Bhopal: Where the Lakes Are Chill but the Weather’s Got Mood Swings

i’m currently sitting on a wobbly plastic chair near something called the Upper Lake, which sounds majestic but honestly just looks like a giant puddle that’s been around since the 11th century. (thanks, Raja Bhoj.) the air smells like fried kebabs and existential dread, which tracks because bhopal’s got layers. also, i just checked and it’s 16°C with 77% humidity right now, hope you like that kind of thing. feels like the city’s perpetually sweating politely.

someone told me the Taj-ul-Masajid mosque has pigeons that judge you. can confirm. also, the ‘City of Lakes’ tagline is cute until you realize there are 17 of them and they’re all staring at you.

the old city smells like history and spilled shikanji, while the new city’s just traffic and government offices playing hide-and-seek. if you get bored, Vidisha or Raisen are just a short drive away - but honestly, why would you? there’s enough chaos here. pro tip: avoid May unless you want to personally meet Satan in a heatwave (45°C, no thanks).

also, bring your own bottled water. the lakes are for looking, not drinking. just ask Union Carbide. (too soon?)

anyway, eat the kebabs. ignore the humidity. pretend you understand Urdu poetry. welcome to Bhopal.

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