India, Nov. 23 -- Cradled among the low-lying Vindhya Hills, where the Deccan Plateau folds into central India, Bhopal is a city of lakes that mirrors history and nature. Founded in the 11th century by the scholar-king Raja Bhoj, it has flowed through time as gracefully as the waters of the lake he built. Centuries later, it blossomed into a kingdom ruled by the 'Begums of Bhopal'. Their intellect, vision, and patronage shaped a courtly culture of refinement, music, architecture, and literature. The city's palaces, ornate mosques, and havelis still echo with that elegance. At the same time, street-side markets and traditional kitchens preserve their culinary and artisanal heritage, offering a plethora of things to do in Bhopal.

Today, th...