IISER Bhopal
IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research) Bhopal is an Institution of National Importance located in the Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh state—the heart of India! IISER Bhopal was established in 2008.
Bhopal, the City of Lakes, is a beautiful city in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Indeed, Bhopal serves as the capital of Madhya Pradesh and is one of the greenest cities of India.
1. How to reach Bhopal:
- By Air: Bhopal has Raja Bhoj International airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and so on. The distance from the airport to IISER Bhopal is ~10kms. One can board a cab or an auto to travel this distance within 15-20 mins.
- By Train: There are three major railway junctions in Bhopal (i.e., Bhopal Junction, Rani Kamalapati and Sant Hridram Nagar) which are well-connected to major cities in India. Many popular trains run through these junctions e.g., Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express etc.
- By Bus: Bhopal being the capital of Madhya Pradesh has multiple bus stations which are well-connected to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states. One can use a state-run or private bus to reach Bhopal.
2. Weather:
- Weather in December: December is the best time to visit Bhopal. As this is the winter season in Bhopal, the temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. Carrying warm clothes is advisable if you’re traveling to Bhopal in December. The weather is usually pleasant and sunny during the day, however it can get quite chilly at night (after 10 pm).
3. Other useful details:
- Language: Hindi is the widely spoken language of Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, English, Marathi, Sindhi, and Urdu are commonly spoken and understood in the city.
- Currency: The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). You can exchange foreign currency at banks or authorized currency exchange centers in Bhopal.
- Safety: Bhopal is generally a safe city, but taking basic precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and not carrying large sums of money or valuable items while traveling is advisable.
4. Places of attraction:
Madhya Pradesh, the “Heart of India,” unfolds a vibrant tapestry of historical marvels, captivating landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This diverse state offers something for everyone, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts and culture seekers. Here’s a guide to some of its must-visit attractions near Bhopal:
- World Heritage Sites:
- Khajuraho Group of Monuments: Marvel at the intricately carved temples depicting themes of love, life, and spirituality. (Chhatarpur)
- Sanchi Stupa: Immerse yourself in the serene aura of this Buddhist monument adorned with captivating sculptures. (Raisen)
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: Step back in time with prehistoric cave paintings revealing ancient lives and rituals. (Raisen)
- Mesmerizing Historical Sites:
- Gwalior Fort: Climb the ancient fort and explore its palaces, temples, and breathtaking views. (Gwalior)
- Mandu: Discover the architectural legacy of the Malwa Sultans in this captivating hilltop town. (Mandu)
- Bhojpur: Witness the architectural marvel of Bhojeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the serenity of the Bhoj Wetland. (Raisen)
- Udayagiri and Vidisha Caves: Journey through the evolution of Indian art styles within these captivating caves. (Vidisha)
- Islamnagar Fort: Unravel the Mughal era’s grandeur and strategic significance within this formidable fort. (Burhanpur)
- Thrilling Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Kanha National Park: Go on a thrilling safari and spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and diverse wildlife. (Mandla)
- Bandhavgarh National Park: Embark on an expedition to witness tigers, leopards, and a rich variety of mammals and birds. (Umaria)
- Pench National Park: Cruise through the scenic landscapes and encounter tigers, sloth bears, and diverse wildlife. (Chhindwara)
- Madhav National Park: Explore diverse ecosystems and spot tigers, leopards, and unique birdlife. (Shivpuri)
- Van Vihar National Park: Encounter wildlife within Bhopal itself, including tigers, lions, and a variety of birds. (Bhopal)
- Enthralling Hill Stations:
- Pachmarhi: Escape the heat and explore waterfalls, serene lakes, and captivating viewpoints. (Hoshangabad)
- Mhow (Cantt): Immerse yourself in colonial-era charm, explore historical sites, and enjoy scenic landscapes. (Indore)
- Chitrakoot: Discover waterfalls, caves, and the serene beauty of the Vindhya Range. (Satna)
- Amarkantak: Witness the source of the Narmada and Sone rivers and bask in the natural beauty. (Anuppur)
- Cultural Delights:
- Ujjain: Experience the spiritual significance of one of the seven holy cities with its ancient temples and festivals. (Ujjain)
- Indore: Explore vibrant bazaars, savor delicious street food, and witness the Malwa culture’s vibrancy. (Indore)
- Maheshwar: Discover the heritage town with its majestic fort, temples, and silk weaving tradition. (West Nimar)
- Orchha: Explore the captivating cenotaphs, temples, and palaces of this historical town. (Niwari)
- Chanderi: Witness the intricate weaving process of the famed Chanderi sarees and explore historical sites. (Ashoknagar)
- Additional Attractions:
- Bhedaghat: Witness the mesmerizing “Marble Rocks” and experience the serene boat ride on the Narmada River. (Jabalpur)
- Hanuwantiya Island: Explore the serene island on the Narmada River and spot diverse wildlife. (Khandwa)
- Tawa Reservoir: Enjoy boating, water sports, and scenic beauty amidst the Satpura Range. (Hoshangabad)
- Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot sloth bears, leopards, and diverse birdlife in this unique ecosystem. (Sheopur)
- Dhuandhar Falls: Witness the mesmerizing sight of the Narmada River cascading down this breathtaking waterfall. (Jabalpur)
This list merely scratches the surface of Madhya Pradesh’s treasures. Most of the places are within 400 kms from Bhopal. So, pack your bags, keep your camera ready, embrace your adventurous spirit, and embark on a journey to discover the captivating essence of this incredible state. Please visit the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department website for more details.