
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Bhopāl, Madhya Pradesh, India
1. Bhojpur Temple Ruins
Apart from being a historical site, the Bhojpur Temple ruins feature an incomplete 108-feet high Shivlinga carved out of a single piece of sandstone.
- Gigantic Shivlinga: The Shivlinga is the tallest unfinished monolithic statue in the world.
- Architectural Marvel: Despite being in ruins, the temple showcases architectural styles of both North and South India.
- Scientific Puzzle: The Shivlinga is aligned with astronomical positions, hinting at ancient knowledge of astronomy.
2. Giant Footwear Shop
This unique shop sells the largest collection of footwear in Asia, with more than 35,000 pairs on display.
- Asian Record Holder: The shop holds the record for the largest number of footwear displayed.
- Spectacle of Variety: You can find shoes from various countries, traditional Indian footwear, and even odd-sized shoes.
- Retail Experience: With such a vast selection, it provides a unique shopping experience unlike any other store.
3. Taarabh Bogha
A unique museum dedicated to old Indian cars and vehicles, showcasing a collection of around 80 vintage automobiles.
- Vintage Automobile Collection: The museum houses some of the oldest cars ever manufactured in India.
- Nostalgic Experience: It offers a trip down memory lane, showcasing vehicles from various eras and brands.
- Industrial History: The museum also displays the growth and evolution of India's automobile industry.
4. Gohar Mahal
A palace that houses a collection of stuffed animals, including the world's largest teddy bear.
- World's Largest Teddy Bear: The giant teddy bear stands at over 9 meters tall and weighs around 1,500 kg.
- Animal Diversity: The palace showcases a variety of stuffed animals from different regions and habitats worldwide.
- Educational Value: Visitors can learn about various animal species, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
5. Treasure Island Water Park
A water park featuring a floating crocodile as its main attraction.
- Unique Mascot: The floating crocodile is a massive, inflatable sculpture that adds an exotic touch.
- Thrilling Rides: The park offers numerous water slides and pools for both kids and adults.
- Entertainment Complex: Apart from the water rides, the park also includes food stalls, games, and live performances.
6. Birds of Prey National Park
A park dedicated to various birds of prey, showcasing eagles, falcons, vultures, and more.
- Avian Diversity: The park houses over 50 species of birds of prey.
- Wildlife Conservation: The park aims to conserve and protect these bird species, as well as educate visitors about them.
- Flight of the Falcons Show: Visitors can witness a thrilling demonstration of hunting techniques used by falcons.
7. Giant Hand Paintings
Large-scale paintings on the walls of Hanumanzagar Lake depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Artistic Spectacle: The paintings are so large that they can only be fully appreciated from a helicopter or drone view.
- Hindu Mythology Depictions: The scenes represent events and stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Local Talent Showcase: These paintings are a testament to the artistic skills of local artists.
8. Tomb of Rani Kamlapati
A tomb built for Rani Kamlapati, a queen known for her bravery and sacrifices during the 1857 Revolt.
- Historical Significance: The tomb is a symbol of Rani Kamlapati's courage and patriotism.
- Architectural Style: The structure combines elements of both Mughal and Maratha architectural styles.
- Women's Empowerment Symbol: Rani Kamlapati's story inspires visitors, especially women, to stand up for their rights and beliefs.
9. Doodh Maadh Mortuary
A unique mortuary that offers a milk bath as the final ritual for the deceased.
- Cultural Ritual: The milk bath is considered to purify the soul of the departed and grant them peace.
- Spiritual Experience: Visitors can witness this unique ritual as part of their cultural exploration.
- Local Tradition: The mortuary preserves and honors an ancient tradition practiced by the local community.
10. Girls Hostel with Waterfall
A girls' hostel located near a waterfall, providing a serene and picturesque setting.
- Natural Beauty: The waterfall adds an element of natural beauty to the accommodations.
- Tranquil Environment: The hostel offers a peaceful and rejuvenating environment for students.
- Educational Opportunity: The hostel is situated near several educational institutions in Bhopal.
11. Van Vihar National Park
A national park featuring a walking safari and drive-through safari to view wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing Options: Visitors can enjoy both walking and drive-through safaris for a diverse wildlife experience.
- Educational Programs: The park offers various educational programs about the local flora and fauna.
- Conservation Efforts: Van Vihar National Park is dedicated to conserving and protecting local wildlife species.
12. Haunted Museum
A museum that showcases objects related to ghosts and spirits from various cultures.
- Supernatural Collection: The museum displays a diverse collection of artifacts related to ghost stories and legends.
- Cultural Exploration: Visitors can explore different cultures' beliefs about the supernatural.
- Spooky Atmosphere: The museum is designed to create a spooky and haunting atmosphere for an immersive experience.
13. Rat Temple
A temple dedicated to Karni Mata, where thousands of rats live and are worshipped.
- Worship of Rats: The temple is unique in its reverence for the rat as a sacred animal.
- Historical Significance: The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an important figure in Rajasthani history and folklore.
- Tourist Attraction: Visitors come to witness the unusual sight of rats living inside a temple.
14. Hill Palace Museum
A museum located in a former royal palace, showcasing the art and culture of the Gond dynasty.
- Royal Artifacts: The museum houses a collection of royal artifacts from the Gond dynasty.
- Cultural Preservation: The museum helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gond dynasty.
- Architectural Marvel: The palace itself is a marvel of architecture, combining Mughal and European styles.
15. Sadar Manzil
A historic building that once served as the administrative center of Bhopal State, now transformed into a museum.
- Historical Building: The building is an architectural blend of Mughal and European styles.
- Cultural Showcase: The museum displays artifacts, paintings, and other items that depict the culture of Bhopal State.
- Educational Value: Visitors can learn about the history and evolution of Bhopal City through this museum.