Bhopal blends tradition, nature, and budget-friendly experiences in a way few cities do. Whether you're traveling during the Diwali rush or just seeking an off-season getaway, you can still make the most of your money. At SavePlus India, we specialize in helping Indian consumers save on travel, shopping, food, and everything in between—all while enjoying more.
Stroll by the Upper Lake (Bhojtal)
Upper Lake, or Bhojtal, is the lifeline of Bhopal and a peaceful place to begin your journey. Spanning over 30 square kilometers, the lake offers a calm, picturesque escape from the urban noise. Morning walkers, fitness enthusiasts, and tourists frequent its broad embankments. You’ll also find boating options, snack vendors, and great views. The area is family-friendly and a popular picnic zone. Whether you're out to jog, meditate, or photograph the sunset, Bhojtal won't cost you a fortune.
- Location: Near Kamla Park, central Bhopal
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Direct buses from ISBT to Kamla Park
By Train: 6 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 15 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Boating, lakeside walks, birdwatching, sunrise/sunset photography
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹100
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Roasted peanuts, masala chana, kulfi
- Nearby Cities: Sehore, Raisen
Pro Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and pay via UPI to support local vendors directly.
Taste the Local Flavors Under ₹100
You haven’t visited Bhopal if you haven’t tasted its street food. The city is known for its poha-jalebi combo, tangy chaats, and juicy kebabs. Whether you’re a vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the city’s food stalls offer plenty under ₹100. Manohar Dairy, Jameel Hotel, and Chatori Gali are names you’ll hear often. Street food is hygienically prepared in many places and served hot. Skip fancy restaurants and dine where locals eat for the full experience.
- Location: Across old and new Bhopal (Manohar Dairy, Chatori Gali)
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local buses from every major market
By Train: Average distance of 5 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 10–15 km from the airport, depending on location - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Food trail through popular street food lanes
- Estimated Budget: ₹20–₹100
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Poha-jalebi, kebabs, samosas, biryani
- Nearby Cities: Itarsi, Hoshangabad
Pro Tip: Avoid peak dinner time for faster service, and pay with Paytm or GPay for cashback.
Seek Peace at Taj-ul-Masajid
The grandeur of Taj-ul-Masajid is breathtaking—India’s largest mosque impresses with pink minarets, intricately carved marble, and serene prayer halls. The mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times and offers insights into Mughal-inspired design. Strolling through its wide courtyards, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm. Many local guides offer free explanations about its history and architecture. Women are welcome with proper attire, and there are areas to rest and reflect. Photographers love the symmetry and majestic arches here.
- Location: Kohefiza area, Old Bhopal
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Auto and local buses from Nadra Bus Stand
By Train: 5 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 14 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Mosque interiors, prayer halls, architectural photography
- Estimated Budget: Free
- Trip Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Tea stalls nearby, local samosas
- Nearby Cities: Vidisha, Itarsi
Pro Tip: Wear socks as shoes are not allowed inside, and mornings provide the best lighting for photographs.
Street Shopping at Chowk Bazaar
Step into a world of color, scent, and sound at Chowk Bazaar, Bhopal’s oldest marketplace. It's a haven for fashion lovers and souvenir seekers on a budget. From zardozi dupattas to ittar bottles and oxidized jewelry, the options are endless. Sellers expect bargaining and may offer better rates if you buy in bulk. Street-side eateries dish out chaats and kulfi, so there’s more than just shopping. Look out for pop-up stalls during festivals like Eid and Diwali.
- Location: Old Bhopal, near Jama Masjid
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Autos or local buses from TT Nagar
By Train: 4.5 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 13 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Handicraft shopping, local fashion, food stalls
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹500
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Aloo chaat, jalebi, rabri
- Nearby Cities: Guna, Sagar
Pro Tip: Use PhonePe cashback offers if shopping at QR-enabled stalls to double your savings.
Dive into Art at Tribal Museum
This museum brings India’s rich tribal culture to life through immersive, full-scale installations. Expect life-size huts, sculptures, and vivid dioramas showing marriage rituals, seasonal festivals, and day-to-day tribal life. It's a visual treat that speaks to both adults and children. Educational panels are in Hindi and English, making the experience easy to follow. You can cover the museum in 1-2 hours, and it’s a photographer’s dream. The museum also hosts tribal art sales during special events.
- Location: Shyamla Hills, Bhopal
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Direct local buses from New Market
By Train: 7 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 17 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Tribal dioramas, local art exhibits, photo ops
- Estimated Budget: ₹10–₹100
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Light snacks are available near the museum
- Nearby Cities: Mandideep, Hoshangabad
Pro Tip: Visit on weekday afternoons for fewer crowds and better staff interaction; bring cash for art stalls.
Book Budget-Friendly Hotels in Prime Locations
Bhopal has plenty of clean and comfortable accommodation under ₹900 per night. Whether you’re looking for hostel vibes or mid-range hotels, options are aplenty. Budget lodges in MP Nagar and Shyamla Hills offer easy access to top spots. Amenities like free WiFi, AC, and room service are common even in low-priced hotels. Booking through Cleartrip, Goibibo, or OYO during promo sales gives the best bang for your buck. Just make sure to read recent reviews for hygiene ratings.
- Location: MP Nagar, Shyamla Hills, Van Vihar Road
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Buses connect major hotels with the ISBT
By Train: Hotels within 4–6 km of Bhopal Junction
By Air: 12–17 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Relax, access the main sights easily, and have rooftop views
- Estimated Budget: ₹499–₹900 per night
- Trip Duration: Overnight to multiple nights
- Must Try Foods: In-house meals or street food near Zostel, MP Nagar
- Nearby Cities: Mandideep, Sanchi
Pro Tip: Apply SavePlus India’s Cleartrip promo codes to score last-minute discounts and free breakfast upgrades.
Explore Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Located about 45 km from Bhopal, Bhimbetka is a prehistoric site featuring cave paintings from over 30,000 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for history buffs and school groups. The red and white drawings depict animals, hunting scenes, and ancient rituals. You’ll walk through forest trails and climb up to the caves carved into sandstone. There are rest areas, basic guides, and excellent photo opportunities along the way.
- Location: Bhimbetka, Raisen District
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Direct buses or private taxis from ISBT Bhopal
By Train: Nearest major station is Bhopal Junction (45 km away)
By Air: 55 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Prehistoric caves, ancient rock art, nature trails
- Estimated Budget: ₹65–₹200
- Trip Duration: Half-day trip (4–5 hours)
- Must Try Foods: Packaged snacks, water (no eateries on site)
- Nearby Cities: Bhojpur, Obaidullaganj
Pro Tip: Bring snacks and water; limited food options are available on-site. Hire a guide to understand cave meanings.
Relax at Bharat Bhavan Cultural Complex
If you’re into poetry, painting, or performance, Bharat Bhavan is a cultural paradise. Built to promote Indian art forms, it offers an auditorium, library, art gallery, and open-air theatre. Entry is usually free, with nominal fees for specific events. The building’s architecture, designed by Charles Correa, is a masterpiece in itself. Frequent events like dance shows, poetry slams, and classical concerts take place here. It’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon immersed in local creativity.
- Location: Shyamla Hills, Bhopal
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Direct buses from New Market and TT Nagar
By Train: 6 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 15 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Galleries, live shows, workshops, poetry events
- Estimated Budget: Free–₹50
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Small cafés nearby serve tea and snacks
- Nearby Cities: Sehore, Vidisha
Pro Tip: Check their social media for free event schedules before planning your visit.
Van Vihar National Park Day Trip
Van Vihar National Park is a breath of fresh air within city limits. It’s not your usual zoo—it’s more like a wild stretch with animals in natural enclosures. Located by the Upper Lake, it's ideal for peaceful nature walks and casual wildlife spotting. Deer, sambhar, bears, and birds are commonly seen. The park has clearly marked paths and is great for photography or family outings. Visitors can rent bicycles or simply walk its trails while soaking in greenery.
- Location: Van Vihar Road, beside Upper Lake
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local buses from New Market or ISBT
By Train: 8 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 17 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Animal watching, cycling, nature trails
- Estimated Budget: ₹15–₹50
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Street-side tea and sandwiches outside the gate
- Nearby Cities: Raisen, Sanchi
Pro Tip: Morning visits are cooler and have more animal activity; bring your own bottle to refill at water points.
Visit the State Museum of Madhya Pradesh
The State Museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and art lovers. With over 16 galleries, it showcases rare fossils, Jain bronzes, tribal paintings, manuscripts, and even weapons. The museum offers air-conditioned halls and wheelchair accessibility. Children and students often get discounted entry. The well-maintained premises and educational panels make it ideal for family visits. It also features a meditation area and a sculpture park outside.
- Location: Shyamla Hills, adjacent to the Tribal Museum
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local buses from New Market or TT Nagar
By Train: 7 km from Bhopal Junction
By Air: 17 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Ancient coins, fossils, tribal galleries, sculpture garden
- Estimated Budget: ₹20–₹50
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Light refreshments near the museum gate
- Nearby Cities: Mandideep, Hoshangabad
Pro Tip: Carry your student ID for additional discounts; combine this with the Tribal Museum visit to save time and cost.
Discover Bhojpur Temple and Its Giant Shiva Linga
Bhojpur Temple is home to India’s tallest Shiva Linga carved from a single stone—standing over 18 feet high! Just 30 km from Bhopal, it’s a peaceful spiritual site with a rustic charm. The temple is partially built but architecturally significant. Located on a hilltop by the Betwa River, the views are fantastic. It’s ideal for religious travelers and history lovers looking for low-cost day trips.
- Location: Bhojpur village, 30 km southeast of Bhopal
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local or private buses from ISBT Bhopal
By Train: Reach Bhopal Junction, then taxi or a bus
By Air: 40 km from Raja Bhoj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Giant Shiva Linga, scenic river views, ancient quarries
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹100 (transport only)
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Tea and pakoras from stalls outside the complex
- Nearby Cities: Bhimbetka, Obaidullaganj
Pro Tip: Visit during Maha Shivratri for cultural events and free prasad; morning hours are best for cool weather and empty trails.
Conclusion
Bhopal’s charm isn’t just in its heritage—it’s in how budget-friendly and accessible it is. From historic caves to lakeside sunsets, this city has something for everyone. With SavePlus India’s help, you can unlock the best deals, cashback, and promo codes to make your trip affordable, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Make memories—not expenses.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Bhopal on a budget?
October to March, with off-season travel in June offering better hotel discounts.
Are there UPI-friendly places to shop and eat in Bhopal?
Yes, most street vendors and shops accept PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay.
How many days are enough to cover Bhopal on a shoestring budget?
2 to 3 days are sufficient to cover major attractions and stay within ₹2000.
Can I get reliable budget hotels in Bhopal under ₹600?
Yes, Zostel and local lodges offer clean and safe stays from ₹499 onwards.
Where can I find the best shopping hacks for my trip?
Visit SavePlus India for live hotel, food, and online shopping offers.
