Bhopal: The City of Lakes and Heritage

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angreji bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाइए!
  [Chale jaiye!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाइए!
  [Police ko bulaaiye!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाइए!
  [Doctor ko bulaaiye!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [Main ... khareedna chaahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehenga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [Ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Bhopal was founded in the early 18th century by Dost Mohammad Khan, an Afghan soldier in the Mughal army. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, he established his own small state in the region, laying the foundation for what would become the city of Bhopal.

Bhopal is renowned for its history of female rulers. From 1819 to 1926, the city was ruled by a succession of powerful women known as the Begums of Bhopal. They were known for their administrative skills, progressive outlook, and contributions to the city's infrastructure, including the development of waterworks, railways, and educational institutions.

Bhopal remained a princely state during the British Raj. The princely state of Bhopal was one of the largest in India and played a significant role in the politics of British India. It was known for its relatively progressive policies and modern infrastructure compared to other princely states.

On the night of December 2-3, 1984, Bhopal witnessed one of the world's worst industrial disasters. A leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant killed thousands of people and left many more suffering from severe health issues. The incident brought global attention to industrial safety standards and corporate accountability.

Bhopal is a city of diverse cultural heritage, blending Hindu and Muslim traditions. Its architecture reflects this amalgamation, with landmarks such as the Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in India, and the Shaukat Mahal, a unique mix of European and Mughal architectural styles. The city’s old and new parts offer contrasting experiences, from bustling bazaars to modern urban planning.

Today, Bhopal serves as the capital of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its lakes, parks, and green spaces. It has developed into a center for education and industry while retaining its historical charm. The city's growth is marked by a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a vibrant place to explore.

Bhopal is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Raja Bhoj Airport serves as the primary gateway, with regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Bhopal Junction is a major railway station on the West Central Railway line, offering extensive connectivity across India. For road travelers, National Highway 46 and 12 connect Bhopal to other important cities. Inter-state and local buses operate regularly, making it easy to reach Bhopal by road.

Bhopal offers various transportation options for tourists. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola are widely available. For a more local experience, cycle-rickshaws can be a charming way to explore the old city. The city also has a reliable bus network managed by Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL). For longer distances, renting a car can be convenient, and several rental agencies operate within the city.

The currency used in Bhopal, as in the rest of India, is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful and widely distributed throughout the city, but ensure you have enough cash when exploring rural areas or smaller towns around Bhopal.

Bhopal is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious in crowded markets and public transport to prevent pickpocketing. Areas like Aishbagh and Govindpura have reported higher incidences of petty crimes targeting tourists. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 108 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like AIIMS Bhopal and Chirayu Medical College are equipped to handle various medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head when required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' with hands folded, a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bhopal like a local, visit the bustling Chowk Bazaar, where you can find traditional handicrafts and street food. Engage with locals and try to learn a few phrases in Hindi, as it can enhance your interactions. Don't miss taking a stroll around the Upper Lake (Bhojtal) for a scenic experience. For a cultural immersion, attend local festivals like the Ijtima and Diwali, which offer a glimpse into the local traditions and lifestyle.