The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal was built on the site of 11th century city of Bhojpal. It was founded by legendry King Raja Bhoj who is credited with having constructed the lakes around which the city is built. The present city was laid out by the Afghan Chief Dost Mohammed Khan, who was incharge of Bhopal during Aurangzeb's reign, but took advantage of the confusion following Aurangzeb's death in 1707 to carve out his own small kingdom.

Today, Bhopal has a multifaceted profile. There is the old city with its crowded but vibrant market places, huge Tajul mosque, beautifully carved Moti Masjid (Mosque) in the heart of old Bhopal, and the palaces of former Begums (Queens) who ruled over city from 1819 to 1926.

The new city with its broad avenues and posh residential areas lies to the south. In the center of Bhopal are two lakes , upper lake and lower lake dividing the new and old city of Bhopal.

Bhopal is hardly on travellers itinerary, but it has relaxed feel for a state capital, a number of cultural attractions and is good base for some excellent excursions.

The city is also infamous as the site of the world's worst ever industrial disaster, The Bhopal Gas Tragedy or The Bhopal Disaster.