Unearthing the stories from 30,000 years ago

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters distributed over 10 km, Bhimbetka caves are a treasure trove of natural beauty and ancient history. The stunning rock paintings of Bhimbetka, which date back to the Mesolithic, Paleolithic, and Neolithic periods are unmissable.

Located 45 kms from Bhopal near the small village of Bhiyapura, along the beautiful Bhopal-Hoshangabad highway, these rock shelters exist as a natural formation and, at the same time, exist like sets for monumental storytelling of human civilisation. According to the legend, the name "Bhimbetka" is derived from the sitting place of Bhima during Pandavas’ exile, an episode from the famous Mahabharata.

The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters do much more than guard the humans they once served; the rocks present canvasses for a stunning picture of ancient artistry. With paintings up to 30,000 years old, this is a direct line to our ancestors: the Upper Paleolithic humans who roamed the land. The vibrant scenes depicted in these ancient murals give us a peek into the daily lives of early humans here. From hunting and gathering to rituals and celebrations, the rich reds, and calming whites of natural pigments pull you into a narrative told by the early artists who chose these caves as their canvas.

Marvel at the vision of ancient architects

Surrounded by towering quartzite formations visible from several kilometres away, the most imposing of all the towering rock formations of Bhimbetka is the Auditorium Cave, the largest shelter at Bhimbetka. As you step inside this prehistoric wonder, you'll be transported to a world of awe and wonder, where Gothic arches and soaring spaces create a "cathedral-like" atmosphere that is truly magnificent. A central and distinctive structure at the cave’s entrance is a boulder with a near-vertical panel, which only from the point of view of archaeology, and not historical evidence, is dubbed as the "Chief's Rock" or "King's Rock".

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Timings

Opening time - 07:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Travel back several eras

The drawings and paintings at Bhimbetka Caves have been classified under seven different periods according to the eras they belong to. What is truly remarkable is that some of these paintings bear a striking resemblance to the artworks of the Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert and those discovered in Kakadu National Park in Australia, showcasing the universality of human expression and creativity.

It is worth taking the time to distinguish between the different styles and themes that are present in each painting. Their mostly red, white green and yellow colours have endured through the vagaries of time, maintaining their subtle vegetable hues to this day.

The historical and mediaeval period paintings depict epic battle scenes, complete with swords, arrows, spears, bows, elephants and riders on horses. On the other hand, the prehistoric paintings showcase intriguing images of tree gods, communal dances, religious symbols, cooking, eating, drinking, singing, dancing, hunting and much more. Walking these ancient grounds, you feel a mythical connection to the past, a narrative upheld by the breath-taking views and the silent yet expressive rock canvases.

The painting of a massive red bison attacking a man at one of these caves, is well-known to art and anthropology buffs. However, here's the catch: this masterpiece is not always visible to the naked eye. Only when the rays of the sun are just right does this breathtaking painting come to life.

In addition to the rock paintings, the Bhimbetka Caves also contain evidence of human habitation in the form of tools, weapons and other artefacts, providing a valuable glimpse into prehistoric life.

Explore a lot more

For adventure-seekers, Bhimbetka offers an untamed terrain waiting to be explored. Trekking and hiking trails wind through the rugged landscape, offering panoramic views of hills, forests, and lakes that will leave you breathless. Capture moments frozen in time with your camera lens as you immerse yourself in the vibrant hues and intricate details of the rock paintings. From the mesmerising artwork to the unique rock formations like "the rock tortoise," every corner of Bhimbetka is a photographer's paradise. In the midst of dense forests, Bhimbetka is a haven for birdwatchers too. Spend tranquil moments observing exotic avian species such as the paradise flycatcher, black ibis, oriole, and Indian pitta, adding a touch of wilderness to your experience.