Bhimbetka Rock Shelters Bhopal

The Bhimbetka caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2003. Located 46km south of Bhopal, Bhimbetka caves exhibit the ancient art and rock-cut architecture of our country. It is one of the perfect places for art admirers. Out of the 760 rock shelters found here, 500 are adorned with paintings. The cave paintings here date back to 3,000yrs.

According to Hindu Mythology, the name of the cave is associated with ‘Bhima’, one of the Pandavas of Mahabharata. Further, it is believed that Bhimbetka cave was the place where Bhima and his brothers rested after being exiled from the kingdom.

The cave is home to a huge impressive collection of paintings and ancient artifacts. The intricate paintings on the walls familiarize you with the concept of ancient art and modern art, which are beyond comparison. One can see paintings of seven different eras. The paintings found here bear a close resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park in Australia, to the cave paintings of Bushmen in Kalahari Desert and Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France.