Cheap flights to Bhopal will take you into the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Located in the heart of India, Bhopal is almost a thousand years old and a regional cultural and administrative centre. All Bhopal flights go through the Raja Bhoj Airport. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, although direct international cheap flights to Bhopal are difficult to find. You will most likely have to take a connecting flight from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bangaluru.
The main airlines travelling to and from Raja Bhoj Airport include Jet Airways and Air India. Jet Connect, a budget airline, also operates numerous daily domestic flights from Mumbai, Indore, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. Bhopal flights are the most convenient option for arriving in the city, although the city is also well connected by rail and road.
Once you arrive in the city, you'll find getting around Bhopal is not too difficult. The city has a quality public transportation system that runs on well laid and clean roads (compared to other cities in the region). There are aggressively priced larger public buses as well as mini-buses that run through most parts of the city. You can also hire three-wheeled autos that can be found on virtually every street corner. The city is growing and, as a result, traffic is heavy in some areas.
You can also hop on board the popular Star-line buses. This is a privately owned bus line that operates moderately priced, well-equipped luxury buses. You can also rent a car with a driver if you plan to stay for longer than a few days. However, most tourists prefer to use the convenient taxi and three-wheeled auto service. Of course, many tourists also walk to the various attractions near their hotels.
Steeped in history and beautiful landscapes, a trip to Bhopal should include visits to both the new and old areas of the city. Bhopal was an important administrative area under the Mughal rulers between the 16th to 18th century. Consequently, the city has a rich architectural heritage with plenty of magnificent mosques spread throughout the old areas of Bhopal. Visit Taj ul Masajid, one of the largest mosques in the country, the Moti Jasjid and Jama Masjid. For a taste of traditional Madhya Pradesh culture, visit the performing arts area of Bharat Bhawan, known for its art galleries and an outdoor theatre. Also be sure to visit the "Museum of Man" located in the modern portion of the city.
Many of the activities in the city happen around Upper and Lower Lakes. You'll find a large animal conservation area here with tigers, bears, and a wide range of birds at the Van Vihar wildlife sanctuary. Visit Bhimbetka, a pre-historic World Heritage Site with some of the oldest cave paintings in the world.
Although Bhopal is growing rapidly, it does not boast a strong nightlife as many other Indian metros. However, some of the hotels operate clubs and lounges that attract Bhopal's younger crowd. Lounge 3, O2 Lounge, and Blue Ice are among the popular destinations for a night out in the city. When it comes to shopping, you'll find New Market, Aashima Mall, and DB Mall all to be good options for both locally produced handicrafts and branded consumer goods.
Most of the cuisine in Bhopal is Indian, with delicacies of goat meat, kebabs, and traditional desserts like 'ras malai'. Some of the highest quality restaurants are in the larger resorts in the outskirts of city, though you will find street vendors and small establishments on virtually every street. The area around the twin lakes is a popular dining destination with several roof-top restaurants offering spectacular views of the city.