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Bhimbetka Caves have South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric rock paintings and many other archeological discoveries. A World Heritage Site, the caves are made up of over 600 rock shelters which is one of the largest groups of rock shelters in the world. The huge rock excavations of Bhim Betka are a part of the northern fringe of the Vindhya mountain range.
 The beautiful red and white paintings at the Bhimbetka caves that date back to the early Stone Age still cover the walls and ceilings of the caves. These rugged paintings depict the lifestyle of the ancient era. Events such as childhood, hunting, drinking, communal dancing, which are painted on the walls of these caves are expressions of the thoughts of men and women living then. These paintings, hidden in the caves are of immense wonder to the visitors.
The paintings have been made by generations of people living in those caves. This is evident from the fact that many paintings have numerous layers, one over another. Some have even 20 layers.
Bhimbetka is a quite village located in dense deciduous forests. Apart from the paintings, different layers of rocks, over 30 species of trees and wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and leopard attract the visitors.
History of Bhimbetka:
The site was discovered by V.S.Walanker of Vikram University, Ujjain in 1957. Vishnu Walanker is also known as the Father of Indian Rock Art Studies. Since then, the life of the inhabitants and their work culture has been studied using carbon dating and soil texture analysis. The excavations reveal that the implements used were made up of stones. These paintings suggest that the caves were inhabited from the Mesolithic to Late Paleolithic period. The blades, scrappers and cleavers made up of stone were peculiar to the Middle Paleolithic time that is about 40,000 to 12,000 BC. The caves get their name from Mahabharata. It is believed that Bhim had rested here during the vanvas.
Special attractions in Bhimbetka
- Bhimbetka caves: More than 500 shelters and rocky shallows can be seen in Bhimbetka with paintings using red, white, green and yellow colors. Different soil deposit study in caves has given ideas about the residents of caves from olden time.
- Rock art and paintings: Bhimbetka has a wide range of paintings at its display. These include hunters, spears, horse and elephant riders, dancing, children, etc.
- Barkhera: Barkhera is about 7 km South East of Bhimbetka. It is one of the most spectacular rock sties dating back to the Stone Age. This open air site hidden between dense teak forests is well known for its several Acheulian tools.
Best time to visit
From October to March, it is the best time for a visit.
Location
State: Madhya Pradesh
District: Bhopal
Distance from nearest cities: 55 km from Bhopal
How to Reach Bhimbetka:
Nearest airport: Bhopal airport
Nearest railway station: Bhopal railway station
Directions by road from nearby cities: Bhimbetka lies on NH 69 about 55 km from Bhopal
Tourism Information
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Ph: 91 0755-2554340
Climatic conditions
Summer is much hot up to 48 degree and winter ranging from 36-09 degree C.
Clothing
Cottons are preferred in Bhopal.
Tourist attractions near Bhimbetka
Bhopal, Bhojpur, Pachmarhi, Sanchi Stupa, Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The article and photos were contributed by Kiran Patil
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