Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bhopāl, India

1. Taj-ul-Masajid Scam

Beware of fake guides offering unauthorized tours at Taj-ul-Masajid. Avoid agreeing to any unexpected offers.

Unauthorized Guides: Guides not associated with the mosque may provide inaccurate information.
Unexpected Offers: Avoid accepting offers that seem too good to be true or request for official documentation.
Inaccurate Information: Information provided by unauthorized guides may mislead and cause confusion.

Beware of individuals offering to guide or escort you at Vanikaran Baoli. It's better to use official tour guides.

Unauthorized Guides: Guides not associated with the site may provide inaccurate information.
Escorts: Individuals offering to escort you may lead to unwanted attention or incidents.
Official Tour Guides: Using official tour guides ensures accurate information and safety.

Be cautious when renting boats or hiring services at Bhojtal. Check for official rates and avoid overpaying.

Overcharging: Individuals may charge excessively high prices for boat rentals.
Official Rates: Check official rates to avoid overpaying and confirm the authenticity of providers.
Authentic Providers: Avoid unauthorized providers and verify their credentials before hiring services.

Beware of fake guides or ticket sellers at Gohar Mahal. Only purchase tickets from authorized booths.

Fake Guides: Guides not associated with the museum may provide inaccurate information.
Ticket Sellers: Individuals selling tickets outside authorized booths may sell counterfeit tickets or overcharge.
Authorized Booths: Purchase tickets only from authorized booths to ensure authenticity and safety.

Be wary of unofficial boat operators at Upper Lake. Use only the boats operated by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation.

Unofficial Boat Operators: Individuals operating boats without proper authorization may charge excessive prices or overload boats.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation: Official boats operated by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation ensure safety and adhere to regulations.
Excessive Prices/Overloading: Unofficial boat operators may charge excessive prices or overload boats, posing a risk to passengers.

Avoid offers of 'VIP' or exclusive access at Bharat Bhawan. Only use official tour guides.

VIP Offers: Individuals may offer VIP access to the museum for a fee, which is not an official service.
Official Tour Guides: Using official tour guides ensures accurate information and safety.
Exclusive Access: Unauthorized individuals may attempt to sell exclusive access to areas of the museum, which is not an offered service.

Be cautious when renting boats or hiring services at Lower Lake. Check for official rates and avoid overpaying.

Overcharging: Individuals may charge excessively high prices for boat rentals.
Official Rates: Check official rates to avoid overpaying and confirm the authenticity of providers.
Authentic Providers: Avoid unauthorized providers and verify their credentials before hiring services.

Be wary of fake guides or ticket sellers at Shaukat Mahal. Only purchase tickets from authorized booths.

Fake Guides: Guides not associated with the museum may provide inaccurate information.
Ticket Sellers: Individuals selling tickets outside authorized booths may sell counterfeit tickets or overcharge.
Authorized Booths: Purchase tickets only from authorized booths to ensure authenticity and safety.

Be cautious when hiring guides or drivers near Hamidia Masjid. Use only licensed service providers.

Licensed Service Providers: Using licensed service providers ensures safety and adherence to regulations.
Unlicensed Guides/Drivers: Individuals not holding proper licenses may charge excessive prices or overload vehicles.
Excessive Prices/Overloading: Unlicensed guides and drivers may charge excessive prices or overload vehicles, posing a risk to passengers.

Be wary of fake tour operators offering tours at Kamal Mansion. Use only licensed service providers.

Licensed Service Providers: Using licensed service providers ensures safety and adherence to regulations.
Fake Tour Operators: Individuals not holding proper licenses may provide inaccurate information or charge excessive prices.
Inaccurate Information/Overcharging: Unlicensed tour operators may provide inaccurate information or overcharge for tours at Kamal Mansion.

Be wary of individuals offering to guide or escort you at Chhoti Tekri. Use only licensed service providers.

Licensed Service Providers: Using licensed service providers ensures safety and adherence to regulations.
Unlicensed Guides/Escorts: Individuals not holding proper licenses may lead to unwanted attention or incidents.
Safety and Regulations: Using licensed service providers ensures the safety of the tourists and compliance with local regulations.

Avoid offers of 'VIP' or exclusive access at Manav Sangrahalaya. Only use official tour guides.

VIP Offers: Individuals may offer VIP access to the museum for a fee, which is not an official service.
Official Tour Guides: Using official tour guides ensures accurate information and safety.
Exclusive Access: Unauthorized individuals may attempt to sell exclusive access to areas of the museum, which is not an offered service.

Be cautious when dining at Zarin Dastarkhwan. Check for official rates and avoid overpaying.

Overcharging: Individuals may charge excessively high prices for food and drinks.
Official Rates: Check official rates to avoid overpaying and confirm the authenticity of service providers.
Authentic Providers: Avoid unauthorized providers and verify their credentials before dining.

Be wary of fake priests or individuals offering blessings at Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Avoid accepting unexpected offers.

Fake Priests: Priests not associated with the temple may provide inaccurate information.
Unexpected Offers: Avoid accepting offers that seem too good to be true or request for official documentation.
Inaccurate Information: Information provided by unauthorized priests may mislead and cause confusion.

Be cautious when renting bicycles or hiring services at Kamla Park. Check for official rates and avoid overpaying.

Overcharging: Individuals may charge excessively high prices for bicycle rentals.
Official Rates: Check official rates to avoid overpaying and confirm the authenticity of providers.
Authentic Providers: Avoid unauthorized providers and verify their credentials before hiring services.