Centered in the middle of India, Bhopal is a city that adeptly combines tradition with modernity. The breathtaking water bodies, historic heritage, and lively culture attract travelers from all around the world in the enchanting city of lakes. Imagine walking, the narrow streets of the old city, smelling street food and looking at great architecture.
Therefore, explore the beauty of Bhopal starting from the upper Lake to the heritage sites like Taj-ul-Masajid, and Bhimbetka rock shelters only to discover more as you travel. But how do you get there? Join me as we explore how to get to this magical city!
How to Reach Bhopal
By Air
Flying is certainly the most efficient way to reach Bhopal. Raja Bhoj International Airport links the city with other Indian cities, serving as your gateway to your desired destination in the city. If you’re flying in from Delhi, it’ll take you around 1.5 hours; from Mumbai it’s about 1.75 hours. Hyderabad and Bangalore are also connected by air, 1.5 and 2 hours, respectively. Flights from Chennai and Trivandrum may take a little longer but ranges around this 2.5 to 3 hours mark.
The airport from the city centre is around 15 km away and is a short taxi ride or pick up via ride-sharing apps to arrive at your final destination. There are sites such as MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, EaseMyTrip, etc., where you can get a good deal on the flights.
By Train
Bhopal has a major railway station, the Bhopal Junction, which connects the city with all of India for railway lovers. It’s also well-connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, so it is a good option. Trains take approximately 12-14 hours from Delhi and about 12 from Mumbai. If you’re traveling from Kolkata, your train journey will take about 14–16 hours, and from Chennai, plan for about 20–22 hours.
Traveling by train comes with scenic views from the Indian countryside and amazing food from the pantry. The station is located near the city center, and you can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw and explore Bhopal straight away!
By Road
And for those adventurous ones who love road trips, Bhopal can be reached by car or bus from different cities. An endless expanse of green welcomes you after you hit the National Highway 12 (NH12), the road that connects Bhopal with Delhi. From Delhi, it’s approximately a 12-hour drive, so get ready for a fun road trip with numerous stops along the way.
Coming from Mumbai? It’s a distance to cover around 700 km, which may take around 12-14 hours but let the scenic Western Ghats make you feel worth it. The distance from Indore, bus, and driving time of 4 hrs make the route pretty popular with many travelers.
State-run and private buses well connect Bhopal to cities like Pune, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. There are sleeper and luxury buses, so journey is quite comfortable. Remember to reserve tickets much earlier on sites such as Thrillophilia.
From the East and South
Kolkata is approximately 800 km away, so the integral mode of transport here, is by a train or a bus for a longer journey of approximately 14-16 hours. It is 600 km and a 10-12 hour road or rail journey from Bhubaneswar, on the other hand.
I say travelers from Hyderabad as taking a flight or a train (12-14 hours of journey) would be the ideal way to arrive at Guwahati. Bangalore and Trivandrum are a bit farther, too, but they can also be reached by air or long-haul trains — 24 to 30 hours, more or less.
5 Ways to Maximize Your Bhopal Trip
- Stay there: You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Bhopal, from luxury hotels to guesthouses. Search the best deals on platforms such as MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip
- Indulge in Local Food During your stay, make sure to get a taste of Bhopali Biryani, Poha-Jalebi, Chaat, etc. Make your way to the junkies area of Chowk, where every taste buds feels blessed!
- Get Lost in the Past: You can visit Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ancient cave paintings dating back thousands of years. Sanchi Stupa: The Stupa of Sanchi is a must-visit for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather gets hot so set out with water while touring the city.
- Interact with the Locals: The charm and hospitality of the Bhopali will leave an everlasting impression on your heart. Talk to them; they usually have an interesting story!”
Conclusion: Bhopal is Calling You!
Bhopal is not only a place to visit; it is an unfolding experience. Be it by air, by rail, or by road — you will be wooed by the charm of this city. Thus, what are you waiting for pack your bags, your camera, and prepare to create some moments in the City of Lakes. Happy travels!
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