the Upper Lake, Gauhar Mahal is a beautiful heritage structure in Bhopal. Maintained by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, it is one of the finest pieces of architecture from the Nawabi era. Built with a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture.

3. Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum

Another gem near the Upper Lake is this museum—a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the state’s tribal communities. The museum features detailed exhibits and traditional artifacts that depict tribal life, art, and traditions.

4. Taj-ul-Masjid

Taj-ul-Masjid is a 19th-century mosque located at the heart of Bhopal city in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the largest mosques in India and among the places you should not miss when visiting Bhopal. It is a classic illustration of Mughal architecture.

Restaurants To Visit Near Upper Lake

1. CafeChino

Just 700m from the lake

Location: 157 Shamla Hill Road Jehan Numa Palace Hotel

2. La Kuchina

It is also 700m away from the lake

Location: Jehan numa palace hotel, Shymala Hills, Bhopal.

Hotels Near Upper Lake

Source: MakeMyTrip”

1. Fab Hotel Naman Palace

Distance: 4 km from the Lake Price: Rs.1200 – 1900/ night

2. The Whispering Palms Resort

Distance: 8 km from the Lake Price: Rs.2200 – 2600/ night

3. Lords Regency

Distance: 6 km from the Lake Price: Rs.1000 – 1400/ night

(Note: Prices may vary depending on seasonality and availability)

Shrutika Parab

★★★★★

24 May 2024

“Thank you Team Wanderon for the amazing Ladakh Experience. Right from the point of making the bookings with Mr. Chakshu to the point of completion of the trip received amicable support.

Sonal Shekhar Dash

9 May 2024

“I did my first solo trip in India with WanderOn. Initially I was sceptical about their Meghalaya-Kaziranga trip as I didn't have any prior experience with them but the team assured me that it's going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

Archana Awati

30 Apr 2024

“In Ladakh, find the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and serenity. December last year I decided that my next trip would be Ladakh but didn’t know how to go about it. I knew I wanted to travel in a group, as I had prior experiences of traveling in a group but wanted an organiser I could trust. Ladakh isn’t like other destinations wherein you need some instructions due to the high altitudes.

Kartik Dilawari

4 Jul 2024

“After an amazing trip to Tirthan with WanderOn, I decided to go to Manali-Jispa with them and yet again, the experience was worth every penny. The place was very beautiful and the quality of service was top-notch, the itinerary was very good and the quality of transportation and stays were very good. Had an awesome time there and made some good friends as well. Lastly, our trip captains Priyasha and Rachit managed the entire trip very well and were so fun and made our trip an experience worth remembering.

Upper Lake Bhopal Guide: Timings, Fun Activities, and Nearby Attractions