Bhopal - the Lake City or the City of Lakes is the second largest city and the capital of Madhya Pradesh, situated around two artificial lakes amidst picturesque settings. Bhopal was built on the site of a 11th century city, 'Bhojapal', founded by the legendary king, Raja Bhoja. The existing city was developed by Dost Mohammed (1708-1740) one of Emperor Aurangazeb's Afghan governors. His progeny, including efficient women rulers ruled Bhopal until 1947 when the state finally joined the Indian Union.

Sprawl over an area of 549 square kilometers, Bhopal city is sited on an elevation of 427 m above the sea level. Bhopal is an enchanting combination of scenic beauty, old historic city and modern urban planning. The old city with its crowded market places, fine old mosques and palaces intermingles the new city with the broad avenues, high rise offices and exquisitely laid out parks and gardens. Bhopal is famous for the UNESCO World heritage site named Bhimbetka - the rock shelters which is believed to be the early evidence of Stone Age rock paintings. The city is famous for silver jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses and cushions. Endowed with numerous educational institutions and installations, Bhopal city is an important educational, industrial, economic and political center of the State as well as Central India.