Bhojtal

Bhojtal, also known as the Upper Lake, is a large, historic man-made lake situated on the western side of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. It was constructed in the 11th century by King Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty, reportedly built to combine 365 tributaries as part of a legendary cure for the king's skin disease.

This lake, created by damming the Kolans River, covers an area of about 31 square kilometers and serves as a major source of drinking water, supplying around 40% of Bhopal’s population. Alongside a smaller lake called the Lower Lake, Bhojtal forms the Bhoj Wetland, which is recognized as a Ramsar site due to its ecological importance. The lake is surrounded by Van Vihar National Park and urban settlements, and it remains significant for the city’s water supply, biodiversity, recreation, and cultural heritage.

In 2011, its name was officially changed from Upper Lake to Bhojtal in honor of King Bhoj, with a statue of the king installed at the lake to commemorate him. The lake is also a popular place for boating and leisure activities, drawing both locals and tourists to enjoy its scenic beauty and historic significance.