Are you staying somewhere near Bhopal or planning to explore places near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh? Let us take you to a virtual tour and experiences on visiting Bhimbetka, one of the world’s best heritage sites. This is the place where you would not only enjoy the destination but the whole trip. It would be more of a Long Drive into scenic beauty.
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are a group of natural rock shelters located in Central India in the Vindhya Range’s foothills. They are located in west-central Madhya Pradesh, around 45 kms south of Bhopal.
Five clusters of natural rock shelters, perched on enormous sandstone outcrops above a dense forest, show paintings dating from the Mesolithic Period to the historical period. The inhabitants of the twenty-one villages surrounding the site have cultural practices similar to those shown in the rock paintings.
Bhimbetka Cave Paintings and Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Around 30,000 years ago, cave paintings were discovered. Humans used to live in rock shelters long ago. The abundance of flora and fauna surrounding them makes Bhimbetka a gift from our forefathers. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelter is home to India’s oldest known rock art and one of the country’s most significant ancient structures.
Bhimbetka is an archaeological gem with over 243 rock shelters that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The paintings uncovered in the rock shelters here resemble those found in Australia’s Kakadu National Park, the Kalahari Desert’s Bushmen cave paintings, and France’s Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings.
What made Bhimbetka a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Bhimbetka Cave Paintings scattered around Bhimbetka’s vast expanse disclose secrets of some of our earliest ancestors. Bhimbetka has been a part of human evolution, which is something that only a few heritage sites in the world can claim. Paintings can be seen in 500 of the 760 caves. Because the caverns have been present for millennia, the paintings are incredibly different.
What to Do in Bhimbetka?
- A trek through these old, naturally cut rocks, surrounded by lush Bhimbetka woods, will reawaken your sense of amazement.
- Apart from visiting the Bhimbetka rock shelters and caves, there isn’t much to do at Bhimbetka. This visit is a treat for archaeology buffs because it takes you to a time around 10,000 years ago. The cave paintings are beautiful, and the entire Bhimbetka tour can be a relaxing break from your daily routine.
- A trip to Bhojpur is also around a 47-minute drive from Bhimbetka. Visit the mysterious shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. In its sanctum, there is a 7.5-foot-high shivling. The temple’s construction is thought to have begun during the reign of Paramara King Bhoja.
Accommodation
Bhimbetka is a site that is easily connected with Bhopal. We recommend you stay in Bhopal, make a round trip, and explore other nearby destinations.
You can choose from a range of hotels in Bhopal according to your budget and comfort.
Some of the best hotels in Bhopal are:
- Radisson Bhopal
- Hotel Kanha’s Palm Spring
- Taj Lakefront Bhopal
Also Read: Pushpa Gujral Science City – A New Way To Learn Science
Where to Eat?
Since Bhimbetka Caves are a heritage site, there is no specific local food to try. On your way to Bhimbetka from Bhopal, you can find several traditional Dhabas and restaurants. We would recommend to dine at Annapurna Dhaba as it is one of the best food outlets that offer you a natural ambiance while having your food.
How to reach Bhimbetka?
By Plane: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is 48 kms from Bhimbetka.
By Road: Bhimbetka is around 46 kms from Bhopal. Taxis and buses are readily available on this route.
By Train: Bhopal Junction railway station is the nearest railway station to the site, approximately 45 kms away.
Conclusion
The rock art and relics of this tradition in the nearby Adivasi settlements on the outskirts of the monument show that Bhimbetka was strongly tied to the hunting and gathering economy. Bhimbetka is still keeping the stories alive in the carvings. Each Bhimbetka Rock Shelter has a story to tell. You can read the significance and stories associated with it on the boards put outside every shelter. On your trip to Bhimbetka, you can connect with the guide who would tell you the facts in detail or you can just follow the directions and find your own ways.
India is blessed with many attractive destinations and it is not that difficult to choose one for your next vacation. However, instead of picking the routine destinations, this time take your loved ones to any unexplored location and enjoy each moment. TheTravelB.Com is your best guide to select underrated destinations across India. Reach us @ https://thetravelb.com/contact-us/ or send an email to contactthetravelb@gmail.com to share your experiences or for any suggestions.
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