Bhimbetka Tourism (2024) - Madhya Pradesh

"The Exotic Rock Shelters"

Bhimbetka Tourism

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.

Bhimbetka is home to more than 500 rock shelters and caves which have a large number of paintings. The oldest paintings are considered to be 30,000 years old, but some of the geometric figures date to as recently as the medieval period. The colours used are vegetable colours which have endured through time because the drawings were generally made deep inside a niche or on inner walls. It a great place to visit for people of almost all age groups.

1. The Rock Caves

Discovered first in 1957, the paintings found in the rock caves of Bhimbetka are famous as they show depictions of early man and are known to be over 10,000 years old. The rock caves in Bhimbetka are (Read More)also famous for being the earliest known source of rock or cave art in India and surrounding areas. Situated 45km east of Bhopal, Bhimbetka has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lying along the banks of river Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, the district of Hoshangabad is a charming tourist destination which is blessed with a mix of natural sightseeing and historical monuments. It (Read More)has been named after Hoshang Shah, the first ruler of the Malwa Region. Some of the attractions include a number of picture-perfect attractions such as the prehistoric Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Pachmarhi - a cool hill station, and the refreshing Adamgarh Hills.

The enigmatic temple of Bhojpur is an incomplete Hindu temple situated in��the Bhojpur Village of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it��houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum and is belie (Read More)ved to have been constructed in the 11th century during the reign of King Bhoja.��The temple's construction was left abandoned for reasons that are still unknown. Construction material can still be found at the site, with architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks.��Historians speculate that it could be due to a sudden natural disaster, war or lack of resources.��The temple has been designated as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Bhopal is known as the City of Lakes and has a picturesque view to die for. Just 45 km away from Bhimbetka, Bhopal is a sprawling city with the right blend of culture, heritage and modern life.

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The Bhimbetka Caves

Named so for the wide range of caves, which encapsulate almost the entire Indian history, from the ages of early man to the time of the Mughals, Bhimbetka is a range of caves, situated in the Vidisha district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Well known for its beautiful cave paintings, the oldest ones of which are more than 30000 years old, and the latest ones dating back to as recent as the late Mughal period, Bhimbetka is a must-visit for tourists of all breeds and all ages.

Bhimbetka is also well connected to two more historic sites, the towns of Bhojpur & Hoshangabad, which are a proud witness to the empires of Raja Bhoja & Hoshang Shah of Malwa.

Restaurants and Local Food in Bhimbetka

Since Bhimbetka is more of a tourist spot rather than a complete city, most of the eating revolves around the city of Bhopal. Early morning in Bhopal you can find various stalls serving Poha Jalebi . It sounds like a twisted combination, but is very famous amongst the local people in this region. You can get this at almost every shop and restaurant in and around Bhopal.

If you are comfortable with small restraints, you will find many Dhabba on way to the caves which serve this famous combination with a hot cup of tea or what local people call it is "cut chai". Bhopal also offers a rich Indian cuisine to be explored. The sweet sour and spicy 'chaat' of this city is very famous. Since Bhopal is also the hub of Mughlai culture, famous delicacies like chicken tikka, biryani, goat kebabs etc. are offered here

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Suggested Itinerary for Bhimbetka

Booking a cab for a day would be the best way to visit Bhimbetka. If you are staying in Bhopal, leave from your hotel, and go to Bhojpur Temple early morning. After visiting the temple you can have breakfast at Highway Treat (it will come on the way from Bhojpur to Bhimbetka) and then go to Bhimbetka. It will take approximately 1-2 hours to visit the caves and rock shelters. After visiting the caves you can go back to Bhopal and go for shopping in New Market or City Area.

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How to Reach Bhimbetka

How to Reach Overview

Bhimbetka is well connected to the rest of India by road. Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Bhimbetka; buses being operated both by private and government owners, especially the Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, however, to Bhimbetka. The Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest airport that connects Bhimbetka to the rest of India. The nearest railway station to Bhimbetka is in Bhopal, which is around 45 km away from Bhimbetka.

How to reach Bhimbetka by flight

The nearest Airport is Bhopal. It is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and all other major cities of India

How to reach Bhimbetka by road

Bhimbetka is just around 46 km drive from Bhopal. Taxis and Buses are easily available on this route.

How to reach Bhimbetka by train

There is no direct rail connectivity to Bhimbetka. Bhopal junction railway station is the nearest railway station to the site, approximately 45 km away from the same.

Local transport in Bhimbetka

Although auto and buses are available , it would be preferable to book a cab for the day.

Bhimbetka Photos

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FAQs on Bhimbetka

What is famous about Bhimbetka?

The caves it houses have a strong aesthetic quality. Has densely wooded vegetation.

What is not so good about Bhimbetka?

Can be crowded in peak seasons as it is visited by tourists from all over the country.

Who should visit Bhimbetka?

Ideal for tourists of every kind. Suitable for backpackers from places like Mumbai, Pune etc.

What is the best time to visit Bhimbetka?

The best time to visit Bhimbetka is from October - March. Winter season is the best season for a visit to Bhimbetka. Monsoon season is also a nice time to visit, while summers should be avoided, owing to the hostile climate.
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What is the local food in Bhimbetka?

What is the best way to reach Bhimbetka?

How much does a package cost for Bhimbetka?

The packages for Bhimbetka start at INR 9000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the places near Bhimbetka?

The top places near to Bhimbetka are Bhopal which is 41 km from Bhimbetka, Sanchi which is located 61 km from Bhimbetka, Udayagiri caves which is located 68 km from Bhimbetka, Pachmarhi which is located 99 km from Bhimbetka, Agra which is located 472 km from Bhimbetka

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Bhimbetka Reviews

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Prashant Lowanshi

3 years ago

The painting in the caves is awesome. Also, the structures are more than thousands of years old. Also, all the caves are different from one another. Also, the entrance is awesome surrounded by mounta (Read More)ins. I and my family really liked this place.

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"The Exotic Rock Shelters"