Located approximately one hour outside of the city, Sanchi is a small village famous for its primitive Buddhist art and architecture, with pieces ranging from the third century BC to twelfth century AD. Most notable is the UNESCO-designated Sanchi Stupa, a well preserved dome containing a central chamber where relics of the Buddha was placed. Other popular sites include the Great Bowl, the Eastern Gateway, and the Ashoka Pillar.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, an hour from Bhopal, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its paintings dating from the Mesolithic Period to the historical period. The cave paintings show themes such as animals, dance, and hunting. Significantly, the pictorials bear resemblance to the cultural traditions of the nearby villages, thus providing a rare glimpse into human settlement and cultural evolution from lifestyle to spirituality.

Bhopal is rich in heritage and history and this is witnessed within the Muslim-dominated Old City area, visibly distinct from the modern areas, where stunning old mosques in Mughal architecture, narrow labyrinthian lanes, and vibrant markets remain.

Just a few minutes drive from Sanchi are the Udayagiri Caves, twenty caves carved into a sandstone hill. The caves were created in the 5th century CE and contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples. Importantly, it houses iconography of Hindu gods Vishnu, Durga and Matrikas, and Shiva. In addition, there are a series of petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions that are still being studied by archaeologists.

Situated on the Betwa river, just 17 miles from Bhopal, Bhojpur is a small town with many significant historical and religious sites, the most famous of which is Bhojeshwar Temple dedicated to Shiva. Crafted out of a single rock, the incomplete temple houses one of the largest lingas in India, standing at 18 feet tall. Opposite of the temple is a cave filled with a number of religious sculptures and architectural fragments. There is also an unfinished Jain temple, established in year 1100 AD.

This somber museum exhibits pictures, possessions, audio clips of the survivors of the tragedy that struck the city in 1984 when highly toxic gas was accidentally leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant. Those interested in this tragic event in Bhopal can take a private tour to the abandoned factory site.