Upper Lake

About this place

One thousand years ago, Bhopal Lake was built by late parmar king Bhoj known as Upper Lake. There is a saying that once king Bhoj suffered from skin disease. All vaidya’s failed to cure him. One day a saint told king Bhoj to build a tank to combine 365 tributaries and then have a bath in it to wipe out the skin disease. As per saint’s version, king Bhoj called upon his engineers to build up a huge tank. After merging the tributaries of this river the number 365 was completed. The Upper lake is divided from the Lower by an over bridge and is 6 sq. km. in area. There are facilities for exciting trips by sail, paddle, and motor-boats. The oldest manmade lake in India, Upper Lake is also known as Bhojtal or Bada Talab locally. This beautiful and vast water body was built during the 11th century. The lake is a massive earthen bound construction, built across the Kolans River. The Upper Lake is spread over a catchment area of 36.1 sq km., and it happens to be the major source of potable water for the people of Bhopal. Within the vicinity of the lake, there is an attractive royal garden called Kamla Park, which makes its surroundings more scenic. The hub of all water sport activities in Bhopal, the lake is a favourite spot for adventure enthusiasts. The Upper Lake is separated from the smaller one by an over bridge. A boat club, walkway and aquarium, serenaded by a cool breeze, make the Upper Lake area delightful for a rendezvous.