Amazing Bhimbetka

31.4 15 Feb 2026

  • Legend says Bhimbetka is derived from 'bhimbaithka' meaning 'the sitting place of Bhima', from Mahabharata
  • Out of the 760 rock shelters, 500 are adorned with paintings
  • The painting of an enormous red bison attacking a man is visible only when the sun is just right
  • Thousands years old art gallery hides amongst the massive, black boulders of Bhimbetka
  • Just 25 km from Bhimbetka situated Bhojpur, a town that houses one of the biggest shivlings in the country in its beautiful Shiva temple.

Amazing Bhimbetka

Cave paintings dating back nearly 30,000 years, prehistoric rock shelters that once housed early humans, and a thriving natural ecosystem together make Bhimbetka a priceless legacy from our earliest ancestors. Nestled amid the forested hills of Madhya Pradesh, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka showcase the oldest known rock art in India and form one of the largest prehistoric complexes in the world.

This remarkable archaeological site comprises over 240 rock shelters and proudly holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vivid cave paintings—depicting hunting scenes, rituals, animals, and daily life—bear striking similarities to rock art found in Kakadu National Park in Australia, the Bushmen paintings of the Kalahari Desert, and the Upper Palaeolithic caves of Lascaux in France.

A walk through these naturally sculpted rock formations, enveloped by dense forests and resonant silence, evokes a sense of childlike wonder and deep connection with humanity’s earliest storytellers.

Nearby Attractions

A short drive from Bhimbetka opens up several compelling experiences. Bhojpur, located about 45–50 minutes away, is home to the enigmatic Bhojeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses a massive 7.5-foot-high Shivalinga and is believed to have been commissioned by the Paramara king, Raja Bhoj, though it remains intriguingly incomplete.

Visitors can also explore Bhopal, the state capital, known for its lakes, museums, tribal art, and heritage sites such as the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya and Upper Lake.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are best found in nearby Bhopal, which offers a wide range of hotels to suit different preferences. These include luxury properties, mid-range hotels, and government-run MP Tourism accommodations that provide comfortable stays with easy access to Bhimbetka. Staying in Bhopal also allows visitors to explore the city’s cultural and culinary offerings.

How to Reach

Bhimbetka is located about 45 km from Bhopal.

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, is the nearest airport with good connectivity to major Indian cities.

By Rail: Bhopal Junction is a major railhead connected to all parts of the country.

By Road: Bhimbetka is easily accessible via a scenic drive from Bhopal, taking approximately 1–1.5 hours by car or taxi.

A visit to Bhimbetka is not merely a journey through landscapes, but a profound walk through time—where art, nature, and human history converge in timeless harmony.--

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Best Places to visit

Auditorium Rock Shelter

Auditorium Rock Shelter

Bhojpur Temple

Bhojpur Temple

Boar Rock

Boar Rock

Turtle rock

Turtle rock

Zoo Rock

Zoo Rock

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View All Places Of Interest

ACCOMMODATIONS

MPT

Highway Treat in Bhimbetka

Price: INR 2590 Phone: 07480-281558

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