Upper Lake

Upper Lake or Bhojtal (the immense 31 square-kilometer freshwater reservoir created in the 11th century by Paramara monarch Raja Bhoj, celebrated as India's oldest man made lake and a globally protected Ramsar wetland, famed for its scenic VIP Road promenade, speedboating, and sunset cruises) in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, stands as central India's supreme urban lake and water recreation landmark.

Impounding the Kolans River by a thousand year-old earthen dam, this colossal reservoir has supplied clean drinking water and scenic tranquility to the City of Lakes for nearly a millennium.

It's the home of roaring speedboats cutting white wakes across open water, the towering bronze statue of Raja Bhoj standing sword in-hand upon a rocky islet, paddleboats drifting around quiet forested bays, wintering flocks of migratory sarus cranes and bar headed geese, and an intensely refreshing, deeply peaceful waterfront ambiance filled with lapping waves, cool water breezes, and golden sunset reflections stretching to distant hills.

It represents a rich Madhya Pradesh medieval hydrology heritage apex, urban wetland ecology, and lake tourism where aquatic waters, Van Vihar National Park forests, National Museum of Mankind hills, and Bhimbetka Caves unite in Upper Lake.

Located along VIP Road and Boat Club Road, it sits 5 km from Bhopal Junction Railway Station (BPL), 6 km from Nadra Bus Stand, adjacent to Van Vihar, and 10 km from Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO), easily reached by auto, taxi, or city bus.

The 31 Sq-Km Basin, Raja Bhoj Statue & Boat Club

According to local chronicles, Raja Bhoj built the massive earthen embankment to create a vast healing lake following advice to bathe in water supplied by 365 mountain tributaries.

Today, the MP Tourism Boat Club offers thrilling speedboats, water scooters, and leisure cruise boats, while the curved VIP Road promenade provides benches for evening strolls under glowing street lamps.

Truth is, sitting by the lake edge at dusk watching the setting sun turn the vast water sheet into liquid gold is Bhopal's most beloved daily ritual.

Van Vihar Park, Museum of Mankind & Bhimbetka

Van Vihar National Park: Located along the southern lakebank, take a bicycle safari to view free roaming blackbucks and open moated tigers.

Museum of Mankind & Bhimbetka: Explore tribal dwellings on Shymala Hills and tour 30,000 year-old rock shelters at Bhimbetka.

Upper Lake & Bhopal Waterfront Day Plan

The Historic Reservoir & Wildlife Circuit: Morning start with hot poha, jalebi, and chai along VIP Road (8:00 AM) -> arrive at Upper Lake Boat Club (8:45 AM to 11:15 AM: take a high speed motorboat or leisure paddleboat cruise across the 31 sq-km water body & photograph the Raja Bhoj statue) -> enter adjoining Van Vihar National Park for a lakeside bicycle safari (11:30 AM to 1:45 PM: spot blackbucks, sambar & tigers) -> authentic lunch at a lakeside garden restaurant (2:00 PM to 3:15 PM) -> visit the National Museum of Mankind atop Shymala Hills (3:30 PM to 5:15 PM) -> return to VIP Road for sunset views and street food snacks (5:45 PM to 7:15 PM) -> dinner overlooking the illuminated lake waters (7:30 PM to 9:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Wearing life jackets during all boating and cruise rides is mandatory; swimming in unauthorized deep water zones is strictly prohibited; avoid littering plastic or food waste into the lake as it is Bhopal's primary drinking reservoir; vehicle parking is available at the Boat Club and VIP Road bays.

After enjoying water sports at Upper Lake, explore Van Vihar National Park, tour the Museum of Mankind, or visit Bhimbetka Caves.