Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, earns its "City of Lakes" epithet with seven major artificial lakes—most created by medieval dams across seasonal streams.
| Lake | Local Name | Origin / Era | Area / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Lake | Bhojtal / Bada Talab | 11th c. – Raja Bhoj dam on Kolans River | 31 km²; primary water supply; RAMSAR site |
| Lower Lake | Chhota Talab | 1794 – Nawab Chhote Khan dam | 1.29 km²; connected to Upper via spillway |
| Shahpura Lake | – | 20th c. – urban reservoir | 0.8 km²; jogging track, boating |
| Van Vihar Lake | – | Within Van Vihar National Park | Wildlife viewing, boat rides |
| Kerwa Dam / Reservoir | Kerwa | 1970s – Kerwa River dam | Water supply + monsoon waterfalls; picnic spot |
| Kolar Dam / Reservoir | Kolar | 1980s – Kolar River dam | Major supply source; 35 km from city |
| Hathaikheda Dam | Hathaikheda | 2000s | Newer supply augmentation |
Dozens of smaller tanks (talabs) dot the city—remnants of 1,000+ traditional rainwater harvesting structures. Revival efforts underway (Amrit Sarovar mission).