About Taj- Masjid Tourist Guide Taj-ul-Masajid &nbs
Taj-ul-Masajid "the crown of mosques", also spelt as Taj-ul-Masaajid and Taj-ul-Masjid is a mosque situated in Bhopal, India. The mosque is also used as a madrasah (Islamic school) during the day time.It is one of the largest mosque in asia. A mosque called "Dhaai Siddi ki Maszid" is also near to "Taj-ul" and is smallest mosque in asia.
The Crown of Mosques
Taj-ul-Masjid is the most imposing structure in Bhopal. The literal meaning of the term Taj-ul-Masjid is ‘The Crown of Mosques’, and the building really presents a magnificent spectacle and is worthy for a watch. It’s pink façade and the huge white-domed minarets provide it a miraculous charm. The mosque also has so many other spectacular features, which adds its natural charm. Among them the three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars, marble flooring and a spacious courtyard are very conspicuous. The mosque is also functioned as a madarsa, an Islamic religious school during daytime.
The serene premises of this marvelous shrine draws large gathering during the annual three-day Ijtima congregation.
Package Duration: 1 night 2 days | ||||
Package Category | Hotel | City | Package cost Per Person | |
Peak season Rates (Oct to Mar) | Off Season Rates (Apr to Aug) | |||
Standard | Hotel Banjaara | Bhopal | Rs.2,999 | Rs.2,499 |
Delux | Hotel Grand Ashirwad | Bhopal | Rs.3,499 | Rs.3,999 |
Luxury | Jehan Numa Palace | Bhopal | Rs.6,999 | Rs.6,999 |
Package Inclusion:
Day 1: Delhi
Our representative meet you at Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast we visit Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru respectively, Jama Masjid - the biggest mosque in India, Chandni Chowk - the shopping centre of Old Delhi and drive past Red Fort.
Afternoon visit India Gate, Lakshminarayan Temple, Bahai Temple (Lotus). Drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Bhopal
After breakfast board train for Bhopal. On your arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Bhopal - Laxmi Narayan Temple - Taj-ul-Masjid
After breakfast city tour Bhopal visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple popularly known as Birla Mandir. Visit Taj-ul-Masjid, which is the largest mosque in the country. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhimbetka
After breakfast full day excursion to Sanchi and Bhimbetka. In Sanchi, visit Buddhist Museum and Stupas. Later visit Bhimbetka to view the archaeological treasures, paintings revealing the life of the pre-historic cave dwellers. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6: Bhopal - Indore
After breakfast drive to Indore. On the way visit Ujjain, Mahakaleshwara Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Bhartrihari Caves, Harsiddhi Temple, Vedh Shala(Observatory), Kal Bhairava, Kaliadeh Palace, Gopal Mandir, Navagarha Mandir. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 7: Indore - Mandu
After breakfast drive to Mandu. On arrival in Mandu, check in at the hotel. Later, explore Mandu by visiting to Jahaz Mahal (the Ship Palace) is probably the most famous building in Mandu. This ship-like structure was constructed by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah. There are two lakes on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Mandu - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar
Afther breakfast full day visit to Omkarehswar & Maheshwar. Omkarehswar is the sacred island shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols. During major festivals, townships of tents and huts spring up on the banks, and flotillas of decorated boats ferry pilgrims across the water. Later drive to Maheshwar, where you can view the popular crafts and saries. In the evening view Hindole Mahal (or Swing Palace), where you can admire the slopes of the walls. Then view Hoshang's Tomb, which is located immediately behind the mosque and reputed to be the oldest marble structure in India. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9: Maheshwar - Indore - Delhi
After breakfast drive back to Indore and board overnight train to Delhi. Overnight on train.
Day 10: Delhi Departure
Our representative meet you at Delhi Railway station and transfer to hotel. Day free to explore on your own. Evening transfer to airport for onward flight.
Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal - Ranked #1 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Noor Us Sabah Palace - Ranked #2 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Jehan Numa Palace - Ranked #3 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Hotel Grand Ashirwad - Ranked #4 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Hotel Surendra Vilas - Ranked #5 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Hotel Palash Residency - Ranked #6 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Hotel Sarthak - Ranked #7 of 31 hotels in Bhopal
Hotel Arch Manor Deluxe - Ranked #1 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
Hotel Amer Greens - Ranked #2 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
Hotel Neena Palace - Ranked #3 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
Hotel Kamal Regency - Ranked #4 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
Hotel Shrimaya - Ranked #5 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
Hotel Pukhraj - Ranked #6 of 31 Bhopal B&B and Inns
The frontage of the shrine is pink in colour and there are two eight-sided towers with balconies that are 18 stories tall with arenas made of marble stone.
In addition, there are three immense spherical arenas and an imposing principal corridor with gorgeous columns and marble tiles that have a lot of similarities with the Mughal design which had been implemented in historic structures like the imposing Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and Jama Masjid of Delhi.
The Taj-ul-Masjid shrine houses a square or patio and there is a huge water reservoir in the middle. The holy place of worship features an entrance which has two levels and there are four lower-level passageways and nine pointed multi fold entrances in the principal area for prayer. There is a boundary in the hall for prayers and it is known as Quibla. The boundary is sculpted with 11 lower level archways and you will come across delicate features of lattice work here. The huge columns in the prayer hall support 27 roofs by the means of narrowed passageways of which 16 roofs are adorned with elaborate flowery patterns.
Yearly gathering at Taj-ul-Masjid
There is a major event that took place in the Taj-ul-Masajid which is known as Aalmi Tablighi Ijtima. It was held every year for a period of three days. This festival attracts visitors from across the globe. However, over the past few years, because of lack of room, the event does not take place in the shrine any more and the venue for the event has been changed to Ghazipura, which is closely located to the city ofBhopal.
Tourist Places of Tajul Masjid
Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is a small, yet beautiful mosque that was built by Qudisiya Begum in 1837. The most distinguished feature of this well-preserved monument is the two massive minarets that are clearly visible to naked eyes even from a considerable distance. Reflecting the dexterity of Islamic artisans, interiors of this mosque are remarkable.Inside the mosque are three bulbous cupolas, accompanied with a series of alabaster-white columned arches and a marble internal sanctum. Jama Masjid had undergone an extensive renovation after 1947, when a small pond was added to it. Holding great importance as a holy place, this mosque is frequented by tourists on a large scale.
(Jama Masjid)
Lower lake: Lower Lake, situated amidst majestic hills and the massive Upper Lake, is a beautiful remnant of the great Mughal Empire. Hemmed by the Kamala garden, this lake has been greatly affected by human settlements from all sides. Often known as the Chota Talaab, this Lower Lake is separated from the Upper Lake by an over-bridge.The MP Tourism Boat Club provides exciting trips by sail, paddle boats and motor boats over the Lower Lake for adventure lovers. Lower Lake, along with the Upper Lake, has given a famous sobriquet to Bhopal, the ‘City of Lakes’. All local transport modes like buses and auto rickshaws provide access to the site of Lower Lake.
(Lower lake)
Sair Sapata: Sair Sapata is a tourism and entertainment complex situated on the banks of the Upper Lake in Bhopal. Developed by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, it is spread over an area of 24.56 acres, and was inaugurated on September 29, 2011. Aimed at promoting tourism, the complex has attractions like musical fountain, two acres of children’s play area, toy train and a suspension bridge, among other things.There is also a suspension bridge which connects Prempura and Sewania. This bridge is built along the lines of the Lachman Jhula in Haridwar. It is the main attraction of Sair Sapata and is 183.20 m long and 3.6 m wide. The bridge is built of RCC deck slabs and is believed to be the first pedestrian bridge in India to be built this way. Boat rides can be taken in the lake, in small pedal boats. In addition, there are four food kiosks, a restaurant, three viewpoints, etc.
(Sair Sapata)
Fish Aquarium : Fish Aquarium, situated near Raj Bhavan and the old assembly hall, was established on 31st May 1977. Spread across an area of one hectare, this aquarium is a double-storey fish house built in a fish-like structure. The upper portion of the aquarium features 40 glass aquariums housing various species of living and colourful fishes. Lower section on the other hand, has 26 big aquariums housing different fishes from lakes, rivers and ponds.
On the whole, the Fish Aquarium is home to 66 varieties of fishes including ornamental and fresh water types Common fishes that can be seen in the upper fish house include golden shark, paradise blue and many more. Other fishes like Rohu, Katla, Mirgal and many others can be seen in the big aquariums on the lower floor.
Timing: 1 – 8 pm (April – September)
12 – 7 pm (October – March)
Van Vihar National park: Van Vihar National Park, situated in the heart of the city, is an oasis of greenery spread across an area of 445 hectares. More of a zoo, this site houses a variety of animals that are orphaned, brought from other parts of the state or exchanges from other zoos. A natural habitat housing both herbivores and carnivores, Van Vihar was declared a national park in 1983. However, it has been developed and managed as a modern zoological park.One of its kind, this national park allows herbivores to roam freely while the carnivores are kept inside enclosed areas bounded by trenches and walls in order to prevent poaching. Captives at this national park like tiger, panther, lion and more are fed on mutton. Free ranging animals like chital, sambar, black buck and blue bull feed on the grass and other plant species growing in Van Vihar.Besides herbivores and captives, the national park is also home to animals belonging to endangered species. The wilderness of the park also makes an ideal place for avian fauna, which comprises over 200 species of birds migrating to the park during the winter season. This national park is also the abode of variety of butterflies and insects. Van Vihar National Park is maintained and administered by Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh.
Timing: Saturday – Thursday
6:30 am – 5:30 pm (March – September)
8 am – 5:30 pm (October – February)
Admission Fees: INR15 (Indians)
INR200 (Foreigners)
(Van Vihar National park)
Dhai Seedi Masjid: The expression Dhai Seedi Ki Masjid stands for “The Mosque of Two and a Half Steps”. It ranks among one of the smallest Islamic shrines in the Asian continent. This place of worship is situated on the other side of the thoroughfare from the Taj-ul-Masjid shrine.The Dhai Seedi Masjid is a part of the Gandhi Medical College premises. It is in one of the observation towers. The shrine is famous for being the oldest place of worship for the Muslim population of the city of Bhopal. In the beginning, the structure was constructed in the form of a temporary place of worship at the time of the building of the Fatehgarh citadel patronized by Dost Mohammad Khan. The shrine was constructed in order that sentries positioned at Fatehgarh citadel could carry out Namaaz.
(Dhai Seedi Masjid)
The best time to visit Taj ul Masjid and Bhopal is between the months of October to March. A good time to visit is during the dawn azan or the Muslim call to prayer.
Remember that the place of worship remains closed to people from other communities at the time of prayer offerings: 6:30 am to 7:30 am in the morning, 1 to 2 pm in the noon, and 4 to 5 pm in the evening.
Bhopal By Train
Bhopal Railway Station is a major railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge. It has connection trains to all major cities in India. Daily Shatabdi expresses shuttle between Bhopal and Delhi.
Bhopal By Air
Bhopal Airport, also known as Raja Bhoj Airport, is 15 km away from the heart of the city. Taxi Cab will charge about Rs 150, one way. Bhopal airport is connected to Mumbai, Indore, Gwalior and Delhi. International flights to Gulf cities like Sharjah and Dubai are operated from Bhopal.
Bhopal By Bus
Lots of bus facilities, public and private, are available in Bhopal. All cities in the state are connected to Bhopal by bus services. Overnight deluxe buses from Delhi, Gwalior and Jabalpur are available to Bhopal. Deluxe buses charge Rs. 3-4 per km.