Nearby Bhopal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh is a magnificent stone edifice commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. This monumental structure, one of India's oldest, stands as a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage and architectural prowess. You should visit to marvel at its grand dome and the intricately carved gateways, or toranas, which narrate tales from the life of the Buddha. 

It is around 60 km (1 hr 20 min) drive from IISER Bhopal campus

The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal is a vibrant and immersive showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the state's tribal communities. Through its expansive galleries, the museum brings to life the traditions, rituals, and daily lives of tribes like the Gonds, Bhils, and Baigas. The exhibits feature stunning life-sized replicas of tribal homes, intricately detailed artifacts, and captivating displays of their art and craft. This unique museum offers a deep and respectful insight into the spiritual beliefs and artistic expressions that define tribal identity in Madhya Pradesh.

It is around 23 km (40 min) drive from IISER Bhopal campus.

Bhopal's Upper Lake, locally known as 'Bada Talab' and officially named 'Bhojtal', is a magnificent man-made waterbody dating back to the 11th century. Attributed to the Paramara Raja Bhoj, it was created by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River. This expansive lake serves as a primary source of drinking water for a significant portion of the city's population. A hub for recreational activities, the lake's picturesque surroundings, including the adjacent Van Vihar National Park, make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

It is around 10 km (25 min) drive from IISER Bhopal campus.

The Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, India, offer a captivating glimpse into prehistoric life through their ancient rock art. These natural sandstone caves, nestled in the Vindhya Hills, feature paintings that date back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, with some being as old as 30,000 years. The vibrant depictions showcase a variety of subjects including animals, hunting scenes, dancing figures, and rituals of early human life. As a remarkable archaeological treasure, Bhimbetka provides invaluable insights into the social and cultural evolution of our ancestors.

It is around 64 km (1 hr 30 min) drive from IISER Bhopal campus.

Van Vihar National Park, nestled in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is a unique blend of a national park and a zoo, sprawling alongside the picturesque Upper Lake. It serves as a vital green lung for the city, offering a natural habitat for a variety of free-roaming herbivores like chital and sambar. Carnivores such as tigers, lions, and leopards are housed in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The park is also a haven for avian enthusiasts, boasting over 200 species of birds, and plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species.

It is around 25 km (50 min) drive from IISER Bhopal campus.

Information from Wikipedia:

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (IAST: mahākāleśvara) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

Mahakal temple is ~190 km from IISER Bhopal campus.

Information from Wikipedia:

Omkareshwar Temple (IAST: Ōṃkārēśvar) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Mandhata, nearby Khandwa city in Khandwa district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.[1] It is on an island called Mandhata, near Khandwa city in the Narmada River at Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, India; the shape of the island is said to be like the Devanagari ॐ symbol. 

Omkar temple is ~250 km from IISER Bhopal campus.