It was the last week of November, a normal holiday for us, wandering and exploring Bhopal. Our journey took us to Shahpura Lake, a lesser-known spot in the city. We stopped at a quiet corner of the lake, curious to see if there was anything interesting waiting to be discovered.
At first, it seemed like a regular lakeside view, but as we watched, the lively scene around the lake came to life. In that calm corner, playful squirrels and their babies were running around, bringing a smile to our faces. The water shimmered as ducks glided gently across it. Nearby, an egret and a little cormorant were busy looking for food close to each other. The egret was especially active, moving quickly and with purpose.
While we were enjoying these simple sights, a snake appeared from a nearby tree and moved toward a babul (Vachellia nilotica) tree, likely searching for food. It was a quick moment; the snake disappeared almost as soon as we noticed it. Nearby, on a tree, a great cormorant sat calmly, cleaning its wings without a care for what was happening around it.
As I looked around, I saw a grey heron flying above the lake, holding something in its beak. I quickly grabbed my camera to take pictures of it. One photo stood out among the rest. It showed the heron landing near some great cormorants. Their reaction was fascinating; they seemed as excited as if the heron was bringing food for them. They opened their beaks wide, like babies in front of their parents, but with a hint of greed. I had never seen such a reaction before.
Shahpura Lake, unlike the more famous Bada Talab, isn’t a popular tourist spot. It shows signs of being ignored—there are unclean corners and areas that need care. While it isn’t filled with lush greenery, it still serves as a resting spot for birds and a peaceful escape for people seeking a quiet moment. The lake might not have neat paths or big crowds, but it offers a glimpse of life that often goes unnoticed.
As we left the lake, I felt grateful for this experience. Despite its flaws, Shahpura Lake is a reminder that even in cities, small patches of nature hold their own charm. Our visit left me with a simple thought: such places, imperfect as they may be, are worth cherishing and preserving.